Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Arkansas Code Title 9. Family Law § 9-30-103. Definitions

Current as of March 28, 2024 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Child” means a person under eighteen (18) years of age;

(2)(A) “Child abuse” means any nonaccidental physical injury, mental injury, sexual abuse, or sexual exploitation inflicted by those legally responsible for the care and maintenance of the child, or an injury that is at variance with the history given.

(B) “Child abuse” encompasses both acts and omissions;

(3) “Local council” means an organization consisting of an employee of the Department of Human Services, an employee of the Department of Health, an employee of a public secondary or elementary school, an employee of the county sheriff's office or a city police department, a citizen at large, and any other persons deemed necessary by the Department of Human Services, including, but not limited to, representatives from other groups or entities involved with child abuse and neglect or family violence;

(4) “Neglect” means:

(A) Failure to provide, by those legally responsible for:

(i) The care and maintenance of the child and the proper or necessary support;

(ii) Education, as required by law; or

(iii) Medical, surgical, or any other care necessary for his or her well-being; or

(B)(i) Any maltreatment of the child.

(ii) The term includes both acts and omissions.

(iii) This chapter shall not be construed to mean a child is neglected or abused for the sole reason he or she is being provided treatment by spiritual means through prayer alone in accordance with the tenets or practices of a recognized church or religious denomination by a duly accredited practitioner thereof in lieu of medical or surgical treatment;

(5) “Parenting-from-prison program” means classes or services provided to incarcerated parents at any detention or correctional facility;

(6)(A) “Prevention program” means a system of direct provision of child abuse and neglect primary and secondary prevention services to a child or guardian and includes research programs related to prevention of child abuse and neglect.

(B)(i) “Primary prevention” means programs and services designed to promote the general welfare of children and families.

(ii) “Secondary prevention” means the identification of children who are in circumstances in which there is a high risk that abuse or neglect will occur and assistance is necessary and appropriate to prevent abuse or neglect from occurring; and

(7) “Program for the children of prisoners” means school or community-based services provided to:

(A) The children of individuals incarcerated in any detention or correctional facility; or

(B) The caregivers of children of individuals incarcerated in any detention or correctional facility.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Arkansas Code Title 9. Family Law § 9-30-103. Definitions - last updated March 28, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ar/title-9-family-law/ar-code-sect-9-30-103/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard