Bill
SB 22
SB 22 funds DCFS operations, staffing ceilings, and grants for 2026-2027, including foster care, TANF-Foster Care, prevention programs, with emergency effectiveness July 1, 2026.
SB 22 (Session 2026F) — Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services Appropriation for 2026-2027
Overview
- Purpose: Establish and authorize the state budget appropriation for the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. This includes funding for regular salaries, operating expenses, and various grant programs administered by DCFS.
- Immediate effect: The act includes an emergency clause, making the appropriation effective July 1, 2026.
Key Provisions and Funding Details
1) Regular Salaries — Operations
- Establishes maximum staffing levels (regular employees) for DCFS for 2026-2027, with a detailed list of job titles, counts, and pay grades.
- Notable roles and counts include:
- DHS Division Director: 1
- DHS Division Administrator: 1
- DHS Division Manager: 6
- Social services leadership and field staff (e.g., Social Services Area Manager, County Manager, Manager, Supervisor/Expert, Coordinator, Specialist) with multiple positions across grades
- Administrative and support staff (Administrative Analyst, Administrative Specialist, HR Specialist, Program Eligibility Specialist, Training Supervisor/Expert, etc.)
- Total maximum regular employees: 1,420
- This section sets the workforce capacity and pay scale framework for DCFS operations.
2) Extra Help — Operations
- Authorizes up to 65 part-time or temporary employees (Extra Help) for DCFS Operations for 2026-2027.
- Compensation must follow applicable pay scales and state rules.
3) Appropriation — Operations (Personal Services and Operating Expenses)
- Regular salaries: $62,628,666
- Extra Help: $1,231,570
- Personal Services Matching: $27,012,766
- Overtime: $5,061,305
- Maintenance & General Operations:
- Operating Expense: $17,191,660
- Conference & Travel: $39,011
- Professional Fees: $33,236,462
- Capital Outlay: $0
- Data Processing: $0
- Data Processing Services: $1,595,570
- Total Operating and Personal Services appropriation: $147,997,010
4) Appropriation — Grants (State)
- Grants for the DCFS Grants – State program:
- Foster Care: $54,006,830
- State Residential Treatment: $10,647,249
- Total State Grants: $64,654,079
5) Appropriation — TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) – Foster Care
- Foster Care grants: $102,907,999
6) Appropriation — Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention (Operations)
- From the Children’s Trust Fund:
- Operating expenses: $17,770 (Operating Expense)
- Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Grant and Aid/Loans: $197,029
- Total: $214,799
7) Appropriation — Safe Harbor Grants
- From the Safe Harbor Fund for Sexually Exploited Children:
- Safe Harbor Grants: $50,000
8) Compliance
- Standard language ensuring funds are disbursed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and budget procedures.
9) Legislative Intent
- Confirms alignment with agency requests, executive recommendations, and legislative recommendations as documented in budget materials.
10) Emergency Clause
- Declares an emergency to ensure immediate effectiveness on July 1, 2026, to prevent disruption in essential services.
Who is Affected
- DCFS within DHS, including leadership, social services staff, administrative and support personnel, and field operations.
- Beneficiaries include foster children and families receiving foster care services, state residential treatment recipients, and program participants in child abuse prevention and Safe Harbor initiatives.
- Grant recipients and service providers under TANF Foster Care, state-appropriated grants, and prevention programs.
Timeline and Process
- Effective date: July 1, 2026 (subject to emergency clause).
- Fiscal year covered: 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).
- The act is part of the regular annual appropriations process, with emergency language to avoid funding gaps during the transition.
Summary
SB 22 provides a comprehensive funding package for DCFS operations, staffing, and grants for the 2026-2027 year. It sets staffing ceilings, enables temporary staffing, and allocates funds across regular salaries, operating expenses, and major grant programs (including Foster Care, TANF-Foster Care, and prevention initiatives). It also includes small amounts for Safe Harbor grants and Child Abuse/Neglect prevention. An emergency clause ensures immediate effectiveness upon July 1, 2026.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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