Pandemic funds used to create programs for Arkansas families [Video]

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is kicking off four programs to help families and children.

It’s a push that’s been years in the making and arrives after hundreds of millions of dollars come from federal grant funding.

“We are getting these kids too late,” said Melissa Weatherton, DHS Medicaid specialty populations director. “Where did they come from? Why weren’t they on our radar? What have we been giving them?”

Weatherton started as an attorney for child welfare and adoptions.

“Back then, I didn’t have that context,” Weatherton said. “I don’t think it really crossed my mind much that, ‘Oh, there’s something wrong, and we are going to send this child to a psychiatric facility, and they are going to fix it magically.'”

It’s a cycle …