Arkansas Governor Pledges To Implement Child Welfare System Reforms Including Reduction In Caseloads From 29 To 20

On July 16, 2015, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson pledged to implement the recommendations from a review of the state's child welfare system—including seeking legislative approval to add about 200 caseworker and supervisor positions over a three-year period. This staffing addition would reduce caseloads from 29 to 20.

The recommendations were released in “A Review of the Arkansas Division of Children & Family Services” by The Child Welfare and Policy and Practice Group. The researchers reviewed the state Department of Human Services’ Division of Children and Family Services. In March 2015, the governor had ordered a review of . . .