Department of Human Services

Department of Human Services

Professional DHS Lawyers in Arkansas

Request a Consultation

M40457 - ARlaw Partners - Trust Badges RV1.png
five stars

DHS Lawyers with locations in Fayetteville & Little Rock, AR.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services, including the Division of Children and Family Services and the Central Registry Unit, is what is often referred to a “child protective services “(CPS) or simply “DHS.” Most legal issues involving DHS involve either dependency-neglect cases where children are taken into foster care or placed on the child maltreatment registry, where an individual has been found by the Department to have subjected a juvenile to abuse or neglect.

With prior experience defending the Department, our legal team, which now fights for individuals and parents, is uniquely positioned to secure the right outcome for you in your DHS case.

501-232-6218 Contact Us

DHS Areas

Dependency or Neglect

Dependency neglect is the most common court litigated legal issue involving the Department of Human Services. The Department is represented by a state attorney, the child or children is given a special attorney, known as an “attorney ad litem,” and the parents are given approximately a year to correct the conditions that caused their children to be taken into foster care. The steps necessary to overcome that barrier and get your kids back can be overwhelming but having an experienced attorney on your side can make it quicker and less stressful.

Child Maltreatment Registry

Dependency neglect is the most common court litigated legal issue involving the Department of Human Services. The Department is represented by a state attorney, the child or children is given a special attorney, known as an “attorney ad litem,” and the parents are given approximately a year to correct the conditions that caused their children to be taken into foster care. The steps necessary to overcome that barrier and get your kids back can be overwhelming but having an experienced attorney on your side can make it quicker and less stressful.

Icon of a credit card

Serving Arkansas Residents

We’ve helped over 10,000 families across Arkansas find a financial fresh start.

Icon of a map

Your Arkansas Law Firm

ARlaw Partners has two convenient offices in Little Rock & Fayetteville, AR.

Icon of scales

Get Debt Relief Today

Contact ARlaw Partners for all of your bankruptcy and debt relief needs.

Common DHS Issues & Solutions

What is a maltreatment registry?

The Child Maltreatment Registry and Adult Maltreatment Registries are lists of names maintained by the Arkansas Department of Human Services of individuals who have had an investigation for child or adult maltreatment substantiated against them. Employers and potential employers are either notified or can readily determine whether your name appears on a registry, and use that information to preclude you from employment. This is especially a concern for individuals involved in the day to day care of children and adults, such as teachers, coaches, school bus drivers, nursing home employees, etc.

How can I get my name off of the maltreatment registry?

There are a few stages at which a person may be able to either prevent placement of their name on a maltreatment registry or have their name removed from a registry. When an investigation for child or adult maltreatment has been substantiated, or found to be proven true by a preponderance of the evidence, the person being placed on the registry will be provided with the opportunity to request an administrative hearing to keep their name off the registry. If, after the hearing, the administrative law judge keeps the name on the registry, that judge may be appealed to circuit court. If one's name still remains on the registry, most names placements are subject to petitions for removal after a period of one (1) year.

Can my child stay with family while in foster care?

When the Arkansas Department of Human Services exercise an emergency hold on a child and take them into foster care, they are first tasked with finding a suitable foster placement for the child. Family members should contact the Department to inform them that they wish to be considered for a foster or adoptive placement. Foster and adoptive families will be required to complete certain courses, homestudies, etc. in order to remain eligible. Often, unfortunately, not all family is readily considered due to the circumstances of the removal.

How long can a child remain in foster care?

Generally, there is no set time on how long a child may remain in foster care. Arkansas' laws are aspirational in that they seek to determine a "permanency plan" for the juvenile after the child has been in foster care for a period of year. The majority of courts, after fifteen (15) months, move towards termination of parental rights if another permanency plan, such as guardianship, is not available.

What is a termination of parental rights hearing?

A termination of parental rights hearing or "T.P.R." is exactly what it sounds like. It is a trial before a circuit judge on a petition to have someone's parental rights to their children terminated and their relationship with the child forever severed, so that the child may be cleared for adoption by another family. At the hearing, the Department of Human Services (DHS) must prove by clear and convincing evidence that there exists grounds under the law for terminating parental rights, that the child is adoptable if the Court does sever the family relationship, and that it is in the child's best interest for rights to be terminated. Termination of parental rights orders may be appealed to the Arkansas Court of Appeals.

Can I adopt my relative from foster care?

After a parents' rights to their child have been terminated, the child becomes eligible to be adopted. Under Arkansas Law, at all stages of the process, DHS should consider family members as possible placements for children. Often, children, especially young children, have remained in the same foster home throughout being in foster care, so it is important that interested family members make efforts early on to inform DHS that they wish for the family to remain in tact.

Client Testimonials

These client testimonials are actual comments. We strive to represent our clients with prompt, knowledgeable and caring service. We hope to receive similar positive comments from your experience with our law firm.

  • 5 Stars

    Terry Silva Sr

    Our attorney Katie Freeman was very honest, helpful, and very informative about our adoption. She took very good care of us and was always prepared for the next step. I highly recommend this Law Firm for all your family needs. Thank you so much for your help.

  • 5 Stars

    Lindsey Stines

    My husband and I were both represented by dustin duke. He was extremely understanding and helped us with our issue within days! We had less than a week to prepare for court and Dustin won the case and was able to get my attorneys fees paid for from the other party! Would HIGHLY recommend arlaw partners they genuinely care about their clients and are always available for any questions you may have!

  • 5 Stars

    Stephen Kaufmann

    They were very courteous and always responded promptly to any questions I had. I will be recommending them to everyone!

  • 5 Stars

    Karnilla Schingoethe

    I am so grateful to have found AR law partners. Kayla Marple and Betsy Hickman helped me above and beyond with my divorce. I had a particularly difficult judge, but a fairly straightforward case. They took all of the stress off of me and got it done for a very fair price. I 100% recommend them!

  • 5 Stars

    Lynise Yates

    professional and help me every step of the way. I could never show say thank you enough for what she has done for my family. God bless you Katie!

  • 5 Stars

    John Beck

    Katie is an awesome attorney. I would recommend anyone to her. She was with me the whole time with my case and is very knowledgeable and professional. If you have any questions she will get you the answer. Her and her team are very trustworthy.

  • 5 Stars

    Conrad Henson

    experience is hard to beat. If your in need of a attorney especially for family law, you must give her your first chance! You won’t regret it 😊

  • 5 Stars

    Wes (Wes)

    Jon was awesome! Always fast to return calls and emails. Walked me through every step. Couldn't have made the process any easier for me. Definitely would recommend him.

  • 5 Stars

    Britney Queen

    I HIGHLY recommend Jonathan at ARlaw Partners. He made the whole experience, from beginning to end, very smooth and easy. He responds quickly and is very professional. I've had a great experience in the past with Katie also. This is an amazing group!

  • 5 Stars

    Shandi Turknett

    Katie helped me through a difficult time and fought hard with me the whole way. Any time I needed her, she was there for me. She made our custody case easy and guided me to make the best decisions for my children. I cannot thank her enough!

Schedule your free consultation today for our high-quality legal representation