Resources on this page were last checked against their official sources on October 26, 2026.
Each card shows its own date and source. Programs change, so check the official site before you go.
Divorce
Statewide
Arkansas Judiciary Court Forms (Domestic Relations and Orders of Protection)
Arkansas Judiciary (Administrative Office of the Courts)
The Arkansas Judiciary posts official court forms, including Domestic Relations cover and disposition sheets, Order of Protection forms (sample petition, notice of hearing, ex parte and final orders, in English and Spanish), probate forms, and the Arkansas Child Support Guidelines. The domestic violence page explains how to get an order of protection and links outside self-help resources.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
For anyone filing a family case in an Arkansas circuit court. To get an order of protection, go to the circuit clerk's office for the petition and affidavit forms; the Administrative Office of the Courts has no official petition, but clerks must have the forms. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Law Help (formerly Arkansas Legal Services Online)
Legal Aid of Arkansas
Arkansas Law Help is a free legal information website. It has plain-language guides on divorce, child support, custody and visitation, protection orders, housing, and more, plus self-help forms like an interactive divorce packet, minor guardianship and power-of-attorney packets, a Putative Father Registry application, and links to official court forms. It also connects to the statewide legal aid helpline and online application.
For Arkansas residents looking for legal information or forms. Free legal help from Legal Aid of Arkansas through the helpline or online application depends on income and case priorities. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission
This statewide program, started in 1997 with a federal grant, supports noncustodial parents' access to and visitation with their children. It offers mediation for parents who want to work out custody, visitation, and child support for their minor children. Mediation is voluntary, informal, and confidential, and if parents don't agree, either one can still go to court.
For Arkansas residents who want to mediate custody, visitation, or child support for their minor children. Answer the program's 'Do I Qualify?' questions to check eligibility. OCSE's custody page notes both parents must be willing to sit down together. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Judiciary Court Forms (Domestic Relations and Orders of Protection)
Arkansas Judiciary (Administrative Office of the Courts)
The Arkansas Judiciary posts official court forms, including Domestic Relations cover and disposition sheets, Order of Protection forms (sample petition, notice of hearing, ex parte and final orders, in English and Spanish), probate forms, and the Arkansas Child Support Guidelines. The domestic violence page explains how to get an order of protection and links outside self-help resources.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
For anyone filing a family case in an Arkansas circuit court. To get an order of protection, go to the circuit clerk's office for the petition and affidavit forms; the Administrative Office of the Courts has no official petition, but clerks must have the forms. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Law Help (formerly Arkansas Legal Services Online)
Legal Aid of Arkansas
Arkansas Law Help is a free legal information website. It has plain-language guides on divorce, child support, custody and visitation, protection orders, housing, and more, plus self-help forms like an interactive divorce packet, minor guardianship and power-of-attorney packets, a Putative Father Registry application, and links to official court forms. It also connects to the statewide legal aid helpline and online application.
For Arkansas residents looking for legal information or forms. Free legal help from Legal Aid of Arkansas through the helpline or online application depends on income and case priorities. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission
This statewide program, started in 1997 with a federal grant, supports noncustodial parents' access to and visitation with their children. It offers mediation for parents who want to work out custody, visitation, and child support for their minor children. Mediation is voluntary, informal, and confidential, and if parents don't agree, either one can still go to court.
For Arkansas residents who want to mediate custody, visitation, or child support for their minor children. Answer the program's 'Do I Qualify?' questions to check eligibility. OCSE's custody page notes both parents must be willing to sit down together. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Judiciary Court Forms (Domestic Relations and Orders of Protection)
Arkansas Judiciary (Administrative Office of the Courts)
The Arkansas Judiciary posts official court forms, including Domestic Relations cover and disposition sheets, Order of Protection forms (sample petition, notice of hearing, ex parte and final orders, in English and Spanish), probate forms, and the Arkansas Child Support Guidelines. The domestic violence page explains how to get an order of protection and links outside self-help resources.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
For anyone filing a family case in an Arkansas circuit court. To get an order of protection, go to the circuit clerk's office for the petition and affidavit forms; the Administrative Office of the Courts has no official petition, but clerks must have the forms. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Law Help (formerly Arkansas Legal Services Online)
Legal Aid of Arkansas
Arkansas Law Help is a free legal information website. It has plain-language guides on divorce, child support, custody and visitation, protection orders, housing, and more, plus self-help forms like an interactive divorce packet, minor guardianship and power-of-attorney packets, a Putative Father Registry application, and links to official court forms. It also connects to the statewide legal aid helpline and online application.
