The Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence (ACCARDV) was established in 1991 to enhance the coordinated approach in providing services to victims of child abuse, rape, and domestic violence.
Today the mission of ACCARDV is to enhance investigation, prosecution, treatment, support, and prevention in cases of child abuse, rape, human trafficking, and domestic violence. ACCARDV fulfills this mission through a collective impact approach consisting of two arms that work together to enhance victim services around the state. There are 22 Commissioners appointed by the Governor who serve as an advisory council and representatives of their communities and interests surrounding violence and abuse. Many Commissioners appointed by the Governor represent membership designation positions statutorily required to receive the federal Children’s Justice Act Grant, which requires no matching funds from the state. The Commissioners work in the areas of focus or have experience with one or more of the issues. They convene three times per year to discuss the Commission goals, projects, and strategies to help the people of Arkansas.
The newest area of ACCARDV is the Child Welfare Ombudsman (CWO), a division which works to represent and investigate complaints impartially and advocate for improvements in policies and procedures surrounding the child welfare system. The mission of the Child Welfare Ombudsman office is 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. The CWO office opened in January 2021 and the number of cases handled by the CWO has grown quickly over the first three years and the need for more staff to handle the caseload is on the horizon. The office has two Ombudsman that cover all 75 counties and 28 judicial districts. They assist families, attorneys, and judges weekly as they work to improve all aspects of the Arkansas child welfare system. The Ombudsman program is also involved with the United States Ombudsman Association and the Children & Family Chapter. This allows them access to best practices from across the nation and they have been able to improve their service to the families in Arkansas through this association and its members. The CWO serves on the MDT Oversight Committee, DCFS External Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Committee, and ACCARDV’s Child Welfare Committee.
ACCARDV Project Coordinators carry out the projects and work-plans of the Commission by leading work groups, obtaining and administering funding, analyzing gaps and barriers, advocating for individuals, identifying needed access, looking for policy and funding solutions, and bringing together advocates and service providers to develop solutions. ACCARDV staff members work closely with other state level service-providers and collaborate with Commissioners to ensure that all areas of the continuum are being met across each of the Commission’s focus areas. ACCARDV is housed within the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) which allows for integration and the support of other departments and colleges.