Northwest Arkansas Agencies Unite to Combat Child Abuse

Collaborative efforts aim to strengthen systems and provide stability for vulnerable children

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:25pm

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Organizations across Northwest Arkansas are joining forces to address the growing issue of child abuse and neglect in the region. Rebekah Mitchell, CEO of the nonprofit EverHope, emphasized the need for a coordinated, multi-agency approach to tackle this complex problem, rather than individual groups working in silos. The goal is to create a comprehensive system that protects children not just in crisis moments, but throughout their lives.

Why it matters

Child abuse and neglect have devastating long-term impacts on young victims, affecting their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By bringing together key stakeholders like law enforcement, social services, and community groups, Northwest Arkansas hopes to strengthen its ability to identify, prevent, and respond to instances of child abuse more effectively.

The details

EverHope, formerly the Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter, provides emergency shelter and other services for around 300 children per year. The organization recently expanded its reach by launching a foster home program to address the growing need for foster families in the region, especially those who are bilingual. Arkansas Lt. Gov. Leslie Rutledge praised EverHope as a 'place of hope and safety' for children, while Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway highlighted his office's efforts to combat online predators targeting minors.

  • April is recognized as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Arkansas.
  • EverHope started its foster home program in July 2025.

The players

Rebekah Mitchell

Chief Executive Officer of EverHope, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter and other services for children in Northwest Arkansas.

Leslie Rutledge

Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas, who attended the event to celebrate EverHope's name change and its mission of providing hope and safety for vulnerable children.

Shawn Holloway

Benton County Sheriff, who discussed his office's efforts to investigate cases of child abuse and online predators targeting minors.

Bryan Sexton

Benton County Prosecuting Attorney, who noted his office has handled cases of people targeting or extorting children, and highlighted new state laws targeting such crimes.

EverHope

A nonprofit organization in Northwest Arkansas that provides emergency shelter, a school, gymnasium, and other services for around 300 children per year, and recently launched a foster home program.

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What they’re saying

“We all see child abuse. We all see neglect. We all see trafficking.”

— Rebekah Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, EverHope

“The goal is not just safety for a moment, but the goal is stability for a lifetime.”

— Rebekah Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer, EverHope

“EverHope provides 'structure and care, and every child is reminded they can have a bright future'.”

— Leslie Rutledge, Lieutenant Governor of Arkansas

What’s next

The Benton County Sheriff's Office will continue offering classes to educate parents on online safety and protecting their children from internet predators.

The takeaway

By fostering a collaborative, multi-agency approach, Northwest Arkansas is taking proactive steps to strengthen its ability to identify, prevent, and respond to child abuse and neglect, with the ultimate goal of providing stability and a brighter future for vulnerable children in the region.