May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the City of Little Rock would like to remind residents that services are still available during this time of added stress brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

With more people home due to school closures, office restrictions or self-quarantining, pressures can mount and nerves can fray, leading to more cases of domestic and child abuse said Police Chief Keith Humphrey.

“It’s important that residents know the warning signs of domestic abuse or child abuse and that they know help is available,” Humphrey said.

The Victims Service Division can connect residents in need to programs that help with bill paying or meal assistance once they have escaped an abusive situation as well as referrals for counseling. Residents may call 501-918-HELP (4357) to reach Victims Services. A 24-hour local hotline is available at 1-800-269-4668 and the national hotline number is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Anyone who feels they are in imminent danger should call 9-1-1.

The City is working with several partners to provide meals to children under age 18. A map with locations for the grab-and-go meals may be found at LittleRock.gov/covid19.

Domestic violence red flags include:

• Being controlled – not allowed to move freely inside or outside the home
• Limiting contact with family, friends or coworkers
• Demeaning, threatening or intimidating language
• Shoving, slapping, choking, hitting

Pulaski County Mental Health Court, operated through Little Rock District Court-Criminal Division, is continuing to operate and to offer its mental health services to participants during the COVID-19 crisis.  This designated specialty court began in August, 2019, and serves the entire county. The Court is designed to serve high risk/high needs persons who suffer from mental illnesses or disorders.  Misdemeanor charges qualifying for the program are eligible for sealing upon successful completion of the program.

“The Mental Health Court Team formed relationships with our participants since it began last summer. It is important that these relationships continue, even though we are currently unable to see our participants in the courtroom; due to the COVID-19 crisis,” said Judge Melanie Martin, the Little Rock District Court Judge, who serves as the Administrative Judge. “We are continuing to conduct our bi-monthly sessions with the team, by way of video and tele-conferencing.”

The criminal court’s staff maintains telephone contact with participants, ensuring they are remaining healthy and safe. Participants are continuing appointments with their licensed mental health professionals, who monitor and follow all health and safety guidelines.

The Pulaski County Mental Health Court Team includes representatives from Little Rock Criminal Court, Centers for Youth and Families, Arkansas State Hospital, Professional Counseling Associates, United State Department of Veterans Affairs, Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the Pulaski County Public Defender’s Office. The Court is designated as a specialty court by the Arkansas Supreme Court. 

For more information, or for attorneys interested in referring potential clients, please contact the Mental Health Court Program Coordinator Natalie Short at 501-371-4573, or via email at Nshort@littlerock.gov. 

About the City of Little Rock’s Response to COVID-19
Residents may visit LittleRock.gov/covid19 for all information about the City’s efforts related to COVID-19, including the newly created Small Business Emergency Assistance Program. Volunteers are needed to assist with the grab-and-go feeding efforts for vulnerable populations, including students and seniors. Sign up at LittleRock.gov/volunteer. The Little Rock Cares Emergency Relief Fund benefits the grab-and-go feeding effort and the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE). Donations of PPE are also accepted. Donate here or visit LittleRock.gov/covid19 and click on the Little Rock Cares Emergency Relief Fund button. Follow the City of Little Rock on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @CityLittleRock.