AR SB335

Permits voluntary respite care as a temporary placement arrangement for minors facilitated by qualified nonprofit organizations, allowing parents/guardians to place children in crisis situations while retaining the right to immediately regain custody

Creates a license exemption for voluntary respite care providers approved by qualified nonprofit organizations, provided they complete fingerprint-based criminal background checks, state police criminal records checks, and Child Maltreatment Central Registry checks, plus receive training from the nonprofit organization

Requires voluntary respite care agreements to be executed as powers of attorney valid for no longer than one (1) year between parents/guardians and providers, limiting physical custody but not transferring legal custody to the provider

Establishes civil penalties up to $5,000 for qualified nonprofit organizations that knowingly fail to perform background checks, disclose substantiated allegations of child abuse or neglect, or maintain and provide required records to parents and investigating authorities

Declares an emergency for immediate implementation to provide assistance to families in crisis and ensure family stability and unity in Arkansas