For Arkansas residents looking for legal information or forms. Free legal help from Legal Aid of Arkansas through the helpline or online application depends on income and case priorities. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
OCSE offers two kinds of services. Enforcement services locate the noncustodial parent, establish paternity if needed, set up a court order for child and medical support, and collect what is owed. Payment Processing services record and send payments through the Arkansas Child Support Clearinghouse for private court orders. OCSE MyCase lets parents check their case, pay, and message their caseworker online.
Parents, legal guardians, or caretakers of a child under 18 who lives with them can apply, as can people owed court-ordered support for a child over 18. Families on SNAP, TEA, or Medicaid are referred automatically and must cooperate. Apply online, by mail, in person, or by phone. OCSE can't handle custody or visitation. See the official site for current rules.
NPOWR! (Noncustodial Parent Outreach Work Referral)
Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement
NPOWR! is a 90-day OCSE program that gives job placement help and job-readiness services to noncustodial parents who are unemployed and behind on child support. OCSE runs it with the Arkansas Workforce Centers, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, and the Arkansas Workforce Development Board, which provide skills assessments and job search help.
For noncustodial parents who live in Pulaski or Lonoke County (the child support case can be in any Arkansas county), are unemployed, and are at least 30-90 days behind on child support. Call the information line or fill out the online inquiry form. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Child Care Assistance (School Readiness Assistance)
Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood
Each year Arkansas helps low-income families pay for quality child care and early childhood education for children from birth to age 12, through the Child Care Development Fund. Families apply on the School Readiness Assistance (SRA) portal, which replaced the old KidCare voucher system. The Office of Early Childhood was formerly DHS's Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.
For families whose adults work at least 30 hours a week, attend school full time, spend at least 30 hours a week in job training, or a combination that adds up to 30 hours. Income is checked against the Sliding Fee Chart, counting all earned income (including SSA, SSI, and VA). Apply at https://sra.ade.arkansas.gov/. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Energy Office (Division of Environmental Quality)
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps qualifying households with home energy bills: heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. In Arkansas it is run by a network of community-based organizations that serve all 75 counties, and you apply through the one that serves your county, not through the Arkansas Energy Office. The state says LIHEAP never charges a fee to apply.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Free
Who it's for
For residential households that meet the income chart (businesses aren't eligible). Applications are first-come, first-served, typically January to April 30 and July to September 30. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards (18+) or numbers (minors), recent utility bills, proof of income, and proof of residency. On October 26, 2026 the page said LIHEAP is closed and pointed people to their local Community Action Agency. See the official site for current rules.
DHS's Health Care (Medicaid) programs help eligible Arkansans pay medical bills. Family categories include ARHOME for adults 19-64, ARKids First for children and teens, Newborn coverage for babies whose mothers had state health care when they were born (guaranteed for the first year), and TEFRA for children with disabilities. There are also programs for people who are aged, blind, or disabled.
Eligibility depends on income, resources, Arkansas residency, and other requirements, and covered services vary by category. ARHOME is for people 19-64 who meet income and other requirements. Apply online at Access Arkansas, by mail or phone, or at a local county office. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) and Work Pays
Arkansas Department of Human Services
TEA is Arkansas's time-limited TANF cash assistance program for needy families with children. Besides monthly cash help, it gives parents job-readiness activities, transportation help, child care help, and other support services so they can work or attend education and training. DHS's Division of County Operations also runs the related Work Pays program.
For families with limited income who have a child under 18 living in the home and meet other requirements. Apply online at Access Arkansas or with the paper application (English, Spanish, or Marshallese). Help is available for TANF applicants who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or sexual harassment. See the official site for current rules.
