Arkansas lawmakers couldn’t miss dozens of child advocates as they entered the House chamber to cast a vote that will impact children for years to come.

Arkansas has done a great deal to improve data collection and fiscal and academic accountability requirements for public schools in recent years. However, the system has been ineffective in broadly disseminating much of this information to parents, or to researchers and taxpayers. Effective communication between schools and parents is critical to ensuring children’s academic success. […]

As we work to move forward, it is now more important than ever to advocate for tax policies and spending measures that lift our low-income families out of poverty as they are the ones hardest hit by the current economic downturn. This update includes a summary of three such important pieces of federal and state […]

Children with health insurance are more likely to receive the health care they need to become healthy, educated and productive citizens. Health insurance not only impacts children’s health, it impacts the economic stability of families. More and more, health insurance is out of reach for many working families, threatening their ability to make ends meet. […]

AACF is closely following several important pieces of tax and budget legislation that impact low- families now that the Arkansas State Legislature and the U.S. Congress have reconvened, As we move forward, it’s more important than ever to advocate for tax policies and spending measures that lift our low-income families out of poverty. They are […]

An Analysis of Juvenile Justice in Arkansas For decades Arkansas has struggled to effectively address the needs of juvenile offenders. Now, with significant decreases in juvenile arrests and commitments to the DHS Division of Youth Services, Arkansas can concentrate on the underlying problems that bring youth into our juvenile justice system.  There are proven methods […]

Get Involved! The phrase “there is strength in numbers” is especially true when it comes to child advocacy. We can’t be successful without the help and support of concerned citizens like you. We’ll keep you informed about what we’re working on and give you opportunities to get involved. Sign up for our newsletters, make a […]

Health reform continues to progress through the House and Senate. On Saturday, November 7, the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act of 2009 bill by 220 votes. AACF thanks Arkansas Representatives Marion Berry and Vic Snyder for voting in favor of the bill.

When parents cannot protect their children, the State of Arkansas has the responsibility to do so. The Arkansas Division of Children and Families Services (DCFS) has the main responsibility for children removed from their homes and taken into care. This year, several children have died from abuse while in the Arkansas foster care system. These […]

An Update on the Tax and Budget System Now that President Bush has signed the financial rescue legislation called the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, child advocates are waiting to see what the $700 billion dollar bailout will mean for low- and moderate-income families. As we work to move forward, it is more important than ever […]