A University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences-based commission has awarded more than $600,000 in funding to combat child abuse and neglect across the state.
UAMS announced Monday that the Arkansas Commission on Child Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence awarded $630,000 to 11 organizations that will use the grant money for projects to prevent child abuse, as well as for the creation of more wrap-around support services for children and parents.
It is the largest amount of funding the commission has awarded since it began its grant program three years ago. The Child Abuse & Neglect grants provide up to $100,000 a year for two years, according to UAMS. The programs must target specific populations: children, parents and potential parents or professionals.
“This is our third year to put out a request for proposals for our Child Abuse & Neglect grants,” Laura Robertson, executive director of the commission, said in a press release.
Robertson said this year’s application process was the most competitive to date.
Recipients include White County Domestic Violence Prevention, which received $30,599 to expand services for at-risk children and families in the community.
The Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence will use the $100,000 it received to establish the Parent and Child Legal Aid Program in two divisions of Pulaski County Circuit Court. The program “will provide free legal representation and expert testimony to help domestic violence victims and their children obtain orders of protection,” UAMS said.
Community Connections received almost $94,000 that will be used to add a full-time family and child abuse prevention coordinator and to expand services. The nonprofit offers free extracurricular activities for children and young adults with disabilities.
The Arkansas Legislature created the 25-member commission 30 years ago to strengthen support services available to victims of child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence. The commission also works on human trafficking prevention. Members are appointed by the governor.
The commission received 23 applications for the grant program, which opened in late January and closed at the end of March. Initial funding began July 1, 2024.