News
Children and Family Services Division Working to Reduce Case Loads
When people call the state hotline to report suspected child abuse or neglect, about 80 percent are assigned to the Division of Children and Family Services. The other 20 percent are considered more serious, and are assigned to the State Police, which has a Division of Crimes Against Children. The Division has 428 family services workers. Their average caseload in March was 23.3, which is down from 25.5 last October. The state’s goal is to bring it below 20.
School Safety Commission to Deliver Second Set of Recommendations
The Arkansas School Safety Commission has been set up again to update measures to protect students while they are in school. The governor issued an executive order to reinstate the commission in the wake of the mass murder of 19 children and two adults at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24.
State Provides Relief Funding for Child Care Centers
The economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was especially hard for child care centers, so the Arkansas Department of Human Services is administering about $286 million to help them cover expenses and remain in business. So far, about $110 million of the relief funding has been sent to child care providers, according to the department’s Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.
Statement of Senator Jason Rapert regarding Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade
Statement of Senator Jason Rapert regarding Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade
Statement from Senator Missy Irvin, Senate Education Committee Chair
Statement from Senator Missy Irvin, chair of the Senate Education Committee:
"I am so pleased to learn that all the parties have come to an agreement that will allow Mr. Nick Smith, Jr. the eligibility to play basketball during his senior year of high school, and I commend his parents for being strong advocates for their son."
Christmas in the Capitol will be December 6
Legislators and other elected officials are gathering gifts for children in state custody, which they will present during a “Christmas in the Capitol” celebration at noon on December 6 in the Old Supreme Court Room of the State Capitol.
Republican Women's Caucus to Present Agenda at Noon Thursday in Old Supreme Courtroom
Republican Women's Caucus to Present Agenda at Noon Thursday in Old Supreme Courtroom
Press conference on SB 6 to Be Held Wednesday at 11:45 a.m.
Senator Jason Rapert will be joined by other legislative sponsors of Senate Bill 6 and representatives of the Arkansas Family Council and Arkansas Right to Life at a press conference in the state Capitol Rotunda at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, February 10.