How to Be a Foster Parent in Arkansas
Foster care provides a safe haven for children living in an unsafe environment. Being a foster parent in Arkansas requires strong dedication and a desire to protect children that cannot protect themselves. Foster care is designed as a temporary solution. The ultimate goal is to return children to their families provided they have a safe and nurturing environment.
Instructions
Complete the online inquiry form located on the Arkansas Foster Family Services website. You may also make an inquiry by contacting your local Arkansas Department of Human Services or DHS office. A Department of Children and Family Services or DCFS resource worker will provide a foster care application. All applicants must be at least 21 years of age and no more than 65 years of age to qualify. Attend the optional orientation for additional information. This is your opportunity to ask questions about the screening process and expectations of the foster parenting program. If you are still interested in becoming a foster parent, complete the application and return it to your local DHS office. Verify your marital, divorce or widowed status to your assigned DCFS resource worker. Single applicants may apply, but cohabitation is prohibited. Stability is a strong determinant in child placement. An unstable marriage can have a negative effect on a child from an unstable home. DCFS resource workers conduct extensive home evaluations to determine whether a family environment is supportive and stable. Divorced individuals must be divorced at least one year. Widows and widowed applicants must provide documentation to the DCFS resource worker showing they have been widowed for a year. Pass a physical examination and tuberculosis test. Foster parent applicants must be in good health. Own or rent a home with adequate space to accommodate a foster child. Each person in the household must have 50 square feet of space. Your home must have a functioning telephone, working smoke detectors and safe exit routes in case of a fire. Your DCFS resource worker will conduct a complete in-home inspection on the living conditions of your home. Prepare for your home visit by ensuring your home is free of any health or safety hazards that would pose a risk to the foster child. Be of sound and moral character. DCFS conducts FBI and state criminal background checks on foster parent applicants and all household members over the age of 18. Foster parent applicants and all household members over the age of 10 must successfully pass the child and adult Maltreatment Central Registry check prior to approval. Once the approval process begins, your DCFS resource worker will supply you with consent forms for the background and registry checks. Complete each form, sign and return them to your DCFS worker. In addition to the background and registry checks, your resource worker will contact at least three personal references who are familiar with your character and your ability to care for children. Complete CPR and First Aid certifications along with 30 hours of pre-service training offered through the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services. Provide documented evidence of all financial resources to your DCFS resource worker. Your DCFS resource worker will review the last six years of your work history, debt, monthly expenses and all income sources to determine whether you can manage your household without reliance on the monthly foster care stipend. There is no specific income guideline as DCFS considers the management of your current income more vital than the amount of income. Wait three to five months for the final approval.
