Arkansas Department of Human Services Awards .8 Million to Enhance Disability Services
July 9, 2025
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) has allocated .8 million to UA-Partners, a community outreach initiative under the University of Arkansas’ College of Education and Health Professions. This funding aims to expand opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the state, notably strengthening support mechanisms for families impacted by neurodevelopmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges.
The latest fund earmarked for UA-Partners serves as an extension of a previous million grant awarded in 2024 as part of the DHS Prevention Pilot program. This comprehensive initiative has been instrumental in funding various services over a 14-month duration, focusing on home and community-based support systems for children and families.
Karan Burnette, the Executive Director of Partners, expressed gratitude for the extension, noting that initial program data has shown promising results. “The early indicators from the program are very encouraging. We are delighted that the Department of Human Services has recognized the impact of our efforts,” Burnette stated. “This opportunity has the potential to be transformative for children, youth, and their families.”
The grant’s extension will allow UA-Partners to sustain their ongoing initiatives for an additional year, enhancing their capacity to offer in-home services while preparing to add new services post-pilot. The DHS Prevention Pilot encompasses a range of strategies designed to stabilize Medicaid-eligible children at risk of losing their placements in schools or homes due to behavioral issues. Currently, the program is operational in four Arkansas communities: Harrison, Batesville, Warren, and Horatio.
Preliminary results from the pilot indicate a dramatic decrease in the need for psychiatric residential placements and acute hospitalizations, dropping from 50% to just 3% for younger children and 6% for adolescents following the introduction of these services. Burnette attributes this success to a service delivery model that brings support directly into homes and schools, allowing for real-time behavioral intervention and teaching caregivers effective de-escalation techniques.
Kristi Putnam, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, emphasized the shift towards preventative measures. “DHS is committed to reshaping service delivery for children and families across Arkansas,” she remarked. “Enhancing early detection and intervention is critical to our mission.”
As the project progresses, UA-Partners will provide feedback and recommendations to the DHS regarding potential changes to service offerings, reimbursement processes, and policies designed to improve the accessibility and efficacy of interventions for those in need.
For more information on UA-Partners’ initiatives and continuing efforts in Arkansas, please visit their official website.
This significant investment not only reflects the state’s dedication to supporting families and children with disabilities but also marks a pivotal step towards enhanced and inclusive healthcare services for some of the most vulnerable populations in Arkansas.
