This bill amends the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989 and the Child Maltreatment Act to enhance the protection of children and modify the guidelines for determining the best interests of a child in legal proceedings. Key provisions include a clearer emphasis on family integrity and the necessity for government intervention to be temporary when a child is removed from their family. The bill establishes that the best interest of the child must be the paramount consideration in juvenile court decisions, and it outlines specific factors to be considered, such as family integrity, health and safety, and timely permanency decisions.

Additionally, the bill revises the definition of "neglect" to reflect a pattern of acts or omissions by caregivers that fail to meet a child's basic needs, and it introduces new procedures for reporting child maltreatment. The Child Abuse Hotline is required to use a standardized assessment tool to evaluate risks to children, and judges are empowered to initiate a seventy-two-hour hold on children if their current living conditions pose an immediate danger. The bill also clarifies the circumstances under which a child may be taken into custody without parental consent, ensuring that such actions are justified only when there is an immediate danger to the child's health or well-being.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB326 V2 - 3-12-2025 02:07 PM: 9-27-102, 03-12-2025, 9-27-303(37), 9-27-310(b), 9-27-310, 9-27-332(a), 9-28-104, 12-18-103(14), 12-18-303(a), 12-18-1001(a)
Old version SB326 V3 - 3-20-2025 02:11 PM: 9-27-102, 03-20-2025, 9-27-303(37), 9-27-310(b), 9-27-310, 12-18-1001, 9-27-332(a), 9-28-104, 12-18-103(14), 12-18-303(a), 12-18-1001(a)
Old version SB326 Original - 2-26-2025 03:58 PM: 9-27-102, 9-27-303(37), 9-27-310(b), 9-27-310, 9-27-332(a), 9-28-104, 12-18-103(14), 12-18-303(a), 12-18-1001(a)
SB 326: 9-27-102, 9-27-303(37), 9-27-310(b), 9-27-310, 9-27-332(a), 9-28-104, 12-18-103(14), 12-18-303(a), 12-18-1001(a)