AR SB84

Amends Arkansas Code § 9-27-338(c)(3)(A) to require courts consider all evidence of parent/guardian efforts to remedy conditions leading to juvenile removal, regardless of timing, and weigh this evidence appropriately regarding the juvenile's safety, health, and well-being.

Prohibits recent resumption of contact or case plan participation immediately before a permanency planning hearing as sufficient grounds to authorize return or placement in the home as the permanency goal.

Establishes that parents, guardians, or custodians must demonstrate genuine, sustainable investment in completing case plan requirements and following court orders to authorize a home return or placement permanency goal.

Adds guardianship or adoption with a fit and willing relative as an authorized permanency goal option and renumbers existing adoption and custodianship goals.

Requires courts to schedule another permanency planning hearing within six months if the department fails to provide services outlined in the case plan for reunification.