Arkansas - State Spotlight


State Spotlight - Arkansas Last updated: February 2008 Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Sherry Williamson, Child Abuse Project Coordinator 4301 W. Markham – Slot 606 Little Rock, AR 72205 Phone: 501- 661-7975 Email: williamsonsherryj@uams.edu Contact Person: Merlin Leach Center for Children and Public Policy 12825 Hwy. 412 Alpena, AR 72611 Phone: 870-553-5437 Fax: 870-553-2356 Email: drleach@merlinfoundation.com Website: http://www.merlinfoundation.com Website: http://www.accardv.uams.edu Tools Arkansas Child Death Review Legislation Mortality Statistics Arkansas Child Mortality Data, 2002 Arkansas Child Mortality Data, 2003 Arkansas Child Mortality Data, 2005 Program Description Administration The Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence was established in 1983 by statute (Section -82-201 et seq.). Since then, the program has undergone many changes. From 1999-2004, three multi-disciplinary review teams were in place. When funding was cut, the teams were forced to stop operating. Currently, a legislative study sub-committee is in place to conduct a study on child fatality review in Arkansas. The purpose of this study is to generate momentum and support for the child fatality review process. Currently, the program has no budget, although six staff at the state level provide support to the process in place. Teams According to statute, a mandatory review must occur in cases involving the Division of Children and Families (DCFS). These reviews take place at the state level. Local teams are permissive by statute, however, there is currently only one local team functioning. Arkansas is a member of the Southeast Coalition on Child Fatalities. State Team Chairperson: Billye Burke Members of the state level team are Department of Human Services personnel. The team meets quarterly. Reviews Arkansas reviews deaths to children who are under age 18 and who had contact with DCFS within the previous 12 months. Purpose The purpose of the review process in Arkansas is investigation, quality assurance and prevention. The focus of the review process shifted from public health to child protective services in July 2004. Prior to that time, the Commission had the authority to review any death to a child under age 15. Additionally, the Department of Health had funding to review infant deaths more in depth. However, the project ended when funding was no longer available. Data Standardized data reporting froms are not completed for cases reviewed by the state team. Current policy does not allow for this. The team does have access to state vital statistics. Annual Report No report is published. Prevention Initiatives Findings from the review process have influenced policy changes and motivated prevention activities in the state. Protocols Arkansas has child death investigation and confidentiality protocols in place. Training No training is offered.