The bill amends various sections of the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989 and the Child Maltreatment Act, focusing on the processes surrounding the reinstatement of parental rights and the Child Maltreatment Central Registry. Key changes include allowing a parent whose rights were previously terminated to file a motion to resume services, which can now be initiated by the parent themselves, in addition to the Department of Human Services or an attorney ad litem. The waiting period for filing such a motion has been reduced from three years to two years, with the possibility of waiving this period if it serves the child's best interest. Additionally, the bill allows for unsupervised visitation or placement of the juvenile with the parent without requiring a written home study.

The bill also revises the criteria for the Child Maltreatment Central Registry, specifying that it will only contain records of true investigative determinations of abuse, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation, while excluding records of neglect or abandonment. Furthermore, it introduces a provision allowing offenders to request a review of their investigative determination if five years have passed since the determination was made, provided they still pose a risk to vulnerable populations. These amendments aim to streamline the processes related to parental rights and child welfare while ensuring the safety and best interests of children involved.

Statutes affected:
SB 325: 9-27-369(a), 9-27-369(d), 9-27-370, 9-27-369, 9-27-306, 12-18-902, 12-18-903(b)