Become a Foster parent
Time : Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 6 PM
Email : amoore@fwbfm.com
Opening your home to a child in need is one of the most significant things a family can do. We know the process can feel overwhelming at first, which is why we don't just hand you a packet and wish you luck. Our team is with you from start to finish — handling the paperwork, leading the training, supporting your family after placement, and everything in between. Here's what that journey looks like with Family Ministries.
It starts with a conversation. Whether you heard about us through a friend, your church, or you've simply felt a pull toward fostering for a while, we want to hear from you. We'll sit down together, answer your questions honestly, and help you determine if fostering is the right fit for your family right now. There's no pressure and no commitment at this stage — just an open door.
Once you're ready to move forward, our team walks with you hand-in-hand through every piece of required documentation. We know state paperwork can feel like a maze, so we organize it, explain it, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Our goal is to take the stress off your plate so you can focus on preparing your heart and your home.
Before your home is licensed, you'll complete our foster care training — and we think you'll find it one of the most valuable parts of the process. Our training is trauma-informed and hope-centered, designed to give you practical tools for caring for children who have experienced difficult circumstances. It covers child development, effective parenting strategies, understanding trauma responses, and how to navigate the foster care system. Our trainers aren't just professionals — many of them are experienced foster parents themselves, so they bring real-life insight into every session.
After training is complete, we finalize your home study and submit everything needed for state approval. We review every detail to make sure your application is thorough and accurate, so there are no surprises or delays. Unlike larger agencies where you might feel like a number, we take a personal approach — you'll always have someone to call, and we'll keep you updated every step of the way. Most families are fully licensed within 60 to 90 days of starting the process.
When your home is licensed and ready, we work to match children with families thoughtfully and carefully. Children placed in your home remain in the custody of the Division of Children and Family Services and will continue to have a DCFS caseworker responsible for their legal well-being. Our staff makes regular visits to your home to ensure everything is going well, answer questions as they come up, and offer any additional support you need. You are never navigating placement alone.
Licensing is just the beginning of our relationship with your family. We provide consistent weekly check-ins, in-home support as needed, and on-call assistance around the clock. Whether you need practical guidance, an encouraging word, or help navigating a difficult situation with a child in your care, we are here. We build long-term relationships with every family we serve — because we believe that strong support for foster families means better outcomes for the children who need them most.
You may be closer to ready than you think. Here are the basic requirements to become a licensed foster parent in Arkansas through Family Ministries Foster Care:
You must be at least 21 years of age
You must be a U.S. citizen
You must have been an Arkansas resident for at least six months
You must be willing to complete foster care training and background screenings
All training and licensing is provided at absolutely no cost to you
Foster children are not required to have their own bedroom
Single individuals, married couples, renters, and homeowners are all welcome to apply