ARKids First is Arkansas's health insurance for children. It covers well-child checkups, immunizations, eye exams, dental checkups, and more. ARKids A is Medicaid for children, with no charge. ARKids B covers otherwise uninsured children in families that earn too much for ARKids A, with co-pays for some services. One application covers both, and DHS decides which one a child qualifies for.
For Arkansas children under 19. Income limits apply; see the official page. ARKids B is for otherwise uninsured children in families with incomes above the ARKids A limit. The page posts monthly income limits by family size, effective April 1, 2026. Apply at Access Arkansas. See the official site for current rules.
FORGE (Family, Opportunity, Resilience, Grit, Engagement) helps fathers and father figures strengthen their relationships with their children and the whole family. It promotes healthy marriage and relationship skills, responsible parenting, and economic stability and employment.
For fathers and father figures 18 and older with children 24 or younger who live in the Hot Springs and Garland County area, including men returning from incarceration. Apply online. See the official site for current rules.
Every Arkansan Dads is a free fatherhood program: 12 two-hour sessions on parenting (24/7 Dad), healthy relationships and co-parenting, and financial literacy (FDIC Money Smart). Each dad gets a case manager who connects him to jobs, housing referrals, legal help such as child support mediation and parenting plan guidance, and counseling. Alumni can keep mentoring, peer groups, and case management afterward.
Where
Pulaski County, Jefferson County, Sebastian County and White County, Arkansas
For any father or father figure 18 or older with at least one child 24 or younger, including custodial and noncustodial dads, stepfathers, and other male caregivers. You don't need a job or a certain income, and taking part is voluntary. See the official site for current rules.
NPOWR! (Noncustodial Parent Outreach Work Referral)
Arkansas Office of Child Support Enforcement
NPOWR! is a 90-day OCSE program that gives job placement help and job-readiness services to noncustodial parents who are unemployed and behind on child support. OCSE runs it with the Arkansas Workforce Centers, the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, and the Arkansas Workforce Development Board, which provide skills assessments and job search help.
For noncustodial parents who live in Pulaski or Lonoke County (the child support case can be in any Arkansas county), are unemployed, and are at least 30-90 days behind on child support. Call the information line or fill out the online inquiry form. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas WIC provides supplemental foods high in nutrients, nutrition education, breastfeeding information and support, and referrals to other health services. WIC is offered at every local health unit in Arkansas, at satellite clinics, and at four WIC-only clinics, and you can apply and get WIC in any county.
For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under five who meet the income guidelines (revised every year; see the official page), have a nutritional need, and live in Arkansas. Proof of Medicaid (including ARKids), TEA, or SNAP can show income. Call your local health unit for an appointment, and bring ID for yourself and each child, proof of residency, proof of income, and the children you're applying for. See the official site for current rules.
SNAP (formerly the Food Stamp Program) helps eligible Arkansas households cover part of their food budget with benefits on an EBT card. Benefits can be used at eligible stores and farmers markets, including for seeds and plants that produce food. SNAP also offers nutrition education and an Employment and Training program available in all 75 counties.
For Arkansas households that qualify. DHS looks at how many people live in the home, income, and what the household owns, and some clients have work or activity requirements (SNAP time limit rules resumed July 1, 2023). Apply online at Access Arkansas, or use the paper application (English, Spanish, or Marshallese). See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Continuum of Care Housing Assistance Contacts
Arkansas Development Finance Authority
ADFA runs state homelessness programs such as the Emergency Solutions Grant and HOME-ARP, but it doesn't help individuals directly. Instead it posts referral contacts for the Arkansas Continuum of Care (CoC) areas, which connect people who are homeless or at risk: Hot Springs/Southwest Balance of State, Little Rock/Central Arkansas (CATCH), Fayetteville/Northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith, and Southeast Arkansas (SOAR).
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
For Arkansans who need housing help. Contact the CoC for your area; the sheet says to try 211 for statewide coverage. See the official site for current rules.
The Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence keeps a statewide list of domestic violence shelters with each one's city, hotline, office number, and website. The list includes Taylor House for Men in Batesville. ACADV isn't a shelter itself and doesn't provide direct victim services, but it links survivors to shelters and has an Order of Protection online portal.
Not for emergencies. If you need help NOW, call 911.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
For survivors of domestic violence anywhere in Arkansas. Contact the shelter nearest you. See the official site for current rules.
