Psychological Evaluations - The evaluation will provide information as to the competency and mental ability of the client to care for themselves and the children at issue as well as the ability of the client to provide an adequate environment for themselves and children on a consistent uninterrupted basis. For children, the evaluation will provide information as to intellectual, verbal, and performance abilities, and an assessment of the child’s emotional or behavioral condition. Activities include the administration and interpretation of appropriate psychological tests. Services are used to prevent out-of-home placement and promote reunification of families.

Respite Care Services are provided to client families in order to prevent a disruption in a biological family, foster family or adoptive family. Additional family benefits included the following: providing the family with an opportunity for rest and relaxation; improving the family’s ability to cope with daily responsibilities; maintaining the family’s stability during crisis situations; helping preserve the family unit by decreasing the pressures that might lead to divorce, institutionalization, abuse or neglect; and making it possible for people to establish an individual identity and enrich their lives.

Family Resource Centers provide support services to DCFS clients and other families. This support consists of job skill training, housing location, resource referral, and seminars related to improving life in the community. Family Resource Centers exist in areas that lack adequate economic and social resource. The families in the community have a strong impact on the resources that are available for them.

Home Studies - A study completed by a licensed social worker to assess the suitability and safety of a home before approving the placement of a child. Collateral contacts are made, and a recommendation is given to DCFS and court as to whether the placement is supportive of the child’s safety and well-being.

Human Services Workers in the School Initiative - A collaborative between DCFS and locate school districts, which places caseworkers in the schools to help children and families. The objective of the initiative is (1) promoting safety and strengthening of our future, our children, (2) supporting the community’s capacity to produce children who are healthy families, and children who succeed in school; and (3) promoting the Division’s family preservation philosophy.

Intensive Family Services (IFS) - A mixture of in-home Counseling and support services intended for families with multiple and severe problems whose children are in imminent risk of an out of home placement or have already experienced an out-of-home placement and reunification is planned. The service is aimed at ensuring the safety of family members while helping the family learn how to stay together successfully. Services are family-centered, behaviorally oriented, immediate, intensive and short-term.

Assessment Services/Drug Screening - Assessment to determine usage of illegal drugs or alcohol that would impact the safety and well being of children. The assessments must be performed under controlled circumstances and within specific timeframes.

Counseling Services - Services based on a family-centered approach and intended to strengthen family functioning. Counseling Services encourage families and individuals to build upon their existing strengths, to develop capacities to meet their needs, and to acquire new skills. Services may include problem identification, and resolution; identification of feasible goals; emotional support and guidance; provision of basic skills for functioning in the community; exploration of possible alternative behavior patterns; and development and strengthening the capacity for personal and social functioning. Services may be in-home or office based. Counseling Services are intended for families whose children are at risk of an out-of home placement or have experienced an out-of home placement and reunification is planned.

DCFS School Liaison - The Division contracts with an individual to work within the county offices in Miller and Columbia Counties for up to 3 days a week to improve DCFS/school relationships by responding timely to school referrals, diverting families from involvement with DCFS and the court system, and increasing awareness by families and school personnel of alternative resources.


Citizens Review Panel - The Panel assures that requirements of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) are incorporated into state law. The 1996 amendment to CAPTA requires states to develop and establish Citizens Review Panels in order to evaluate child protective services. Membership consists of legal, child advocacy, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), parent/foster parent, and health/mental health. DCFS cannot comprise a majority on panel.

UAMS Office of the Chancellor - To train social workers and other helping professionals to provide support to children, who have been exposed to abuse and/or neglect, to enhance their adjustment to normal functioning. Opportunities for training will be targeted toward the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) field staff before slots are filled by other helping professions.

Fatherhood Initiative - To provide services to fathers designed to increase their parenting skills; increase their interaction and involvement with their children; improve attitudes or feelings toward their children; improve or build a relationship with the biological mother and/or primary caretaker; reduce alcohol and drug abuse; and, increase education and employment

Family Treatment Programs - Specialized treatment for parents and caregivers of sexually abused children is needed by the Division of Children and Family Services. This program will target non-offending adults who have no payment source for needed services. Referrals will come mainly from Pulaski County but all of Arkansas is eligible if the participant is willing to travel. Participants will receive an assessment, an initial diagnostic interview, a psychiatric review of records, individual and group psychotherapy.

Language Interpretation - To provide Spanish and other language interpretation including phone interpreting and translation and transcription of written material from Spanish to English. Services are provided in all 75 counties in Arkansas 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Sign Language Interpreter Services - To provide Interpretive Services for DCFS clients that are hearing impaired. DCFS clients will receive communication support through the use of manual, oral, graphic/visual modes of communication to facilitate understanding between hearing and hearing-impaired persons. Services are provided in all 75 counties in Arkansas 24 hours a day, seven days a week.