termination; parent-child relationship; service
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends Arizona statutes related to the termination of the parent-child relationship. It expands the grounds for termination, including situations involving abandonment, neglect, abuse, parental inability, and certain criminal convictions. The bill also clarifies procedures for notifying parents of hearings, including requirements for service via certified mail, and addresses the waiver of notice and appearance. Specifically, it outlines new criteria for determining when a child’s out-of-home placement should lead to termination of parental rights.
Key provisions
- Expands the grounds for termination of the parent-child relationship, including specific types of abuse, neglect, and parental inability.
- Adds grounds related to paternity actions, specifically regarding failure to file paternity actions and serve notices.
- Clarifies notification requirements for hearings, mandating certified or registered mail service.
- Addresses the waiver of notice and appearance by parents, requiring specific language and witness attestations.
- Establishes procedures for appointing a guardian ad litem when needed.
- Allows the county attorney to intervene to represent the child’s interests.
- Specifies that the first 60 days of out-of-home placement do not count toward cumulative time in care.
- Provides a presumption of abandonment if a parent fails to take a paternity test as requested.
Who is affected
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Primary sponsor
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