Speak Up! - View Question #163

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A minor can become a ward of the court where a police officer, child protective services worker or other interested person removes them temporarily from their home because of a good faith belief that removal is necessary to prevent abuse or neglect from occurring or continuing. Under Arizona Law (ARS 8-824) there must be a hearing within 72 hours of the temporary removal of the child. At this hearing a judge must determine if the child is to be returned to their parent, or other guardian, or if the child will remain a ward of the court. In order for the child to remain a ward of the court, the judge must find that the child will be subject to abuse or neglect if returned to their parent. Once a child is ward of the court, the court decides where they will live and will make other decisions on behalf of the child like the decisions a parent would make.