FOSTER CARE & ADOPTION SERVICES

Through comprehensive recruitment, training, licensing and ongoing support, Arrow Child & Family Ministries equips foster families to meet the needs of children in crisis. The ultimate goal is to transition these children back into a healthy environment with their biological families. If that is not possible, we aim to provide a safe, nurturing home from which they can launch into a successful adulthood.

THE NEED

Every day state child welfare offices receive reports of potential abuse or neglect. Foster care plays a crucial role in protecting these children. When necessary, youth are removed from unsafe situations while a thorough investigation takes place. The state then reaches out to agencies, such as Arrow, to find a local foster family whose preferences align with the child’s age, gender, race and needs. If no suitable match is found, the child may be placed in a residential facility or shelter until a family becomes available.

The number of children entering foster care continues to outpace the number of families available to care for them. When no local options are available, children are sent away from their communities. Fostering is more than providing a temporary home; it’s about offering stability and a safe place to heal. It takes a committed family willing to look beyond preferences, to help sibling groups remain together, support teens, or embrace children who have unique needs and backgrounds.

THE REQUIREMENTS

To qualify, you must be at least 21 years of age, financially stable and a responsible adult. You can be single, if newly married, cohabitating or divorced, the relationship status must be established for at least 10 months. All household members aged 14 and older must pass both a criminal background and an abuse/neglect check. Applicants are required to provide personal references from spiritual, business, employment. and social relationships, as well as at least one personal reference from a relative who does not live in the home.

Applicants are also required to complete a foster parent application, participate in required trainings and agree to follow all of Arrow’s policies & procedures, including the prohibition of physical discipline. Your home must provide adequate sleeping space of at least 40 square feet per child and may house no more than six children in total. You will also need to become first aid and CPR certified, conduct fire, health and safety inspections, as well as ensure that all household members participate in a comprehensive home study; which involves sharing personal background and lifestyle information.