Petition Cover Page Dependency Sheleter Care Emergency Custody

PETITION/APPLICATION COVER. This form is used in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Court of Common Pleas – Juvenile Division to initiate proceedings concerning a minor who may be considered a dependent child under the Juvenile Act (42 Pa.C.S. § 6302). It may be filed as a Dependency Petition, Shelter Care Application, Application for Emergency Protective Custody, or to allege Aggravated Circumstances. The form allows county agencies, legal guardians, or private petitioners to present allegations that the child is without proper parental care, has been abused or abandoned, is habitually truant, has committed status offenses, or is otherwise in need of court intervention due to safety concerns. The form collects identifying and demographic information about the child, the nature of the dependency or alleged abuse, and whether the child is currently in protective custody. It also documents the child’s living situation, the names and contact information of parents or guardians (including if their whereabouts are unknown), and the involvement of a guardian ad litem or attorney. The court uses this information to assess whether it has jurisdiction, determine the urgency and nature of intervention required, and identify necessary services or placements for the child’s protection and welfare. The form also includes provisions for identifying any special needs, such as autism diagnoses, and whether the child may qualify under the Indian Child Welfare Act. www.FormsWorkflow.com