AZ HB2701

Amends Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-846 regarding reunification services in child dependency cases.

Adds requirement that the department must determine whether aggravating circumstances exist before implementing in-home services for a child and family.

If aggravating circumstances are found to exist under subsection D, paragraph 1, the department must file a dependency petition rather than proceed with in-home services.

Aggravating circumstances include factors such as parental inability to locate, mental illness rendering parent incapable of benefiting from services, prior removal due to abuse, dangerous crimes against children, and substance abuse history with infants under six months exposed to drugs.