2016 Arkansas Code
Title 9 - Family Law
Subtitle 3 - Minors
Chapter 28 - Placement or Detention
Subchapter 12 - -- Youth Justice Reform Board
§ 9-28-1201. Youth Justice Reform Board -- Creation -- Membership

(a) To ensure statewide accountability for the delivery of youth services consistent with this subchapter, the Division of Youth Services of the Department of Human Services shall create the Youth Justice Reform Board no later than sixty (60) days following July 22, 2015.

(b) (1) The members of the Youth Justice Reform Board shall be selected by the Director of the Division of Youth Services of the Department of Human Services for a single four-year term, with appointments approved by the Governor.

(2) The Youth Justice Reform Board shall be composed of a maximum of twenty-one (21) representatives who have demonstrated a commitment to improving youth services, with individuals selected from key stakeholder groups, including without limitation:

(A) Juvenile justice system-involved families;

(B) Youths who have received or are receiving services delivered by the Division of Youth Services;

(C) Representatives from the Department of Education, Department of Workforce Services, the Division of Children and Family Services of the Department of Human Services, and the Division of Behavioral Health Services of the Department of Human Services;

(D) Youth services providers;

(E) Circuit court judges who routinely preside over juvenile cases;

(F) The Administrative Office of the Courts;

(G) Prosecuting attorneys or deputy prosecuting attorneys who are routinely involved in juvenile delinquency cases;

(H) Public defenders or deputy public defenders who are routinely involved in juvenile delinquency cases;

(I) Advocacy groups, including the designated state protection and advocacy group for individuals with disabilities, and other research and advocacy groups with established leadership for children and families in Arkansas;

(J) The juvenile ombudsman of the Juvenile Ombudsman Division of the Arkansas Public Defender Commission;

(K) Members of the Arkansas Coalition for Juvenile Justice Board;

(L) Members of the Juvenile Justice Reform Subcommittee of the Arkansas Supreme Court Commission on Children, Youth and Families; and

(M) Experts in adolescent development.

(c) The director, or his or her designee, shall serve as Chair of the Youth Justice Reform Board.

(d) The Youth Justice Reform Board shall meet at least quarterly.

(e) The Division of Youth Services shall provide administrative support necessary for the Youth Justice Reform Board to perform its duties.

(f) The Youth Justice Reform Board shall cease operation by June 30, 2019.