Northwest Arkansas Childrens Shelter

Become a Foster Parent!

Every Child Deserves a Loving Home.

Our program is here to support YOU on the journey to becoming a foster parent. Whether you’re just starting to explore or ready to open your home, we’ll be by your side.

What is Foster Care?

Foster care provides children in crisis with a safe and nurturing home while their families work toward achieving stability.

The Need

In Northwest Arkansas, there are 400+ kids in foster care, and only around 100 licensed homes.

Who’s Eligible?

21 or over

Can pass a background check

Can provide a safe and loving home

What Our PRogram Offers

  • Free Training & Licensing: Virtual & in-person options, SAFE home studies, pre-service & continuing education
  • Ongoing Support: 24/7 crisis response, case management, financial support, trauma-informed care, access to mental health referrals.
  • Strong Community Partners: coordinate services with the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS), CASA, Project Zero, and other partners.
  • Focus on Family & Stability: Support for reunification, commitment to normalcy, and long-term child well-being.

Community members interested in becoming foster parents or supporting the mission are encouraged to get in touch! Please complete the interest form below.

Foster for the Future Interest Form

Are you?

Demonte

Recently, we had an intelligent, hard-working young man in our care. His name was Demonte* and he was 15 years old. One day, he got upset in class and took off out of the building like he was planning to run away. This is not an uncommon reaction from the children in our care. Many […]

Read more about DemonteImpact stories

Meet Demonte

Recently, we had an intelligent, hard-working young man in our care. His name was Demonte* and he was 15 years old. One day, he got upset in class and took off out of the building like he was planning to run away. This is not an uncommon reaction from the children in our care. Many have been taught that their only two options, when circumstances are beyond their control, are fight or flight. This time, Demonte chose flight.
Lisa, one of our amazing Youth Care Specialists, followed after him and was calling out his name to stop him from walking away. Finally, he did stop and Lisa was able to convince him to return. Later that afternoon, when he was talking through what had happened, he said, “When I heard Mrs. Lisa saying my name, it made me realize that no one in my family or in my life would ever have cared if I ran away. The only reason I stopped is because I knew Mrs. Lisa must care about me because she came after me.”
This is just one story, among hundreds each year, that shows how much our youth care staff impact the children in our care – every day. It is an honor to be here for these kids when they need us the most.
*name and image changed to protect privacy

My new bed makes me happy. And I am clean and have a new shirt.

Henry, age 4

Due to a rough childhood, I had lost all hope in life. The Shelter changed my life for the better. I’ve been given opportunities I never, ever thought I could get in life.”

Rhiannon, age 17

While at the Shelter, I got to do two things for the first time – roller skating and bowling!

Sharee, age 12