Bill > HB1964

This bill moves the Child Welfare Ombudsman Division from the Arkansas Child Abuse/Rape/Domestic Violence Commission and the Juvenile Ombudsman Division from the Arkansas Public Defender Commission to the newly created Division of Ombudsmen within the Department of Inspector General. The bill establishes two distinct offices: the Office of the Child Welfare Ombudsman and the Office of the Juvenile Ombudsman, each with specific powers and duties. The Child Welfare Ombudsman will work independently to review child welfare system procedures, investigate concerns related to juveniles and their families, and prepare annual reports without identifying specific individuals. The Juvenile Ombudsman will focus on overseeing the Division of Youth Services, monitoring the safety and rehabilitation of juveniles in custody, investigating complaints, and ensuring access to grievance processes. Both ombudsmen will report to the Secretary of the Department of Inspector General and have access to various tracking systems and documents while maintaining strict confidentiality. The bill includes an emergency clause setting the effective date as July 1, 2025, to ensure a smooth transition and continuation of services during the transfer of these divisions.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1964&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R