“I became a foster parent when I heard on the radio about the great need there was in Little Rock for loving homes for these children. They have been taken away from their mommies and daddies, and they are scared. They need someone to love them. I got ‘the call’ from God to reach out.”
--- Foster mom

Becoming a Foster Parent

The C.A.L.L. is unique because it will provide the opportunity for prospective foster and adoptive parents to go through state-approved training WITHIN a church setting. You will have an automatic “support group” as you go through training with other Christians. The training is offered in a more convenient format than the norm to accommodate your schedule. Childcare will be available. The C.A.L.L. will walk you through every step in the process, easing the burden. Plus, we have a church liaison within the state agency who will help in making sure you will have a child placement in a timely manner. Then, once you have invited a child into your home, The C.A.L.L. has a support team available, along with primary support that will be encouraged through your own church home.

For more information about Foster/Adoptive Parent PRIDE training sessions, contact Michelle Douglas, C.A.L.L. Training Coordinator, at mtdouglas@ualr.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question: What are the requirements to become a foster parent?

  • Foster homes shall not have more than five unrelated minor children in care. The foster home may care for more children if they are related to the caregiver. The foster home shall not have more than eight children in their home, including their own children.
  • Homes will not be approved if there are transient roomers or boarders
  • An applicant must be ages 21-65 years (exceptions may be made for the age requirement)
  • If an applicant is currently married, either he or she must have been married for at least 2 years
  • An applicant must complete pre-service training
  • An applicant must complete CPR/First aid training
  • A criminal background check and motor vehicle safety check are required for anyone residing in the home age 14 and above
  • A child abuse/neglect registry check is required for anyone residing in the home age 10 and above

Question: What are the ages of the children in foster care?

  • 0-5 years old = approx. 365 children
  • 6-11 years old = approx. 250 children
  • 12-14 years old = approx. 225 children
  • 15 years old - 17 years old = approx. 200 children

These numbers are somewhat fluid as children move in and out of the system. However, this gives a good distribution overview of the current situation.

Question: Do I have to accept any foster child that the state offers?

No. You choose which children come into your home. You will be called with the age of a child or children who are needing a home. You can then decide if you are willing to take him or her in. You can also specify if you only want to care for a specific age group. For instance, you can state you will take only children six and under, or only teens, or only school-aged children, et cetera, if that is your need.

Question: How do I find out more about foster parenting through The C.A.L.L.?

To find out more, please attend one of the monthly CALL Informational Meetings listed on our "Upcoming Events" page. To register, please contact Michelle Douglas at mtdouglas@ualr.edu.