Arkansas funds child and family services for 2026–27

The law provides up to 1,420 regular employee positions and 65 temporary or part-time positions, and sets aside $147,997,010 for salaries and operating costs. These positions and funds are for the Department of Human Services' Division of Children and Family Services. Temporary and part-time workers may be hired when needed and paid from funds set aside for that purpose. Spending must follow applicable state budget and purchasing laws and use only funds made available by law. These staffing limits and funds apply to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

The law sets aside $64,654,079 in state grants for foster care and residential treatment, plus $102,907,999 for foster care through TANF. The grants are for the Department of Human Services' Division of Children and Family Services. The grants are paid from the accounts named for each appropriation, subject to applicable state budget and purchasing laws and funds available by law. These grant amounts apply to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.

The law sets aside $214,799 for child abuse prevention operations and grants or loans, and $50,000 for Safe Harbor grants to children's advocacy centers. The prevention funds are for the division's Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board; Safe Harbor grants go to children's advocacy centers statewide. Prevention funds may support the development or operation of child abuse prevention programs. Safe Harbor grants are for services and treatment for sexually exploited children. These amounts apply to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027.