Video & Transcript : 'Family Support Services' :
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Health Care & Wellness Feb 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- , substance use disorder services, medical and surgical services, youth and adult services, and in-person
- compares to medical services.
- Please support House Bill 2658. Thank you. Thanks. Any questions? Please support House Bill 2658.
- There's been so much stress in families.
- I was happy to support this bill.
Summary:
The House Health Care and Wellness Committee held public hearings on four bills and then took executive action on three measures. HB 2555 would require the Health Care Authority to apply for a Medicaid waiver to cover traditional health care practices provided through Indian Health Service, tribal, and urban Indian facilities. Supporters, including the prime sponsor, tribal health leaders, and the Health Care Authority, said the bill would recognize traditional medicine, expand access, and leverage federal funding, though HCA noted the July 1, 2026 waiver deadline and urban Indian reimbursement questions may be difficult to resolve. HB 2685 would codify tribal data sovereignty principles for state agencies, require reporting of notifiable conditions to tribal health jurisdictions, and exempt certain tribal data from public disclosure. Tribal representatives supported the bill as necessary for access, governance, and better public health planning, while the Washington Coalition for Open Government and HCA raised concerns about the breadth of the PRA exemption, undefined ownership interests, and implementation details.
HB 2658 would require health carriers to submit standardized public data on behavioral health and other coverage and access metrics, with the Insurance Commissioner posting the information on a public dashboard. Supporters said the bill would improve transparency about mental health parity and help families, employers, and policymakers compare plans; opponents argued it duplicates or complicates recent parity reforms and could be misinterpreted. HB 2683 would shorten carrier credentialing timelines from 90 days to 30 days and require carriers to post billing and coverage information online. Supporters said it would reduce delays for providers and patients, while opponents warned the shorter timeline could be hard to meet and that posting information without login protections could raise privacy concerns.
In executive session, the committee adopted two amendments to HB 2168, which concerns overdose mapping data, then reported the substitute bill out with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 16-1. It rejected an amendment to HB 2196 that would have extended PANDAS/PANS coverage to public and school employee plans, then advanced the substitute bill with a due pass recommendation by a vote of 15-2. Finally, the committee passed HB 2545, which would allow ambulatory surgical facilities to perform elective percutaneous coronary interventions, by a vote of 13-4, after members discussed safety, access, and cost savings.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Public Service Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Public Service
Transcript Highlights:
- I first entered state service on July 1, 2005, celebrating 20 years of service this coming week.
- Specifically, the statute says in part the following: that any member in service In service in any other
- In support of Senate Bill 1802, filed by Senator Nick Collins.
- So I support these bills. I support you. We thank you.
- Thank you to Senator Keenan for your support.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Public Service heard testimony on a range of retirement-related bills, with several witnesses and advocates focusing on pension equity, veteran benefits, and recognition for public safety workers. Representative Dennis Gallagher and Mass Retirees supported legislation to increase the long-standing veterans’ bonus from $15 to $50 per year of service, up to $1,000 annually, and described it as a modest, overdue adjustment with minimal fiscal impact. Mass Retirees also backed bills to raise the minimum survivor allowance for public retirees and to address inequities in Option B and Option C survivor benefits for retirees whose pensions were calculated under older mortality tables.
The committee also heard a personal bill from Representative Jim Arceiro and Nathan McKinnon seeking creditable service for McKinnon’s years in the Nevada higher education system, which he said should count toward his Massachusetts retirement. Another individual bill was presented by Roberta Wollins, supported by Senator Keenan, to remedy what she described as misleading retirement advice from UMass Boston that affected her ability to buy back prior service and made her retirement planning inaccurate. Senator Keenan and others framed both cases as unique fairness issues rather than broad policy changes.
A large panel from police, fire, corrections, EMS, and related organizations testified in favor of a COVID-19 retirement credit proposal and a study bill, arguing that essential workers who reported in person throughout the pandemic should receive recognition and a time-based retirement credit. Witnesses described exposure risks, illness, deaths, staffing strain, and long-term effects from COVID-19, and several committee members voiced support and appreciation for their service. The hearing concluded with no votes taken on the bills and a motion to adjourn, which was approved.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
US House Floor Proceedings (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)
US Federal House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- It's life or death for these families. families. families.
