Arkansas Code Title 20. Public Health and Welfare § 20-78-105. Funding of pilot program for sexually abused children involving children's advocacy centers

(a) Currently, sexually abused children often have to describe their sexual abuse several times to different professionals at different locations. Many investigations are conducted with little collaboration between the agencies involved in the cases. Each agency's child abuse professionals are officed in a different facility, and interface during the investigation and management of cases is limited. Sexual abuse medical examinations are commonly performed in hospital emergency rooms and other sites that are frightening to children, lack the proper equipment, and often are staffed by physicians uncomfortable with these exams. It is the intent of the General Assembly to institute pilot programs to provide the services just described under one (1) roof and to provide a more child-friendly atmosphere, less trauma to the children and families, improved investigations and management, more effective utilization of multiagency information, greater protection of children, increased prosecution of perpetrators, and less unnecessary family intervention.

(b) In order to accomplish these goals, the Department of Arkansas State Police is hereby authorized to utilize moneys appropriated for its maintenance and general operation to make grants to and to contract with children's advocacy centers for facilities and services.