(a) As used in this section, 'child' means a person who is eighteen (18) years of age or younger.(b)(1) Except for an employee employed in a position included under subsection (e) of this section, each employee is eligible for forty (40) hours per calendar year of foster care leave with pay when a child in foster care has been placed in the home of the employee.(2) No more than forty (40) hours of foster care leave with pay shall be used in a calendar year even if multiple children are placed in the home of the employee at different times.(c) Foster care leave with pay may be granted for the following purposes: (1) Bonding with the child and for adjustment purposes;(2) Attending school placement meetings related to changes due to foster care placement;(3) Attending individualized educational program meetings related to changes due to foster care placement;(4) Attending required court hearings; and(5) Attending required case-planning activities.(d) The employee shall be required to provide his or her state agency with documentation regarding the placement of the child in foster care.(e) Foster care leave with pay shall not be granted to:(1) An emergency, intermittent, probationary, ide his or her state agency with documentation regarding the placement of the child in foster care.(e) Foster care leave with pay shall not be granted to:(1) An emergency, intermittent, probationary, or extra-help employee; or(2) An employee who is eligible for catastrophic leave for maternity purposes for the placement of an infant under one (1) year of age under § 21-4-214.(f) Foster care leave with pay that is granted under this section:(1) That is unused shall not be carried over to the next calendar year; and(2) Is not compensable to the employee upon termination or retirement.Added by Act 2023, No. 756,§ 2, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Legal Code