Aging, Children and Youth, Legislative & Military Affairs- House
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Bills discussed (6)
| Bill | Title | Sponsor | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB1499
Act 975
· 8 mentions in agenda, transcript
Matched: “…Rep. Mark D. McElroy REGULAR AGENDA Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1499 C. Fite TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS CHILD ABUS…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ARKANSAS CHILD ABUSE/RAPE/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COMMISSION; CONCERNING NOTICE OF SEVERE … | C. Fite | Notification that HB1499 is now Act 975 |
|
HB1754
Act 927
· 2 mentions in agenda, transcript
Matched: “…ILITARY AFFAIRS GRANT PROGRAM; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY. HB1754 Cavenaugh TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CHILD SUPPORT. HR1020…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING CHILD SUPPORT. | Cavenaugh | Notification that HB1754 is now Act 927 |
|
HR1020
· 2 mentions in transcript, agenda
Matched: “chair sees a quorum we will begin with house resolution 1020 representative Cooper you are recognized to present your re…”
|
TO RECOGNIZE THE POSITIVE IMPACT OF THE ARKANSAS 4-H PROGRAM ON OUR YOUTH AND TO … | C. Cooper | READ AND ADOPTED. |
|
HB1500
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…HIS LOCAL COMMUNITY. DEFERRED BILLS Number Sponsor Subtitle HB1500 C. Fite TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPT…”
|
TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR DISABLED VETERANS, THEIR SURVIVING SPOUSES, … | C. Fite | Died in House Committee at Sine Die Adjournment |
|
HR1021
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…LEBRATE THE ONE-HUNDRED-TWELFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PROGRAM. HR1021 C. Cooper TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THIRTY-FIVE (35) YEARS…”
|
TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE THIRTY-FIVE (35) YEARS OF HOMESCHOOLING IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS. | C. Cooper | READ AND ADOPTED. |
|
SB163
Act 522
· 1 mention in agenda
Matched: “…PORTS SUBMITTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS. SB163 J. English TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS MILITARY AFFAIRS COUNCIL…”
|
TO CREATE THE ARKANSAS MILITARY AFFAIRS COUNCIL ACT; TO ESTABLISH THE MILITARY AFFAIRS GRANT PROGRAM; … | J. English | Notification that SB163 is now Act 522 |
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chair sees a quorum we will begin with house resolution 1020 representative Cooper you are recognized to present your resolution madam chair can I
Representative Cameron Cooper
Unverified
0:29
remove a mask thank you
Thank you, members. I have a resolution here to recognize the positive impact of the 4-H program on
our youth. The roots of the 4-H program began back in 1908 in my home county, which is White County. At that time, the White County Corn and Cotton Club was formed with 65 youth getting together to learn the latest in agricultural technology. This club eventually became the Arkansas 4-H program, and today 4-H serves six million youth nationwide.
4-H is the premier youth development program conducted by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Through various activities, participants gain knowledge and enhance life skills, enabling them to become positive, productive, capable, and compassionate members of society. 4-H is designed to prepare young people to step up to the challenges in their communities by providing them with civic and leadership skills. Participants complete projects in areas like science, health, agriculture, and citizenship. These programs help youth
to become leaders and to have the marketable skills necessary to succeed in today's society. A study conducted by Tufts University has shown that young people in 4-H make more civic contributions to their communities, and they make healthier life choices. A research partnership between the National 4-H Council and EDGE Research shows that 4-H alumni report that a 4-H experience in youth correlates with long-term success in life. There's several new members on the committee, and
last year, during the 2019 legislative session, there were many days at the Capitol that were designated, recognizing various groups and various professions. One of those days was 4-H Day at the Capitol, and that was one of the biggest days we had. There were literally hundreds of youth from all 75 counties that came to the Capitol that day to show their love and support of the 4-H program. On that day, we ran a resolution to declare it the 4-H Day at the Capitol. Unfortunately, as a result
of COVID-19, a 4-H Day was unable to be scheduled this session, but I still think it's important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of this program. I know your time's precious, and this concludes this presentation. I participated in 4-H from age 8 until age 19. My two daughters are now heavily involved in the program. My wife is a volunteer leader of the Homeschool 4-H Club in White County. I've seen the good results that can be achieved through this program.
I fully support it. I would ask for a good vote, and
I'm open to any questions. Are there any questions from the committee? Is there anyone in the audience who wished to speak for or against this resolution? Okay, seeing none, Representative, are you closed for your resolution? Yes. All in favor
say aye. Aye. Excuse me? Well, guess what? I skipped right over motion. We have a motion do pass, Representative Barker.
Now we'll go back. All in favor say aye. Opposed? No. The resolution passes. While you're at the table, would you like to present House Resolution
Representative Cameron Cooper
Unverified
4:05
1021? Yes, and thank you committee for that good vote on H.R. 1020. H.R. 1021 is a resolution to celebrate 35 years of homeschooling in the state of Arkansas. In Arkansas, families are empowered to direct the education of their children by choosing the best educational environment for their child's specific needs, whether that be public school, private school,
or homeschool. Homeschooling was officially recognized in Arkansas with Act 40 of 1985, after many years of families advocating for this opportunity. The numbers of homeschooled students have grown over the years, and today there are approximately 26,000 students that are homeschooled in the state of Arkansas. If we wanted to look at it in terms of school districts, this would make homeschool the largest school district in the state. The effects of COVID-19 have increased the number of families who have chosen to homeschool.
The National Home Education Research Institute estimates that the number of homeschool students has increased by at least 10 percent nationally during the 2020-21 school year. The Arkansas Department of Education reports that the number of homeschooled students in Arkansas is increased by 17 percent this school year. With all of these new homeschool students, we just want to let families know that they are supported and that there are resources and assistance available through the Education Alliance, homeschool co-ops,
and other organizations. Involvement with local homeschool co-ops is a great way to get started with this extra support. You'll often find parents and grandparents there who are are former or retired teachers. They can offer assistance, encouragement, and tutoring to those who are needing extra support. Much like 4-H Day at the Capitol that I just talked about, in 2019, there was a homeschool day at the Capitol. That may have been the biggest day of all. There were several hundred students here at the Capitol, and they came from all of our districts.
Unfortunately, once again, as a result of COVID-19, there couldn't be a homeschool day at the Capitol scheduled this year, but I think it's important that we still recognize the opportunity that Arkansas families have to homeschool and to offer support and encouragement to all of the new families who have chosen to homeschool this year as a result of the pandemic. Choosing the best educational environment for the student, whether that be public school, private school, or home school, leads to better outcomes for the student. Better outcomes leads to a responsible sit-ins
history, a successful workforce, and a strong economy for our state. This concludes my presentation. I would be glad to answer any questions. MS. Committee, are
there any questions for Representative Cooper? Seeing none, is there anyone in the audience who wished to speak for or against this resolution? Representative Cooper, are you closed for your resolution? Yes. Okay. What is the will of the committee?
have a motion do pass all in favor say aye opposed say no the resolution passes
thank you chair thank you committee i appreciate it next we have senate concurrent memorial resolution one senator ingram i believe representative murdoch is going to present this Representative Murdoch, you
Representative Reginald Murdock
Unverified
7:35
are recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. And to the committee, I bring to you Senate Concurrent Memorial Resolution 1.
This resolution gives us an opportunity to recognize a fallen soldier in our great state. It remembers Sergeant Travis Wallace for his service and commitment to the state of Arkansas and his local community. On November 12, 2020, Correctional Field Sergeant Travis C. Wallace died as a result of injuries incurred while on duty with the West Helena Police Department in West Helena, Arkansas. and in attempting to apprehend the suspect in an earlier shooting,
Sergeant Wild sustained mortal injuries when the suspect opened fire on him. You all allowed for me to honor the family. If you remember last week, I think it was, we honored the family who was there after Senator Ingram presented the resolution on the Senate and while the family was there, we just did both of them that day, and I appreciate that indulgence. But this formalizes the honoring of this soldier that has fallen, and I would appreciate a good vote, or take any questions if there are any.
Committee members, do you have any questions for Representative Murdoch? Seeing none, is there anyone in the audience who wished to speak for or against this resolution? Representative, are you closed for your
resolution? We have a motion due pass. All in favor, say aye. Aye. Opposed, say no. and the resolution passes and next uh vice chair Barker will take the
we'll come and take the chair for house bill 1499 and members we will be not hearing house bill 1754 today we will hear that one next week Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
10:11
bill 1499 and representative fight you are recognized to present your bill thank you madam chairman
I would like to bring to the table with me Elizabeth Pulley from the Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas
Chair
Unverified
10:40
please introduce yourself for the record. Elizabeth Pulley, Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy
Centers of Arkansas. Thank you. Colleagues, I know you have heard a lot about this bill over the last several weeks, and even last night, early this morning, and into today. It's a good bill, and it will move us forward in our response efforts to child abuse in this state. Unfortunately, there has also been a great deal of misinformation, and we plan to address that today. But before we get started, I would like to recognize Arkansas's First Lady, Susan Hutchinson, who is with us today.
if you know the first lady you know this issue is close to her heart she has been a champion for our children and i am delighted to have both her full support and the governor's full support full support of house bill 1499 first lady thank you thank you for all you do for our children and for our state in front of you you have several documents i hope you were able to read through some of them over the weekend but if not please allow me to point out some of the highlights
in your packet of information you will find a letter of support for house bill 1499 from governor hutchinson to the arkansas commission on child abuse rape and domestic violence you will also find letters of support from the senior deputy prosecuting attorney out of woodruff county and the executive director of the national children's advocacy center who is an arkansas native he's from fort smith the short and sweet of house bill 1499
is that it will strengthen and enhance what we are currently able to provide as far as services and response time for the children who so desperately need it some have asked why we need this legislation if it's not broken don't fix it for those counties doing things well they will not see much of a change at all. Otherwise, my answer to that question is easy. I believe our children, the children who've experienced the truly worst part of this dark
world, deserve the absolute best approach to treatment, along with every available resource that will help them heal. Currently, child abuse response in Arkansas does not meet the national standards for best practice. We should constantly be seeking improvements in this field but the current model and protocols have not changed in 14 years. We can do better. We must do better and this legislation will help us do that. House Bill 1499 is a transformative plan for child
abuse in Arkansas. The current multidisciplinary team model or MDT, you're going to hear that term a lot today. Facilitated by the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence focuses on case review with a strong emphasis on the investigation. While this is certainly an important aspect, the majority of cases, unfortunately, never make it to prosecution. House Bill 1499 would place an equal importance on quality victim support services for children.
In fact, with a CAC-MDT model, all child victims can have access to the recovery services they deserve. We want a stronger approach to child abuse in our state, in every county, from access to quality services and resources to quality investigations and prosecution. And this bill does that. This bill will also move us towards the national standard, which is a good thing by strengthening our response efforts by more quickly identifying
gaps in services and by developing stronger teams at the local level by allowing for more local input. Local MDTs will absolutely be involved in decision making for their team's local response including choosing the coordinator, creating the coordinator job description, identifying gaps in services, and creating team goals. The bill creates an MDT oversight committee made up of state-level stakeholders from all agency partners that will assist local teams in carrying out
their plans by discussing and supporting any recommended team changes, participating in resolutions to team challenges, and developing a statewide MDT protocol that measures up to national standards. This is meant to once again strengthen current efforts, more resources, more collaboration, more successful outcomes. That is the goal. Additionally, and since the commission has provided very little oversight to the CACs, the Children's Advocacy Centers of
Arkansas's board developed a compliance committee of board members. These are non-directors, and they will monitor the CACs with funding, best practices, reporting, etc. In a moment, I'm going to ask Elizabeth Pulley to discuss this legislation in a bit more detail, as well as provide a brief background of CACs for the committee. First, though, I'd like to address some of the rumors that have been circulating about this bill. This bill will not, I repeat, will not abolish local MDTs.
This bill does not move MDTs to a larger city. Each MDT will stay in the individual county, no regional models, and no resources would be taken away for the counties. Rural MDTs will continue, even if that county does not have a CAC physically located in that county. If MDTs are going well, they would see little to no change, but they will benefit from additional resources and training opportunities.
