AR SB288

Adds two definitions to the Child Maltreatment Act: "Family member" means a person within the fifth degree of consanguinity by blood or adoption, and "Fictive kin" means a non-related person with a strong emotional tie or role in a child's or infant's parent's life.

Changes investigation start times so most investigations begin within 72 hours, but severe maltreatment allegations begin within 24 hours, with exceptions for sexual abuse cases over 1 year old, abandonment cases where child is in a facility, and physical injury cases over 1 year old with child in Department custody.

Clarifies investigation requirements when the alleged offender is a family member or fictive kin living in the home to include examining existing maltreatment, previous injuries, offender identity, other children's conditions, parents' circumstances, home environment, and relationships.

Clarifies investigation requirements when the alleged offender is neither a family member nor fictive kin and does not live in the home to include assessing any of the offender's children for maltreatment risk unless the investigating agency determines no risk exists.