GHAR

Arkansas

Group Home Requirements

Official State Website

Licensing Agency

Arkansas Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Agency Review Board & Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, Placement and Residential Licensing Unit

License: Minimum Licensing Standards for Child Welfare Agencies - Residential

Key Requirements & Qualifications

10 items
  • 1

    Administrator qualifications (Master's degree in human services or related field, or Bachelor's degree with 2 years experience)

  • 2

    Central Registry & Criminal Record Checks for all staff, owners, and household members 14 years and older

  • 3

    Pre-service and annual in-service training for childcare staff

  • 4

    First Aid and CPR certification for childcare staff

  • 5

    Written policies for admission, behavior management, crisis management, child maltreatment reporting, and exploitation

  • 6

    Annual fire and health inspections

  • 7

    Living area: 35 sq ft per child

  • 8

    Bedrooms: no more than 4 children per bedroom, 50 sq ft per child

  • 9

    Bathrooms: 1 toilet, bathtub/shower, and sink for every 6 children

  • 10

    Operational smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

Governing Law & Regulatory Code

9 CAR Part 31View Official Text

Click the code above to open the official state regulations website in a new tab.

Official State Resource

Visit the official state government website to access current application forms, full regulatory text, and contact information for the licensing agency.

Open Official Website

https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/announcements/residential-group-homes/

Fees & Costs

Not specified in the provided document.

Getting Started Checklist

Research state-specific requirements
Contact the licensing agency
Complete required training/education
Pass background checks
Secure appropriate facility/location
Obtain liability insurance
Submit license application
Pass facility inspection

Important Notice

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the state licensing agency before submitting applications. This information is for educational purposes only.