The CACs and MDT project will have state oversight through DF&A. This is very similar to the domestic violence legislation that was passed in 2017 that they chose not to run through the current commission. CACs will not act as a buffer or gatekeeper between victims and prosecutors as some have stated finally going back to the packet of information in front of you I want to highlight for you the list of MDT coordinators who support House Bill 1499 there are 38 MDT coordinators in the state
I believe there are 13 names on that support list another seven MDTs are neutral Despite emails and noise from a few MDTs that oppose this legislation, it's important for you to remember that a majority either support or are neutral on this bill. And with that, I'm going to ask Elizabeth Pulley to address the committee with some of the concerns and some of the background. Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
18:05
We are here today because we believe Arkansas can do better on the response to child abuse.
House Bill 1499 is a transformational plan to streamline the response to child abuse in Arkansas by transitioning the Children's Advocacy Centers in the multidisciplinary team projects from the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence, a section under UAMS, to the Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. We are thankful for the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence for creating MDTs and for providing an environment for CACs to grow, but after 14 years, it's time to enhance and to build upon it.
The CACs in Arkansas have outgrown this model. The current model has not kept up with the national approach and is outdated. After several years of researching best practices, talking with experts on MDTs and CACs, and asking from input from other states and national and local partners, it's time for a better response to child abuse in Arkansas. A Child Advocacy Center is a safe, child-friendly location where a child victim can receive free direct services that includes advocacy, forensic interview, mental health therapy, and a medical exam.
There are 17 full CACs and 10 additional satellites located in rural areas. We provide services to all 75 counties. In 2017, the CAC served 5,000 child abuse victims. In 2020, we've served close to 10,000. The need is great in Arkansas to provide services, and we want to continue the growth movement. There is a state chapter, like my office, in all 50 states.
There are CACs in all states and including overseas. We are connected nationally and regionally with headquarters in both locations to keep in line with national best practices. All our CACs, including this chapter, are nationally accredited. A few of the CACs are still new and cannot start the process. They have to be in existence for several years. It is quite normal for a state chapter like my office to pass through funds to CACs.
70% of state chapters pass through funds, and 94% of chapters monitor their CACs. With the development of a state chapter and our board, we have established systems in place to monitor the CACs and funding through a compliance committee, internal and external audits, risk assessments for federal funding, and so on. The state of Arkansas does contract with non-profits such as Domestic Violence, Arkansas Sheriff Association, Area Agency on Aging, and Boys and Girls Club, to name a few.
Multidisciplinary team is a group of professionals from specific distinct disciplines that collaborate from the point of report through a child and family's involvement with the CAC. An MDT coordinates efficient communication in information sharing, ongoing involvement of key individuals, and support for the children in their family. An MDT coordinator or facilitator establishes and sustains the relationships among the team members to promote a collaborative approach.
The role of the MDT coordinator is not that of a director or a leader, but more of a facilitator to provide a trustworthy and safe place to discuss child abuse cases. This bill is not to abolish any of the current MDTs. This bill will not move MDTs to larger cities. This bill will not create regional teams, and teams will not be asked to leave their county for a case review meeting.
This bill will foster open and positive relationships with MDT agencies while promoting best practices from a national model. Each local team will create a shared mission, establish roles, and promote victim services. Each team, each local team, will have input on growth, their MDT coordinator, and developing goals. Identifying gaps in services so counties can work together on developing new resources for their area.
We will provide orientations for new members, trainings, and new opportunities to strengthen and sustain the teams. Having MDTs and CACs together is considered best practice from a national perspective. The Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas cares about all the children in the state and believes each child victim deserves the same quality of services no matter of their location. The MDTs in rural areas that are not close to a CAC would still have a team in services to children.
The chapter would work directly with the rural MDTs to strengthen and facilitate, enhance facilitation. We want to thank Dr. Cam Patterson and UAMS for staying neutral on this bill. We have to continue to move forward and not stand still with the response to child abuse. The children in Arkansas depend upon us consistently to pursue excellence in our approach and the need to have the best quality of services available.
Members, are there any questions for these witnesses? Representative
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
24:27
Springer, you're recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam Chair. Ms. Pulley, good afternoon. I heard you say that the change with this legislation legislation would make a—where you all can make a—make a process have a better response. So would you please explain to me what you mean by that?
I mean, what has the—do you have the data to show what the responses have been in the past, and how is it that you believe that your taking over this would make it better? So I would like to know what is your—what is your evidence, and what is the data that you have to show that
Chair
Unverified
25:06
it would be better? It is a national model that other states are doing and that the national approach is. We want local MDTs to have a voice in the process so one county might have a different approach on how
they respond, how they meet, what that looks like compared to another county because Newton County is different from Union County, Pulaski County is different from Stone County and so on. We want those local teams to actually get together, meet, develop their goals, develop and pursue what works best for that individual county. And it could look different
Speaker 50
25:42
from county to county and that's okay. Follow up, Madam Chair. You're recognized.
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
25:49
Thank you. Well, let me just ask you then, prior to this coming along, did you ever meet with the commission was previously in place to have this specific discussion to see whether or not this type of thing could be done prior to us moving to something different so did was there a
discussion i guess is the first question and then if so what came out of
Speaker 56
26:14
that discussion um yes ma'am we did we met with the commission a
Chair
Unverified
26:19
few times before the bill was filed and also i had some meetings prior about
a year ago discussing this option of moving MDTs and CACs over to our office and the the result of that was that they didn't really have a plan in place to move forward or doing this option at all. I'm gonna put you back in
the queue we have other questions and I'll circle back to you okay. Representative McKenzie you're recognized for a question. Thank
you, Madam Chair. I appreciate all this
Representative Gayla H. McKenzie
Unverified
27:00
information. It's been very helpful, but one thing I
found myself looking for, and perhaps I missed it, I want to know more about the financials. How much, what is the funding right now that that we are sending out? Who's, I understand, I want know more where it's funneled to what how you all receive your funding and the other sources
Speaker 62
27:19
I just want to know as much as I can about how the funding is distributed and
Chair
Unverified
27:26
how that might change sure the CACs receive about 1.5 million dollars currently and that is funneled through the Commission and through a
section over UAMS and the Commission staff are the ones that send out the RFP for grants for our CACs across the state that's an annual grant that they received. Our CACs receive about between $70,000 and $75,000 depending on
if they're accredited or not per year. You're recognized. Thank
Representative Gayla H. McKenzie
Unverified
28:00
you Madam Chair. So I apologize. I'm trying to follow all
Speaker 62
28:05
the acronyms here. So 1.5 million is what we're talking about here and this commission now decides how it's distributed between each CAC I'm trying to get at what funding does CAC get what funding do the MDT's get or is it separate and by county and who makes that I'm trying to get as much as I can information
Representative Gayla H. McKenzie
Unverified
28:27
on the funding and how it's parsed out
Chair
Unverified
28:30
so what I mentioned earlier was the CAC state funding and the CACs also receive a VOCA funding which is
federal and then they do fundraising and they also receive a grant through TANF and that's their funding level the the MDT's they receive the coordinators contract directly with the Commission and that's the funding they receive so individual counties don't receive funding it's the coordinators that receive the funding to do their job as a MDT coordinator.
Representative Bentley, you're recognized for a question.
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
29:12
Thank you, Chairman. Thank you, Director Smalley, for being here today. So just a couple of quick questions. Can you tell me specifically how the current model is outdated and how this new bill is
Speaker 74
29:24
going to fix that? Just give me a couple of specifics, please.
Chair
Unverified
29:29
Sure. It is a national approach to have MDTs and CACs connected and tied together. And with that, that's what other states, many other states are doing, and that's the national approach. Because children will have services, and it's a better response to child abuse.
More kids will get serviced if these two are connected. There is data upon that from other states when those two entities are connected together. Can I have a quick follow-up? You're
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
29:57
right, good, ma'am. So when we're looking at the board that currently now, the commission that currently sends the money out now, does the CAC have people with the same expertise that are going to be replacing the board? Can you tell us a little bit more about the board on
Speaker 56
30:14
the CAC board? Absolutely. The MDT Oversight Committee will have an oversight board,
Chair
Unverified
30:19
and it will have the state-level agencies' heads from the Crimes Against Children Division. Division of Children and Family Services, the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney's Executive Director, a mental health provider, a medical provider, a person appointed from the Sheriff's Association, a person appointed from the Police Chiefs Association, the board president of the Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas, and a juvenile justice system representative. One more
Speaker 81
30:53
quick follow-up, or do you need to put me
in the queue? That's fine. Well to keep things fair. I'm going to put you back in the queue. All right, thank you. Madam Chair, if I might add, one of my favorite parts of this bill is that this group will report to the legislature. We have had, in my five terms here, I have heard very, very little in the way of reporting regarding the commission and what they are doing with these funds and how it is operating, so I am very eager to be able to hear these
Chair
Unverified
31:21
reports. Thank you. Representative Clough, you're recognized for a question.
Representative Joe Cloud
Unverified
31:23
Thank you, Madam Chair. With the outdated model of the MDTs, per your words, have there been specific instances that you could tell us about where the children have not been, and I think you used the word
Chair
Unverified
31:41
serviced? Yes. Children do fall through the cracks, even with MDT, and we want to strengthen that facilitation in collaboration so no children fall through the cracks. We want to be able in rural counties and urban counties in every area of the state to
make sure and secure that there are services to those children and if that's coming to a CAC or if they identify gaps such as a mental health provider that needs to come to a rural area and they don't have any mental health services at all we want to be able to discuss that and figure out a way to bring mental health to that area. There are rural counties currently that don't even have mental health services, and those children need it. So we want to find resources, ways to do it, collaborate with
others, and identifying those areas that need help. So that is one example is the mental health services.
Thank you. Representative Hudson, you're
Representative Ashley Hudson
Unverified
32:46
recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam Chair. In looking at the legislation and in looking online in preparation for this, I noted that the commission that currently operates through UAMS is one that is entitled the Arkansas Child Abuse Rape Domestic Violence Commission.
And the CAC seem to be focused primarily on assisting victims of child abuse. What work will continue with regard to rape and domestic violence if this commission is disbanded? I am not sure if the commission
Chair
Unverified
33:21
itself would be disbanded. We are just moving those two projects out from under the
commission. my understanding is that the commission
would continue this would just be moved out from under
uams at the top and then this commission under uams be moving out from that and again chancellor patterson does not oppose this change representative
Chair
Unverified
33:48
mayberry you're recognized for a question
Representative Julie Mayberry
Unverified
33:57
sorry here we go thank you madam chair thank you so if i'm reading the information correctly there's 17 advocacy centers around the state and then there's 10 satellite centers so not every
county currently has one so when you compare to other states that you say are models and we want to be like them? And do those other states have the same relatively, and I realize that there's population differences and all that, but do they have one in every county? Give me some idea of
Speaker 74
34:30
what the difference is there. Sure. For instance,
Chair
Unverified
34:34
like Kentucky, I believe there's 14 CACs. Texas, of course, there's quite a few, but it's a large state. So every state is a little bit
different. We're right in the growth model, and we're going to continue to grow, and I really hope that and believe that this change will identify the gaps to know where specifically we need to grow, where there needs to be more services, where there needs to be a CAC, where there needs to be a satellite, or even with something creative that we haven't even thought of, that maybe those teams can create some ideas that will provide more services. So we're right in line with some other states.
There are more MDTs because there's more counties than CACs, but we still serve all 75 states, every
Representative Julie Mayberry
Unverified
35:30
recognized. Okay. So, you know, children traveling a good distance
is of concern. Is this something that if this bill did not pass, that in two years, four years, there would be possibly more CACs that would then bring everybody together a little bit more on this?
Am I explaining myself well enough that if it did not go forward today, that we might see more CACs and then would have more of a buy-in from more people that, yes, you're closer to me. Yes, I can get our
Chair
Unverified
36:11
children to you. Does that make sense? Yes. So no matter what, we're going to continue to grow our CACs. It is still the national approach of best practices to have CACs and MDTs together. And our children cannot wait two years, three years, four years.
They need a change now. They need services. They need help. And I believe we need to pass this now. Representative Bentley, you recognize for a question? Thank you, Chairman.
