Arkansas Adoption Laws Page5

Adoption Laws in Arkansas Page5

State haven laws for Infants

• Infant age : Statute: - § 9-34-202
  • 30 days or younger baby.

• Who may relinquish the infant : Statute: - §- § 9-34-202; 5-27-203(c)
  • A person designated by parent.
  • Parents of the infant.

• Who may receive the infant : Statute: - § 9-34-202
  • Law enforcement agency.
  • Medical provider.

• Responsibilities of the safe haven provider : Statute: - §- § 9-34-202; 9-34-203
  • Notify immediately to the Division of Children and Family Services of the 'Department of Human Resources'.
  • It is valid for the safe haven provider to do any action necessary to protect the health of the child

• Immunity for provider : Statute: - § 9-34-202 Yes.

• Protection for relinquishing parent : Statute: - § 5-27-203(c)
  • This section don't provide any defense for any abuse or neglect that occurred prior to the relinquishment of the child.
  • It is affirmative defense to prosecution for endangering the welfare of a minor that the parent voluntarily withdrawn the child.

• Effect on the parental rights : Statute: - § 9-34-203
  • The department may initiate a dependency action before placing the child in a permanent home.

Advertising used and facilitators in adoptive placements

• Advertisement used
  • It is not addressed in reviewed statutes.

• Intermediaries or facilitators use
  • It is not addressed in reviewed statutes.