AR HB1974

Amends Arkansas Code § 12-18-1001(d) to allow the Department of Human Services to implement a protection plan instead of automatically filing a dependency-neglect petition when a child cannot safely remain with their legal parent, guardian, or custodian.

Protection plans must allow the child to remain in their place of residence and include services to address the child's safety.

Requires the Department to reassess the child's health and safety within 30 days of implementing a protection plan.

Mandates filing a dependency-neglect petition if reassessment determines a substantial risk of harm to the child's health and safety remains after the initial 30-day period.

Exempts cases where the parent, guardian, or custodian is neither the alleged offender nor alleged to have failed to protect the child from the protection plan provisions.