Our Mission
To review an issue or complaint in any child welfare case or investigation in which a child or their family needs assistance from the Ombudsman; to bring resolution when possible; and to advocate for policies and procedures that will improve the child welfare system in Arkansas
Our Goals
- To advocate for the best interests of the child by encouraging best practices from all parties serving children and families in Arkansas
- To objectively evaluate and work to resolve issues and concerns within the child welfare system of Arkansas
- To provide independent oversight to the child welfare system in Arkansas
What is an Ombudsman?
An Ombudsman is a representative who investigates complaints impartially, and advocates for improvements in policies and procedures.
What is 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 involving a child who has been subjected to abuse or neglect. The Ombudsman also has the duty to review and recommend necessary changes to improve the policies, procedures
and laws 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.
What Services are Provided?
The Ombudsman may:
- Investigate complaints
- Answer questions regarding your issue or complaint and make referrals if possible
- Provide information about department procedures or policies
- Attempt to resolve complaints not resolved at the local office level
- Advocate for improvements within the child welfare system that will aid individual children and/or families
The Ombudsman Cannot:
- When reviewing a complaint or making findings, the Ombudsman cannot disclose confidential information.
- The Ombudsman does not determine whether or not disciplinary action is taken against an employee of an agency.
- The Ombudsman does not have authority over judicial decisions regarding court involved cases.
- The Ombudsman Office cannot overturn or change investigative findings.
- The Ombudsman Office cannot compel an agency to implement recommendations.
- The Ombudsman Office jurisdiction is the Arkansas Child Welfare System, and not Domestic Relations or Probate cases.
Who Can File a Complaint?
Anyone who believes that a child welfare agency or party has failed to follow laws, rules, or policies in regard to a child welfare case may file a complaint. This could be a child, a parent, a relative, a foster parent, or anyone that is advocating for a child involved in a dependency-neglect case in Arkansas.
What Should I Do Before I File a Complaint?
Before contacting the Child Welfare Ombudsman try to resolve the issue through the supervisors of the agency with whom you are having issues. Many times an agency official can explain a policy, answer your questions, or correct the problem.
How Can I File a Complaint?
You can file a complaint by contacting the Ombudsman at 501-661-7974 or email the Ombudsman at childwelfareombudsman@uams.edu.
What Happens After I File a Complaint?
After a complaint is filed, the ombudsman will contact you for additional information and conduct a preliminary assessment of the case. A determination is then made to refer to the agency, to attempt a resolution, or to launch an official investigation into the complaint. An official investigation involves a review of all necessary case documents and interviews with parties involved in the case. When the investigation is complete, a report will be submitted to the complainant and the respective agency with the findings and recommendations for improvements if needed.
Read and download the Child Welfare Ombudsman brochure here