AR HB1848

Amends Arkansas Code § 9-8-204(a) to expand guardianship subsidy eligibility to include children not currently in Department of Human Services custody whose parents are at risk of losing custody

For children in parental custody, establishes eligibility requirements including: open protective services case, presence of at least one safety factor, available relative or fictive kin willing to assume guardianship, child attachment to guardian, parental consent, and elimination of all identified safety factors

Maintains existing eligibility criteria for children already in department custody, including judicial removal determination, strong child-guardian attachment, appropriate permanency placement, and six months prior residence in prospective guardian's home

Requires prospective guardians to be relatives or fictive kin as defined in § 9-28-108 and their homes to comply with applicable foster home rules

Directs Department of Human Services to promulgate implementation rules by January 1, 2024, with proposed rules submitted to Legislative Council for approval