AR SB787

Allows Department of Arkansas State Police investigators to close child maltreatment investigations as unsubstantiated without complying with standard subchapter requirements if specific conditions are met.

Requires the victim child to be interviewed or observed separately from the alleged offender and credibly deny the allegation, and the child must not have the physical injuries or conditions alleged in the report.

Requires the alleged offender to be interviewed and credibly deny the allegation, and if the offender resides in the home or is a family member, the investigator must determine there is no merit to the report regarding the home environment.

Requires the investigator to interview or make good faith effort to contact the person who made the report to the Child Abuse Hotline and confirm no other maltreatment or health/safety factors exist regarding the child.

Requires Child Advocacy Centers to conduct forensic interviews, medical examinations, and mental health examinations when available and appropriate during investigations, and exempts cases where the victim is in Department of Human Services custody.