Legal Aid of Arkansas is a nonprofit public-interest law firm that gives free civil legal help to low-income Arkansans. Its priorities include orders of protection, domestic abuse, guardianship, landlord-tenant disputes and evictions, housing discrimination, debt relief and garnishments, and problems with public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, TEA, SSI, child care, and subsidized housing. Apply online 24/7 or call the helpline.
For low-income Arkansans with civil legal problems whose income and assets are under Legal Services Corporation limits, based on federal poverty guidelines. Because resources are limited, Legal Aid only takes cases within its priorities. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Child Care Assistance (School Readiness Assistance)
Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood
Each year Arkansas helps low-income families pay for quality child care and early childhood education for children from birth to age 12, through the Child Care Development Fund. Families apply on the School Readiness Assistance (SRA) portal, which replaced the old KidCare voucher system. The Office of Early Childhood was formerly DHS's Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.
For families whose adults work at least 30 hours a week, attend school full time, spend at least 30 hours a week in job training, or a combination that adds up to 30 hours. Income is checked against the Sliding Fee Chart, counting all earned income (including SSA, SSI, and VA). Apply at https://sra.ade.arkansas.gov/. See the official site for current rules.
The Arkansas Head Start Association's program map lists every Head Start and Early Head Start agency in the state, with each one's main office, phone, and counties served. Agencies include Arkansas Early Learning, BRAD, Community Action Program of Central Arkansas, Community Services Office, EOA of Washington County, Families and Children Together, Ozark Opportunities, SCUS, UAMS, and UAPB, among others.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
Find the agency that serves your county and contact it about eligibility and enrollment. See the official site for current rules.
CHILDCARE AR: Find Licensed Child Care and Local Leads
Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Early Childhood
CHILDCARE AR is the Office of Early Childhood's portal for finding licensed child care anywhere in Arkansas. You can search by city, ZIP code, county, Better Beginnings star rating, and availability, file a complaint about a facility, and connect to child care assistance. The state's 22 Local Lead Organizations cover all 75 counties and help connect families to child care options for children from birth to five.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Free
Who it's for
For any Arkansas family looking for licensed child care. See the official site for current rules.
DHS's support line helps any Arkansan find mental health and addiction services near them. For people with limited incomes, DHS offers assessment, mental health services for adults with serious mental illness, substance use treatment, help with mental health medication, parent and child counseling for children under 4, and help during a mental health crisis.
Not for emergencies. If you are facing a medical emergency, please dial 911.
Open to all Arkansans looking for a provider. State-funded substance use treatment is for people without insurance, and Specialized Women's Services are for pregnant women and mothers with children. See the official site for current rules.
NAMI Arkansas is a nonprofit that helps people living with mental illness, their families, and the community. It coordinates a statewide network of local support groups (including virtual groups) and offers education programs, resources, and a helpline.
Not for emergencies. In a crisis? Call 988 or go to your local emergency room immediately
FORGE (Family, Opportunity, Resilience, Grit, Engagement) helps fathers and father figures strengthen their relationships with their children and the whole family. It promotes healthy marriage and relationship skills, responsible parenting, and economic stability and employment.
For fathers and father figures 18 and older with children 24 or younger who live in the Hot Springs and Garland County area, including men returning from incarceration. Apply online. See the official site for current rules.
Every Arkansan Dads is a free fatherhood program: 12 two-hour sessions on parenting (24/7 Dad), healthy relationships and co-parenting, and financial literacy (FDIC Money Smart). Each dad gets a case manager who connects him to jobs, housing referrals, legal help such as child support mediation and parenting plan guidance, and counseling. Alumni can keep mentoring, peer groups, and case management afterward.