- innovations innovation and to to support innovations innovation and to keep<00:26:34.400><c> families
- As we reflect on his extraordinary life of service, our hearts are with his family and loved ones, as
- As we reflect on his extraordinary life of service, our hearts are with his family and loved ones, as
- Thank you, Captain Kovville, for your selfless service. My prayers are with your family.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- advocate for the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, and Craig Kulisher, director for
- , in strong support of AB 1540.
- P-Flag Los Angeles, P-Flag Tri-Valley, and my family, in strong support of AB 1540. Good afternoon.
- I'm in support. Thank you.
- California, in strong support. Thank you.
Summary:
The Communications and Conveyance Committee heard several bills focused on telecommunications, emergency response, and digital access. AB 1540 by Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez would restore the 988 “press 3” option for LGBTQ+ youth crisis support, with strong support from suicide prevention advocates, mental health organizations, local governments, and family groups, and opposition from groups arguing it politicizes crisis services and raises safety concerns. Members emphasized the bill’s life-saving purpose and noted it would depend on federal approval. The committee voted AB 1540 out on a due pass recommendation to Appropriations.
The committee also approved the consent calendar, including AB 2093 and AB 2193, both sent to Appropriations. AB 1832 by Assemblymember Ransom, as amended, would expand and stabilize statewide 211 services through a state fund, a community needs dashboard, and integration into emergency planning; supporters described 211’s role during disasters and service gaps in many counties, and the bill passed unanimously as amended to Appropriations. AB 2289, the chair’s bill, would create an Office of Broadband and Digital Equity, consolidate broadband programs, and narrow CPUC jurisdiction to voice communications; TURN and CWA District 9 opposed the regulatory changes but acknowledged shared goals, and the bill passed to Appropriations.
AB 2424 by Assemblymember Carrillo would create a new low-income telecommunications advisory board to oversee California Lifeline and address fraud and oversight concerns. Supporters said the board would add needed telecommunications expertise and improve access for low-income and immigrant communities, while opponents argued an existing advisory structure already serves that role and warned of added costs and surcharges. After discussion, the committee voted AB 2424 out on a 7-2 vote to Appropriations. The meeting concluded after all listed bills were reported out.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- If you'll move on to slide 3, H2OC provides a central service. and supports to more than 7.5 million
- We provide long-term services and supports for senior and people with disabilities.
- Okay, we're going to start with Department of Family and Protective Services.
- Now to page nine, item six, family first prevention. and Services Act.
- It is challenging to access the intensive family and home services as well as for families who are dealing
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Human services panel hears HF2143 3/26/25
Minnesota House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- We do it's a very lowcost service.
- > help</c> provide support for families, and help provide support for families, and help people<00:08
- </c><00:15:02.560><c> services</c> management or community support services management or community support
- Uh, members discussion Representative Hicks. services. Thank you for the opportunity services.
- . services. services.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Jun 25th, 2026
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- live with safety and dignity that can support not only their family, but the future of our state.
- simply ask them to support our veterans community this year again and support this bond and support
- How can middle-class families and working families know that they're going to be okay?
- and working families.
- She taught our family that education matters, that public service matters, that standing up for what
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
Senate Health and Human Services (01/14/2026)
Health and Human Services
Transcript Highlights:
- It's going to extend family caregiver support services to those people qualifying in that program, and
- ><c> support</c><04:48:15.200><c> services</c><04:48:16.160><c> uh</c> ch family caregiver support services
- uh ch family caregiver support services uh to<04:48:16.638><c> those</c><04:48:17.520><c> people</c>
- And, you know, particularly the family caregivers who are providing long-term support services, LTSS,
- </c> feel supported, families are stronger. feel supported, families are stronger.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Appropriations Feb 26th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- I'm testifying in support of Senate Bill 5923.
- We proudly support the independent public hospital. Please support this bill. Thank you.”
- “We proudly support the independent public hospital. Please support this bill. Thank you.”
- to provide those services, which is 8.5.
- So we're asking for your support.