Thank you for your time. Just a
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
36:48
couple of more quick questions. it's really important for us that we get our children the services they need but it's also really important for me that we get offenders off the streets so they're not hurting our kids
anymore do you think this will be more effective to help get those offenders convicted and away from children
Chair
Unverified
37:08
that they're hurting very good point I certainly believe that as the team strengthens each member of the team will be strengthened to help any way that's needed in to benefit a prosecution. So absolutely, when teams work together, when teams are strengthened, and when teams collaborate, it's better in all areas. Thank you. One last question. Is that okay? You're
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
37:32
recognized. So do you think that we'll be able to see an increase or a decrease to our funding to
each of our CACs and our MDTs? Just a little bit on that
Chair
Unverified
37:45
thought to getting funds out to our local communities. What's your thoughts on that? I truly believe that I want to be able to get more funding to the direct services. That is a goal of mine. Plus as a non-profit connected with national and regional, we have access to grants that we haven't even had a chance to be involved
with because of our disconnect with MDT. So there are definitely opportunities to bring more funding, to bring more resources, and that is a goal of this
bill. Representative Springer, you're recognized for
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
38:25
a question. Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to just follow up on some of the questions I've previously asked with respect to your staff, and you're talking about this national approach.
I just now Googled your agency, and I see that you have, it looks like, four other staff persons on board. So who on your staff will develop this plan that you intend to implement in order to make this so-called process on the national level, as you say, that you're going to do? And I guess the additional question, this is a compound question. and have you began to develop that plan?
Speaker 74
39:09
So we have talked with our national and regional headquarters about our bill, and you
Chair
Unverified
39:15
will see letters from both agencies in your packet. We believe and know that they are on board to come in and help us as a team with my small staff, and we plan to hire someone also to implement it. But we will be working with the board. We'll be working with the Oversight Committee. We'll be working with each individual team and believe that everyone will have a voice
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
39:40
and input in the next steps. Follow-up. Follow-up. You recognize? I'm looking now, and I didn't really realize this as I've been talking to people across. You have some persons that are on your Board of Directors as well as an Advisory Council, And some of the persons on the board are familiar to me and the advisory council as well. So what role will they have in the implementation of this?
Speaker 38
40:11
The role of the CEC monitoring that the board will have
Chair
Unverified
40:16
a process in that as the compliance committee. The MDT process will be working, of course, with our board, but also with the oversight committee in each individual local MDTs. Representative, I'll
put you back in. Representative Garner you're recognized for a question. I
Representative Denise Garner
Unverified
40:36
just have a quick question. I'm in Northwest Arkansas and I have fundraised for both the Benton County CAC and for the National Child Protective Services
training center. How are y'all going to work together and what's their role in the changes that would be
Chair
Unverified
40:59
made here? Well, the center at NWAC, they are welcomed us to come do trainings up there. So we have the facility available to us to offer trainings to CACs, to MDD partners, to just that side of the state, we can utilize that. I'm also an adjunct professor for them,
so I have a good relationship
Representative Denise Garner
Unverified
41:24
working with them. Follow it. Thank you, Madam Chair. I'm playing devil's advocate here. I've worked in nonprofits for 40 years. So what is to prevent CAC from not funding another nonprofit that's doing similar things? If a particular nonprofit is in charge of the funding for everything else that's going on, are there any other nonprofits in the state that are doing similar things that might
Chair
Unverified
41:52
be excluded from this bill? There is no other agency that does what we do in the state of Arkansas. We provide those free direct services and we work hand-in-hand with state agencies on on that, so there's not another competing nonprofit or agency. Representative Springer, do you have another
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
42:15
question? Yeah, I just wanted to follow up. As I, so you, yes, I do. So I'm looking at this.
The bill talks about, and Representative Feit mentioned that there's a review process, and so looks like some of the persons that are on the Legislative Council may also be on your board of directors, as
well as your advisory council.
Speaker 74
42:44
So how do you address that? Are you referring to
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
42:48
CEC oversight or MDT oversight? No, I'm referring to your organization, the Children Advocacy Centers.
Chair
Unverified
42:55
I'm referring to yours. So yes, we are a 501 . We have a board that we stay in compliance with, with bylaws, policies, and procedures. The board members are a combination of community leaders and center directors. So, but I'm just saying that some of
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
43:17
those persons are some of the same persons that are on the
Legislative Council as well as on your advisory board and your regular board.
So I guess maybe if we can
have a response to that, maybe Representative Spike can speak to that. Sure.
The Legislative Council will just be receiving the reports. We don't really have advisory over them as far as their day-to-day operation, but we would be receiving their reports. And, of course, then if any matters were
brought forward that were a concern to the Legislative Council, we could address those.
Speaker 116
43:57
Are there any other questions by committee? Representative Garner, did you have a question to get back
Chair
Unverified
44:03
in the queue when I went to Representative Springer? Representative Garner. Did I? Okay. Any other questions by committee members? Okay. We have quite a few signed up to speak for and against. I'd like to make a motion I'd like
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
44:27
to be able to hear from everybody that's here today so it was
with will the committee like to limit to four minutes per speaker for each side so we can hear from everyone today
Chair
Unverified
44:38
okay so we have motion to limit debate to four minutes four minutes per person or four minutes per side four minutes per person per person that's non-debatable that's a non-debatable motion all in favor say aye opposed no okay debate is limited to four minutes per person madam chair do
you wish for us to stay here or do you want us to return to
Chair
Unverified
45:10
our chairs do we have any coming up in
Speaker 122
45:14
groups we could take it that way whatever you're
comfortable with okay I'll return to my chair thank you
Chair
Unverified
45:35
okay so first up to speak against the bill we have Mary Medlock
Mary Medlock is she in the audience Okay. Okay, next to speak against, we have Sarah Kelly Ramsey. Please introduce yourself and tell who you're with, and then you're recognized to speak. You'll have four minutes.
Sarah Ramsey
Unverified
46:21
easier good afternoon to the committee members my name is sarah ramsey i'm here to speak against this bill for my rural county which is mississippi county if you are unaware of mississippi county we're also popular because of blabble who's normally known for their crime rate. My county is often treated as the stepchild of the state, so
I'm here to give a voice to my county. I have been the MDT coordinator for Mississippi County since 2005, and I'm also the case coordinator for the prosecutor's office there. I've been with the prosecutor's office since 1997. I'm a lifelong resident of Mississippi County, and I want to express my opposition to Bill 1499, not only as the MDT coordinator, but also as a mother, as a survivor of child abuse, and a victim's advocate. This bill is not in the best interest for my Mississippi County or, I believe, the state. Our team is made up of local,
hands-on, frontline professionals that are committed to our community, and we know each other personally and professionally. We care for each other. In my opinion, this bill is not about the children. It's about the money. Currently, the commission oversees the MTTs of Arkansas. the commission has made the mdt program what it is today a well-oiled machine to give to abruptly move mdt oversight to the cac's is a mistake and is not in the best interest of our state or our children there are currently 17 cac's in arkansas and 75 counties my county
does not have a cac they rarely participate in our mdt meetings and due to covid they've only they've only come more often because it's virtual and I'm saddened that this bill has caused so much discord between CACs and MDTs because we should be focused on the children and the families we're supposed to be serving I do not feel that this bill is in the best interest of our state and I oppose the bill but also to speak in response to Ms. Fite's access to service comment
we should already have access to all these agencies that are supposed to be helping the children through CACs because CACs are already in our MDT teams they are already a part of that team so those services should already be received by the children that are victims there should not be gaps now and if there is the CAC should identify them as part of the teams that are currently working and to say we're enhanced trainings my CACD when I asked
them why we were not asked to participate in their trainings they were literally told me because they forgot about us I don't see how that's going
Chair
Unverified
49:08
to change thank you just a moment if you are willing for questions sure representative Springer you're recognized
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
49:15
for a question thank you madam chair can Can you give me a response to this so-called national approach that they're talking about, please,
Sarah Ramsey
Unverified
49:22
ma'am? I don't have information about a national approach.
I can tell you that our county was part of the drug-endangered children pilot, and it failed. Because in our area, we are very rural, and we don't have very many agencies that are participating. Our CAC does not come to our county, and they only participate by email in most times. But as far as the national model, I really, to be honest, I don't care what the national model is. I care about the citizens of Arkansas and what's best for our kids. Because to model it off of Kentucky or Texas doesn't mean that they're the best for Arkansas.
I want to see what the model is for us, not for another state. That's all I can say to that. Are there
Chair
Unverified
50:07
any other questions for this witness? Thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Next to speak for the bill, we have Renee,
Speaker 81
50:20
oh sorry, next to speak for the bill, we have Jennifer Long.
Speaker 138
50:47
you're with sure I am Jennifer long I'm the executive director of the children's protection center in
Speaker 139
50:54
Pulaski County thank you thank you for allowing me to speak about the MDT and the CAC relationship in my area of Pulaski County our center slowly began to grow its involvement in supporting and facilitating the MDT about five years ago before that time our local MDT did not meet the nationally accepted best practices for MDT models. MDT was defined and managed at that time as a weekly two-hour meeting.
Agencies would give a report on investigative information and occasionally take some suggestions for services for children. This structure did not adhere to the national model for MDTs in many ways. One of those was that there was a lack of meaningful involvement from several members of our child abuse response system in our community. There wasn't a mechanism for long-term service follow-up for children, things like mental health, medical needs, advocacy services, legal services, immigration services. Information shared during that meeting primarily focused on investigations. There was a prevailing culture also among the MDT that it was a meeting and not an ongoing daily
process as the model would have us do. There was a lack of cohesive area-specific training for MDT partners. What Pulaski County needed for training is very different than other counties. There were a few reasons for these struggles, but the biggest was that the state MDT structure did not meet the unique needs of our community and make-up. We have a high caseload in many law enforcement agencies and jurisdictions in one area. For several years, the commission was unable to address these issues. There was little to no oversight or guidance given to our local MDT coordinator from the
state level. So our MDT as a team began implementing alternative approaches that changed the way we respond to child abuse in our area, and we had to do that without the support of the commission. team essentially went around the Commission and it worked. In 2016, just over 300 children received services at our CAC. In 2020, over 900 children came through our doors. These are children who finally had access to the mental health, medical, and advocacy services while also being connected to law enforcement, DHS, and prosecutors. Our entire MDT communicates on a level that
was unheard of five years ago. Our MDT is extremely diverse. It includes six law enforcement agencies in Pulaski County, Arkansas State Police, DHS, the Centers for Youth and Families, local prosecutors, representatives from UAMS, Arkansas Children's Hospital, and the juvenile justice system. This progress would have been impossible to achieve without the support of our entire MDT. Dr. Karen Farst, who is the medical director of RCAC and who many in this field across the state rely on for guidance, fully supported our transformation
in Pulaski County. Her team sits on our MDT and has witnessed its growth and improvement. We developed case review processes that encourage meaningful exchanges of information and collaboration. We developed trainings for all team members. Just recently our coordinator realized that there was a need for a runaway task force and that was very specific to our county. So right now we have a task force that's made up of law enforcement, DHS, medical providers, residential facilities, juvenile justice system, and others to develop a local resource guide and a
protocol for how to deal with that runaway issue that we're having in Pulaski County. And while our CAC was chosen by the team to facilitate implementing these changes, the CAC does not have authority of MDT. Our CAC drives the car, so to speak, but the MDT is our navigation. They tell us what route to take. If the CAC does not follow that navigation, then we will not reach the appropriate destination and our MDT members will just get out of the car. What has been created in Pulaski County will not necessarily work in other areas
of this state, as you've heard us already state before, in the same way that a process that works in Woodruff County may not work in Stone County. We have had success because our entire team, not the CAC, not the prosecutors, not law enforcement individually, but the entire team created a process that fits the needs in our community. The commission did not have the expertise nor the capacity to support
Speaker 141
54:55
the changes we needed in Pulaski County. Our transformation has
Chair
Unverified
54:58
increased MDT engagement information that's your four minutes are there any questions
Speaker 145
55:01
for this witness thank you for your testimony next to speak against this In this bill, we have Shane West.
Shane West
Unverified
55:35
Yes, you might. I know I won't take all four minutes.
