Support · Supporting Foster Parents
Everything you need to start fostering, in one place.
Arkansas now calls foster families “resource families.”
You provide safety and stability for a child while their family works their case plan.
We support you the whole way.
Start with our Info Meeting
Sunday, November 8 at 2 PM in the Sparrow’s Promise building, 208 E. Moore Ave. Come with questions; there’s no commitment.
Foster care is a team, not perfection.
Before anything else, here’s the heart behind how we foster.
It is
Partnership
It isn’t rescue.
It is
Connection
It isn’t competition with a child’s first family.
It is
Stability
It isn’t a promise of adoption, but a commitment to stability.
It is
A team
It isn’t perfection.
Who can foster with Sparrow’s Promise?
Families and individuals living in Arkansas who are active, faithful Christians and can affirm our statement of faith. Resource parents:
- Are at least 21 years old
- Have a reliable source of income
- Are in good health
- Have room in the home for a child
- Have had no major life changes in the past year
- Have some experience with children or strong parenting skills
- Complete pre-service and ongoing training
- Complete the home study process
The path to licensing
- Fill out the interest form. Everyone starts here. Pick the training cohort that fits your schedule on the same form.
- Talk with our team. We’ll reach out to answer questions and confirm your training invitation.
- Complete pre-service training. A Fast-Track weekend or five Tuesday evenings of Paced Training.
- Complete your home study. We walk you through paperwork, background checks, and the home visit.
- Get licensed and welcome a child. Your Direct Care Case Manager is with you from the first phone call on.
Training
Two ways to train. New cohorts every quarter.
Fast-Track Weekend
All pre-service training in one focused weekend. Great if weeknights are hard.
Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM · Sunday 2 to 6 PM
Paced Training
One session a week on Tuesdays, so you can learn at a steadier rhythm alongside your cohort.
Tuesday evenings from 6 PM · 5 weeks · bring your own dinner
Interest form and training sign-up
One form does both. Tell us a little about you and choose the cohort that fits your schedule. Sending it doesn’t commit you to anything; it just starts the conversation.
Opens our secure intake form.
Questions first? Call 501.236.0900.
Upcoming training cohorts
You’ll pick one of these on the interest form.
| Cohort | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2026-4 Fast-Track Weekend (enrolling now) | December 5–6, 2026 |
| 2027-1 Paced Training | Tuesdays: Jan 19, Jan 26, Feb 2, Feb 9, Feb 16 |
| 2027-1 Fast-Track Weekend | February 19–20, 2027 |
| 2027-2 Paced Training | Tuesdays: Apr 6, Apr 13, Apr 20, Apr 27, May 4 |
| 2027-2 Fast-Track Weekend | June 5–6, 2027 |
| 2027-3 Fast-Track Weekend | July 24–25, 2027 |
| 2027-3 Paced Training | Tuesdays: Aug 31, Sep 7, Sep 14, Sep 21, Sep 28 |
| 2027-4 Fast-Track Weekend | October 16–17, 2027, if needed (no Paced Training in Q4) |
You won’t do this alone.
A case manager who knows you
Our Direct Care Case Managers walk with your family through every placement.
On-call help
When a hard moment comes after hours, there’s someone to call.
Ongoing training
Keep growing with continuing training alongside other resource families.
A community
Gatherings like our Friendsgiving and Christmas dinner bring the whole flock together.
Common questions
What’s the difference between foster and resource families?
Nothing but the name. The State of Arkansas now officially calls foster families resource families.
Do I have to want to adopt?
No. Fostering isn’t a promise of adoption, but a commitment to stability. In most cases the goal is for children to return home while their family works their case plan, and you offer a safe, steady home in the meantime.
Can I foster if I’m single?
Yes. We welcome both families and individuals.
Which training should I choose?
If you can set aside a full weekend, Fast-Track gets you through quickly. If weekly evenings fit better, choose Paced Training on Tuesdays. Not sure? Tell us on the interest form and we’ll talk it through.
How long does licensing take?
The estimated timeline for opening your home is 8-14 weeks. Timelines can vary based on individual circumstances and needs. More information will be provided at Interest Meetings, or if you schedule a one-on-one visit with us.
If I work full-time, can I still foster?
Yes! The State can provide child care vouchers to resource families to assist with childcare/daycare options.
Can I choose the age or gender of the children I foster?
Yes! You can set preferences for age, gender, and even specific needs based on what works best for your family and capacity. Sparrow’s Promise case managers try to connect your family with children from your preferred age range.