Summary:
The House Appropriations Committee held a public hearing on a series of bills, beginning with House Bill 2689 on Working Connections Child Care. Staff explained that the proposed substitute would keep eligibility at 60% of state median income, eliminate scheduled expansions to 75% and 85%, reduce future subsidy rates from the 85th to the 75th percentile of market, end enhanced regional rates, and change reimbursement rules from prospective enrollment-based payments back to attendance-based payments with a reduced monthly payment after 11 absent days. Child care advocates thanked the committee for removing the proposed cap on the program but opposed the cuts to provider rates and eligibility expansions, warning of harm to families and providers. The committee then heard Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5124 on Medicaid network adequacy for post-acute care, with staff noting administrative costs and indeterminate fiscal effects; hospitals supported the bill as a way to reduce discharge delays and reliance on single-case agreements. Senate Bill 5832, which would raise the new motor vehicle arbitration fee from $3 to $6 to support the Lemon Law arbitration program, drew support from the Attorney General’s Office and auto dealers, who said the fee had not been updated since 1995 and the program was underfunded. The committee also heard Substitute Senate Bill 5862, providing a one-time 3% COLA for certain PERS 1 and TRS 1 retirees, with retirees testifying in favor and local government representatives warning about added employer costs.
The committee next heard Senate Bill 5922, allowing school districts to transfer money from the Transportation Vehicle Fund to other funds if they reduce their fleet and receive OSPI approval; staff said the bill would mainly add administrative work for OSPI, and no one testified. Substitute Senate Bill 5923 would allow a hospital on an island in Skagit County to qualify as a critical access hospital if federally certified; Island Health testified that the designation would help sustain rural services, and a committee member asked about bed count and Medicaid/charity-care pressures. Senate Bill 5944 would require language access providers to bargain over compensation for missed or canceled appointments and clarify that statutes prevail over conflicting contract terms; WFSE supported the bill, saying it would equalize bargaining rights across agencies. Substitute Senate Bill 5972 would extend interest arbitration rights to correctional employees in city and county jails regardless of population size; labor supported the bill as a retention tool, while cities and counties opposed it, arguing it would raise costs and should include ability-to-pay protections. The committee also heard Senate Bill 5988, authorizing the Department of Health to continue accrediting opioid treatment programs and charge accreditation fees, which DOH said was needed to avoid winding down the program.
Later, the committee heard Senate Bill 6151, which would move Ecology fee revenues for landfill methane emissions and laboratory accreditation into dedicated accounts; Ecology supported the bill as improving transparency and reinvesting fees into the programs, and staff said the lab fee shift would be offset by a related budget action. Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6194 would pay a rural hospital on a federally recognized Indian reservation, specifically Astria Toppenish, at 150% of the Medicaid fee-for-service rate beginning in 2027; hospital leaders and community members testified that the hospital serves a high-Medicaid, rural, and tribal population and faces persistent losses. Finally, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6302 would direct L&I to investigate possible misclassification of independent contractors on public works projects involving multiple workers doing the same finishing work; labor and business representatives both described it as a negotiated compromise to address underground economy abuses. The committee took no final votes during the hearing and ended by reiterating amendment deadlines for bills scheduled for executive session.
NM
New Mexico 2025 Regular Session
IC - Legislative Health and Human Services Aug 18th, 2025
Legislative Health & Human Services Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- Our Human Services program, which has concentrations in family studies and substance abuse, has a new
- and comprehensive wraparound services, including our I-BEST instructional support and on-campus child
- We'll continue to enhance our student support services for high retention and graduation rates.
- In general, public health offices offer family planning services, immunizations, harm reduction, and
- How are we providing those supports and ensuring that people are receiving those services?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Floor Session Sep 2nd, 2025
California House Floor Meeting
Transcript Highlights:
- And the family was very concerned, and so they had a family gathering and talked about it.
- This has been a support, support bill. Thank you. Assembly Member Ramos.
- the Angelo-Kito family.
- family and comfort that family during a great tragedy, who now is part of my family, but also to elevate
- It is a support bill.
Summary:
The Assembly convened after a quorum call, prayer, and pledge, then moved through a busy floor session with several procedural motions and bill actions. Members suspended rules to allow speeches and guests, withdrew AB 362 from Appropriations to the second reading file, and voted 41-13 to suspend the rules for that motion. The body also took up a number of items on the daily and third reading files, with several measures passed, retained, or moved to inactive file.
