AR HB1359

Amends Arkansas Code § 9-28-407(h)(1)(H)(i) to clarify that foster parents receive foster care records only for foster children currently placed in their home.

Adds new subdivision (Z) allowing currently or previously licensed foster parents to access confidential records about children previously placed in their care.

Restricts records access for previously licensed foster parents to information concerning only children who were previously in their home and only for the period during which the child was placed there.

Requires that foster parents have a legitimate need, as determined by the licensee or department, to access records about previously placed children.

Became effective upon approval on March 10, 2021.