Arizona § 8-234 - Treatment, community restitution, restraining and protective orders

Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-234 — Treatment, community restitution, restraining and protective orders, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 8-234. Treatment, community restitution, restraining and protective orders

A. A parent or legal guardian of a person who is under eighteen years of age shall exercise reasonable care, supervision, protection and control over the parent's or legal guardian's minor child.

B. On petition of a party or on the court's own motion, the court may make an order directing, restraining or otherwise controlling the conduct of a person if:

1. An order or disposition of a delinquent, dependent or incorrigible child has been or is about to be made in a proceeding under this chapter.

2. The court finds that such conduct is or may be detrimental or harmful to the child, will tend to defeat the execution of an order or disposition made or to be made or will assist in or is necessary for the rehabilitation of the child.

3. Notice of the petition or motion and the grounds for the petition or motion and an opportunity to be heard on the petition or motion have been given to the person against whom the order is directed.

C. The court may invoke its contempt powers pursuant to section 8-247 to enforce any treatment, counseling, education or other restraining or protective order that applies to:

1. The child, the parents or guardian of the child or any other party before the court who is the subject of an order to participate in a counseling, treatment or education program or any other restraining or protective order.

2. The legal custodians or agencies, including agency personnel, that are ordered to provide treatment or services to the child, the child's family or any party named in the dispositional order.

D. The court may not order a parent or guardian to pay the cost of any counseling, treatment or education program ordered pursuant to subsection F of this section.

E. If the court after notice and hearing finds that a person has failed to exercise reasonable care, supervision, protection and control of a minor pursuant to subsection A of this section or if the court holds a person in contempt for violating an order issued pursuant to this section, the court may immediately take one or more of the following actions:

1. Impose a fine of not more than $1,000, plus any applicable surcharges and assessments.

2. Impose a term of incarceration in jail for a period of not more than thirty days.

3. Order the parents or guardian of the child to perform community restitution with the child.

F. If the court finds that the best interests of the child would be served by participation in a diversion program, in lieu of taking any action pursuant to subsection C of this section, the court may order the parent or guardian of a child to participate in a diversion program, approved by the supreme court, that requires the parent or guardian to perform community restitution or to attend and successfully complete a program of counseling, treatment or education. If the terms and conditions of the diversion order are successfully completed, the court shall dismiss its finding against the parents. If the court finds that the terms and conditions of the diversion order were not successfully completed it may take one or more of the actions specified in subsection B of this section.

G. Before a hearing that may result in incarceration for a person who is alleged to have violated a court order under this section, the court shall advise the person that the person has the right to be represented by counsel and that the court may appoint counsel if the court finds that the person is indigent.

H. This section does not prevent a health insurer that is subject to title 20 or an Arizona health care cost containment system contractor from covering an expense that is related to the child's treatment or care.

Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 8-234

What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-234 cover?

Section 8-234 ("Treatment, community restitution, restraining and protective orders") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Arizona § 8-234?

A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 8-234" (Arizona). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Arizona law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.

How does Arizona § 8-234 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.