The main policy focus was ACR 70, designating September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Assembly Member Pellerin presented the resolution with a personal account of losing her husband to suicide and urged greater use of 988, secure firearm storage, and open conversations about mental health. Many members from both parties and caucuses spoke in support, sharing personal experiences with suicide and emphasizing stigma reduction, access to care, and the importance of checking in on others. The resolution was adopted by voice vote, Senate amendments were concurred in, and suicide awareness pins were distributed to members.
The Assembly also concurred in Senate amendments to AB 977 on Native American human remains, with unanimous support and a 68-0 vote, and to AB 1510, the Assembly PERS Committee bill, which passed 66-1. Members then adopted H.R. 65, recognizing October as Filipino American History Month, after extensive remarks celebrating Filipino American history, labor organizing, public service, and community contributions; 63 co-authors were added without objection before the voice vote. Later, the chamber passed SB 81, protecting access to health care facilities from immigration enforcement, and SB 98, requiring schools and campuses to notify communities when immigration enforcement is present; both were framed as part of a broader package to protect immigrant communities and passed on urgency votes. The session concluded with debate on SJR 9, a resolution condemning mass immigration raids and defending civil liberties, which drew sharply divided remarks from supporters and opponents, with no final action shown in the transcript excerpt.
CA
Transcript Highlights:
- support.
- Do you have any primary witnesses in support?
- Families are not declining care.
- For example, family members being diagnosed with cancer so a client can't receive services, or having
- I urge your support. Thank you. Any additional folks in the room wish to express support?
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee May 6th, 2026
Revenue and Taxation
Transcript Highlights:
- Please state your name, your affiliation, and your support. Good morning. And your support.
- I supported it last year.
- And again, I support your measure. I supported it last year.
- those families that have lost their homes and lives, family members in wildfires in California.
- for their families.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- I also do not support that there's a lot of services and supports in Minnesota at this point.
- supports</c><01:02:02.560><c> in</c> lot of lot of services and supports in lot of lot of services and
- Um, so under our Medicaid funding services, day support services, pre-vocational services, and all of
- those day support services.
- those day support services.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee Apr 15th, 2026
Communications and Conveyance
Transcript Highlights:
- advocate for the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, and Craig Kulisher, director for
- , in strong support.
- P-Flag Los Angeles, P-Flag Tri-Valley, and my family, in strong support of AB 1540.
- I'm in support.
- California in strong support. Thank you.
VT
Transcript Highlights:
- to offenders under their supervision in the community; classified family services employees in the Family
- Services Division of the Department for Children and Families; and classified medical employees of state-operated
- We ask for your support. support. support.
- spouses and children of law enforcement officers, family service workers, mental health professionals
- <c> health</c> family service workers, mental health family service workers, mental health professionals
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- Next up, we have Edu Lucia Baguio Lena of Maui Family Support Services in support.
- Shelley Brown, also Maui Family Support Services, in support. Tamara Augugustine in support.
- Shelley Brown, also Maui Family Support Services, in support. Tamara Augugustine in support.
- Shelley Brown, also Maui Family Support Services, in support. Tamara Augugustine in support.
- </c> Family Support Services in support. Family Support Services in support.
Summary:
The Health and Human Services Committee heard and considered a series of gubernatorial nominations and reappointments, primarily to the Hawaii Advisory Commission on Drug Abuse and Controlled Substances, the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation board, the Commission on Fatherhood, and the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs. Testimony was overwhelmingly supportive across the measures. The Department of Health repeatedly testified in support of the drug and controlled substances nominees, and several nominees and supporters emphasized experience in public health, rural health access, disability advocacy, family services, and elder affairs. Some nominees were not present live but had submitted written answers, which the chair noted had been posted online.
For the developmental disabilities nominations, testimony highlighted lived experience and representation from neighbor islands, with supporters saying the nominees would bring valuable perspectives and help strengthen services and advocacy. For the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation nominations, testimony stressed rural health, system collaboration, and broad community and hospital experience. The Commission on Fatherhood nominee said he wanted to advocate for fathers and be a voice for them, and supporters from Maui Family Support Services backed that nomination. The elder affairs nominee also received support from caregiver and aging-related organizations.
