AR HB1973

Allows the Department of Human Services or an attorney ad litem to file a motion to resume services for parents whose parental rights were terminated at least 3 years prior if the child lacks a legal parent, is not in a permanent placement, or had a disrupted adoption or guardianship.

Court may grant the motion if it finds by preponderance of evidence that resuming services is in the child's best interest, and may order family services, studies, home studies, and schedule review hearings every 90 days.

Permits reinstatement of parental rights through petition after services have continued for at least 180 days and the parent has substantially complied with court orders and case plans, requiring clear and convincing evidence that reinstatement is in the child's best interest and there has been a material change in circumstances.

Reinstated parental rights restore all parental rights, powers, duties, and obligations including custody, control, and support of the child, but do not vacate the previous termination order or affect non-subject parents.

Applies retroactively to any child under court jurisdiction at the time of a parental rights termination hearing, regardless of when the termination occurred.