The first thing I need you to understand is that removal is not the end. It is the beginning of a legal process — and that process is specifically designed to give you the chance to get your child home.

Arkansas law does not treat removal as a final outcome. It treats it as a temporary measure while the court evaluates the situation. The law actually requires that the goal of this entire process be family reunification — keeping your family together — unless something serious prevents that.

This case is winnable. But it requires you to show up, do the work, and let me do my job. That starts now.

When DHS removed your child, a judge signed what is called an ex parte emergency order. That order transferred temporary custody of your child to DHS. It happened quickly, and it may have felt completely out of nowhere.

The order was based on someone's report — a teacher, a neighbor, a doctor, a family member — that your child was in danger. DHS investigated and decided the situation was serious enough to remove your child immediately rather than wait for a hearing.

Important: the emergency order is not a finding that you are guilty of anything. It is not a conviction. It is a temporary measure the court put in place while this process gets started. You have not had your chance to be heard yet. That comes next.

Your case will move through a specific sequence of court hearings. Here is what each one is and what it means for you.

Removal does not mean you lose your right to see your child. Arkansas law creates a legal presumption in your favor — the starting assumption in court is that unsupervised time with you is in your child's best interest. DHS has to prove otherwise. Ark. Code § 9-35-315(c).

If the court orders supervised visits, you are entitled to at least four hours per week of family time. That is a floor, not a ceiling — I will push for more when I can. Ark. Code § 9-35-315(e).

Show up to every single visit. On time. Sober. Present. Those visits matter to your child more than you know. And they matter to the judge.

DHS will develop a case plan for you. This is a list of things they want you to do — classes, counseling, drug treatment, stable housing, employment, whatever applies to your situation. Think of it as a checklist for the court.

The case plan is not a punishment. It is a map. Every item you complete is a piece of evidence that you are fighting for your family. Every item you skip is something DHS will point to in court.

Keep records of everything. Certificates of completion, receipts, attendance sheets, letters from counselors or case managers — save all of it. We will need it in court.

If something on your case plan feels unfair or impossible, tell me. There are things I can challenge. But the answer is almost never to simply ignore what DHS is asking. It is better to comply and fight through the legal process than to give the court a reason to doubt your commitment.

Do these things:

• Show up to every court date, no matter what.
• Show up to every visit with your child, on time and sober.
• Start your case plan services immediately, without waiting to be pushed.
• Keep all receipts, certificates, and records of everything you complete.
• Return DHS's calls and keep your contact information current with your caseworker.
• Call me before any hearing, any significant development, or any time you have a question about your rights.
• Be cooperative and calm with your caseworker, even when it is hard. Your attitude is on the record.
• If you have a new address or phone number, tell me and tell DHS immediately.

Do not do these things:

• Do not sign anything DHS gives you without reading it carefully or asking me first.
• Do not miss court dates or visits — even one missed appearance sends the wrong message.
• Do not get into any new legal trouble. A new arrest during this case can be devastating.
• Do not post about your case on social media. Anything you write can be used against you.
• Do not make threatening or angry statements to DHS workers, the judge, or anyone involved in the case.
• Do not give up. Even when the process feels slow or unfair, your consistency is what wins this.

As your lawyer, here is what you can expect from me throughout this case.

• I will be at every court hearing fighting for you and your child.
• I will review every court order and every DHS report before it goes to the judge.
• I will challenge DHS when they do not follow the law or do not follow through on their obligations.
• I will argue for your visitation rights at every hearing.
• I will make sure the court hears your side of the story — your progress, your effort, your love for your child.
• I will tell you honestly what is going well and what needs to change. I will not sugarcoat things.
• I will keep you informed before every hearing about what to expect.

This process takes time. That is one of the hardest parts. You want your child home now, and the court moves on its own schedule. There will be moments where it feels like nothing is happening. It always is.

The first year is the most critical. At 12 months, the court's direction for your case gets set. What you do in these first months matters more than anything that comes later.

The parents who get their children back are not always the ones with the easiest situations. They are the ones who showed up consistently, completed their services, stayed out of trouble, and never stopped fighting. That is the path. It is hard. It is worth it.

I am in this with you.