Arkansas law funds youth services and residential care for 2026–2027

The law provides money for Division of Youth Services staff and operating costs. The funding is for the Department of Human Services' Division of Youth Services. The law allows up to 122 regular employees and 36 temporary or part-time employees. Spending is limited to the amount appropriated and funds made available by law. The 320 contingent extra-help positions may be used for services the Division does not contract out. Positions tied to a service return to the pool if the Division contracts for that service. These amounts and staffing limits apply for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

The law provides money for community sanctions, community services, federal youth-service grants, and residential services. Community sanctions are for grants and aid for juveniles found delinquent. The other amounts support Division of Youth Services programs and care. The federal grant money is payable from federal funds designated by the Chief Fiscal Officer. The other listed amounts are payable from the Youth Services Fund Account. These appropriations are for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

The law directs transfers for the Juvenile Ombudsman Program and local detention facilities, and allows approved shifts between operations and residential-service funds. The transfers support the Juvenile Ombudsman Program, local juvenile detention facilities, and Division residential services. The Chief Fiscal Officer transfers up to $240,000 for the Ombudsman Program upon request by the Inspector General's Secretary. The $400,000 detention-facility transfer may be reduced if state revenue funding is reduced. Fund shifts require approval from the Chief Fiscal Officer, the Governor, and the Legislative Council or Joint Budget Committee. They are allowed when the Division cannot continue contracting for services or operating service components and decides another arrangement is needed. These provisions apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.