At the end of the hearing, the committee moved to advise and consent on the nominations it had heard, and each recommendation was adopted by the members present. The chair noted that all members were present for the votes, and the meeting concluded with congratulations to the nominees and adjournment.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- Rebecca Harris, Secretary for the Department of Children and Family Services. Good morning.
- Rebecca Harris, Secretary for the Department of Children and Family Services.
- to support our families.
- of Children and Family Services.
- And family services. All right. Representative Berault has made a motion to report HB 223 by Rep.
Summary:
The committee met on March 25 and first took up HB 199, which would extend Louisiana’s nursing home moratorium. Chairman Miller amended the bill to shorten the extension from five years to four, moving the termination date to July 1, 2031. Rep. Barault argued the state faces a growing bed-capacity problem and proposed an amendment to exempt St. Tammany Parish; Rep. Cruz offered a substitute to reduce the extension to three years. The Nursing Home Association said it had negotiated in good faith and supported the four-year compromise, while the Pelican Institute opposed the moratorium as anti-competitive. A St. Tammany resident testified that her mother faced a long wait for placement and that more local beds are needed. The three-year substitute and the St. Tammany exemption both failed, and HB 199 was reported favorably with the four-year amendment.
The committee then favorably reported HB 223 to recreate the Department of Children and Family Services for four more years, with Secretary Rebecca Harris saying the department’s recent reorganization has allowed it to focus more directly on child safety and child welfare. Members discussed planned reforms such as differentiated response, stronger community-based care, and the transfer of TANF to Louisiana Works in 2027. HB 907, which grants civil and criminal immunity for the use or distribution of expired naloxone or other opioid antagonists, also passed with technical amendments; public health officials and members emphasized that expired naloxone remains effective enough to save lives and should still be used in emergencies.
HB 535, which streamlines hospital-based acknowledgements of paternity by allowing notarization without two witnesses, was reported favorably after Woman’s Hospital testified that the change would speed up paternity establishment, child support enforcement, and the addition of fathers to birth certificates. HB 554, which would increase penalties for violations at health care facilities and require LDH reporting, drew testimony from a family member describing serious care failures and from LDH, which said it already has caps on fines and that the bill would not change those caps. Rep. Jackson amended the bill to require LDH to publish fines assessed and collected and to list facilities with repeated immediate jeopardy or actual harm deficiencies, but the bill was then voluntarily deferred for a week to allow further discussion with the department.
The committee also reported HB 224, a largely technical update to the Children’s Code recommended by the Louisiana State Law Institute, HB 246, which updates membership of the Children’s Cabinet Advisory Board and related bodies, and HB 405, which updates the name of the national acupuncture certifying organization. HB 222, requiring Medicaid coverage for certain dental procedures when needed to clear patients for other medically necessary treatment, was reported favorably despite a fiscal note. Finally, HB 235 on sewer systems generated extensive discussion: Rep. Fontenot described rising sewer rates, poor maintenance, and sewage overflows in his district, and argued for allowing property owners to install private sewer treatment systems in certain circumstances. Members raised concerns about local control, PSC rate-setting, and whether local governments should have more authority over sewer service decisions; the bill was still under discussion when the transcript ended.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 26th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- I'll grant California Alliance of Child and Family Services in support. Great. Thank you.
- Sharon Report, on behalf of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, in support.
- So I strongly support this. Thank you. Hello, Cheryl Winter from San Francisco, in support.
- Sharon Report with Corporation for Supportive Housing and Support. Good morning again.
- And so Can actually stay there and get the services they want and the services they need.
Summary:
The committee heard a long agenda of housing-related bills, beginning with AB 249, which would require youth-specific coordinated entry assessments for homeless services. The author and supporters from Larkin Street Youth Services and the California Coalition for Youth argued that current vulnerability tools are adult-focused and can disadvantage young people; the bill was described as a developmentally appropriate fix to better connect youth to housing and prevention services. There was no opposition, and the bill passed 7-0 to Human Services.
