In January 2021, the Child Welfare Ombudsman (CWO) Division was started within the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence. The program was created by the 92nd Arkansas General Assembly to provide independent oversight of the child welfare system in Arkansas, and that this oversight would result in recommendations that would improve the child welfare system overall. The mission of the Child Welfare Ombudsman became to review an issue or complaint in any child welfare case or investigation in which a child or their family needs assistance, to bring resolution when possible, and to advocate for policies and procedures that will improve the child welfare system in Arkansas.
Over the first four years of the program, the Ombudsman was able to assist hundreds of children, families, relatives, and foster parents resolve concerns and complaints involving their cases. The CWO division was able to work with parents, grandparents, attorneys, caseworkers, and judges to resolve issues that improved how children and families move through the complicated system of child welfare. The annual reports provided insight into how this Division worked through complaints, resolved issues, cared for children and families, and made recommendations to improve policies and procedures. Those reports can be found below for further information on the incredible work that was accomplished in the first three years of the program.
In July 2025, the CWO was legislatively moved to the Department of the Inspector General, beginning another chapter in the Division’s history. Though no longer housed within ACCARDV, our support for this program is unwavering. Through a MOU with the Department of the Inspector General, we are proud to provide funding to continue the work of improving the Arkansas child welfare system through the CWO program as they tirelessly work cases for children and families across all 75 Arkansas counties. Their dedication to providing independent oversight and assistance to those in need is raising the standards of the child welfare system in Arkansas.
If you need the assistance of this Division, Stasia McDonald, Ombudsman, and Zachary Barnes, Assistant Ombudsman can be reached at their new office at the Department of the Inspector General at 501-371-2223 or by email at child.welfare.ombudsman@arkansas.gov.