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  1. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  2. Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence
  3. Author: Kelly Gardner

Kelly Gardner

ACCARDV Newsletter – January 2022

Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Quarterly Newsletter

The Director’s Desk

Laura Robertson

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the ACCARDV newsletter! We are excited about introducing the Commission staff and keeping all of our partners up to date on all that we are doing at the Commission.

As we all know, child abuse, sexual assaults, and domestic violence are all tied together in many ways. By providing prevention education and services for domestic violence, we can potentially lower the incidents of child abuse and sexual assaults. By improving our child welfare system through our Ombudsman Office, we can hopefully reduce the recidivism in dependency-neglect cases and strengthen our families.

Our goal for our child welfare, sexual assault prevention, and domestic violence prevention divisions is to bring awareness, education, and services to our state and support those personally affected by these issues. We also want to do all we can to help those serving their communities through educational programs, crisiscenters, and preventive services around Arkansas. Thank you for partnering with ACCARDV as we strive to better our child welfare system and prevent child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence throughout our state and communities.

ACCARDV Mission Statement
To enhance the investigation, prosecution, treatment, support and prevention on cases of child abuse, rape, and domestic violence. We hope that our services will help you educate and protect those whose lives are affected by these destructive realities, and replace confusion with clarity of purpose. The Commission’s purpose and membership were further defined in Act 1336, passed by the State Legislature in 1995. This comprehensive group is made up of representatives from various agencies, professions or groups, and service providers including law enforcement, medicine, and mental health.

Staff Highlights


NAME: Candy Garland

HOMETOWN: Hot Springs

FAMILY: April (wife) & Kandice (daughter)

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE: Departmental Business Administrator

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT UAMS? 23 years

AWAY FROM WORK? I love to fish. cook, watch football and Lifetime movies.

WHAT SPARKS JOY IN YOUR LIFE? A good laugh! Spending time with family and friends, and helping others whenever I can.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION? Anywhere near water and has good food.


Name: Sherry Williamson

HOMETOWN: Glenwood, AR

FAMILY: Deb (wife) Silas, Finn & Jasper (sons)

ROLE: Child Abuse Project Coordinator

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT UAMS? 20 years

AWAY FROM WORK? You can usually find me making art in my studio, on my couch with a good book, doing yoga, or spending time with my friends & family.

WHAT SPARKS JOY IN YOUR LIFE? Using my art to encourage empathy & meaningful conversation, inspire creativity in others and celebrate my perfectly imperfect life & experiences.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION? We took the boys to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando a few years ago & made some of the very best memories I have.

Sara Rudolph-Pollard
NAME: Sara Rudolph-Pollard

HOMETOWN: Louisville, KY

FAMILY: Anderson Pollard Sr. (son) & 6 beautiful grandchildren

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE: Domestic Violence Project Coordinator

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT UAMS? 9 years

AWAY FROM WORK? I spend time with my grandchildren & travel

WHAT SPARKS JOY IN YOUR LIFE? My grandchildren & traveling

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION? My favorite vacations were to Belize, Ghana, South Africa, and Cuba

Laura Robertson
NAME: Laura Robertson

HOMETOWN: Denver, Colorado

FAMILY: Married to Jim and we have 3 sons, John Connor, Tucker, and Henry

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE? I am the Child Welfare Ombudsman Director and the Interim Director for ACCARDV.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT UAMS? Almost 1 year

AWAY FROM WORK? I enjoy watching my son play baseball, spending time with my family and friends, reading, cooking, and baking.

WHAT SPARKS JOY IN YOUR LIFE? Attending Razorback baseball games with my boys, going to the beach with my family, going to the farm with my husband, and spending a great evening with friends.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION? The beach, any beach, anytime of the year.

Sam Siegel
NAME: Sam Siegel

HOMETOWN: Conway

FAMILY: McKenna (wife)

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE: Rape Prevention Coordinator

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT UAMS? 2 weeks

AWAY FROM WORK? I love to cook, play board games, watch movies, and spend time with friends

WHAT SPARKS JOY IN YOUR LIFE? Making others laugh, helping people, and dessert

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VACATION? My honeymoon in Scotland

Arkansas DV Stats
55 total deaths to date:
32 women, 17 men, 6 children
26 intimate partner violence
Updated 8/1/2021

https://www.domesticpeace.com/copy-of-2019-domestic-violence-homicides (12/03/2021)

The Child Welfare Ombudsman Division

The Child Welfare Ombudsman division is an independent and impartial agency that is housed within the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence. The Child Welfare Ombudsman Division was created to work independently from other child welfare agencies in the state of Arkansas. The Ombudsman reviews issues and concerns related to the court case or the investigation involving a child when assistance is requested by the child, the parent of the child, the foster parent of the child, or relative or fictive kin of the child. The Ombudsman also has the duty to review and recommend necessary changes to improve the policies and procedures within the child welfare system of Arkansas and to make sure every child being served by the child welfare system is aware of their legal rights under the law.