Members then heard AB 239 and AB 1206. AB 239 would create a state-led disaster housing task force, a state disaster housing coordinator, and regular legislative reporting to speed recovery after disasters; it passed 7-0 to Emergency Management. AB 1206 would let local agencies pre-approve plans for single-family and small multifamily homes of up to 10 units to reduce permitting delays and costs; the League of California Cities opposed it unless amended, citing local variation and staffing concerns, but the author and supporters said it would preserve local control and help speed housing production. The bill passed 9-0 to Local Government.
The committee also took up AB 57, which would reserve at least 10% of California’s home purchase assistance funds for descendants of formerly enslaved people. Supporters framed it as reparative justice and a way to address longstanding racial disparities in homeownership, while Pacific Legal Foundation argued it likely violated constitutional limits on race-based government action and urged a race-neutral approach. After discussion about reparations criteria and the bill’s intent, it passed 6-0 to Judiciary. The consent calendar, including AB 480, AB 726, and AB 1154, was approved 8-0.
Later, AB 282 was heard to allow housing providers to prefer applicants who participate in rental assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, despite existing source-of-income discrimination law. Supporters said it would help voucher holders find units and improve affordable housing operations; no opposition testified, and the bill passed 6-1 to Judiciary. AB 1229 followed, restructuring the adult reentry grant program to focus on permanent housing for people leaving prison by moving administration to HCD and using regional administrators; supporters emphasized the link between housing stability and reduced recidivism, and the bill passed 7-0 to Public Safety. The committee then approved AB 670, which would let local governments count preservation of naturally occurring affordable housing toward housing element goals and require better demolition reporting, and AB 750, which would strengthen oversight and reporting for homeless shelters after a prior reporting law saw very low compliance. AB 670 passed 8-0 to Local Government, and AB 750 was presented with testimony from a shelter resident describing abuse and lack of accountability in shelters.
AR
Arkansas 2026 1st Special Session
CHILDREN AND YOUTH COMMITTEE - SENATE AND HOUSE AGING, CHILDREN AND YOUTH, & LEGI Jun 3rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Tiffany Wright, Director for the Division of Children and Family Services.
- And then you can see the two... ...were assigned to the Division of Children and Family Services.
- This is only for the Division of Children and Family Services.
- Where we're providing services and using community support to safely keep those children in their home
- , was it the right service, and how do we continue to support this family?
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Aging, Children, and Youth first approved the February 11 minutes and then reviewed a DCFS policy manual update from Director Tiffany Wright. The rule changes were described as largely terminology and compliance updates to align with new laws, an executive order, and current practice, including moving internal procedures out of the public manual and into DCFS’s internal procedure manual. Members asked whether the changes altered practice or just wording, and Wright said they were mainly procedural and vernacular updates, such as changing terms like “protection plan” to “immediate safety plan” and “safety factor” to “safety threat.” The committee then reviewed and accepted the rule without objection.
Wright also presented DCFS performance data for the third quarter of FY 2026, including hotline reports, investigations, foster care, in-home services, permanency, and adoption measures. She noted staffing shortages in some counties, lower timeliness in completing maltreatment reports, and efforts to support those areas with central office staff and daily calls. Members asked about neglect trends, sexual abuse/exploitation categories, behavioral issues, and workforce recruitment and retention. Wright said DCFS is expanding hiring support, outreach, retention efforts, trauma support through UAMS, and a new staff training model beginning July 1. She also presented the biannual overturned investigations report, which tracks hotline calls, true findings, appeals, and reversals by county, and answered questions about comparing it with prior years.
Major Jeff Drew of the Crimes Against Children Division presented the 2025 annual report, saying the hotline received 67,987 calls and 37,986 were accepted for investigation, with 6,539 CACD investigations assigned and a 28% substantiation rate. He described hotline operator training, including a four-week program with policy review, scenarios, recorded calls, live call monitoring, and evidence-chain and decision-making instruction. He said the starting salary for hotline operators is $43,888 plus benefits and would check on comparisons with other states. Elizabeth Pooley of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas reported that the state’s 29 CACs and 64 multidisciplinary teams served 13,568 children and families in 2025, up about 3,000 from the prior year, and hosted 259 trainings. Members asked about funding, and she said state funding is the same for each center at roughly $70,000 to $75,000, supplemented by federal and community support, with work underway on Arkansas-specific best practices. The meeting ended after a brief unrelated question about Meals on Wheels and a Project Zero adoption event announcement.