My name is Shane West. I'm an MDT coordinator with Conway County. I have been a member of our team since 2008, as I was an investigator with the Sheriff's Department. I have since moved to a role in administration, and four years ago, I took over as the coordinator as I was asked by the commission to do so. Last year, our team was asked to participate in a pilot program that basically outlines what the bill says today.
We had concerns in our county about the model that they were taking, and that did include at that point to be a regional team. We were told in our county that we had a choice if we wanted to participate or not, and we did not want to participate. We were still added to this pilot program, and I was moved from the commission to the CACs as far as being a contract MDT coordinator.
And we're about, if my math is right, about 10 months in. In those 10 months, we have not seen any changes. No participation as far as stepping up for mental health services provided by the CAC. We still depend on our local mental health people. We have recently had some conversations with the CAC about anything or services that they can provide. But we're 9 or 10 months into this program.
And so I know that nobody here from the commission is here to speak today as they remain neutral. And so I feel like that some of us that are going to speak as coordinators are that voice. I believe from my dealings with the commission that they are very good at what they do. They continue to have great oversight. When we have an issue with our reporting, there is a coordinator there, a project coordinator,
who makes sure that what we have and what we present to the commission is correct. I don't know where you can have more oversight if you have a project coordinator that's already doing that. We work great in Conway County. We have a great team. We depend on our CACs. We have stressed this many, many times, and we're all equal in our fight against child abuse.
And I believe that it's the best way that we do it is the way that it is handled now. I oppose this bill because I don't feel like that adding one stakeholder or disciplinary to control this is best for Arkansas. It may be best for another state, but it's not the best for Arkansas. I think everybody that speaks has been doing this for a very, very long time.
And we're just we thank you guys for hearing us out in our opposition to this. And at the end of the day, we we will all still continue to work together because that is our goal is to fight child abuse. Any questions? Are there any questions for this witness? Thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Thank you, committee.
Chair
Unverified
59:29
Next to speak for the bill, we have Robin Connell.
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
59:52
good afternoon my name is robin connell and i'm the mdt coordinator for white and woodruff
counties. I'm also the director of the CAC in White County, where we serve White, Cleburne, Woodruff, and Jackson counties. I've been the director of the CAC and a member of rural MDTs for 13 years. I offer the perspective of an MDT member who has served several rural counties for 13 years and believe passionately that all children deserve to be safe and have access to quality services. I believe in House Bill 1499 will be a positive change for rural counties because local teams will be strengthened and given access to additional resources
which allow more children to be served. I do want to clarify one thing that Mr. West just stated about the pilot project that his county is 10 months into but is a pilot project currently under the commission, not CACs of Arkansas. I believe as adults it is our responsibility to protect children and in an effort to take better care of our children, I'm here today to ask you to consider House Bill 1499. In order for us to keep children safe, we must be willing to take a look at our processes and recognize where we can do better.
We must move forward from what was started in 2007. We must be open to growth and improvement. Standing still in comfortable status quo is unacceptable for the children of Arkansas. I believe the children of Arkansas deserve our best efforts, and often that requires uncomfortable change. There's quite a bit of misinformation out there as to what effect this bill will have on rural counties and what the motivation is for CACs to propose this change. Let me tell you a little bit about my rural CAC and what motivates my team each day.
My CAC was started in 2007 as a rural multi-county CAC. We have never thought of ourselves as anything different. It was our plan from day one to serve multiple rural counties. I believe that all the MDT coordinators who facilitate teams in our counties will tell you that we have served their children and MDTs well for 13 years. Placing our CAC in Searcy made sense because it would be centrally located and have access to the greatest number of resources to be shared by all. We started out serving White, Woodruff, Cleburne, Stone, Independence, and Jackson counties.
But in 2018, we saw the need to place a CAC in Independence County. This would allow some of the far northern counties to have access to services for their children. This would allow more children to be served. The Independence County CAC now serves Independents, Stone, Fulton, and Izzard counties. Placing this CAC in Batesville, increased services for children in additional rural counties of our state. That simply was our motivation. I tell you all this because the opposition has said that CACs have no invested interest in bringing resources to rural counties
and that our bill plans to take resources from rural counties. The CAC is most often the only MDT member who can bring resources to rural counties. My MDT in Woodruff County would tell you that if not for the CAC, they would have no mental health services for children. When the team identified the need for quality trauma-focused services, my CAC hired a therapist to send to Woodruff County. Anytime a family travels to our CAC from out of county, We pay their gas, provide them with meals, connect them with needed community resources,
and assign an advocate to support them for as long as needed. The CAC offers training to law enforcement and DCFS and can even pay to send them to specialized trainings. We also offer child abuse prevention and education in all county schools and communities. These are but a few examples of the ways the CAC can invest in rural communities. In the rural communities where I facilitate MDT, more than 75% of children are served at our CAC, and their investigations are worked collaboratively, as opposed to the counties with a non-CAC facilitator where only 40% of children are given access to CAC services.
As far as taking resources, the only financial resource the current MDT project provides to rural counties is the salary and a $500 expense allowance. Thank you.
Speaker 134
1:03:55
Your four minutes is up. Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness?
Chair
Unverified
1:04:02
Representative McKenzie, you're recognized for a question.
Representative Gayla H. McKenzie
Unverified
1:04:04
Thank you, Madam Chair. My question is, could you finish that? I'm right over here. Sorry. Could you finish that?
Speaker 152
1:04:10
I just was curious about the salary and the
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
1:04:13
expenses. Yes. The only resources the Commission invests in counties right now currently are the MDT salaries
and a $500 expense allowance. There's no other financial resources being put into counties from the Commission. representative
springer you're recognized for a question thank you madam chair as i heard your testimony i heard you say that you all are you all are providing many meaningful services to your clients and that you have follow-up mental health services advocate services and all type of services so what would you be doing different if you implemented this national model that i've
heard about so that is the national model to offer all those services to child abuse victims so if I was given the ability to facilitate some of the other rural teens I could make it a priority for kids in those counties to receive all those services currently in some of the counties that I'm a part of kids don't get access to those services so why
is it not then that you can't you can't do that now? I can
do that, but there are some MDT facilitators that
facilitate those teams that don't encourage MDT members to make sure kids are taken to CACs for services. Thank you. Are there any other questions?
Chair
Unverified
1:05:28
Thank you for your testimony. Next to speak against the bill we have Nathan Smith. My name is Nathan Smith.
Nathan Smith
Unverified
1:05:55
I'm the prosecuting attorney in Benton County. I'm the president of the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association. First of all, I just want to say
Representative Denise Garner
Unverified
1:06:01
that I commend Representative Fide and the sponsors of the bill, people supporting. I think we can all agree that we love kids and we want the best thing for them, so I want to say that right off the bat. the Arkansas Prosecuting Attorney's Association is opposed to the bill and I just want to take y'all through a few of the reasons. We have some folks that will share some instances that they believe it won't work in their districts. I know the sponsors
believe the bill will help but fundamentally for me it comes down to this do these local communities and these local MDTs who are objecting to it telling you it won't work for them that's essentially where I come down I trust them to make the decisions that are best you know, for their communities. They're the boots on the ground. In Benton County, we actually run our CAC-MDT relationship, a lot like this bill would set out. The head of our CAC is a wonderful person. She's also the head of our MDT. That works for Benton County. I'm concerned when I hear other
folks from other parts of the state say, this is not going to work for us, and it's essentially going to be imposed through this bill. So in working on this legislation, we've proposed what I think would be a good compromise, which would be to remove the CACs from under the commission, let them be self-governing under their state chapter, but leave the MDTs. We could at least do that for a couple of years, let these pilot projects work out and see how it goes. That idea has been rejected, so we're essentially left with an all-or-nothing proposition of, can we do
anything but oppose the bill, that being the case, and we can't. So that's the reason we are opposed, is that essentially it's saying this is a one-size-fits-all approach for the state of Arkansas. I'm sure there are a lot of good things in the national models. I'm not debating that, but again, it's about are we going to listen to the local folks who are the boots on the ground. Another thing I would say that is really important in this is not only the relationship between the MDTs and the CACs, but with how this process is playing out, I really would hope that we
wouldn't pass a bill that I think could risk driving a wedge either between prosecutors in certain districts or NDT people in certain districts, law enforcement and CACs, and therefore not end up delivering the services that we all know that kids deserve. So that's, I think, our main objection. And I think you're going to hear from some prosecutors today in individual districts that will talk about the local input and control that they need, the buy-in that's going to be required from prosecuting attorneys that the bill just doesn't have right now. The association
is essentially unanimously opposed. I think we have one or two folks who were neutral, but no one is in support of the bill, and that's not because there's nothing good in the bill, or at some point it might be good policy. I think right now we just don't know enough, and I think the things we do know indicate to me that it wouldn't be wise to continue. I also believe the commission, as is currently constituted provides a more well-rounded oversight approach includes more players that I think would be helpful even though I think the state chapter again will be staffed with good people on their board and things like
that but again I think it could risk setting a bad precedent for the working relationship going forward so for those reasons I would ask you not to pass the bill that is why we're opposed again not questioning anyone's motives I know everyone wants the right thing but I do want to make that clear because that is the position of the association, local prosecutors, and some NDTs across the state. So with that, I thank you for your time. I'm going to be glad to answer your questions if you have them. Thank
Chair
Unverified
1:09:35
you. Representative Bentley, you're recognized for a question.
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
1:09:38
Thank you. And I know I won't speak for all of the members, but I'm really struggling to hear, specifically tell me, how is this, as a prosecutor, how is this going to hurt what you guys are doing in the smaller counties? I know you said your county's not going to hurt, but tell me some specific, I need specifics on how you think this is going to hurt, what's going on in my
Representative Denise Garner
Unverified
1:09:56
rural counties yes ma'am so i think and i think you'll hear some from some of those prosecutors today but specifically i think the relationship is key and some of these folks have built up their mdt's built up their relationship with their mdt's think it works well
and they have a good process right now they do have those relationships and they're feeling like okay um that local input and control kind of shifts um away from where they think it should be to a new entity. So I think losing that input locally is what they feel at least would create a problem. And again, these things work so long as there's buy-in, and we got to keep encouraging that buy-in and that participation by all the players at the table. The whole purpose of a CAC MDT is to bring all the different players together, DHS, state police, local law enforcement,
prosecutors, and work collaboratively. So I think the risk is, for at least some districts, is is the risk of losing that collaboration. So that is something I would see as a problem going forward, at least as it's currently
constituted. Representative Garner, you're recognized for a question. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Is there anything right now that would prohibit you guys from pulling in the good pieces or the national pieces
of what the CACs are doing that would benefit your local counties? Is there anything that prohibits you from doing that now? Well, I will
admit there are certainly people more well-versed in that issue than me, but as far as I know, I don't think that's the case. I think that the way it's set up now, local CACs, obviously, they have their own standards they're always trying to meet, as well as MDTs. And I think that's an issue that cuts both ways, because I do think there's an element of there are national standards. I think in some cases those would be good and work well for Arkansas.
In other cases, maybe not. And so I would like to see those decisions left where they are, at least for the time being. And it could be that in two years, at the end of a pilot project, that everybody could be on board with it. So in a perfect world, that's
Chair
Unverified
1:12:03
what I would like to see. Seeing no other questions, thank you for your testimony. Thank you
Speaker 168
1:12:30
very much. Next to speak for the bill, we have Major Jeff Drew. Good afternoon chair and committee. I'm Major Jeff Drew, commander ASP CACD division. We're in
support of and I'm probably gonna be the briefest person you have up here. I'm not gonna echo a lot of things that have been said. Representative Fite covered a lot of things. I don't think I need to reiterate, but we are active MDT participants, along with utilizing the CACs. We think it's a very important tool for servicing the children of this state. It definitely reduces a lot of the trauma that's put on them during this process, the way that CAC offers, and we're looking forward to any enhancements that will take place that will benefit the children of the state.
