5:46 → 6:58(1m 12s)
Madam Chair called the meeting to order, noted Senator Wallace is absent due to surgery and asked members to hold him in their thoughts; explained logistics for a large packet of exhibits and asked members to find seat materials. Blake was asked to describe exhibit stacks to help members follow the presentation.
The Senate Children and Youth Committee received reports from the Division of Children and Family Services, the Arkansas State Police Child Abuse Division, and AARP Arkansas. DCFS Director Misha Martin presented statewide SFY2021 data showing increased numbers in foster care, workforce vacancies, and described strategies including Family First, Everyday Counts and pay/position changes; members asked follow-up about Pulaski County, vacancies, and data breakdowns.
