|
Dear Friends,
Regular readers of this newsletter know that since the start of COVID-19, I have frequently called to attention a crisis we are facing right here in Arkansas.
That crisis is increased child abuse – especially severe child abuse.
Yesterday, I called together experts to listen to how they are currently assisting the most vulnerable among us and how we can help.
I am grateful for the time and expertise of these partners who participated in yesterday’s online discussion:
- Christie Erwin. Executive Director, Project Zero
- Elizabeth Pulley. Executive Director, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas
- Tess Fletcher. Executive Director, Children’s Advocacy Alliance
- Dr. Derek Brown. Executive Director, Arkansas Baptist College Children’s Homes and Family Ministries
- Lauri Currier. Executive Director, The Call
- Mark White. Intergovernmental Affairs Chief of Staff, Arkansas Department of Human Services (ADHS)
- Lori McDonald. DHS Program Manager, ADHS
- Mischa Martin. Director of Children and Family Services, ADHS
- Chelsey Moore. Foster Care Liaison, Arkansas Department of Education
- Phyllis Bell. Child Welfare Senior Advisor to Governor Asa Hutchinson
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Because of increased isolation due to COVID-19, many children who were and are in unsafe homes now no longer have access to resources that can help, such as adults at school or at the doctor’s office.
è If you observe or suspect child abuse, contact 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD (1-844-728-3224) or 1-800-482-5964. Operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In addition, the Mental Health & Addiction Services Support Line at 1-844-763-0198 and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 are available to anyone who may need help.
CHALLENGES FACING ADVOCATES FOR ARKANSAS CHILDREN
The Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas (CAC Arkansas) reported that they have seen an increase in severe physical abuse. They are coordinating with the Arkansas State Police to help the young victims.
The number of children in foster care is increasing while the number of available homes is decreasing. As of today, Arkansas has 4,400 children in foster care and another 354 children awaiting placement. Currently, many families are reluctant to welcome children into their homes out of fear of contracting COVID-19, concern that they cannot properly educate the foster child remotely, or because a family member has lost employment. Churches and places of worship in our community are primary sources of support for foster youth. Even though these faith-based organizations have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, foster organizations remain hopeful.
The Arkansas Department of Health is using CARES Act funding for one-time cash payments to relatives taking in children who have been removed from abusive environments. I was pleased to learn how funding from the CARES Act, which I voted for in March, is having this direct impact.
SOLUTIONS THAT ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
As is the Arkansas way, our caring communities are rising to these challenges and producing innovative solutions.
Now that school is back in session, teachers once again are able to detect and intervene to help students. CAC Arkansas has been hard at work distributing abuse hotline numbers during school lunches and training teachers to identify abuse so that teachers will recognize the signs – even during virtual instruction.
CAC Arkansas has also been training food delivery workers, both for school lunches and services such as Uber Eats, to recognize signs of abuse. In addition, they have been concentrating on more rural areas that do not have the same resources and infrastructure as more urban areas.
A new satellite center of CAC Arkansas is officially opening Monday, September 14. Since construction finished, this center has already helped 11 children and will improve their ability to help those in need around our state.
Likewise, faith-based organizations have answered the call and are conducting virtual training sessions for new foster families to help accelerate foster youth placement.
Finally, the availability of online mental health therapy is providing a way to continue to foster youth and others through trauma and help them adjust. I am proud to have introduced the Emergency COVID-19 Telehealth Response Act to ensure that therapists, including clinical social workers, will be reimbursed for online sessions because these are just the kinds of situations in which the availability of resources is critical.
WHAT COMES NEXT
During our call, we discussed ideas to consider regarding funding flexibility that would be ideas for House spending priorities for fiscal year 2021.
In addition, I suggested that these groups come together to propose a pilot program that Arkansas could spearhead, that I would support, which would allow federal and state governments to split the costs of supporting provisional guardians who take in children in need.
My office will continue to work with the Arkansas Department of Children and Family Services as well as nonprofit partners, to work to give them more flexibility in spending federal dollars to support fostering relatives, which are proven to be the most stable home placements and lead to more adoptions and reunifications.
LOOK FOR THE SIGNS
In April, Arkansas First Lady Susan Hutchinson raised awareness of child abuse during one of Governor Hutchinson’s daily press conferences. To watch, click HERE or on the image below.
The Mayo Clinic lists these red flags for child abuse or maltreatment:
- Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
- Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility, or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance
- Depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence
- An apparent lack of supervision
- Frequent absences from school
- Reluctance to leave school activities, as if he or she doesn't want to go home
- Rebellious or defiant behavior
- Self-harm or attempts at suicide
There is much work yet to be done to ensure that the most vulnerable among us are protected. I appreciate the time yesterday of these participants in my online forum and I appreciate their partnership. It takes each of us knowing the signs and being willing to make the call to help a child.
I am humbled by the opportunity to represent you in Congress, and I am honored to carry your voice to Washington, D.C. If I may assist you or your loved one, please contact me at Hill.House.Gov or at (501) 324-5941.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
|
