AR SB656

Expands the definition of "fictive kin" in the Arkansas Juvenile Code to include persons not related by blood or marriage who have a strong, positive emotional tie to a child or the child's parent (if the child is an infant)

Requires the Director of the Division of Children and Family Services or designee to approve any fictive kin placement for an infant

Amends the definition of "fictive kin" in the context of juvenile placements under Arkansas Code § 9-28-108 to include examples such as godparents, neighbors, or family friends

Updates the definition of "provisional foster home" under the Child Welfare Agency Licensing Act to allow foster homes opened for no more than six months for relatives or fictive kin after determining placement is in the child's best interest and conducting health, safety, and criminal background checks

Adds a new definition of "fictive kin" to the Child Welfare Agency Licensing Act with the same criteria requiring Director approval for infants