Arkansas’ Silent Epidemic: Part 3 – Are Our Institutions Failing to Protect Children?

As parents, we entrust our children to schools, churches, and community organizations, believing these institutions will provide safety, guidance, and growth. But what happens when that trust is broken? 

Across Arkansas, the very places meant to protect our children have sometimes fallen short, leaving kids vulnerable to harm.

The numbers tell part of the story. In 2021, abuse rates were highest for Black children in Arkansas at 15 per 1,000, followed closely by 13.8 for white children and 7.9 for Hispanic children. Some counties—Greene, Scott, and Little River—reported over 15 cases of abuse per 1,000 children. These statistics don’t just reveal gaps—they highlight the urgency of fixing them. When systems fail, lives are forever changed.

The Cracks in the System

Why do these failures happen? It’s not always malice or neglect; sometimes, it’s a lack of preparation, resources, or accountability. Schools, for example, are a cornerstone of childhood development. Yet, without proper safeguards, predators can exploit their access to children.

Take background checks, for instance. While many institutions require them, they’re not always thorough or updated. A predator who has never been caught may still pass through the cracks, gaining access to vulnerable children. Similarly, insufficient training for teachers and staff can leave them unaware of the signs of abuse or unsure of how to report it. These gaps create an environment where abuse can go undetected and unaddressed.

Churches and faith-based organizations, too, can face challenges. Their close-knit communities often foster trust, but that trust can sometimes shield abusers. Policies limiting one-on-one interactions between adults and children are vital but often inconsistently applied. The same goes for daycares and residential treatment facilities, where oversight and monitoring vary widely. For more on safety in these spaces, visit schools, daycares, or residential treatment facilities.

Systemic Gaps That Need Fixing

One of the most glaring issues is the lack of standardized policies across institutions. Some organizations excel at protecting children, but others lag behind. Key gaps include:

• Inconsistent Background Checks: Not all institutions use robust screening methods like the Diana Screen, which assesses potential employees for a history of inappropriate behavior toward children. Josh Gillispie, a partner at our law firm, recommends this tool to strengthen hiring practices. Learn more about its benefits here.
• Lack of Staff Training: Many educators and caregivers want to protect children but don’t know how. Training on recognizing grooming behaviors, reporting abuse, and maintaining professional boundaries is essential.
• Failure to Act on Red Flags: Sometimes, signs of abuse are noticed but not addressed, either out of fear of damaging the institution’s reputation or because of inadequate reporting protocols.

Hope in Proven Models

Not all institutions are failing. Across the country, there are examples of systems that work—and Arkansas can learn from them. For instance:

• Comprehensive Screening Tools: The Diana Screen has been adopted by organizations in Louisiana to prevent predators from infiltrating youth-serving programs. Its use in Arkansas could make a significant difference.
• Mandatory Reporter Training: States like Massachusetts have implemented programs to train every adult who interacts with children to recognize and report abuse. These programs empower individuals to act, knowing they’re backed by clear protocols.
• Zero-Tolerance Policies: Some schools have adopted strict rules around adult-child interactions, including open-door policies, video monitoring, and regular audits of safety procedures.

When implemented thoughtfully, these measures don’t just prevent abuse—they rebuild trust. They show parents that institutions are willing to go the extra mile to protect children.

Parents as Advocates

While institutions hold much of the responsibility, parents can also be powerful advocates for change. If you’re unsure whether your child’s school or daycare has robust safety measures, ask questions:

• Are all staff and volunteers required to undergo comprehensive background checks?
• What training do employees receive on recognizing and reporting abuse?
• Are there policies in place to prevent one-on-one adult-child interactions?

These questions aren’t intrusive—they’re essential. By demanding accountability, parents can push for stronger protections across the board.

Accountability and Transparency Matter

When an institution fails to protect a child, the repercussions extend far beyond the immediate victim. Families are shattered, and trust is eroded within the community. Holding these organizations accountable is crucial—not just for justice, but to prevent future harm.

This is where legal action becomes a powerful tool. Survivors and their families often hesitate to speak out, fearing they won’t be believed or that nothing will change. But pursuing justice through the legal system can shine a light on institutional failures and force systemic change.

The Path Forward

No child should fall through the cracks. While Arkansas faces challenges, the solutions are within reach. By adopting proven strategies, strengthening policies, and holding institutions accountable, we can create safer environments for all children.

Every step we take—whether it’s advocating for stronger laws, pushing for better training, or simply asking the tough questions—brings us closer to a state where children are truly protected. It won’t happen overnight, but change begins with each of us.

Together, we can rebuild trust in our schools, churches, and daycares. Together, we can create a future where every child in Arkansas grows up safe. And together, we can say: not here, not anymore.

Next in the series: A Path Forward to Protect Our Children