Dependency Court
/ˈdɪpɛndənsi kɔːrt/
Definitions
- (n.) A specialized court that handles cases involving the welfare and protection of children, including neglect, abuse, and custody disputes.
The dependency court adjudicated the case to determine if the child would be placed in foster care.
Forms
- dependency court
- dependency courts
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often operates as a division of family or juvenile courts; terminology and jurisdiction can vary by jurisdiction.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.