In dependency cases, which department files the original petition?

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The correct choice is the Department of Social Services, which is responsible for filing the original petition in dependency cases. This department typically has the authority to investigate allegations of child abuse or neglect and determine whether a child requires protective services.

In many jurisdictions, the Department of Social Services plays a critical role in the child welfare system, where they assess the safety and well-being of children and initiate legal proceedings when necessary to ensure their protection. By filing the petition, they formally begin the legal process to seek either a dependency finding or other necessary interventions, which may include foster care placement or services to the family. This function is central to the framework designed to safeguard children in potentially harmful situations.

Other departments, such as the Department of Health Services or the Department of Family Services, may provide support services or address health-related concerns, but they do not hold the primary responsibility for initiating dependency proceedings. The Department of Juvenile Justice primarily deals with delinquency cases involving minors rather than dependency matters, making it distinct from the processes involved in child welfare cases.

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