HB1144

This bill creates the 'Arkansas Family Treatment Specialty Court Act' to establish specialized court programs for families involved in dependency-neglect proceedings who are struggling with substance use or mental health disorders. The legislation authorizes circuit courts to create these programs within the existing juvenile division structure, subject to approval by the Arkansas Supreme Court. The program adopts a non-adversarial, multidisciplinary approach designed to support parental rehabilitation, ensure child safety and permanency, and facilitate family reunification. It emphasizes intensive judicial monitoring, clinical assessment, and access to comprehensive support services for all family members. Participation in the program is voluntary for parents, guardians, or custodians who meet eligibility criteria. The act outlines the structure of the court teams, data collection requirements, and the creation of a 'Family Treatment Specialty Court Program Fund' to manage expenses such as training, incentives, and administrative costs. Additionally, it grants circuit courts the authority to order participation in these programs as a dispositional option in dependency-neglect cases.