Chair
Unverified
1:13:12
Thank you. Are there any questions for this witness? Representative Barrett,
Representative Stan Berry
Unverified
1:13:20
you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chairman. And Major Drew, just to educate the committee, how many phone calls does your Crimes
Against Children hotline get in a week? In a week, we'll get anywhere from 1,000 to
Speaker 169
1:13:36
1,500. Thank you, Madam Chairman. Seeing no
Chair
Unverified
1:13:41
other questions, thank you for your testimony. Next to speak against we
Speaker 179
1:13:46
have Teresa Howell. The earring. Madam Chair, members of the House, my name is Teresa Howell. I'm the elected prosecutor for the 7th Judicial District, which includes Hot Spring County and Grant County and Malvern and Sheridan, if you don't know all the counties.
in their seats. I'm here to speak for the prosecutors and specifically prosecutors in small districts. I do not have a CAC in my district. Recently, the Arkadelphia CAC opened up an office that they come to once a week where they're able to actually do interviews there, but as far as having a CAC I don't have one and one of the flyers that has been handed out by the
Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas in fact I got this last week when the first lady spoke to us has a map on the back of it and presumably that's probably in your packet and if you were to look at Hot Spring County you would see that we're actually split between two CACs so I have the Arkadelphia CAC that takes care of part of my county and then the Hot Springs CAC that takes part of it. So that's a question for me is should this bill pass which one of the CACs gets Hot Spring County? Who's going to be in charge of the MDT there? We at this time are very pleased with
our MDT coordinator. She actually works in my office and has been in Hot Spring County in the criminal justice system for 30 years, actually over 30 years, and as the MDT coordinator for 25. She works with our office. She works with all of the agencies. She works with the CACs, and I will tell you that we love our CACs. Arkadelphia and Hot Springs, they do amazing work, and we could not be happier to work with them. That being said, we believe that our MDT
is better served by a member of the criminal justice department specifically in our group and within our office she knows all the officers she knows all the players and we just believe that that's a better fit for us we have this great working relationship but there are different parts of the mdt that we feel like are important and i'll read you this part it says i've got the investigation of a crime by law enforcement and the preparation of a criminal prosecution are
vastly different from providing supportive services to a victim. The system works best when the parties know their roles. The law enforcement agency investigates the crime, the CAC performs a forensic interview and provides counseling services, and the prosecutor's office prosecutes the criminal. Our MDT coordinator in the 7th Judicial District understands this process and the role each player brings to the team ultimately the case is prosecuted by the prosecutor's office and the
coordination of that case needs to remain in our hands and at that time at this time that is with our MDT coordinator there are questions that I have about the bill and I know that my time is short but I do have issues that I do believe that the bill causes as far as local control and I'll stop at that point and ask if anyone has any questions.
Chair
Unverified
1:17:24
Representative Hudson, you're recognized for a question. Over here. Hi.
Representative Ashley Hudson
Unverified
1:17:29
I think that's a really good place for us to pick up because I am interested, especially for prosecutors in some of the smaller districts and smaller counties, about, you know, how this would affect your areas in particular, but also that local control issue is one that I'd like to hear
Speaker 179
1:17:48
more about. Sure. In the bill itself, over in Section 18, it talks about that. It is actually marked out that it says review and approve a protocol prepared by each,
and it has local, and that has been stricken, multidisciplinary team. So we're looking at not only the state CAC is looking at the national. So we've got national, state, and then those will all oversee local. You heard the statements earlier from the Mississippi County coordinator. coordinator. You've heard the differences in Pulaski County. None of us are the same and we all have our own challenges that we have to address and and this is one of those things that moves the CAC into a more active role within the prosecution of the case and in truth
how we see it in the seventh district our MDT coordinator is really responsible for the coordination of the case itself. We want every opportunity for these children. We don't want a single child to drop through the cracks and we want every child to take every step each day as a recovery for what has happened to them. The trauma that these children have experienced is beyond belief. And as prosecutors, we know that so closely because we work with them and we're
the ones who are sitting in front of them in that courtroom as they have to tell that story, and we have to work with them, and we have to hear that, and so do these CAC counselors and staff, but ultimately, we've got to get to a point that the criminal case has got to be prosecuted, and that's where the MDT coordinator is really going to be the great facilitator. I hope that answered your question. If not, please ask further.
Chair
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1:19:39
Are there any other questions for this witness? Thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Next to speak for the bill, we have Sheriff Runyon. Also, I'm just going to go ahead and apologize if I
Speaker 138
1:19:51
have already or if I do mispronounce anyone's name. You may just correct me when you get to the microphone.
Speaker 186
1:20:09
Thank you for recognizing me. I'm Sheriff Hobie Runyon from Sebastian County, Fort Smith. Thank you. I am in support of this bill. I know there's a lot of opposition on both sides. And my background is as I work the cases as a detective, and I've been involved with the MDTs and as a board member of the local Child Safety Center for the last 10 years, I've seen it when the MDTs work well, and I've seen it when they don't work. I've seen it when the CACs work well, and I've seen it when they don't work.
And I believe that consistency and all being under the same umbrella would be beneficial, not to me as a sheriff, but to the victims. I think it's vitally important to prosecute these cases. But when you work day in and day out with these kids, I think that the closure and the services provided by the CAC is just as important. And I know that might not be popular in law enforcement. But after working with these kids, as long as I have, I believe that that is critical.
In our own case, we had a CAC that was almost a catastrophic failure. And we didn't even realize it as board members. And I really, what I'm advocating for right now is that the state organization recognized it. they let us as board members know what kind of problems we were dealing with and let us dig into it more and they helped us to right the ship. Several of the presenters that were here for this bill were in Fort Smith meeting with our board numerous times. Lots of emails, lots of conversations
and quite honestly if it was not for that organization we might have a gigantic hole in western Arkansas, where we didn't have an operating MDT or CAC, Child Safety Center, whichever you want to call it. And I feel like if they weren't there, there's no telling what we would be missing as far as the kids and the services. So I feel like consistency is important. I honestly don't know what exactly the national model is. That's a little bit out of my specialty.
but I do know that both the MDTs and the CACs are vitally important and I think that as we move forward things also need to change. That's just the nature of what we do and I think every one of us here in this room on both sides feel like what we want is what's best for the children and I just I can't in my experience in Sebastian County the MDT and the CAC have always worked hand in hand. Now, I realize from talking to other people and listening that that's not always the
case, but it's hard for me to imagine the MDT that I was a member of for years and being a part of not being joined at the hip with the Child Safety Center, and so I think that if that moves us in that direction, I realize there's some growing pains, and there's some friends of mine that are definitely opposed to this bill, but I feel like from my perspective and what I've seen since about 2006 or 2007, when I started working crimes against children, that this is the best
mechanism to move us forward and to have a consistent platform that we're all on. I was able to successfully have a case prosecuted where the victim actually was in Washington State, but the crime had happened in Arkansas. Because of the consistency in the interview process, I was able to get that information, interview the person that committed that crime, and he went to prison. So I think the consistency is extremely important, and I believe this brings that to the table.
I know I'm about out of time, so thank you for recognizing me. I do appreciate you
Chair
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1:24:09
allowing me to speak to you. Thank you. We do have
Representative Cindy Crawford
Unverified
1:24:14
a question. Representative Crawford, you're recognized for a question. Hi, Sheriff. You mentioned in your testimony that they don't work really well together at times, but then in your closing, you said that the MDTs and the CACs do work well. Can you elaborate on that a little
bit? Yes, ma'am. I said historically I've seen
it when they didn't work well, and I've
Speaker 186
1:24:37
seen it when they didn't work well together, and I feel like it's vitally important that they do work well together, and when they do,
Representative Cindy Crawford
Unverified
1:24:49
we're much more successful. Follow up. So they are working well in Sebastian County together right now, but you see it as working better if we bring them
Speaker 193
1:24:59
under one roof? I do. I think currently we're in flux right
Speaker 186
1:25:03
now with Sebastian County. I think you might know we have a new director for the
Hamilton House, and so I think that moving forward, we're going to be working very well together. I do think we had a disconnect for the last couple of years. I absolutely do. Like I said, I've seen it when it was working very well, and I've seen it when it wasn't. And it's almost a checks and balances. It takes both. And I would be very reluctant to try and rely on just one and not the other and not utilize the resources that the CAC brings to the table.
Speaker 24
1:25:39
Thank you. Seeing no other questions, thank you for
Chair
Unverified
1:25:44
your testimony. Thank you. Next to speak again, we have Jeff
Jeff Phillips
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1:26:03
Phillips. Thank you. I appreciate you allowing me this time. My name is Jeff Phillips, and I represent the 5th Judicial District as the elected prosecutor there.
The 5th Judicial District is made up of Pope, Johnson, and Franklin counties. And I have two very, very rural counties, and one that's middle of the road probably population-wise, and they are different. They're their own entities as far as how we address and how we work those counties. My offices are very involved in the MDTs. my deputy prosecutors attend those meetings we are very active in it I have a long history of being involved in child services I was an attorney ad
latem part-time for over 16 years in two different judicial districts I was a right out of law school I was a DCFS attorney handled four judicial districts at that time so I understand it's a dual process of getting these kids better and prosecuting the bad folks. I am not in support of this bill. I think there's some big problems, some big warning red flags to me. That's not to say anything bad about these facilities. We rely on them all the time. I have
taken and prosecuted successfully horrendous cases with the aid of the Child Advocacy Center. I have one in my county, in my Polk County. A Franklin County is served by Fort Smith. So my concern is, is that I'm afraid that this bill is going to swallow up my rural counties, my MDTs, and that causes me concern. I first, I'm on the board of directors for the prosecutors group. I
didn't learn about this legislation until about 60, 90 days ago. If we're going to be team players. We need to be invited to the team meetings. We need to be told or at least have input about what we think and what we feel as prosecutors. We feel that we're an integral part of that. The fact that we haven't had that opportunity is a little bit troubling and that's that's all I wanted to speak about at this point. Thank you. Are there any questions for this
Chair
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1:28:21
witness thank you for your testimony next to speak for the bill we have Madison badgie bodgie
Madison Bodgie
Unverified
1:28:44
my name is Madison bodgie and I attended the CAC and Conway two years ago I came to the Children's Advocacy Alliance, a 17-year-old who was on the brink of
giving up. I was a girl who had been silent about a traumatic event that occurred many years before. When I was in the third grade, my stepdad sexually abused me. It started with four words and a yes. Want to make some money? Were the four words that changed the path of my life. That eight-year-old little girl eagerly said yes, thinking about how much candy she could buy with that money. Little did she know that money she would she'd earn would be from playing a little game called doctor little did she know she was about to be introduced to
sexual acts she had no knowledge of acts an eight-year-old never should have been forced into by a 30-year-old man the abuse went on for the duration of my third grade year the following years after my abuse were to say the least dark I tried so hard to block out these those memories I continued with my life as a hollow shell. My mind and personality had been drastically changed. I did not see anyone as real people. I fell so far into an abyss called depression without even knowing. My trauma seemed
to loom around me, always whispering at the back of my mind. I would lash out on everyone around me for no reason, and I was always giving the excuse that I was just tired. I suppose I was not lying because I truly was tired. I was tired of myself. I was tired of never being happy. I was tired of the weight I was carrying. I was tired of not understanding why I was so emotionally closed off. I was confused about why certain people or touch would cause anxiety's breath to clog my lungs. I wanted so desperately to scream at the top of my lungs, please, I'm hurting. I need someone
to fix my broken pieces. Suicidal thoughts became a part of me. I wanted to escape the feelings I had. I wrote suicidal notes and always kept a bottle of pills in my nightstand. I was truly lost. Everything changed when I was sent to the Children's Advocacy Alliance Center. I was greeted by an advocate who sat and talked to me. She reassured me that the interview I was about to go into would be okay and that I would be okay. I attended the CAC for a year and a half, and in that time, I found myself. I was diagnosed with PTSD and major depressive disorder by the amazing
therapist that advocacy provided at no cost. I met so many great people who showed support and care in more than one way. Not only did they take me in, but they also took on my two younger siblings as well. They offered a girls group where I met other girls that had been through trauma within their families, and I learned ways to cope. The CAC even provided school supplies to anyone who could not afford it. They sent us home with bags of food and provided snacks at each session. Members of the Children's Advocacy Alliance also attended my victim impact statement where I faced
my abuser for the first time in years. They cared for us like family, and that is what they became to me. This organization is not just some place to help kids. It is a home. It's a safe haven, a place of aspiration. The Children's Advocacy Alliance saved my life. All those thoughts and feelings that were eating away at my very being seemed to melt away before I knew it. I can see my future and I am the happiest I've ever been in my life and it's because of the CAC. Even after I left the advocacy I continued to receive so much love and support. I will eternally be grateful for
those who helped me. The Children's Advocacy is such an important organization because it takes in kids who have been through the worst of the worst at no cost. Regular therapy sessions are expensive. The advocacy brings in kids who come from families that really can't afford it. Most of these kids would only receive a handful of sessions before they can no longer afford it, or they would be released after six months. The CAC holds on to these kids until they know they will be okay and safe. If you cut funds to this organization, you're cutting kids' chances at
Chair
Unverified
1:32:45
finding hope. Thank you. Your time is up. Are there any questions for this witness? Representative Barry, you're recognized.
