Ark. Code Ann. § 9-27-601: Legislative intent

It is the intent of the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that:

(1) Juveniles receive mental health services in their communities whenever possible and in the least restrictive placement consistent with the juvenile's treatment needs;

(2) Juveniles be placed out of state for mental health services only when it is in the juvenile's best interest and there is no appropriate or available treatment in state to meet the needs of the juvenile;

(3) Circuit courts be provided with qualified mental health screenings to assist courts in ordering appropriate mental health services for juveniles; and

(4) Juvenile officers, mental health providers, residential providers, the Department of Human Services, Child and Adolescent Service System Program providers, attorneys, courts, and advocates shall work together to ensure the continuity of mental health services for juveniles in their communities.