Ark. Code Ann. § 16-13-330

Intake and probation services deemed necessary by the court may be provided by contract providers by contract between the county or counties in a judicial district and the contract provider, upon approval of the judge or judges of the circuit court designated to hear juvenile cases in their district plan under Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order Number 14, originally issued April 6, 2001. Persons providing juvenile intake and probation services by contract shall be certified in the same manner as juvenile intake and probation officers employed by the judge or judges.