The sheriff and the new guardian discuss the custody dispute with DHS

Piggot, Arkansas – A child involved in a Clay County abuse investigation has been brought back together with the woman who has obtained legal custody of her.

Despite having a court order, Clay County Sheriff Ronnie Cole was unable to access a child to transfer them to the designated guardian with custody.

“She passed me the folder and remarked, ‘I believe this is my escape; I can’t endure another blow.’” “I couldn’t just overlook that,” stated Cecily Graham, the newly appointed legal guardian.

Graham recalls the evening when the child returned home with her daughter, presenting her with a folder containing evidence of the supposed abuse.

Following her review of the photos, Graham reached out to her lawyer, and the sheriff’s office, while also getting in touch with the Department of Human Services.

Sheriff Ronnie Cole expresses regret over the involvement of DHS.

“DHS is operating with a flawed system, and I believe the individuals involved have a misguided attitude towards these children,” stated Sheriff Cole.

Issues arose when Graham attempted to participate in a meeting regarding the child, despite her pursuit of temporary custody.

“I was denied entry to the meeting upon my arrival.” That is truly heartbreaking for me. “I have exhausted all my efforts to advocate for her, yet they refused to allow me,” stated Graham.

On Wednesday, December 18, Sheriff Cole arrived at the DHS office in Piggott armed with a signed court order that granted Graham temporary custody.

“At this moment, we are awaiting a response from our OCC and our legal team for direction,” stated a DHS employee. “That is indeed a signed order from a judge,” stated Sheriff Cole. “I understand, and they are addressing that issue. Until I receive further information from them, I cannot proceed with releasing her,” stated a DHS worker.

Sheriff Cole sensed that his authority was not being respected in that response.

“It seems they assumed I had a fake document based on how I was treated, and they refused to release the child until they spoke directly with the judge. I’ve been informed that they were unaware this woman intended to seek temporary custody,” stated Sheriff Cole.

Following almost two hours apart, the child and Graham came together again.

On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security in Little Rock released this statement.

Investigations into child maltreatment are kept confidential according to Arkansas law. While we are unable to discuss specifics regarding any individual case, it is essential to highlight that it is customary for the Division of Children and Family Services to seek guidance from agency attorneys whenever a court order is issued. “We are eager to maintain our collaboration with law enforcement throughout the state to uphold our mutual responsibility of safeguarding children,” stated Gavin Lesnick, spokesperson for the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

At last, the wait had come to an end for Graham and the child.

Looking forward, Graham stated that the future will now be determined by the child’s decision. “The decision is entirely hers; she can choose whatever she desires, as this is her life moving forward,” stated Graham. “She is free from the fear of being harmed; she has no concerns at all.”