Monica Contreras, Appellant v. Arkansas Department of Human Services; Christine Williams; and J.g., a Minor Child…

Summary

The court held that the circuit court properly found that returning J.G. immediately to Contreras was not in his best interest, but lacked sufficient evidence to reject a statutory plan providing for his return within three months. Because Contreras was complying with her case plan and making significant progress, the court reversed the permanent-custody and closure orders and remanded for further proceedings. Justice Danielson, dissenting, would have affirmed because he was not firmly convinced that the circuit court erred, particularly given the potential disruption to J.G.’s schooling.