More than 4,600 children are currently in foster care in Arkansas, and Northwest Arkansas has one of the state’s highest concentrations of kids waiting for stable, loving homes. Project Zero NWA exists to close that gap — and they want to make the process less intimidating for families ready to take the first step.
Project Zero works as a bridge between the Arkansas Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and prospective foster and adoptive families. The organization hosts orientation events, provides mentorship from experienced foster parents, and walks new families through every stage of licensing and placement.
“People think fostering is this huge, complicated thing they could never do,” said a Project Zero representative. “We’re here to show them it’s absolutely something they can do — and that these kids are worth it.”
The licensing process in Arkansas typically takes three to four months and includes background checks, home studies, and required training hours. Project Zero offers free training sessions and connects families with support groups in Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Springdale.
Both single adults and married couples are eligible to foster or adopt. Foster families receive a monthly stipend, Medicaid for the child, and access to respite care. To attend a free informational session or start your application, visit projectzeronwa.org.
