In the U.S., there are approximately 500,000 children in foster care. (http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/foster_care). That’s half a million children who could use your help. In Arkansas alone, there are over 3,000 children in the foster care system. Some of these Arkansas children may never have a home or family of their own, spending their entire lives in foster homes and institutions.
State Requirements to Adopt a Child in Arkansas
You don’t have to have thousands in the bank to adopt a child in Arkansas, nor do you have to own your own home. You only have to make enough money to meet the needs of the child and have a safe environment for them to live.
You must be at least 21 years old to adopt a child in Arkansas, and no older than 55. If you’re looking to adopt an infant, you cannot be over the age of 40 to adopt a child in Arkansas. The reason for the age requirement is to make sure you can be there for the child until it’s an adult.
If you’re married, you can adopt a child in Arkansas as long as you’ve been married for at least 2 years. If you’re single, divorced or widowed, you can also adopt a child in Arkansas. However, if divorced, it must be for at least 2 years.
You must undergo a criminal background check, driving record check and child abuse check if you are looking to adopt a child in Arkansas. If you are stable and don’t have any criminal offenses, you should be approved to adopt.
You must complete adoption training classes, provided by the state at no cost to adopt a child in Arkansas. CPR and first aid training are also required.
Home Study to Adopt a Child in Arkansas
To adopt a child in Arkansas, a home study is required. This is a process which can take a while, usually 4-6 months. A case worker will be assigned to you and will visit your home to look for safety hazards, make sure you have enough space for the child, etc.
As part of the home study, the case worker will meet with all members of the family who currently reside in the home. The case worker will speak to them separately and as a group. You will be asked questions about you life, challenges you’ve faced, your strengths and weaknesses, your expectations for adopting a child in Arkansas, your extended family etc.
In my personal experience, during this period a case worker will show up unexpectedly to make sure you weren’t putting on a show during the scheduled visit. Hopefully, you generally have a well kept house but just in case, I’d advise paying special attention to keeping things up during this period. You never know when your case worker will pop in and it might not look good to have three weeks worth of laundry on the couch and a sink full of dirty dishes.
What Happens Next?
After the home study is completed, you’re ready to move on to the next step to adopt a child in Arkansas, the wait. After the home study and adoption application have been approved, you’ll be placed on the waiting list for a child. It could take a few weeks or more than a year before a match is found for you. Don’t lose hope. If you really want to adopt a child in Arkansas, or anywhere else, it’s going to take time.
According to DHS, of the children available to adopt in Arkansas, the greatest need is for school aged children, including teenagers.
The Children Available to Adopt in Arkansas
The children that are available to adopt in Arkansas through the department of human services are of all ages and backgrounds. Many have been removed from their homes due to physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before you elect to adopt a child in Arkansas. If you want a Caucasian infant, this probably isn’t going to happen.
According to Arkansas DHS, they aren’t accepting applications for healthy, Caucasian infants. However, you may submit an application for a healthy, African American child from birth to two years.
Please understand that many of these children have medical and/or emotional problems. They come from broken, abusive homes. If you’re serious about adopting a child in Arkansas, take into consideration that you will need the time to take them to doctors, psychologists, physical therapists, etc., depending on the child’s individual needs. If you’re worried about the cost, don’t be. The state offers a monthly adoption subsidy for children who have special needs.
Of course, there is always the possibility that you’ll be able to adopt a child in Arkansas that is completely healthy with very few emotional problems. If you don’t think you can care for a child with a physical disability or too many developmental delays, etc. please inform your case worker. They will work with you to find a child who is match for you and your lifestyle.
If you want to see some of the children who are available to adopt in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Department of Human Services website at http://www.state.ar.us/dhs/adoption/adoption.html.
Fees to Adopt a Child in Arkansas
Arkansas DHS is a public adoption agency. Therefore, no fees are charged to adopt a child in Arkansas if you go through this agency. You may have to undergo a medical exam as part of the home study and you’d be responsible for any fee incurred here.
There are legal fees associated with the adoption of a child in Arkansas but they will most likely be paid for you by an adoption subsidy.
Beginning the Process to Adopt a Child in Arkansas
If you’re ready to make a difference in a child’s life, contact the DHS adoption specialist who services your county. You can call Arkansas adoption services toll free at (888) 736-2820 to get more information about beginning the process to adopt a child in Arkansas.
Good luck and congratulations on taking the first step to adopt a child in Arkansas!
