Arkansas § 9-28-1203 - Savings in state costs realized from reduction in number of secure out-of-home placements.

§ 9-28-1203. Savings in state costs realized from reduction in number of secure out-of-home placements.

The Division of Youth Services shall establish a method to calculate state costs saved that are realized from a reduction in the number of secure out-of-home placements. The division shall develop a reinvestment plan to redirect savings realized from a reduction in the number of secure out-of-home placements. The division shall complete the development of the reinvestment plan under subdivision (a)(2)(A) of this section by July 1, 2020. The reinvestment plan developed by the division shall: Support the legislative intent and purposes of this subchapter by redirecting savings in state costs that are realized from a reduction in the number of secure out-of-home placements; Describe the methods and procedures to redirect savings in state costs from a reduction in the number of secure out-of-home placements through the reallocation of resources under § 19-4-522; Describe the method to calculate savings in state costs from a reduction in the number of secure out-of-home placements; Describe criteria to redirect savings in state costs to implement juvenile justice reform initiatives through evidence-based programs provided by community-based providers, including without limitation requirements for: Applications; Awards; Performance measures; and Monitoring processes; and Describe the methods and procedures to be used to monitor the use of redirected savings in state costs. The division shall include in its annual report: A summary of the data and method used to calculate savings in state costs that are realized from the reduction in the number of secure out-of-home placements; The total amount of savings generated from the reduction in the number of secure out-of-home placements; The impact of reductions in secure out-of-home placements and the redirection of savings in state costs from the reduction in the number of secure out-of-home placements on public safety and outcomes for youths and families; and The overall residential budget and present and future facility needs. The General Assembly shall consider the summary of savings in making appropriations to the division to allow for the support and expansion of proven effective community-based alternatives to secure out-of-home placements for youths who otherwise would have been committed to the division.