Representative Stan Berry
Unverified
1:32:53
Thank you, Madam Chairman. I think I'm about 90 percent through a book here, and I'd like to ask you, if you don't mind, if
you'd continue to finish your statement there, please. If
Madison Bodgie
Unverified
1:33:05
you cut funds to this organization, you're cutting kids' chances at finding hope, at finding a voice, a place to let go, a place to feel safe and heard. The Children's Advocacy Alliance is a home. They don't give up on these kids,
Speaker 145
1:33:17
and they never will. Thank you. Any other questions? Thank you for your testimony. Thank
Speaker 144
1:33:28
you. Next to speak against is Dan Turner. Madam Chair, may I remove my mask?
Dan Turner
Unverified
1:33:49
Yes, you might. Thank you, Madam Chair, and ladies and gentlemen. and I appreciate the opportunity to speak, and I appreciate all that you do for our state. My name is Dan Turner. I'm the elected prosecutor in the 9th East Judicial District. That's Clark County, Arkadelphia. I do want to say that I wholeheartedly support CACs. Senator Malone was instrumental in that program, and he was our senator for some time, and we do have a center in Clark County and work very closely with that center on almost a daily basis.
Krista Neal, who's our director, and I talk for sure once a week, but almost daily. But I do share the concern that some of my other colleagues have mentioned, and also Jeff Phillips just mentioned to this body, and that is that issue of local control. My MDT coordinator also happens to be my victim witness coordinator in my office. She preceded me. She was the victim witness coordinator for the prosecutor before me and the prosecutor before him.
She is an institution, and that makes her invaluable in that position as our MDT coordinator. In some instances, she knows generations. She has seen children that have grown up and had children that are in the system, and I can't put a price tag on how valuable that experience is. With her working as my victim witness coordinator, in a lot of these cases, is just like the last young lady that spoke to this body, she will be involved in obtaining a no-contact order
for that victim, for notifying that victim of information regarding the offender once they've been sentenced to prison, hopefully, if they're paroled, to help us to seek additional supervision from the court for sex offenders. Just things that she has access to in that position. Under this legislation, I understand that there's some claims that, well, We're not going to change MDTs that work, but under this legislation, she could be removed as that MDT coordinator in my district, and that would be tragic for the citizens of Clark
County. I think the biggest concern I have is just I've heard comments about local input. I've heard comments about more collaboration. I've heard testimony that there has been talk with experts and asking for input from other states. the Pulaski County coordinator talked about the entire team created their process and how that worked and my concern is I can only speak for myself but to my knowledge the prosecuting attorneys association and elected prosecutors were not involved in this and if we are going
to have a team approach and if we are going to have true collaboration then what is the urgency why not look at I'm not saying that there's not things that could be improved but why not take a moment to look at what can we do better I mean you've heard person after person from county after county some are talking about how their systems work well some are talking about problems they have so let's work through that process I would urge this committee to take time instead of making
a wholesale change of this nature and I'll be happy to answer any questions Are
Chair
Unverified
1:37:10
there any questions? Okay, Representative McKinsey, you're recognized for a question.
Representative Gayla H. McKenzie
Unverified
1:37:14
Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for your words. I'm trying to wrap my head around
Speaker 62
1:37:19
the, I understand what we're talking about, the same things over and over again, but I'm trying to understand the process. So if I understand correctly, the CAC is what, we've got two things going on here, control of funding, and it sounds like coordination.
the CAC would step in place of what we call the commission with regard to this. So when you mentioned with these MDT coordinators, I know you mentioned that they should still be in place, but they can be replaced by the CAC. What role does the commission play now? How active are they in the process with regard to the MDT coordinators, removing them, moving around assets? The current commission?
Dan Turner
Unverified
1:38:04
Yes. I've not been involved in that
Speaker 207
1:38:08
process. I'm just looking specifically at this piece of legislation moving forward.
Speaker 62
1:38:14
Follow-up? Your recognize? Perhaps I'm not articulating this well. My understanding is that it's a long term here, but we call them the commission, that they would then be removed from this control, and the CAC would take over that with regard to these abuse cases. Not all the cases, but the child abuse cases. So my question for you is the concern for the control, looking at the best interest of the kids,
but is the CAC then going to take more active control on the MDT coordinators? Is that one of the concerns? We're going to lose local control because the CAC would step in
Dan Turner
Unverified
1:38:50
and be more active? I am concerned about that. I am concerned that there's the possibility that we would lose, For example, my MDT coordinator, because she's officed in my office, I'm concerned that the CACs may want the MDT coordinators to be on site, outside of the office.
But again, to me, that's one of those things that why can't we truly collaborate and talk through a process that will work for everyone that's trying to pull the same direction? because I don't think there's a person in this room that will say they're not going to support child victims, and I think
Speaker 207
1:39:27
all of my colleagues, prosecutors, are not only going to want to accomplish that goal, but we want to absolutely successfully prosecute the offenders. Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
1:39:36
Representative Christensen, you're recognized for a question.
Okay, just leave it. Okay, and
here's a reminder. it seems backwards. When your green light is on, you're in the queue. And then when it's red, there we
Speaker 215
1:39:57
go. My question on this, since we're in a high-tech deal here, would the MDT coordinator necessarily have to change if this bill passes? And I'm trying to study the bill carefully, and does the CAC then have control?
Are they taking complete control of the MDTs because there's still a separation between the CAC and the MDTs? I believe
Dan Turner
Unverified
1:40:23
under the legislation proposed that they would supervise the MDTs. To answer your question, I don't know that, I mean, they may say that, you know, your MDT coordinator is fantastic, we're not going to make any changes, But as I said, if that opens the door for that possibility, I would question whether
or not that's a good choice or whether or not prosecutors or in certain jurisdictions ought not be involved in that process in terms of making those determinations. You recognize? I appreciate your testimony on that and your answer. I'm going to
Speaker 220
1:41:00
ask when the proponents come up again to clarify that question. Thank you very much. Any other questions for this witness? Thank you for your testimony. Thank you. Next to speak four, we have Tess Fletcher.
Tess Fletcher
Unverified
1:41:31
Good afternoon. My name is Tess Fletcher, and I'm the Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Alliance in Conway. Our agency has both the Child Advocacy Center and ACASA program under its umbrella. Our CAC serves Faulkner, Van Buren, Conway, and Perry counties. Three of our four counties are rural communities. In late 2018, we noticed that there were multiple cases out of Van Buren County that could not come to the CAC for services. These families could not afford to drive to Conway for that. We offer gas cards, but they can't even get to Conway to take advantage of the gas cards that we could offer.
our mdt's our mdt in van buren county asked multiple times what's are we able to open a satellite center in van buren county so in talking with our local board and with elizabeth pulley in the state chapter about the feasibility of this the decision was made to move forward so our van buren county response to child abuse now looks different because the local mdt had control and collaboration in making sure that services were provided in their community.
In 2000, well, from July 1, 2019 to June 30 of 2020, our agency served 27 children from Van Buren County in our Conway Center. Since our satellite has been open, we've served 50 children, and we're not even through our fiscal year. We could not have accomplished this alone. We were able to accomplish it because we worked with our MDT, with county government, with our local board, in the Children's Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. I hear a lot about local control, and does this mean that the CACs have local control? If you look at it from a different perspective,
if your facilitator is a member of law enforcement, does law enforcement now have local control? If they're a victim witness coordinator, does the prosecution have local control? The facilitator is a neutral party. They are not controlled by the team. they facilitate the discussion that the team has they don't control the investigation they don't control prosecution they don't control what services are provided they're a neutral facilitator
i believe this bill will allow more children to be served because the mdt cac model works the cac is the best place for the mdt to serve children cac's were created for the mdt and cannot exist without it cac is the only member on the team with that unique position many think that that the CAC is a place for forensic interviews and medical exams and that the use of the CAC should be optional for investigators. Yes, it's true we offer forensic interviews, sexual assault exams, but we also offer mental health assessments, child advocacy, trauma therapy, caregiver support,
access to community resources, follow-up support, and various other services that should never be optional to a victim. Investigators, prosecutors, nurses, therapists, child protective service workers advocates and interviewers all make up the multidisciplinary team and all are equally important no member of the team is optional and no service should be seen as optional the opposition would have you believe that CACs only care about getting children in the door and that we believe all children should go to a CAC the simple answer is yes we do and so should
they we believe that all children deserve the right to good care and access to free support services what reason would there ever be for denying a child access to support recovery I believe in the MDT-CAC model because it works. When dedicated, skilled professionals come together to vigorously pursue justice and recovery for victims, children are saved. I ask you to please consider change for Arkansas. This is an opportunity for you to participate in real and lasting change for the children of our state. This legislation has the potential to change the course of child abuse response and therefore impacting the lives of thousands of children a year.
We owe it to our children to pursue excellence in care, and I truly believe we can do that. Thank you. Thank you. Are there any questions
Chair
Unverified
1:45:21
for this witness? Thank you for your testimony. Next to speak against the bill, we have Ryan Cooper. Madam Chair, may I remove
Speaker 227
1:45:40
my mask? You may. Thank you. MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
Ryan Cooper
Unverified
1:45:49
MY NAME IS RYAN COOPER. I'M THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY FOR THE THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT. THAT'S LAWRENCE, RANDOLPH, SHARP AND JACKSON. THOSE ARE ALL FOUR NORTHEAST CORNER RURAL COUNTIES. WE DO NOT HAVE A CACD, EXCUSE ME, WE DO NOT HAVE A CAC IN ANY OF THOSE FOUR COUNTIES. WE ARE SERVICED BY THREE DIFFERENT CACS, ONE IN SEARSEE, ONE IN JONESBORAL AND ONE in Batesville. My concern as I'm here is that I'm afraid that this legislation will marginalize an
already marginalized population, which is the children in rural counties. I have, like many of my colleagues who've already testified, my MDT, the MDT coordinator handles all four of my counties. Um, what I don't, what I, I guess what I would love to know is whether when this CACD is in charge of the MDT coordinator, well, I now have three because I have three CACs that are basically splintering the four counties that I have.
As you might have noticed when I walked up, I have a little bit of a weight problem. So when my pharmacist tells me to take my blood pressure medicine and not take aspirin with it, I listen to him because he's the one who knows. When I see all these people here that are on the front lines of trying to get justice for children, I would urge this committee to take that seriously. These are not people that are here lightly. These are not people that speak in opposition of this bill lightly, especially from where it comes from, but I think that we can all agree that our children are the most precious resource
that we have, and when that's what's at stake and making sure to take care of children that have already been victimized is what we're talking about, taking a moment of pause to make sure that we're making the right decision is not only what we should do, it is our duty to do that and a lot of people have talked about change today and something my grandpa used to say and I always took me some time to figure out what he meant change and progress are not the same things so I would urge you to take a moment of pause and consider the people who have spoken against this bill
before you decide to pass it I'll be happy to take questions are there any
Speaker 143
1:48:10
questions for this witness thank you for your testimony thank you
Speaker 144
1:48:18
madam chair committee and to give information on the bill we have stasia mcdonald Good afternoon, committee.
