Little Rock, Arkansas – A new agreement between state and federal leaders is setting the stage for continued changes in how child welfare services are delivered, with a focus on stronger outcomes for children and families across Arkansas.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed a joint proclamation with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to move forward with a new Program Improvement Plan. The action reflects a shared effort to improve child welfare systems through cooperation, innovation, and long-term planning.
The proclamation highlights a unified commitment between Arkansas and federal partners to ensure that children are safe, supported, and able to grow up in stable environments. It also emphasizes the importance of ongoing evaluation and improvement in services that impact vulnerable families.
Focus on Long-Term Improvements and Collaboration
The agreement builds on recent progress made within Arkansas, where officials say measurable improvements have already been seen in areas such as child safety practices, family engagement, prevention services, and permanency outcomes. Leaders noted that these steps are part of a broader strategy to strengthen the system while continuing to look for ways to improve.
The proclamation also points to the importance of reducing administrative burdens that can take time away from direct service. By simplifying reporting requirements and aligning processes, the goal is to allow professionals in the field to spend more time working directly with children and families.
Another key theme in the agreement is the role of states in leading child welfare efforts. The proclamation underscores that state agencies are best positioned to shape policies and programs that reflect local needs, while federal agencies can support those efforts by removing barriers and providing resources.
The initiative also connects to a broader federal approach outlined in the Fostering the Future executive order, which focuses on prevention, stability, and better outcomes for families. That order encourages coordination across agencies and highlights the importance of addressing challenges before they grow into larger issues.
Shared Vision for Child Welfare
Through the joint proclamation, Arkansas and ACF outlined their shared goals moving forward. These include strengthening outcomes related to child safety and well-being, encouraging innovation across systems, and building stronger partnerships between agencies.
The agreement also reinforces a commitment to collaboration and transparency, recognizing that lasting improvements require ongoing communication and a willingness to adapt. Officials say the plan will rely on learning from past efforts while continuing to develop new approaches that better serve families.
One of the central ideas expressed in the proclamation is the vision of ensuring that every child has access to a stable and supportive home environment. Leaders described this as a guiding principle for future work and a measure of success for the system as a whole.
The proclamation formally states the shared intent “to enter into a new Program Improvement Plan (PIP).”
It further affirms a commitment to creating a system where children can grow up in safe and stable homes, described as “A Home for Every Child.”
Signed on March 16, 2026, the proclamation marks another step in the ongoing effort to refine and strengthen child welfare services in Arkansas. Officials say the work ahead will focus on building on existing progress while continuing to seek better outcomes for children, youth, and families across the state.
