1. Generally. Any person may file a petition alleging a dependency. Each petition shall be verified by the individual filing the petition as including allegations, which are supported by documents and/or statements by third parties. Each petition must contain a statement of facts constituting a dependency, and the names and residence, if known to the petitioner, of the parents, guardian or custodian of the alleged dependent child. A layperson requesting to file a petition shall be initially referred to the Department of Social and Health Services to file a CPS referral for appropriate investigation.
  2. Verification. All petitions shall be verified and contain a statement of facts constituting such dependency.
    • Upon filing of a dependency petition, the State Office of Public Defense will appoint counsel for the parent, guardians, or custodians; OCLA will appoint counsel for the child when appropriate; and the Court will appoint a Guardian ad Litem for the child when appropriate. The parent, guardian or custodian must complete the financial statement documents as requested by the court for further court approval of appointment of counsel. The Court may revoke appointment of counsel when a party fails to:
      1. remain in contact with appointed counsel;
      2. appear at Shelter Care;
      3. appear at Uncontested Fact-Finding; or
      4. appear at Contested Fact-Finding.

Case Conference

Contested Fact Finding Hearings

Dependency Review Hearing

Disposition Hearing

Final Parenting Plans

Guardianship in Juvenile Court

Uncontested Fact-Finding Date