§ 9-31-402 — Legislative purpose

The General Assembly recognizes: (1) That the youth of Arkansas are its most important natural resource and they are increasingly at risk due to conflict in their homes, schools, and communities; (2) That mediation programs can help the youth of Arkansas and people in their homes, schools, and communities to resolve conflicts cooperatively, productively, and nonviolently and when possible prevent harmful conflicts from rising to confrontation and violence; and (3) Therefore this subchapter is intended to benefit children, families, professionals, and courts throughout the State of Arkansas by establishing the Arkansas Youth Mediation Program to be housed at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville School of Law to provide mediation services and training for: (A) Children in schools; (B) Youth who have committed certain delinquent acts; (C) Children and families in need of services; and (D) Children and families when there are allegations or findings of child abuse or neglect.

Legislative History

Acts 1999, No. 628, § 2