Disposition — Dependent-neglected — Generally

  1. Law
  2. Arkansas Code
  3. Family Law
  4. Minors
  5. Juvenile Courts and Proceedings
  6. Arkansas Juvenile Code
  7. Disposition — Dependent-neglected — Generally

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  1. (a) If a juvenile is found to be dependent-neglected, the circuit court may enter an order making any of the following dispositions:

    1. (1) Order family services;

    2. (2)

      1. (A) If it is in the best interest of the juvenile, transfer custody of the juvenile to the Department of Human Services, to another licensed agency responsible for the care of juveniles, or to a relative or other individual.

      2. (B) If the court grants custody of the juvenile to the department, the juvenile shall be placed in a licensed or approved foster home, shelter, or facility, or an exempt child welfare agency as defined at § 9-28-402(12).

      3. (C) A juvenile in the custody of the department is “awaiting foster care placement”, as that term is used in the definition of “homeless children and youths” in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2), if the juvenile:

        1. (i) Is placed in a shelter, facility, or other short-term placement with a plan of moving the juvenile within ninety (90) days;

        2. (ii) Is transferred to an emergency placement to protect the juvenile's health or welfare;

        3. (iii) Is placed in a provisional foster home as defined by § 9-28-402;

        4. (iv) Has experienced three (3) or more placements within a twelve-month period; or

        5. (v) Is placed in a regular foster home or other placement that is not directly related to the permanency goal identified in the case plan required under § 9-28-111;

    3. (3)

      1. (A) Order that the parent, both parents, or the guardian of the juvenile attend a court-ordered parental responsibility training program, if available, and participate in a juvenile drug court program.

      2. (B) The court may make reasonable orders requiring proof of completion of such a training program within a certain time period and payment of a fee covering the cost of the training program; and

    4. (4) Determine the most appropriate goal of the case.

  2. (b) Such an order of custody shall supersede an existing court order of custody and shall remain in full force and effect until a subsequent order of custody is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

  3. (c) The court may provide that any violation of its orders shall subject any party in violation to contempt sanctions.


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