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
1:48:44
I am here in my individual capacity. I'm not representing an employer or organization, and I was asked to come to speak by representative Jimmy Gassaway. He was a district attorney who participated on MDTs and felt like I had information to share with you all about the current MDT system and what this legislation may do. As you all have surmised, this is a very, very complex system. It's like an onion and there are
many, many layers, and I will do my best to touch on information that has been spoken about, and I know that I will run out of time and not have enough time to explain the whole system. But Arkansas is actually very progressive in their MDT system and CAC system, and that was thanks to a legislative task force. Let me back up. I apologize. In 2004, I was appointed as a commissioner
on the Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence, and I served on that commission until 2007 when Act 703 was passed. I then became, that established the MDT, the current MDT program and the current CAC program at the commission and I was the first person in the MDT project coordinator position at the commission until 2018. So going back to the committee and how
the system was set up, it was implemented after hearing national experts as well as the local teams that were already participating on MDTs. So in the early 90s MDTs started forming in Arkansas as well as CACs and by 2005 when the legislative task force formed there were over 25 standalone MDT teams and about seven CACs.
so there was federal funds going through the commission that supported the MDT programs there were no state funds supporting CACs and so act 703 of 2007 created state funds to fund both of these programs so Arkansas is very unique in that they have state funds for CACs and MDTs MDTs in Arkansas also recognized that the children in Franklin County are just as important
as the children in Pulaski County so MDTs in Arkansas also discuss more cases than what goes through a CAC which is a little bit different than how other CACs in other states operate so I was given a map and I don't know if you all have this map but do you all have this map okay so this is a map that actually the different colors on the map are different CACs and this map is created by the CACs of Arkansas and this
shows their service areas in different jurisdictions there's numbers on these maps and these show the cases that are accepted by the MDT by the child abuse hotline and go to the MDT for discussion and then that's the larger number on the map and then the smaller number is the cases that are initially taken to a child advocacy center and so in Arkansas there are different categories of abuse and thank you okay time is up
Chair
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1:52:48
are there any questions for this
witness representative Bentley you're recognized for a
Representative Mary Bentley
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1:52:54
question thank you for coming so help me with the funding issue are you concerned how this bill will create some
differences in funding that we're seeing now I don't think
it creates differences in funding so so when Act 703 2007 was passed it created a budget line item in UAMS's budget and it and that is
through state general revenue and that's different than other funding sources such as the domestic
violence shelters that were mentioned that pot of money is through the domestic peace fund and that is collected by DF&A through marriage licenses and bail bonds and then once that pot of money is
collected for a period of time it was given to the Commission to disperse to directly to the shelters so this this funding is state general revenue that's in a state agency's budget that is being requested to be removed and that's a little bit
of the difference between the different types
of fundings one quick follow-up on that so you were briefly talking to us about some cases that will come to an MDT that not necessarily going to need to go
to a CAC can you just expound on that just a little bit so there's categories of abuse like severe physical abuse so if you have an infant that's at children's hospital with abusive head trauma those cases are still coordinated and prosecuted and you know the service is provided through the mdt they have
the case review process but the infant with abusive head trauma is not going to go to a CAC for services. There's other categories of other
physical abuse types. A lot of drug cases don't go through CACs. Thank you. Representative Springer, you're
Chair
Unverified
1:54:47
recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam
Representative Joy Springer
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1:54:50
Chair. If you would like, would you please,
I would like to hear those numbers that you were getting ready to go over with respect to the numbers on this little sheet.
If you can quickly finish what you were going to
Representative Mary Bentley
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1:55:05
tell us about those. Well, just that the MDTs, so the premise of an MDT, and this is the national premise, and Arkansas, whenever Act 703 was enacted, it did adopt the national model. So all of the MDTs are trained under the national model. The whole purpose of Act 703 was to expand on the standalone MDTs so that every county would have an MDT and then also make the state fertile so that CACs can grow.
And as Ms. Fletcher testified, in Van Buren County, that MDT requested a satellite center to serve the kids in their county. And that's under the current model, and that's exactly how this is supposed to work. That the state is supposed to be fertile for CACs to grow. But also Arkansas chose to also let MDTs discuss other cases
than what are going to go through the CACs.
And so that's why a lot of times you have a difference in the cases that the MDTs actually discuss and coordinate than what go through the CACs.
Chair
Unverified
1:56:21
Representative Berry, you're recognized for a
Representative Stan Berry
Unverified
1:56:24
question. Thank you, Madam Chairman. So can you expand a little on the
funding that you talked about under Act 703? Because I'm not aware of any funding.
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
1:56:38
Okay. So when this program, when the programs were started, when Act 703 passed, there was a one-cent sales tax increase on beer. and that money went to state general revenue and then that created an additional funding source for a lot of different programs. These are just two of the programs that those funds allow to be created.
So that, it was a line item in the UAMS budget was created out of that increased revenue. But it all goes to state general revenue. Okay. Thank you, Madam Chairman. Representative Springer, you're
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
1:57:28
recognized for a question. Thank you, Madam Chair. And that was one of the things when we talked about funding that I had a question. Have you actually seen this bill under section three of the bill on page four, where it talks
about, and I'll read it, under this chapter in the administration of the Arkansas Children's advocacy center fund children advocacy centers of arkansas shall not accept money or other assistance from they strike out the federal and say united states government or any other entity or individual if the acceptance would obligate the state of arkansas except to the extent that the money is available in in the fund are you familiar with that language would you please explain that to me because i've tried to get someone to explain it to me and they have not
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
1:58:16
not been able to do so. Do you understand what
Chair
Unverified
1:58:24
that is? I don't. No, I'm sorry. I don't. Okay. Thank
you. Any other questions for this witness? Thank you for
Speaker 41
1:58:37
your testimony. Okay. Next to speak against the bill is Sarah Ramsey. Oh, sorry. I must
Speaker 243
1:58:42
have two lists. Uh, Liz Wagner. Thank you. Lindsay Shelton.
Speaker 246
1:59:08
Good afternoon. I won't take up much time because I think everything has been said that I would like to say. I just want to say— Could you tell us who you are and who you're with, please? Yes, ma'am. That's what I was going to say. That's who I am. I'm Lindsay Shelton. I am a victim witness coordinator for the 15th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney's Office. I've been in that office for 15 years. The majority of that time, I have been part member of the Conway and Logan County MDT teams. And as of about a year and a half ago, I became an MDT coordinator for Logan County.
I appreciate your time I do oppose this bill and I thank you for listening to everyone thank you are there any questions for this witness thank you for your testimony thank you ma'am
Chair
Unverified
1:59:59
we also have Cheryl Holder Cheryl Holder okay Sorry, couldn't see you for the column.
Speaker 250
2:00:16
Yes, you're welcome. I'm Cheryl Holden, and I want to thank you all for giving me just a few minutes to tell you my perception of the bill, Bill 1499. I always knew there were CACs. I really never got involved until I was asked to be a board member about a year ago. It was not a good experience initially because we had a dysfunctional CAC.
If it wasn't for the state CAC and Elizabeth Pulley and her group, the CAC probably would not be in existence because the funding was not used appropriately. And to me, I've always treated my employer's money like my own. So when you see money that's not used appropriately, whether it's mine, yours, or the government's,
it really disheartened me because I felt like that was taking funds away from our children. And I just would ask you to please consider it. It's, from my understanding, it's not about control. The state CAC allowed us to make the decisions. They provided guidance every step of the way. But with change, it's just human nature to be fearful.
Speaker 251
2:01:55
but I think that we will all work together and make it work better for our children. Thank you. Are there
Chair
Unverified
2:02:06
any questions for this witness? Thank you for your testimony. Next to speak against, we have Lieutenant Rhonda Thomas.
Lieutenant Rhonda
Unverified
2:02:25
Good afternoon. I talk really loud, so I'm sorry. My name is Lieutenant Rhonda Thomas. I've been a law enforcement officer for 28 years. I'm also an MDT coordinator in Greene County. Our county is one of the counties that had the MDTs in process before. It was actually the Child Abuse Task Force prior to 2007 when we started the MDT program. I wanted to clarify
something about someone said a while ago, what if the person, the MDT coordinator works under the prosecutor's office or if they work under law enforcement, how is that any different than what they're proposing? That is different because the CACs are talking about employing the MDT coordinators they will handle that money so essentially they will be our boss as a law enforcement officer and an mdt coordinator my boss is the child abuse commission and they do not have
a person on the team they do watch us and and make sure that we're doing what we're supposed to do correctly but they don't have any person on the team so if there's any kind of disagreement that they're not involved in that, but if we had a disagreement with someone on the CAC, say they're saying a child needs a medical, but they didn't disclose that they were penetrated, the MDT coordinator's job is to talk about that and rectify that. We can't do that if our boss,
the person that's writing our paycheck, it takes away the neutrality of the system. If you put the MDTs under the CACs, it takes away that neutrality. Also, I would like to say that there are 23 coordinators that we know of that are opposed to this bill. Of those 23 coordinators, we represent 40 of the 66 MDT teams in the state of Arkansas. So that's well over half of the MDT coordinators are opposed to this bill. The other MDT coordinators who are not opposed to this bill
are already associated with or working for the Child Abuse Centers of Arkansas. My team loves our CAC. We work well with them. We send kids there for exams. We send kids there for interviews when we can. But I'm in a rural county, and there's only four police officers in my division. The CAC requires that someone watch a forensic interview when it goes on in their center. Rural counties don't have the manpower to send an officer an hour or an hour and a half away
to watch an interview for an hour and then drive back an hour and a half when they might only have one or two or three people working. We send kids to the CACs when they need those medical exams, and we arrange for that to happen. But we can't send every child to the CAC for an interview when we can't go there ourself and watch that. or when our CACD person can't leave their county and go over and watch that. I can't think of anything else I wanted to cover.
Speaker 255
2:05:40
Does anyone have any questions? Are there any questions for this witness? Thank you for your testimony. Next, we have Kay Beale. I'll tell you first, I'm not known for talking for only four minutes, but I'll try to keep it brief. So, I've been an MDT coordinator for 10 years. Can you tell us who you are, please?
My name is Kay Beal. I've been an MDT coordinator for 10 years in White County, Lowenope County, Poinsett County, and Craighead County. Prior to that, I worked with DCFS, I worked with CACD, and I also worked at the CAC as a forensic interviewer. I was the Investigations Administrator at Arkansas State Police Crimes Against Children Division for my last job with the state of Arkansas. I have been involved in that capacity with MDT since 1992, and I would be glad to explain what MDT coordinators actually do right now,
but I'm unable to cover that in the length of time I have. So our supervisor is Nancy Chambers. Her supervisor is Paula Stone, who's the director at the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence. They can't be here today. They can't be here because the commission has been asked to remain neutral by Governor Hutchinson. So they're not here to answer your questions about what we do or what they've known or any of that. So, I'll be happy to answer any questions that I can answer, but obviously they would be the people to answer questions about what we do as MDT coordinators, what our oversight is, and how things are handled at the commission.
The commission doesn't fire and hire. That's what Nancy does her job with Paula. That's their job to oversee us. So, also, I want to make reference to a letter that each of you have from Max Snowden, who was previously the director at the commission. That letter talks about, there was a reference to the contact with him before this bill was prepared, and that letter from Max expresses his feelings about that.
I think you can read it, and you can see how he feels about it. He opposes this bill, as he says in that letter. My concerns, confidentiality is a major concern for me because of my past job. This law has a section that says that not only will local law enforcement be notified immediately of all Priority 1 and Priority 2 sexual abuse reports, and all Priority 1 reports, then the CACs will also be notified immediately of those reports.
As someone who's worked in this field a very long time, there are reports that come in that are not valid reports. They don't need to go to anybody other than through CACD and possibly to local law enforcement. They do not need to go to a CAC. see. And this wouldn't be the same as notifying the MDT coordinator. There's also a separate thing for notifying the MDT coordinator, probably exactly like we are right now. Our reports come directly from the hotline. And we, of course, know about confidentiality. If we
breach confidentiality, we know we wouldn't have a job. There wouldn't be any discussion about it. We would be gone because that's how important it is. As parents of children, you know that you don't want someone to breach confidentiality when it comes to information about your child and child abuse. Some of these reports are true, some are not. So you never know in which situation you might be in. It might be your child we're getting the report on. So some other things I heard in here that I had concerns about is how would changing an MDT coordinator
from the Commission on Child Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence, How would changing them to CAC improve services? Because I forgot to mention, I've also been an acting director of the CAC in Jonesboro briefly, and I know that they already received
Speaker 256
2:10:05
funding to provide services. Thank you. Your time is
Chair
Unverified
2:10:09
up. Are there any questions? Okay, Representative Berry, you're recognized. Thank
Representative Stan Berry
Unverified
2:10:14
you, Madam Chairman. So you mentioned that the governor wouldn't let the commissioners—
Speaker 255
2:10:19
Well, I'll reference back to that, that the UAMS director, whatever he is, he said that they were neutral and everyone on the commission got a letter from the governor saying they were to remain neutral on this. I can't say what my employer, Nancy and Paula got. I just know
Speaker 260
2:10:44
that they could not be here. Okay. So, are you, follow
Speaker 261
2:10:49
up, ma'am. Thank you. So are you currently a CAC interviewer?
