AR SB1008

Moves the Division of Dependency-Neglect Parent Representation from the Administrative Office of the Courts to the Arkansas Public Defender Commission to handle representation of parents in dependency-neglect cases.

Creates a new Division of AdLitem Representation within the Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission to represent juveniles in dependency-neglect proceedings, with an attorney coordinator to oversee the division.

Establishes the Arkansas Public Defender Commission's authority to employ or contract with private individuals, businesses, or public agencies to represent parents, with guidelines setting maximum expenses and fees per hour and per case.

Authorizes the Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission to employ or contract with providers to represent children in dependency-neglect cases, with proposed standards of practice to be submitted to and adopted by the Supreme Court.

Maintains a Court-Appointed Special Advocate Division within the Administrative Office of the Courts to establish statewide and local volunteer advocate programs that serve children's best interests in dependency-neglect proceedings.