AR HB1470

Expands mandated reporters to include employees and contractors of the Department of Human Services and Division of Youth Services when acting within the scope of their employment or contract.

Requires written notification to custodial parents, noncustodial parents, guardians, or custodians when a juvenile is taken into protective custody, including information about the child's location, department contact information, rights, court location, and hearing procedures.

Requires the Department of Human Services to assume custody of children taken into protective custody, assess their health and safety, and determine whether to continue or release custody.

Mandates notification of investigative determinations to custodial parents, custodians, or guardians of children who are or may be currently cared for or supervised by an offender, and allows disclosure of true maltreatment reports to such parties.

Changes investigation procedures to focus on assessing whether custody under child maltreatment statutes is required, replacing the previous standard of whether a child can "safely remain in the home."