The majority of the 9,960 victim children in true investigations were involved in allegations of neglect (71%), followed by allegations of physical abuse and sexual abuse (19% each).

Arkansas DCFS Annual Report Card SFY 2021

A Word from the Commission Chair
Dr. Karen Worley

Welcome to the inaugural ACCARDV newsletter! This represents an effort to educate commissioners, partner agencies, and the community about the good works of the commission on behalf of child abuse, rape, and domestic violence. Many thanks to commissioners for committing to committee work as we support and develop projects in these areas. I appreciate the breadth and depth of knowledge of the ACCARDV commissioners and look forward to working with you all.

Lisa Channell – State Crime Lab-Retired
Cristy Sellers – ADH

Carol Maxwell – AR Hospital Association
Mischa Martin – DCFS

Dr. Karen Farst – Child Abuse

Dr. Karen Worley – Mental Health Professional
Judge Blake Batson – Judge

Suzanne Lumpkin – Defense Attorney
John Threet – Judge

Heather McKim – Attorney General’s Office
Sheriff Scott Sawyer – Law Enforcement
Jimmy Turnbow – Attorney ad Litem
Nathan Smith – Prosecuting Attorney Assoc.

Dorinda Edmisten – Rape Crisis Program
Courtney Leach – Disabilities

Gracie Giles Gonner – Domestic Violence
Tess Fletcher – CASA

Elizabeth Pulley – Member at Large
Laura Abbot – Member at Large
Dr. Sufna John – Member at Large

Major Jeffery Drew – Arkansas State Police
Melanie Mata – Human Trafficking

Quarterly Holidays and Observances
1/1 – New Year’s Day (office closed)
1/17 – Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (office closed
2/1 – First Day of Black History Month
2/21 – President’s Day/George Washington’s Day (office closed)

Filed Under: News

April 15, 2020

ACCARDV Meeting Minutes 041520Download

Filed Under: Meeting Minutes

October 16th, 2019

October 16th, 2019

Meeting called to order –  1:35 p.m.

INTRODUCTION – New Commission members and ACCARDV staff (Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence)

MEMBERS PRESENT – Dr. Karen Worley, Debbie Roark, Dorinda Edmisten, Dr. Karen Farst, Lisa Channell, Mischa Martin, Carol Maxwell, Laura Abbott, Cristy Sellers, Judge Batson, Suzanne Ritter-Lumpkin, Mischa Martin, Judge Threet, William Jones, Tess Fletcher, Jimmy Turnbow, Nathan Smith, Elizabeth Pulley, Courtney Leach, Dr. Sufna, Major Drew, Melanie Mata

MEMBERS ABSENT –  Sheriff Scott Sawyer, Gracie Giles-Gonner

OTHERS PRESENT – Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence staff: Michelle Cline, Candy Garland, Ashley Lichtle, Myca Grant-Hunthrop, Nancy Chambers, Sherry Williamson, Sara Rudolph-Pollard, Gwendolyn Johnson

PROXIES – Laura Abbott representing Gracie Giles-Gonner, Toss Worthington representing Dr. Karen Farst

GUESTS in ATTENDANCE – Phyllis Bell, Stasia Burke-McDonald, Heather McKim

LOCATION – The meeting was held in the Freeway Medical Building @ 5800 West 10th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, Room 906     

Review of Minutes from Last Meeting – motion to approve minutes; Mischa Martin, Dorinda Edmisten seconded. Minutes are also available on the Commission’s website (www.accardv.uams.edu)

  • Child Abuse Project Report – Presented by Sherry Williamson

Sherry provided a quarterly report for April 1st – September 30th, 2019. There were 615 participants present at in-person trainings. Online trainings consisted of 15,976; with 13,936 individuals being trained with Arkansas Mandated Reporter Training and 2,040 licensed educators being trained with Arkansas IDEAS Educator Training, total trained 16,591. Provided brief overview of meetings attended; great participation! The Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence will conduct the next Child Abuse meeting on November 13th, 2019 @ 9 a.m. The address is: 2102 Riverfront, Suite 102, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. 

  • Rape Project Report – Presented by Myca Grant-Hunthrop

Myca provided a brief overview of the RPE (Rape Prevention Education) grant. The RPE five-year cooperative agreement has completed the first year. The current grantees will reapply and be reviewed for performance, adherence to the program specifications, and the availability of funding.  The Rape Committee has maintained the sexual assault treatment flowchart for emergency departments. The 2020 Hospital Sexual Assault Hospital Protocol Conference will be held May 11th – May 13th, Crowne Plaza, Little Rock, Arkanasas

  • Domestic Violence Report – Presented by Sara Rudolph-Pollard 

Sara presented a brief summary of meetings/trainings conducted and  victim’s rights vigil and recognition ceremony in the last quarter. On-going training for Sara is C.A.R.E. (Central Arkansas Reentry Coalition) and the CDC (Chancellor’s Diversity Committee) meetings. The SSBG (Social Service Block Grant) and awarded 9 shelters. The Domestic Peace Fund awarded funding of $16,130 to 31 shelters. The Arkansas Conference on Child Abuse & Neglect was held October 10th, 2019 in Hot Springs, Arkansas; was very informative and productive. 

  • MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) Project – Presented by Nancy Chambers

Nancy’s presentation included an MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) coordinator update of new coordinators and trainings. The new MDT contract year began July 1st, 2019. Currently, there are 67 multi-disciplinary teams and 39 coordinators. There were 3 regional trainings conducted; April 23rd, 27th and 29th. All coordinators participated and the primary focus was the new website/database system. July 2020 will be next coordinator training. All trainings attended were informative.

  • CAC (Child Advocacy Centers) Project – Presented by Ashley Lichtle

Ashley’s provided a brief summary of CAC (Child Advocacy Centers) updates, including conferences, meetings and trainings attended. They were all successful.  The MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) statewide survey response has been great! She concluded by presenting a 2020 and 2021 summary projection chart of funds available and entertained questions. The dollar amounts listed were estimates and subject to change. 

Financial Update – Candy Garland

Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence

Financial Update

Funding listed below reflects financial activity since the April17, 2019 meeting:

STATE FUNDING UPDATE

Old Business

2018-2019       DIVISION ON AGING GRANT                                    STATE DHS

Since July 1, 2018, ACCARDV dispensed a total of $144,959 to 10 domestic violence shelters for client services. EffectiveJuly 1, 2019, we have a total of 9 shelters eligible for client services funding. There was only one applicant from Region IV. See attachment 1 for a current list of shelters and amounts.

                                   New Business

2019-2020       DOMESTIC PEACE FUND                                 STATE APPROPRIATION

Since July 1, we have distributed a total of $245,982.50 to 30 domestic violence shelters across the state. Each shelter received atotal of $8,065.00 with the exception of Anna’s Place, in Forrest City, which closed on October 1, 2019. Total estimated payout is$487,932.50 provided all shelters remain in compliance. See attachment 2 for a current list of shelters and amounts.

2019–2020       CHILD SAFETY CENTER                                   STATE APPROPRIATION

Since July 1, 2019, we have distributed a total of $1,255,000 to 17 active Children’s Advocacy Centers. In addition, we have senta total of $315,000 to seven Child Safety Satellite Centers across the state for a total payout of $1,570,000. See attachment 3for a current list of CACs and amounts.

New Funding Available July l, 2019

2019 – 2020   CHILD SAFETY CENTER                                     STATE APPROPRIATION

Effective July 1, 2019, ACCARDV received $1,455,588 for our Child Safety Center Appropriation.  Funds will be used to support17 active Child Safety Centers across the state along with 7 Child Safety Satellite Centers and 68 multi­disciplinary teams(MDTs). Funds will also be used to support the Child First Training component, as well as operations expenses of ACCARDV andsalary/staff expenses of personnel involved in this project.

2019-2020     CHILD WELFARE                                          STATE APPROPRIATION

Effective July 1, 2019, ACCARDV received $274,400 from our Child Welfare State Appropriation, for payment of contractualservices provided by MDT Coordinators to review and process child abuse allegations, July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

2019–2020     DOMESTIC VIOLENCE                                STATE APPROPRIATION

Effective July 1, 2019, ACCARDV received $63,767 from our Domestic Violence State Appropriation . These funds willbe used to pay a portion of salaries and fringe of office staff, along with operations expenses, July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020.

FEDERAL FUNDING UPDATE

New Funding Available Oct 1, 2019

2019–2022      CHILDREN ‘S JUSTICE ACT GRANT                      FEDERAL DHHS

On Sept 16, 2019, ACCARDV received notice of award for $184,592, for our 2019-2022 CJA Grant. Funds will be used toprovide additional training to help professionals on recognizing and reporting of child maltreatment, along with MDT scholarshipsfor training. Additionally, funds will be used for operations expenses associated with this grant, along with salaries and fringe ofoffice staff.

2019–2020       PREVENTIVE HEALTH BLOCK GRANT              FEDERAL CDC

On Oct 3, 2019, ACCARDV received official notification from ADH that our 2019-2020 Preventive Health Block Grant badbeen approved for $65,198. Funds will be used for a portion of the Rape Prevention Project Coordinator’ s salary and fringe alongwith supporting rape prevention and education program activities such as: SANE scholarship awards, in-state trainings, purchase of curricula as well as purchase of sexual assault evidence collection kits for the State Crime Lab.

  • OTHER BUSINESS

After years of committed service, Commission member Lisa Channell is retiring from the Arkansas Crime Lab!

Debbie Roark; acknowledged and thanked for her many years of dedicated service! 

Next quarterly Commission meeting: Wednesday, January 15th, 2020

Meeting Adjourned –  2:30 p.m. 

Filed Under: Meeting Minutes

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