Mary Bentley — Mary Bentley was introduced as the next questioner, then asked about options and parameters for rural districts dealing with violent or disruptive students. She followed up by noting that one of her superintendents is successfully using Care Solace and was pleased with the results, illustrating a practical support option for her district.
Mary Bentley — Mentioned as someone the speaker did not see present; also referenced in connection with an issue addressed in the last legislative session.
Laura Taylor — Introduces herself as a presenter.
Kevin Kleghorn — Introduces himself as a presenter.
Kevin Kleghorn — Referenced as having explained that the report is a tool for organizations and agencies interested in prevention activities.
Sherry Williamson — Introduces herself as a presenter.
Kevin — Referenced as having previously commented on the report.
David Whitaker — A representative identified as Richardson is recognized and asks about age breakdowns for suicide and homicide data on page 12. The transcript appears to misrender the member's name; likely Representative Richardson.
Michael Crump — Michael Crump was referenced as someone who could speak further about community-based providers.
Michael Crump — Referenced as someone who would agree that 2020 and 2021 should be treated as COVID years because of the lag between offense and commitment.
Paul Childress — Representative Shepard was recognized and thanked the presenters.
Paul Childress — Representative Shepherd is referenced throughout a continuous discussion about gaps in services for children and families, including what to do when a child is dangerous at home and has been dropped by a provider, the impact of closures and the need to expand services, and questions about access to mental health and substance-abuse treatment. The exchange also touches on how the lack of services can lead to reliance on incarceration.
Brooke — Brooke was identified as the person best positioned to answer emailed questions about the data, was thanked and invited to add anything missed, and was later referenced again in connection with providing data on how assessments are tied to commitments.
Michael — Michael was discussed in relation to post-COVID offense data: he was not surprised by the increase and hoped the numbers would improve in future reporting, noting that later data may look better because commitments lag behind offenses.
Michael — Michael was praised for running the C-Step program and for his sustained efforts over several sessions to expand bed capacity and work with judges to place youth there, indicating he could provide more information about the program.
Ben Gilmore — Senator Gilmore’s point is referenced in the context of comparing diversion numbers with the decline in misdemeanor cases, noting that misdemeanor cases are decreasing while felony cases have not declined as much.
Judge Braswell — The speaker says the question is directed to Judge Braswell and praises him as a compassionate juvenile judge.
Judge Braswell — Asked to explain his prior statement that Arkansas needs to do something.
Judge Braswell — The prosecutor deferred to Judge Braswell to handle the case because of the open FINS matter.
Joy Springer — Representative Shepard is addressed in a continuous exchange about a resolution she presented in committee and the related follow-up discussion. The speaker thanks her for the question, and Judge Braswell continues by discussing the progress made on juvenile justice reform efforts.
Joy Springer — Representative Shepard thanked the witness and referenced prior work together, then asked about the annual cost of incarceration figure.
Joy Springer — Representative Shepard was thanked for continuing to uplift juvenile justice; the transcript likely intended Representative Shepard, but the exact member name is uncertain from this section alone.
Glenn Barnes — Representative Barnes is referenced as having raised or emphasized mental health concerns, with the speaker noting that he 'hit on it' and highlighted mental health as a major issue.
Glenn Barnes — Representative Barnes asked whether Job Corps connects with the department.
Glenn Barnes — Referenced as having mentioned the efficiency of community-based programs.
James Eaton — Representative Barnes is referenced in a continuous discussion about service closures and provider shortages, including what should be done for a child who is dangerous at home and has been dropped by a provider, and the broader need to expand or restore services.
Steve Unger — Representative Barnes is directly addressed multiple times during a continuous exchange about how the data supports the point being made, including discussion of judicial discretion and DYS decision-making. The speaker acknowledges Barnes’s point, agrees with him, and continues elaborating on the same theme.
Mark Perry — Was addressed in response to his question about judges and programs; the speaker agreed it was a good point.
Johnny Rye — Representative Johnny Rye discussed how dyslexia, behavioral issues, family pressures, and parental absence can affect children’s behavior and learning, arguing that schools may need different responses to student behavior. He suggested after-school programs as a possible support and concluded by thanking the chair.
Jessie McGruder — Representative McGruder thanked the presenters, referenced prior conversations with the judge, clarified that as a PE teacher he does not send students to the bleachers to use phones, and then closed by expressing appreciation for the discussion and support for continued work on the issue.
Director Crump — Director Crump is called to the table for the next agenda item and asked to introduce himself for the record before proceeding.
Michael Krupp — Michael Krupp, director of the Division of Youth Services, introduced himself and outlined the structure of his presentation, noting that he would use a mix of narrative sections, graphs, and data tables to discuss youth in DYS custody, including education and clinical services.
Matthew Shepherd — Identified as having submitted questions about DYS data and population.
— Referenced as having previously discussed probation or aftercare revocations that may be included in the no-felonies category.
Bart Schulz — Mentioned as part of the partnership discussion with Shorter College.
Coach Fitzhill — The speaker said the committee would hear from Coach Fitzhill later and referenced a program with Arkansas Baptist College.
Joey Carr — Representative Gonzalez-Worthen asks follow-up questions about how students are assessed and supported, including reading levels, special education backgrounds, and the number of youth with English language proficiency needs and how they are taught.
Joey Carr — The chair called on Representative Gonzalez.
Courtney Sallis Ford — Introduces herself as representing the Department of Education.
Courtney Sallis Ford — Invited to address additional topics and then began explaining the department's responses.
Stacey Smith — Introduces herself as Deputy Commissioner with the Department of Education.
Ms. Smith — Explained that state law limits expulsion and out-of-school suspension for K-5 students unless they are physically violent.
Diana Worthen — Representative Diana Worthen was recognized and asked about the connection between early literacy, chronic absenteeism, court involvement, and later incarceration. She noted concerns that many incarcerated or court-involved students are not reading at grade level and emphasized that strong reading foundations are built in the early grades, especially kindergarten and early childhood. She asked what more can be done to prevent students from falling behind and whether additional resources or grants could support early literacy and kindergarten readiness.
Kisa Smith-Brandley — She introduced herself as executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and began testimony on juvenile justice.
Ms. Smith-Brandley — Following Ms. Smith-Brandley’s presentation, the chair opened the floor for questions and then offered thanks for her testimony, specifically noting appreciation for her advocacy perspective.
Jane English — The speaker discusses working with Stacy and her team on the state board, mentioning Senator Key as part of that collaborative effort.
Coach — Thanked Representative Shepard and began discussing seven years of service on the state board.
Mr. Kromp — The speaker said they met Mr. Kromp and worked closely with him on alternative rehabilitation measures.
Stephanie Flowers — Nelson Mandela is cited for the idea that the discussion should focus not only on pulling people out, but on understanding why they were thrown in in the first place.
Mr. Crump — Referenced as someone the speaker is working with to find students and create specific life plans.