This bill amends the Arkansas Juvenile Code of 1989 to establish new requirements for the Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding nonemergency changes in foster home placements for children in dependency-neglect cases. It mandates that DHS must file a motion and hold a hearing before recommending a change in a child's placement from one foster home to another. The court is required to consider the best interests of the child based on evidence presented during the hearing, and the current foster parent is entitled to participate and provide testimony regarding the child's placement.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific conditions under which a child may be removed from a foster home, including instances of suspected maltreatment or if the court orders such a change. It also stipulates that if the department seeks to remove a child for reasons other than those specified, it must file a motion with the court, detailing the reasons for the proposed change and the child's placement history. The bill emphasizes the importance of notifying relevant parties, including the child's parent or guardian and attorney ad litem, within a specified timeframe following any change in placement.

Statutes affected:
HB 1811: 9-27-335(b), 9-28-109(c)