Dependency Courts

State courts that have jurisdiction over minors who have been neglected or physically or sexually abused by the adults responsible for their care; who are in need of proper and effective parental care and control and have no parent or guardian capable of or willing to exercise such parental care and control; or who are physically dangerous to society due to mental or physical deficiencies, disorders or abnormalities. Dependency courts determine whether a particular child requires the protection of the court and select the most appropriate facility for placement including return to his or her own family.