Division of Aging, Adult, & Behavioral Health Services
The Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services focuses on two populations: Arkansans who need behavioral health services, such as mental health and substance abuse treatment, and adults with physical disabilities and aging Arkansans who need services to stay in their homes and communities.
DAABHS is divided into five sections:
- Drug Prevention and Treatment -- This section focuses on funding and building prevention efforts through collaboration with state agencies, community organizations, and others working to prevent alcohol and other drug problems. It also is responsible for distributing federal grant funds for Substance Abuse Disorder treatment and contracting to provide community-based prevention, treatment, and recovery services in Arkansas.
- Aging and Adult Services – This section oversees home and community-based programs for adults with physical disabilities and seniors, investigates allegations of adult maltreatment through Adult Protective Services, advocates for people in long-term care (LTC) facilities through the LTC Ombudsman office, and provide other needed services and information for older Arkansans. Through programs, staff doing everything they can to ensure the health, safety, and independence of older Arkansans and those with physical disabilities.
- Behavioral Health Services – This section funds and oversees the public mental health system in Arkansas and supports behavioral health providers across the State. Staff ensures that quality, client-centered treatment is available regardless of where someone lives or how much money they have.
- Forensics – This section oversees the process of ensuring that people charged with crimes are evaluated to see if they are mentally fit to go through a criminal proceeding and are criminally responsible for the acts they are accused of committing.
- Beneficiary Support – This section oversees the beneficiary support line and ensures that clients who need assistance or have questions get the information/assistance they need to access services.
In addition, the Division oversees the Arkansas Health Center in Haskell and the Arkansas State Hospital in Little Rock.
