What is a dependency petition primarily used for?

A dependency petition is primarily used to present evidence of maltreatment or abuse regarding a child. This legal document is typically filed in court to initiate proceedings that can lead to the child being removed from an unfit home or to connect the family with services that can help ensure the child's safety and well-being. When a dependency petition is filed, it outlines specific allegations of neglect or harm, providing the court with the necessary details to assess the situation and make informed decisions regarding the child’s welfare.

Assessing placement options, mediating family conflicts, and facilitating counseling for parents are important aspects of child welfare processes, but these functions are not the primary purpose of a dependency petition. Rather, these activities may occur as a result of the findings from the dependency petition or throughout the child welfare process, following the initial court involvement. The core role of the dependency petition lies in establishing the statutory grounds for the court's involvement in a child welfare case.