Arrow Child & Family Ministries is at the forefront of addressing the pressing need for foster families equipped to care for children with complex medical, emotional, and behavioral challenges. Laura and Mark Hutton, foster parents for over 24 years, exemplify the dedication and compassion needed in this field. Their journey highlights the profound impact foster families can have, from supporting children through intensive medical treatments to providing a stable home for adoption.
Rob Basler, Associate Vice President of Arrow, emphasized the organization’s commitment to attracting more families through its Enhanced Treatment Foster Care (ETFC) program. This initiative offers additional training, in-home sessions, 24/7 on-call support, and a higher monthly stipend of $5,193 to foster parents caring for children with intensive needs.
The COVID-19 pandemic intensified challenges in recruiting foster families, but Arrow is seeing a recovery in interested families, providing renewed hope. With a significant drop in the number of licensed foster homes in Maryland—from 3,267 in 2021 to 1,027 in 2023—Arrow’s efforts are more critical than ever to ensure children are placed in safe, supportive environments.
The need for families willing to provide stability and care for children, particularly those with special needs, remains urgent. Arrow’s programs are designed to meet these challenges head-on, fostering brighter futures for Maryland’s youth.
“They just need a home. They just need hope,” said Carl Price, a former foster child turned advocate, capturing the heart of Arrow’s mission.