Arkansas Department of Human Services
DHS Attorney Serving Individuals Across Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Human Services, including the Division of Children and Family Services and the Central Registry Unit, is what is often referred to as “child protective services “ (CPS) or simply “DHS.” Most legal issues involving DHS are either dependency-neglect cases where children are taken into foster care juvenile delinquency cases, where a child is accused of a crime, or child maltreatment central registry cases, where an individual has been accused by the DHS to have subjected a juvenile to abuse or neglect.
We have attorneys on staff who previously worked for DHS and know the system. They will fight for you and can help you secure the right outcome in your DHS case.
DHS AREAS
Dependency or Neglect
Dependency neglect is the most common court litigated legal issue involving the Department of Human Services. The Department is represented by a state attorney, the child or children is given a special attorney, known as an “attorney ad litem,” and the parents are given approximately a year to correct the conditions that caused their children to be taken into foster care. The steps necessary to overcome that barrier and get your kids back can be overwhelming but having an experienced attorney on your side can make it quicker and less stressful.
​
​
Child Maltreatment Registry
If you or a loved one has been accused of hurting a child and is facing the prospect of being placed on the child abuse central registry, we can help. DHS sometimes gets it wrong and will try to put someone on the child abuse registry who is innocent. You have a right to challenge the finding and go before an administrative judge to keep your name off of the registry. Our experienced attorneys can represent you at the hearing. Call us today.
​
​
​
​
Family in Need of Services (FINS)
Family in Need of Services (FINS) cases involve families who may need court assistance to address issues affecting their child's well-being and stability. A FINS petition may be filed when a child is habitually absent from school, runs away from home, or is beyond the control of a parent or guardian. The court may order services such as counseling, educational support, treatment programs, or other interventions designed to help the child and family address underlying concerns and improve long-term outcomes.
Serving Arkansas Residents
We’ve helped over 10,000 families across Arkansas find a financial fresh start.
Your Arkansas
Law Firm
ARlaw Partners has two convenient offices in Little Rock & Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Get Help With Your DHS Case
Contact ARlaw Partners to discuss your DHS matter today.
Common DHS Issues & Solutions
----
What is a maltreatment registry?
The Child Maltreatment Registry and Adult Maltreatment Registries are lists of names maintained by the Arkansas Department of Human Services of individuals who have had an investigation for child or adult maltreatment substantiated against them. Employers and potential employers are either notified or can readily determine whether your name appears on a registry, and use that information to preclude you from employment. This is especially a concern for individuals involved in the day to day care of children and adults, such as teachers, coaches, school bus drivers, nursing home employees, etc.
How can I get my name off of the maltreatment registry?
There are a few stages at which a person may be able to either prevent placement of their name on a maltreatment registry or have their name removed from a registry. When an investigation for child or adult maltreatment has been substantiated, or found to be proven true by a preponderance of the evidence, the person being placed on the registry will be provided with the opportunity to request an administrative hearing to keep their name off the registry. If, after the hearing, the administrative law judge keeps the name on the registry, that judge may be appealed to circuit court. If one's name still remains on the registry, most names placements are subject to petitions for removal after a period of one (1) year.
Can my child stay with family while in foster care?
When the Arkansas Department of Human Services exercise an emergency hold on a child and take them into foster care, they are first tasked with finding a suitable foster placement for the child. Family members should contact the Department to inform them that they wish to be considered for a foster or adoptive placement. Foster and adoptive families will be required to complete certain courses, homestudies, etc. in order to remain eligible. Often, unfortunately, not all family is readily considered due to the circumstances of the removal.
How long can a child remain in foster care?
Generally, there is no set time on how long a child may remain in foster care. Arkansas' laws are aspirational in that they seek to determine a "permanency plan" for the juvenile after the child has been in foster care for a period of year. The majority of courts, after fifteen (15) months, move towards termination of parental rights if another permanency plan, such as guardianship, is not available.
What is a termination of parental rights hearing?
A termination of parental rights hearing or "T.P.R." is exactly what it sounds like. It is a trial before a circuit judge on a petition to have someone's parental rights to their children terminated and their relationship with the child forever severed, so that the child may be cleared for adoption by another family. At the hearing, the Department of Human Services (DHS) must prove by clear and convincing evidence that there exists grounds under the law for terminating parental rights, that the child is adoptable if the Court does sever the family relationship, and that it is in the child's best interest for rights to be terminated. Termination of parental rights orders may be appealed to the Arkansas Court of Appeals.
Can I adopt my relative from foster care?
After a parents' rights to their child have been terminated, the child becomes eligible to be adopted. Under Arkansas Law, at all stages of the process, DHS should consider family members as possible placements for children. Often, children, especially young children, have remained in the same foster home throughout being in foster care, so it is important that interested family members make efforts early on to inform DHS that they wish for the family to remain in tact.
Get Started and Take Action Now
If you're facing financial hardship, it's important to take action. Contact ARlaw Partners today to schedule a consultation and discuss your bankruptcy options with our experienced team. We're here to help you find a path to financial recovery and a brighter future.
​
Don't let financial stress hold you back. Reach out to ARlaw Partners in Fayetteville, AR, and let us guide you through the bankruptcy process with care and expertise.
These client testimonials are actual comments. We strive to represent our clients with prompt, knowledgeable and caring service. We hope to receive similar positive comments from your experience with our law firm.
TESTIMONIALS
