Arkansas Code Title 9. Family Law § 9-28-601. Legislative intent

In a significant number of cases, the health, safety, welfare, and basic emotional needs of children are not being met by remaining with their families. In certain situations, therapeutic group homes and independent living programs can provide the sense of structure, continuity, stability, and the positive role models that are necessary for a child to become a productive citizen, and these alternative living environments are far less expensive than maintaining a child in the penal system. Therefore, it is the intent of this legislation to establish independent living programs for youths in strategic areas throughout Arkansas for the purpose of intervention.