What must a dependency petition provide to parents or caregivers?

A dependency petition must provide notice of allegations to parents or caregivers because this is a crucial component of their right to due process in court proceedings concerning the welfare of their children. When a dependency petition is filed, it outlines specific concerns about a child's safety or well-being and the reasons for the intervention of child welfare services.

Providing notice of allegations ensures that parents or caregivers are fully informed about the claims being made against them and the basis for the state's intervention. This notice is essential for allowing them to prepare an adequate response and to challenge the allegations if they believe them to be unfounded. It is a foundational element of the legal process that serves to uphold transparency and accountability in child welfare cases, enabling parents or caregivers to exercise their rights effectively within the judicial system.

While the other options may involve important aspects of the court process, they do not fulfill the primary requirement of informing parents or caregivers about the specific allegations that have prompted the dependency petition.