Arkansas (AR) — State Brief

Juvenile Justice (2015–2025)

Pipeline Snapshot

Intake & Screening: Validated risk assessment (SAVRY) at intake since Act 189 (2019); intake also screens MH needs.
Detention: Judges must weigh risk scores; detention reserved for high-risk/violent cases; uniform guideline post-Act 189.
Adjudication & Disposition: Circuit juvenile courts emphasize diversion and probation; judges document if committing contrary to tool.
Commitment & Placement: DYS commitment for felonies/repeat; 5 state-run facilities + therapeutic group homes; least-restrictive mandate.
Reentry & Aftercare: Individualized plan; state aftercare 3–6 months; formal aftercare packet to schools/providers.
Authority: State-run commitments (DYS); county courts handle probation/detention; coordination via AOC.
Policies: Arkansas Code Title 9, Ch.27; Act 189 (2019).
Data Handoff: AOC’s JCP links with DYS; still no unified JJ–child welfare–education system; recidivism not real-time.

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