AR HB1381

Amends Arkansas Code § 9-27-339(c)(3) to establish stricter criteria for authorizing permanency plans that return juveniles to parental custody, requiring courts to find that parents are complying with case plans, making significant measurable progress, and diligently working toward reunification.

Prohibits courts from authorizing return-to-home permanency plans based solely on a parent's resumption of contact or recent participation in case plans occurring only months or weeks before the permanency hearing.

Shifts burden of proof to parents, guardians, or custodians to demonstrate genuine, sustainable investment in completing case plan requirements and following court orders to authorize a return-to-home permanency goal.

Establishes a 3-month timeline requirement for placement of juveniles in parental homes from the date of the permanency planning hearing, subject to consistency with the juvenile's developmental needs.

Adds new provisions to Arkansas Code § 9-27-338 allowing courts to establish concurrent permanency planning goals and permitting continued reunification services even when adoption is set as a goal, unless services are deemed unnecessary, parental rights are terminated, or another permanency plan is finalized.