Alabama parents shared emotional and deeply personal concerns during a recent public meeting of the Alabama Department of Human Resources, calling for reforms they say are long overdue.
During the department’s quarterly public meeting, parents were given the opportunity to address DHR leadership directly, voicing frustrations over what they described as delays, lack of transparency, and procedural failures within the child welfare system.
“We have experienced repeated delays, difficulty accessing records, unclear or missing hearings, and conflicting information,” one parent said during the meeting.
Another parent claimed their child was removed without proper legal authority, stating the baby was taken from a hospital shortly after birth without a court order.
Karen Smith, Deputy Commissioner of Children and Family Services for Alabama DHR, acknowledged the concerns raised but said some complaints fall outside the agency’s control.
“It does weigh heavy on our hearts to hear some of their concerns,” Smith said. “We do look at those complaints, but at the end of the day sometimes we’re not able to do what they’re wanting us to do. There were complaints around Guardian ad Litems and court continuances, and that’s not DHR.”
Smith emphasized that the department’s mission is not to unnecessarily separate families, noting that intervention occurs only in a fraction of reported cases.
“Last year we went out on around 52,000 children that were called in,” Smith said. “We only brought into the system around 3,000. That speaks volumes that we’re doing a lot of work on the front end to try and protect these children in their home environments.”
DHR officials highlighted a reported 70% family reunification rate for children exiting foster care last year. According to Smith, approximately 3,000 children left the foster care system in 2025, with about 2,100 returning to parents or relatives.
Looking ahead to 2026, Smith said one growing challenge is an increase in parents voluntarily relinquishing custody of troubled teenagers whom they believe pose safety risks at home. That trend, she said, is placing additional strain on the system and its available resources.
Statewide data presented at the meeting shows there are currently just under 6,900 children involved in Child Protective Services cases across Alabama, down from more than 9,000 cases reported in late 2021.
EUFAULA – QUITMAN COUNTY: 1:44 PM CST – Eufaula Police went to make a traffic stop in Eufaula near McDonalds on Highway 431. The person in front of the blue lights decided they did not want to be stopped and took off. Eufaula Police pursued the vehicle.
The chase crossed from Eufaula into Georgetown Georgia – Quitman County. The vehicle traveled on Highway 82 through Georgetown – Quitman County. The suspect vehicle continued out Highway 82, at times crossing into the opposite lane of traffic.
As the vehicle got to Highway 39 that goes towards Cuthbreth a Quitman County Sheriff Ford F-150 was at the stop sign awaiting the chase. The vehicle being chased did not make his turn, striking the Quitman County Sheriff truck and a Eufaula Police patrol vehicle.
There were injuries but non life threatening injuries.
Georgia State Patrol are in charge of investigating the accident. Eufaula Police and Quitman County Sheriff Deputies to include Quitman County Sheriff Charles Davis on the scene, Quitman County Volunteer Fire Department and Ameri Pro Ambulance.
A kindergarten teacher at Highlands Elementary School has been recognized for her dedication and commitment to students across the district.
Emily Breedlove has been named Dothan City Schools January Employee of the Month, an honor highlighting her compassionate teaching style and continued dedication to young learners beginning their educational journey.
Mrs. Breedlove is known for creating a welcoming and supportive classroom environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn. Her caring and gentle approach allows students to thrive both academically and emotionally.
Her ability to speak Spanish has been a valuable asset to Highlands Elementary School, helping her effectively communicate with students, families, and staff members in a variety of situations.
Mrs. Breedlove places a strong emphasis on communication with families, ensuring parents feel informed, supported, and confident in their child’s education. She takes the time to understand each student’s interests, hobbies, and social-emotional needs, building meaningful and lasting connections throughout the school community.
Colleagues describe her as consistently positive, professional, and selfless, always placing the needs of her students and coworkers above her own. Her daily actions reflect the values and mission of Dothan City Schools.
In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Mrs. Breedlove actively participates in professional development opportunities and assists students after school, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to student success.
Dothan City Schools officials say they are proud to recognize Mrs. Breedlove for her kindness, dedication, and the lasting impact she continues to make within the district.
DOTHAN: Andrew Love manages the General Services Division of the City of Dothan.
Mission Statement
To provide exceptional support and service for the City of Dothan in the areas of new facility design and construction; sustainment, renovation, and maintenance of existing facilities; vehicle/equipment procurement and maintenance; and safety, risk management, and insurance.
General Services has 52 employees to include its department head, Andrew W. Love. The department is responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement for all city facilities and its fleet. The city’s insurance and risk management needs are handled through this department as well. With our Project Manager, we also oversee the city’s facility construction projects.
General Services is in charge of cutting grass and upkeep. Andrew Love bio reads “keeps the city up and running and looking good”.
Andrew Love makes a six figure salary and, as RSN understands, is the “chosen” one that Dothan City Manager Randy Morris wants as Assistant City Manager.
The City of Dothan is responsible for the African American Cemetery located at Montana Street and Montgomery Highway. A United States Veteran grave, just off Montgomery Highway, well Andrew Love six figure salary does not include management of the grave in the cemetery he is in charge of maintaining. Perhaps he needs to focus on his job!!!! And not the City Manager’s rear end!!
“keeps the city up and running and looking good” NOT!!!!!
COFFEE COUNTY: 07:00 AM Coffee County or Enterprise 911 dispatched Enterprise Rescue and Coffee County Sheriff Deputies to a critical motor vehicle accident on Highway 167 and Salem Road.
The accident involved two semi trucks. Enterprise Rescue Helicopter responded to the scene. The injuries were critical but not reported to be life threatening.
Coffee County Sheriff Scott Byrd, Coffee County Sheriff Deputies and ALEA – Troopers on the scene. ALEA – Troopers are in charge of the investigation.
A bill aimed at increasing oversight of public assistance programs in Alabama advanced Thursday after clearing a Senate committee.
Senate Bill 61 would require state agencies to conduct more frequent cross-checks of households receiving benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid to ensure continued eligibility.
Under the proposed legislation, agencies would review information on a monthly and quarterly basis, including death records, incarceration status, and possible changes in residency identified through out-of-state Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) usage. Quarterly reviews would also examine income levels and disability status, among other eligibility factors.
Supporters of the bill say the added reviews are intended to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in state-funded assistance programs.
“I don’t believe that there is a common feeling of whether we have that right balance or not as to whether we’re doing all that we can — and certainly not all that we should — to protect those funds,” said Greg Albritton.
Concerns were raised during committee discussion by Clyde Chambliss, who ultimately abstained from the final vote.
“There are times where we know that a person is never, ever going to get better except for a miracle,” Chambliss said. “Why do we want to put them through the ringer over and over again — and staff over and over again — when the answer is indefinitely the same?”
A fiscal note attached to the bill estimates implementation costs of approximately $16 million if the legislation is signed into law by Kay Ivey. The projected cost reflects an increased workload for eligibility determinations and removes the ability of the Alabama Department of Human Resources to grant categorical eligibility.
Linda Coleman-Madison voted against advancing the bill, citing concerns about administrative burden and effectiveness.
“The potential for more harm and not saving any money — putting departments through unnecessary hoops by having to administer this — this is not government efficiency,” she said.
The measure passed the committee on a party-line vote, with one abstention, and now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
