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When a child safety worker first contacts a parent or guardian under investigation for abuse or neglect, the parent or guardian now has the right to be told they may hand temporary guardianship of the child to someone else under Arizona's guardianship delegation law.
Official title: parents’ rights; guardianship; notice
- September 12, 2026
What changes
BeforeOn first contact, parents, guardians or custodians under investigation had a list of rights, such as being told the allegation, refusing entry without a court order and having an attorney present, but the list did not include being told about delegating guardianship.
NowA parent or guardian under investigation also has the right to be informed that they may delegate temporary guardianship of the child under section 14-5104.
Who it affects
- Parents, guardians and custodians under investigation for child abuse or neglect
- Children involved in child safety investigations
- Department of Child Safety and its child safety workers
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- What delegating temporary guardianship involves, such as how long it lasts or who may serve as the temporary guardian
- Whether delegating guardianship affects the investigation or whether the child may be removed
- Whether this notice must be given in writing or only verbally, beyond the existing rule that rights be explained both verbally and in writing
- Why the new right names parents and guardians but not custodians
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.