DCS cases; attorney appearances

SB 1081 requires that in dependency, adoption, termination of parental rights, or guardianship cases handled by Arizona's Department of Child Safety (DCS), a DCS attorney cannot appear before the same judge if they have represented DCS in the department's five most recent cases before that judge. This rule aims to prevent potential bias or undue influence by rotating attorneys across different judges and courtrooms. The bill's legislative intent emphasizes reducing unnecessary foster care placements and prioritizing biological family preservation as the preferred outcome.