About Us

Mission

To unify services across Dallas County, to empower youth, strengthen families and build safe, healthy communities.

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Vision

A connected Dallas County where every person has support to thrive and a shared path toward a brighter future.

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Identity

To be “A Community Resource Center” serving as a hub for support, growth, and transformation in Dallas County.

Our Story

Founded in 2005

Dallas County Children’s Policy Council (DCCPC) was founded by Judge R.E. Armstrong III and was a mandate of section 23-24-33 in the code of Alabama.

Judge Armstrong incorporated DCCPC on August 10, 2005, as a 501(c)3 with a mission to aid in the efforts of community development and to provide alternatives to juvenile detention. Started in 2005 with 2 people, Judge Armstrong and Ms. Sandra Parrish, his judicial assistant. First grant written was for $25,000.

Evolution & Growth

In 2021, DCCPC evolved into Dallas County System of Services (DCSOS), carrying on the mission after Judge Armstrong’s retirement from the bench. Today, DCSOS employs 30 full-time and 95 part-time staff across multiple programs with an annual budget of nearly $4 million.

Impact

From 2005 – 2021, while Judge Armstrong was on the bench, The Dallas County System of Services helped transform the culture of the juvenile court by promoting accountability while ensuring fair and consistent responses for youth. Our approach emphasized immediate and appropriate consequences, reinforcing responsibility while maintaining a fair but firm standard.

At the same time, we worked to build a coordinated system of services designed to address the underlying causes of delinquency, including family instability, lack of opportunity, and unmet social and educational needs.

80% drop in juvenile crime
85% drop in violent juvenile crime
95% drop in kids going to DYS (state prison)

Transformed the juvenile court process, maximizing impact and increasing efficiency.

Recognition

Our work has been recognized both locally and nationally:

Dallas County Drug Court Voted Nations Best in 2017
Children’s Policy Council Award 2018 – State of Alabama
National Coalition Award (Drug Free Communities 2018)
Birthed other community non-profits including Arsenal Place, Dallas County Family Resource Center and Rise and Recover Inc. (Dallas County Court Services).
ANFRC Family Resource Center Full Membership Sept 24th, 2025

What We Do

Comprehensive programs addressing the diverse needs of our community

Workforce Development

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Black Belt Workforce Initiative
Familyhood Initiative
A-Reset Program

Education & Social Justice

Compass Evening Reporting Program
Gang Prevention Initiative
STEM Programming
Drug Free Communities
Whole Family Enhancement

Family Resource Support

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Emergency Assistance
Domestic Violence Support
Project Share

Arsenal Place

Arsenal Place (AP) was established in 2015 as a business incubator focused on stimulating commercial growth and economic development in Selma and Dallas County. Through its early development efforts, Arsenal Place secured funding to purchase and renovate the facility at 22 Church Street.

Today, the building serves as the headquarters for the Dallas County System of Services (DCSOS) and houses multiple programs, creating a central hub where families and individuals can access a range of support services in one place. While Arsenal Place and DCSOS operate with distinct missions, the organizations work in partnership to support economic opportunity and community well-being.