Dependency Court

Dependency Court is a legal process that oversees cases where a child's safety and well-being are at risk due to issues like neglect or abuse. The court determines whether the child needs protection and makes decisions about placement, services, and custody, often involving child welfare agencies, parents, and guardians. Its primary goal is to ensure the child's safety while working toward family reunification or, when necessary, exploring alternative arrangements like guardianship or adoption. The court's role is to act in the child's best interests, making informed, fair decisions based on evidence and legal standards.