§ 9-28-1003 - Safeguards for children in foster care. - Arkansas Statutes

9-28-1003. Safeguards for children in foster care.

(a) Special safeguards, resources, and care should be provided to children in foster care because of the temporary or permanent separation from parents.

(b) A child in foster care in the State of Arkansas shall be entitled to the following:

(1) To be cherished by a family of his or her own;

(2) To be nurtured by foster parents who have been selected to meet his or her individual needs;

(3) To be heard and involved with the decisions of his or her life;

(4) To have complete information and direct answers to his or her questions about choices, services, and decisions;

(5) To be informed about and have involvement when appropriate with his or her birth family and siblings;

(6) To have reasonable access to his or her caseworker or a person in the Department of Human Services who can make decisions on his or her behalf;

(7) To express his or her opinion and have it treated respectfully;

(8) To request support and services that he or she needs;

(9) To have individualized care and attention;

(10) To have ongoing contact with significant people in his or her life, such as teachers, friends, personal support, and relatives;

(11) To be notified of changes impacting his or her permanence, safety, stability, or well-being;

(12) To have a stable, appropriate placement if he or she is placed in foster care;

(13) To receive free appropriate education, training, and career guidance to prepare him or her for a useful and satisfying life;

(14) To receive preparation for citizenship and parenthood through interaction with foster parents and other adults who are consistent role models;

(15) To have reasonable access to and be represented by an attorney ad litem in all juvenile judicial proceedings so that his or her best interests are represented;

(16) To receive quality child welfare services;

(17) To have a plan for his or her future and the support needed to accomplish it;

(18) To receive a copy of his or her case record upon exiting foster care;

(19) To be placed in the custody or foster home of relatives, if appropriate, provided the relative caregiver meets all relevant child protection standards; and

(20) To be cared for without regard to race, gender, religion, or disability.