🏠 Your Resource Family Journey

Background Check Authorizations

• Child Maltreatment Central Registration (Electronic Submission) - for all household members 14 years and older
• State Police Criminal Record check (Electronic Submission) - for all household members 18 years and older
• Traffic violation record check - AR State Vehicle Safety Program (VSP-2), Authorization to Operate Vehicles (VSP-1), CFS 593: AR State Vehicle Safety Program (CFS 593), Copy of Arkansas Driver's License

Fingerprinting

• FBI Fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check – Fingerprints will be collected at a state office for all household members 18 years and older (scheduled after state background check returns)

Personal Certifications

• Certification of Absence of Criminal Record (CFS-341)
• Smoking Certification (CFS-363)

Health

• Resource Home Medication List
• Immunization Records for all children in household under 18

Finances

• Copy of first 2 pages of most recent tax return (IRS Form 1040)
• 2 most recent pay stubs
• Family financial worksheet
• Employment information sheet

Home Details

• Current Household Information Sheet (CFS-441)
• Copy of most recent water bill
• Resource Family Support System Information (CFS-419)

References

• Provide 3 references that know your family well - including at least one relative and one non-relative who are familiar with your child-caring experiences (CFS-442)

Resource Packet #2

This packet will be emailed to you after you pass the required checks. If possible, please complete these prior to your in-home visit.

• Copy of current homeowner's or renter's insurance (in your name, showing personal liability)
• Copy of current auto insurance in your name
• SAFE Questionnaire 1
• Review Resource Parent Handbook (PUB-30)

During the In-Home Consultation

• Review minimum home requirements for approval
• Review changes that need to be made in the home for compliance
• Review and sign resource worker's report (CFS-446)

Additional Forms to Complete

These forms can be completed during your In-Home Consultation or after it is completed

• Discipline form
• Confidentiality and Use of Social Media in Resource Homes (CFS-449)
• Reunification Agreement
• Privacy and Use of Surveillance in Resource Homes (CFS-448)
• Safe Baby Sleep guidelines
• Foster Family's Plan to Provide Day Care and Transportation

Medical Checks

All household members are required to receive a doctor's physical to verify that they are free of any physical or emotional health conditions that would adversely affect the welfare of a child in foster care.

• Completed General Medical Form (CFS-404) for all household members

Sharing Your Preferences

This form allows you to share preferences that you may have regarding characteristics of children who may be placed in the home.

• Complete preferences checklist (CFS-409)

Complete Training with MidSOUTH

Requirement: Complete 15 hours of classroom training plus 3 hours of DCFS orientation before your home approval

What you'll learn: Trauma-informed care, child development, behavior management, and communication skills

Required documentation:

• Certificate of Completion for Training
• Reflection Connection homework assignments (1 per session)

Safety Certification

All resource parents are required to complete Adult, Child and Infant CPR and First Aid training through an approved provider: American Heart Association, Red Cross, National Safety Council, Health and Safety Institute or EMS Safety Services. The course must be in-person or hybrid format.

Required documentation:

• CPR/First Aid training certificate

Home Study Process

• Schedule Home Study 1 & 2 with service provider (scheduling typically takes place during training)
• Complete SAFE Questionnaire 2 on-site during your second Home Study

Important Timeline

All requirements below must be completed by the time of final walkthrough.

General Home Safety

• Knives and sharp objects secured out of reach
• Fire extinguisher near kitchen area
• Lids on all trashcans OR trashcans tucked behind door/pantry
• Smoke detectors IN all bedrooms and near kitchen
• Hot water heater set below 120°F
• Heating units protected
• Fireplaces properly screened
• First aid kit in the home

Medication & Chemical Safety

• All over-the-counter medication secured out of reach
• All prescription medication locked (including refrigerated medication)
• All chemicals placed in secure, out of reach location
• All alcohol placed in secure, out of reach location

Bedroom Requirements

• Windows in bedrooms working and unblocked
• Mattresses on frames (not on floor)
• 50 square feet of space per child plus closet/dresser storage
• Proof of crib manufacture date after 6/28/2011 OR Certificate of Compliance from manufacturer

Emergency & Safety Plans

• Home Safety Plan with shelter plan for storms/tornadoes and meeting place for fire
• Emergency contact numbers posted
• Floor plan/evacuation plan with doors, windows, routes, and bedroom square footage
• Fire drill log (within 24 hours of each new placement, and at a minimum of every 3 months)

Final Requirements

• Resource worker conducts final home walkthrough to ensure all requirements have been met
• Resource worker provides orientation session to discuss what to expect for first placement, expectations and responsibilities of a resource parent
• Sign Initial Resource Home Agreement (CFS-462)