What is Child Maltreatment?
Child maltreatment means abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation or abandonment by the caretaker of the child (a parent, guardian, custodian, or foster parent). The caretaker may be anyone who is age 10 or older and entrusted with the child's care. Child maltreatment occurs when the caretaker harms the child or lets harm come to the child, or fails to meet the child’s basic needs.
Sexual abuse and exploitation are child maltreatment under Arkansas law whether by a caretaker or by someone else.
Who Reports Child Maltreatment?
Anyone who suspects child maltreatment may report. Some people (for example, doctors, teachers and school counselors) must, by law, report suspected child maltreatment. If you need to report child maltreatment, please call the Crimes Against Children Hotline at 1-800-482-5964 or visit the following website from the Administrative Office of the Courts:
What Happens When There is a Report of Child Maltreatment?
When the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) gets a report of suspected child maltreatment, Arkansas law says that DCFS or the Arkansas State Police Family Protection Unit will assess the report.
What Happens if the Report is True?
DCFS will work with you to make sure that children in your care are protected, and their basic needs met. If you do not protect the children in your care, court action may be taken.
What if the Report is Unsubstantiated (not True)?
If you are the subject of the report, you can request a copy of the report. See "Obtaining a Copy of the Report" below. If requested, DCFS can tell the court and the prosecuting attorney about the report.
How Can I Find out What DCFS Learned?
DCFS will tell you in writing. You will not be told who made the report. If you have been named as an offender in a true report, and you do not agree with the finding, you have 30 days from the date you are handed the written notice, or the date it was mailed, to ask for a hearing to appeal the finding.
Obtaining a Copy of the Report
Send a written, notarized request, along with a check or money order in the amount of $10.00, to get a copy of your report. The written request must give your name and address and the names of the children involved. You should send the written request to:
Arkansas Department of Human Services
Division of Children and Family Services
Central Registry Unit
P.O. Box 1437, (Slot S566)
Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-1437
Contact Person: Dennis Robins at 501-682-0405