Rule 320 Placement Preferences
Part III. Child Dependency and Guardianship, Termination of Parental Rights | 2. General Provisions on Proceedings and Procedures
Rule Text
(a) Generally. A child should be placed in the least restrictive placement available, consistent with the best interests of the child. See A.R.S. § 8-514.
(b) Placement Preferences. Subject to section (a), placement preferences, in descending order, are as follows:
(1) with a parent;
(2) with a grandparent;
(3) in kinship care with another member of the child's extended family, including a person who has a significant relationship with the child. A foster parent or kinship caregiver with whom a child under 3 years of age has resided for at least 9 months is presumed to be a person who has a significant relationship with the child;
(4) in licensed family foster care;
(5) in therapeutic foster care;
(6) in a group home; or
(7) in a residential treatment facility.
(c) Child with Developmental Disabilities. In determining the child's placement, consideration should be given to the child's developmental disabilities. See A.R.S. § 8-514.01.
(d) Indian Child. Rule 321 governs placement preferences for an Indian child.
Amendment history: Added Dec. 8, 2021, effective July 1, 2022.