Arrow Child & Family Ministries - Austin, TX

Our June orientation dates are now open! Join us virtually to explore your options, get your questions answered, and learn how you can provide hope, healing, and stability to children and families in your community.

Your journey starts here. 💙

💙 June is National Reunification Month.

Reunification is the process of safely returning children in foster care to their families after parents and caregivers have worked to address the challenges that led to placement. It is the primary goal of foster care whenever it can be achieved safely and successfully.

In fact, family reunification is the most common outcome for children exiting foster care, with nearly half of all children who leave foster care returning home to their families. Additionally, about two-thirds of reunifications occur within the first year of a child's entry into foster care.

This month, we celebrate the families who have persevered, the children who have found their way home, and the dedicated professionals, foster families, and support systems who help make healing and restoration possible.

Because when families are supported, hope shines brighter. ✨

Big impacts often start with small conversations. 🤝

If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster parent, the "unknowns" can feel overwhelming. That’s why the Arrow HeartLine exists. In just a 5-minute phone call, you can connect with a dedicated recruiter to get clarity on the process, timeline, and support available to you.

Best of all? We are on-call 24/7 to fit your busy schedule.

📍 Take the first step today: Call (866) 328-4862 or visit https://ow.ly/CUZ550Z1aFU to learn more about Kinship Foster Care, Adoption, and Respite Care.

A family doesn’t become whole all at once.

Sometimes forever comes through adoption.
Sometimes love shows up through foster care.

"We advise others that it's not necessarily what you're going to get out of it, it's what you're going to put into the lives of the youth in your home," the Buchanan's said.

One child’s identity is protected because their foster care journey is still unfolding, but their place in the Buchanan's heart is already clear.

"We've had nearly 18 placements and only adopted one, we're a foster to adopt family and are now possibly going be able to adopt another boy now," the Buchanan's said. "While we have them, something we know we can teach them are the two most important things, which is to love God and love others."

The Buchanan's want more households to fill the gap for foster youth, because some pieces that build a family are found immediately, but others could be waiting to become a part of the picture. 💙

Today, we honor the brave individuals who served our country with courage, sacrifice, and dedication. 🇺🇸

This Memorial Day, we remember those who gave so much and reflect with gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy each day.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day. ❤️🤍💙

What makes someone family? 💭

For some, it’s DNA.
For others, it’s the people who choose you, love you, and stand beside you no matter what.

After spending more than 3,000 days in Texas foster care and experiencing 19 different placements, 15-year-old Michael finally found what every child deserves: a place to belong.

During his adoption hearing, Michael shared:
“These people really love me.”

And honestly… that one sentence says everything.

This , we’re celebrating more than biology. We’re celebrating the bonds, brotherhood, permanency, and unconditional love that foster care can create.

Because family isn’t always the one you’re born into. Sometimes it’s the people who fight for you, believe in you, and never give up on you.

The words written across their shirts couldn’t be more true:
“Defined by love, not DNA.”

During Foster Care Awareness Month, stories like Michael’s remind us why this mission matters and why every child deserves a forever family, a support system, and people they can finally call home. 🫶🏠

Read the full story here: https://ow.ly/TXPW50Z1jaJ

Arrow’s Associate VP of Capacity Development, Scott Batson, recently joined the KidsCare On Air podcast for a powerful conversation surrounding foster care, healing, and the importance of connection in a child’s life.

Throughout the episode, Scott dives into the therapeutic models and specialized approaches that help shape the way Arrow supports children and families, including concepts from the Neurosequential Network and The Whole-Brain Child.

More than theory, this conversation highlights the real-life impact of trauma-informed care and why understanding a child’s experiences can change the way we help them heal, grow, and thrive.

🎧 Listen now and read more here:
https://ow.ly/UmpZ50YZCPa

KidsCare Home Health
Spotify
iHeartRadio

“I’d like to solve the puzzle…” 👀

The answer? Family Home Developers. 💙

So… what exactly is an FHD?

Family Home Developers walk alongside foster families every step of the journey. From answering late-night questions and offering encouragement to providing resources, guidance, and continued support, they help families feel equipped and empowered to care for children in need.

Our Family Home Development Summit was more than meetings and presentations. It was a chance to collaborate, grow, share ideas, and celebrate the people helping make foster care possible every single day.

Because foster care is never about one person doing it alone. It takes a community willing to show up for children when they need it most. ✨

When Kristy and Ryan Anderson opened their hearts to foster care, they never expected a late-night call for a two-week-old baby girl would change their family forever.

Facing a critical shortage of local foster homes, the Andersons took the leap during a time of immense personal grief. One year later, that placement is officially their forever daughter.

"We've only changed one life, but one life can be a huge difference for the future," Ryan Anderson said.

This Foster Care Awareness Month, read how the Anderson family navigated the emotional tightrope of foster-to-adopt and why they say the overwhelming need for foster parents, respite providers and support systems is worth every second of hard work.

Read their full, heartwarming story on our website:
https://ow.ly/pnyF50Z2Ih6