AR SB626

Amends definition of "abuse" to clarify that employees of residential child care facilities may use reasonable restraints on children if trained in de-escalation and conflict resolution, agency has restraint policies, and other alternatives do not exist to control the child.

Adds exception to requirement for reasonable reunification efforts if a court determines by clear and convincing evidence that a parent committed murder, manslaughter, felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a child, had parental rights terminated as to a sibling, abandoned an infant, or is registered on a sex offender registry under the 2006 Adam Walsh Act.

Raises minimum age for sexual abuse from 10 to 13 years old and changes age threshold for certain sexual offenses by persons 18 years old or older from 16 to 15 years old.

Adds definitions for "temporary custody" and "permanent custody" in juvenile cases to distinguish between custody during case pendency versus permanent custodial dispositions.

Extends timeline for dependency-neglect adjudication hearings from 30 days to up to 60 days for good cause or 90 days if necessary and relevant evidence cannot be obtained timely; clarifies notice requirements for termination of parental rights proceedings.