AR HB1648

Department of Human Services must adopt rules to ensure post-adoptive services are provided to adoptive parents seeking assistance to prevent adoption disruption.

Subsidized adoption agreements remain binding until the adopted child reaches age 18, benefits are provided by other state or federal programs, or adoptive parents no longer qualify for subsidies.

Adoptive parents must immediately notify the Department of Human Services when an adopted child is no longer in their care, and the department must review and determine if subsidy should be terminated.

Adoptive parents with subsidies exceeding one year must provide annual sworn certification that the child remains under their care; providing false certification is a Class A misdemeanor.

Circuit courts must require a licensed certified social worker to conduct a home study at least 20 days before appointing an unrelated person or distant relative as permanent guardian or custodian of an adopted juvenile, including criminal background checks.