§ 9-20-111 - Notification. - Arkansas Statutes

9-20-111. Notification.

(a) All maltreated adults named as the respondent shall be served with a copy of the petition under the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure.

(b) The Department of Human Services shall provide immediate notice of the date, time, and location of the probable cause hearing to:

(1) The respondent;

(2) The person from whom physical custody of the respondent was removed; and

(3) Counsel for the respondent.

(c) The pleadings served on the respondent shall include a statement of the right to:

(1) (A) Have an attorney represent him or her in this matter.

(B) If the respondent desires an attorney to represent him or her but the respondent cannot afford to hire an attorney, an attorney will be appointed to represent the respondent by the court at no cost to the respondent;

(2) Be present at the hearing;

(3) Present evidence on the respondent's own behalf;

(4) Cross-examine witnesses who testify against him or her;

(5) Present witnesses in the respondent's own behalf;

(6) Remain silent; and

(7) View and copy all petitions, reports, and documents retained in the court file.

(d) Notice of the long-term custody hearing shall be given to:

(1) The legal counsel of the respondent;

(2) The next of kin of the respondent whose names and addresses are known to the petitioner;

(3) The person having physical custody of the respondent;

(4) Any person named in the petition; and

(5) Any other persons or entities that the court may require.