The Arkansas Family Treatment Specialty Court Act establishes a specialized court program aimed at supporting families involved in dependency-neglect proceedings who are affected by substance use or mental health disorders. The Act introduces a new subchapter to the Arkansas Code, detailing the purpose and intent of the program, which includes a multidisciplinary approach to assist families, ensuring that both parents and children receive necessary services during treatment and recovery. The program emphasizes a non-adversarial, family-centered approach, aiming to improve family functioning, reduce the time children spend in out-of-home placements, and facilitate family reunification.

Additionally, the Act outlines the eligibility criteria for participation in the family treatment specialty court, which is voluntary and requires compliance with established policies. It mandates the creation of a Family Treatment Specialty Court Program Fund to support the program's administration and activities. The Act also amends existing law to allow courts to order participation in the family treatment specialty court program when a juvenile is found to be dependent-neglected, thereby integrating this new approach into the current juvenile justice framework.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1144 V2 - 1-31-2023 10:02 AM: 9-27-334(a)
HB 1144: 9-27-334(a)
Act 61: 9-27-334(a)