Q: Do you have a missions curriculum that can be downloaded?

A: ABCHomes provides material that is appropriate for children in a variety of settings. Click here for more information

Q: How are you supported?

A: Funds for our ministry come from a variety of sources. Direct gifts from Arkansas Baptist churches and the Cooperative Program provide approximately 47% of our annual budget. The remainders of our funds come from a variety of resources including individual gifts, endowment earnings, purchase of care agreements, and sliding scale fees.

Q: How are the children admitted into care?

A: Children are referred by pastors, family members, the AR Department of Human Services, the courts, schools, and many other sources. Generally a call is made by a referring agency or person to one of our facilities or Area Offices. For children being placed in emergency care the decision to accept a child is made after a series of brief questions. For children being placed in one of our long term facilities, i.e., the Children's Home, the Boys Ranch, or Promise House, a preplacement visit is usually required. This offers our staff an opportunity to evaluate our ability to meet the child's needs prior to placement. The child and his or her guardian also have the opportunity to ask questions and tour the facility in which they will be living. The child must make a commitment to work with our staff in addressing problem areas in the child's life. Also, an intake evaluation is completed by one of our area or facility workers.

Q: How many children are cared for by your agency and what ages are they?

A: The maximum number of children in care is 141 at any one time. The Children's Home campus in Monticello is our largest facility and is licensed for up to 28 boys and 28 girls, ages five through high school. Our Boys Ranch has a capacity for 36 adolescent boys. Our three Emergency Receiving Homes can care for up to eight children each at one time, ages newborn through seventeen (every year these facilities provide emergency shelter for approximately 350 children). Our Promise House ministry can care for nine pregnant teens.

Q: Where do the children go to school?

A: Children at the Baptist Home in Monticello attend the Monticello public schools. They may be involved in many regular school activities, as long as their behavior and academic progress are satisfactory. Many of the boys at our Boys Ranch attend the Bergman public schools. Also, boys in our Independent Living Program may attend North Arkansas College. Girls at our Promise House attend schools in the Little Rock Public School District. When it is in her best interest, a girl may take classes in preparation for taking the GED test. Children in our emergency shelters usually attend public schools in the communities where the shelters are located. Exceptions are sometimes made for the child's protection or to enhance their educational experience.

Q: How can I help?