Speaker 255
2:10:55
No, I'm not a CAC interviewer now. I'm an MDT coordinator in Craighead. That's my only paid job. I'm also a CASA volunteer, but that's my only paid job. And obviously, it's a part-time job. One last follow-up. Make
Representative Stan Berry
Unverified
2:11:13
it quick. Okay. so so did
Speaker 261
2:11:17
you get a promotion or why were you no longer an interviewer oh
Speaker 255
2:11:22
why was I no longer an interviewer and I was let go because I was no longer a good
fit at that center and I can definitely go into that if y'all would like for me to but I'm not sure anybody in this room
Chair
Unverified
2:11:37
want me to okay thank you madam chairman representative Garner you recognize for a question that's okay I got it okay
any other questions for this witness thank you for your testimony thank you we have one other to sign up I mean that signed up to speak from CAC and I'm gonna apologize because on the sheet I cannot read even to guess a name so if you signed up with the CAC to speak and have not and would like to
speak? Do we have a mystery guest? Okay, is there anyone else in the audience signed up to speak for or against?
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
2:12:26
Okay. Representative Springer, you have a question? Yes, Madam Chair. Is it appropriate for us to suggest since we've heard from all the prosecutors across the state and
I've heard from other individuals say that maybe there may be a way to resolve this for them to sit down and possibly come back at a later time with something better. And I guess maybe I should direct it to Representative Fite if she's willing to do just that to work with the prosecutors and all the people that have come here today to see if there can be some type of resolution to this because, as it has been said, we're here for the children and we want to make sure that they are taken care of.
So it seems like, to me, there ought to be some resolution to this because I heard one person indicate that they had made a proposal and that was not acceptable. So maybe they can go back to the table and try again to try and get it resolved. Well, we're going to call Representative
Speaker 91
2:13:19
Fight back to the table close for her bill. All right. thank you madam
chair thank you committee for your good attention this has been a long time and
I appreciate your careful consideration
there have been several misperceptions given today and I would like to clear those up no beer tax has gone to the children's advocacy centers That's a myth that has been around for years, it's just not accurate. The pilot program that was referenced earlier is not the same as the proposal here. That pilot program is actually under the current commission against child abuse, rape, and domestic violence.
So saying it's not working is further proof that we need this bill. When we are talking about a national model, most state groups, national groups, have a model that they are expected to follow. That's what we're asking the Children's Advocacy Centers to do, is to look at what the national standards are and to follow them. And the national standards are that the Children's Advocacy Centers should coordinate the multiple disciplinary teams.
This is a more direct route for the money to come through. the money is not flowing to our CACs as it should. This will help with that process because it won't be so circuitous. We will not have UAMS at the head and then the commission under that and then the money flowing. It will come directly to the Children's Advocacy Centers and be dispersed from there. The CAC tells me that they have met with the prosecutors multiple times.
Why do we need more time? Should we wait two years for these children to get the services that they need, that they're entitled to? Should we bring this back before the legislature in two years and not take any action now? I don't think so. What the prosecuting attorneys were asking for was to set up a pilot program. We don't need to do that because we have what we need right now in place. We just need to adopt it and do it.
I'm very proud of the support that the governor and the first lady have given to this bill. Let me again tell you what it doesn't do, because there's been so much concern. It does not abolish local MDTs. It does not move MDTs to a larger city. Each MDT will stay in their individual county, and no resources will be taken away. Rural MDTs will continue, even if that county doesn't have a CAC located there. If MDTs are going well, they're not going to see much change.
If they're not going well, they're going to benefit from additional resources and training opportunities. CACs will not act as a buffer or a gatekeeper between victims and prosecutors. And the mention of the opposition and the number in opposition, there are 38 MDT coordinators. Thirteen names are on the list that support this legislation. Another seven are neutral. That's a majority who are not in opposition to this bill.
Everyone who spoke today, either for or against this bill, has the same goal. We all want to protect our children. We want that. They want that. We just disagree on the best way to do it. We believe House Bill 1499 is what we need. It's what our children need. Change is never easy, and I understand that. doing something the same way for so long is comfortable but remember if we're not moving forward we're moving backwards house bill 1499 moves us forward so i ask you committee to give
me a good vote so that we can pass this legislation and do the right thing for the children of arkansas and as a member of the committee i make a motion do
Speaker 41
2:17:37
pass members we have a motion do pass Is
Representative Stan Berry
Unverified
2:17:45
there any discussion on the motion? Madam Chairman. Representative Berry, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chairman. First of all, I want to thank all the witnesses for being here to testify today because it's obvious just with the number of people that have showed up
at this committee meeting today, more so than any committee meeting that I've been thus far in the session, that you do have a genuine concern for the children in Arkansas. and it's also obvious that there's a lot of misinformation and I have read reams of paper read countless emails and it's obvious and I've listened to both sides of the story taking phone calls but my role as a legislator is to do what I think is best
for the state of Arkansas in this case for the children of the state of Arkansas and make the best decision that I possibly can. Therefore, when the time is appropriate, I'll be making a motion and I will be voting for this bill. Thank you.
Chair
Unverified
2:18:50
Thank you. Is there any other discussion on the motion due
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
2:18:55
passed? Representative Springer, you're recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. Representative Berry, I think Representative Fife has already made the motion due passed.
I would just like to say in opposition to this bill that I did not hear anyone say during the testimony that the children were not being served. It was a difference of, like it's been said, it's a difference of opinion as to how it needs to be done. And I also heard that this so-called national model has already been implemented and it's been done so since more than 15, 20 years ago.
So I think, as I said before, I think that there's a need for all the parties once again to get together and try to come up with a resolution. And I don't think that it's appropriate for us to try to make a decision here based upon what has been said. It's already been said that there's a difference of opinion, and we're here to try to support all persons across this state. So hopefully that that can be done once this bill is voted down and everybody can get together and try to work out some type of resolution.
So I will be voting no against this bill based upon what I've heard. And so you all know, I initially thought that I would vote for the bill based upon persons that had contacted me. And then after hearing all the testimony and all that has been said, I have to change my mind because there's a lot of, as it's been said, a lot of differences of opinion and different things have been said so with that i think it's appropriate that we as a member of this committee vote no for this bill thank you is there any other
Chair
Unverified
2:20:39
discussion on the motion okay members all in favor say aye opposed no no the ayes have it congratulations you've passed your bill thank you madam chair thank
you committee and madam chair would you continue with the next bill I believe it will be very brief sure next we will
Chair
Unverified
2:20:56
take up Senate bill 163 representative Barry are you presenting that bill representative Barry you're recognized thank you madam chairman and
Representative Stan Berry
Unverified
2:21:16
And if I may, if I could call my subject matter expert from the AEDC up, Renee. You may. Colonel Rob Ader. If you would, they can go ahead and introduce
Speaker 277
2:21:39
themselves. Ma'am, I'm Colonel Rob Ader. I'm the Director of Military Affairs at the Arkansas Economic
Speaker 249
2:21:44
Development Commission. I'm Renee Dede. I'm Director of Legislative Affairs for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
Representative Stan Berry
Unverified
2:21:49
Thank you. You're right. Thank you, Madam Chairman and colleagues. Arkansas has been a leader in the
Speaker 279
2:21:56
military and defense sector for decades, and this bill will only ensure that we grow our military industrial complex and our military missions to support national defense while bringing more jobs and growing the economic impact to the defense sector here in our state. In 2015, our governor began a proactive initiative to support the state's military installations and related economic development interests by creating the Arkansas Military Affairs Committee in AEDC.
And I happened to be there when the governor made that announcement, serving as the Secretary of the Military and the Adjutant General of the state of Arkansas. As part of that effort, Governor Hutchinson formed the Military Affairs Committee and began the first comprehensive analysis of the military's overall economic impact on our state's economy. I'd like to share just a few numbers in relation to the military economic impact of the state of Arkansas from the 2016 military installation impact analysis that
I only have one copy and that belongs to the governor. The jobs that are supported, $62,400. Labor income $3 billion. Gross state product $4.5 billion. Tax revenue generated $330 million. SB 163 will permanently establish the Arkansas Military Affairs Council under the Arkansas Military Affairs Council Act. Codify the military affairs grant program and the military
Affairs Director of Position at AEDC. This bill has no impact on revenue and has received unanimous support through the Senate. I would be happy to answer any questions on my subject matter experts if
Speaker 261
2:23:39
anybody has any questions. Are there any questions by committee? Seeing none, would you like to close for your bill?
Chair
Unverified
2:23:45
Yes, I would. I'm closing for the bill. I thank you for
Speaker 279
2:23:52
your support and I make a motion to do pass for consideration. We have a
Chair
Unverified
2:23:58
motion due pass, committee. Is there any discussion on the motion?
All in favor say aye. Aye. Opposed, no. Thank you, Madam Chairman. Thank you, committee. Your bill has passed. Okay, committee, thank you for your long, hard work today. We will not meet again until Monday the 29th. Watch for bills and email on bills from Blake on Thursday and enjoy your
Representative Stan Berry
Unverified
2:24:25
spring break. Madam Chairman, before you bang the gavel, if you would, please. So Colonel Ada, there was two amendments on this bill that we need to, you want to speak to those, Rob,
Speaker 281
2:24:34
if we may? They were very, very small amendments that were on there. They're engrossed in the
Speaker 282
2:24:40
bill. Oh, they're already engrossed. I thought he had two more. Scared me. Okay, we're good. You're
Speaker 122
2:24:44
all good. Thank you. Please let me gavel out. Thank you. We're adjourned. You
Agenda
REGULAR AGENDA
DEFERRED BILLS
Documents
| Title | Type | Pages | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agenda — AGING, CHILDREN AND YOUTH, LEGISLATIVE & MILITARY AFFAIRS- HOUSE, Mar 22, 2021 | Agenda | 1 | Official source ↗ |
Speakers
Representative Charlene Fite Chair
Unverified
Representative Cameron Cooper
Unverified
Representative Reginald Murdock
Unverified
Chair
Unverified
Representative Joy Springer
Unverified
Speaker 50
Speaker 56
Representative Gayla H. McKenzie
Unverified
Speaker 62
Representative Mary Bentley
Unverified
Speaker 74
Speaker 81
Representative Joe Cloud
Unverified
Representative Ashley Hudson
Unverified
Representative Julie Mayberry
Unverified
Speaker 38
Representative Denise Garner
Unverified
Speaker 116
Speaker 122
Speaker 127
Sarah Ramsey
Unverified
Speaker 28
Speaker 138
Speaker 139
Speaker 141
Speaker 145
Shane West
Unverified
Speaker 134
Speaker 152
Nathan Smith
Unverified
Speaker 168
Representative Stan Berry
Unverified
Speaker 169
Speaker 179
Speaker 186
Representative Cindy Crawford
Unverified
Speaker 193
Speaker 24
Jeff Phillips
Unverified
Madison Bodgie
Unverified
Speaker 144
Dan Turner
Unverified
Speaker 207
Speaker 215
Speaker 220
Tess Fletcher
Unverified
Speaker 227
Ryan Cooper
Unverified
Speaker 143
Speaker 41
Speaker 243
Speaker 246
Speaker 248
Speaker 250
Speaker 251
Lieutenant Rhonda
Unverified
Speaker 255
Speaker 256
Speaker 260
Speaker 261
Speaker 91
Speaker 277
Speaker 249
Speaker 279
Speaker 281
Speaker 282