Where
Pulaski County, Jefferson County, Sebastian County and White County, Arkansas
For any father or father figure 18 or older with at least one child 24 or younger, including custodial and noncustodial dads, stepfathers, and other male caregivers. You don't need a job or a certain income, and taking part is voluntary. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas has two 16-bed Crisis Stabilization Units, created under Act 423 of 2017 as alternatives to jail and emergency rooms for people in crisis who come into contact with law enforcement. Both are open 24/7, staffed by mental health professionals and licensed nurses, and give short-term stabilization for mental health or substance misuse. The Sebastian County unit is in Fort Smith and the Craighead County unit is in Jonesboro.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
Either unit accepts referrals from any Arkansas county, at any time of day or night. The Fort Smith unit mainly serves Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Scott, and Polk counties, and the Jonesboro unit serves 20 counties in the Northeast and East-central region. See the official site for current rules.
DHS's support line helps any Arkansan find mental health and addiction services near them. For people with limited incomes, DHS offers assessment, mental health services for adults with serious mental illness, substance use treatment, help with mental health medication, parent and child counseling for children under 4, and help during a mental health crisis.
Not for emergencies. If you are facing a medical emergency, please dial 911.
Open to all Arkansans looking for a provider. State-funded substance use treatment is for people without insurance, and Specialized Women's Services are for pregnant women and mothers with children. See the official site for current rules.
NAMI Arkansas is a nonprofit that helps people living with mental illness, their families, and the community. It coordinates a statewide network of local support groups (including virtual groups) and offers education programs, resources, and a helpline.
Not for emergencies. In a crisis? Call 988 or go to your local emergency room immediately
The Arkansas Head Start Association's program map lists every Head Start and Early Head Start agency in the state, with each one's main office, phone, and counties served. Agencies include Arkansas Early Learning, BRAD, Community Action Program of Central Arkansas, Community Services Office, EOA of Washington County, Families and Children Together, Ozark Opportunities, SCUS, UAMS, and UAPB, among others.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
Find the agency that serves your county and contact it about eligibility and enrollment. See the official site for current rules.
DHS's Health Care (Medicaid) programs help eligible Arkansans pay medical bills. Family categories include ARHOME for adults 19-64, ARKids First for children and teens, Newborn coverage for babies whose mothers had state health care when they were born (guaranteed for the first year), and TEFRA for children with disabilities. There are also programs for people who are aged, blind, or disabled.
Eligibility depends on income, resources, Arkansas residency, and other requirements, and covered services vary by category. ARHOME is for people 19-64 who meet income and other requirements. Apply online at Access Arkansas, by mail or phone, or at a local county office. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas WIC provides supplemental foods high in nutrients, nutrition education, breastfeeding information and support, and referrals to other health services. WIC is offered at every local health unit in Arkansas, at satellite clinics, and at four WIC-only clinics, and you can apply and get WIC in any county.
For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under five who meet the income guidelines (revised every year; see the official page), have a nutritional need, and live in Arkansas. Proof of Medicaid (including ARKids), TEA, or SNAP can show income. Call your local health unit for an appointment, and bring ID for yourself and each child, proof of residency, proof of income, and the children you're applying for. See the official site for current rules.
ARKids First is Arkansas's health insurance for children. It covers well-child checkups, immunizations, eye exams, dental checkups, and more. ARKids A is Medicaid for children, with no charge. ARKids B covers otherwise uninsured children in families that earn too much for ARKids A, with co-pays for some services. One application covers both, and DHS decides which one a child qualifies for.
For Arkansas children under 19. Income limits apply; see the official page. ARKids B is for otherwise uninsured children in families with incomes above the ARKids A limit. The page posts monthly income limits by family size, effective April 1, 2026. Apply at Access Arkansas. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Special Education
First Connections is Arkansas's statewide early intervention program (IDEA Part C) for children from birth to their 3rd birthday with a developmental delay or disability. Early interventionists work with families at home or in everyday places like childcare, parks, and libraries, building a plan that helps the child take part in daily life and gives adults tools to support learning.
For children from birth to 36 months with a diagnosed condition or a delay. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, and family friends, can make a referral, and no diagnosis is needed, only a suspected delay. The developmental evaluation and assessment are at no out-of-pocket cost to the family. See the official site for current rules.
DHS Developmental Disabilities Services Intake and Referral
Arkansas Department of Human Services
DHS's Division of Developmental Disabilities Services has an intake and referral unit that helps families of people with developmental disabilities or delays figure out programs, eligibility, and how to apply. It can help with early intervention, the CES Waiver for home and community-based services, autism services, Early Intervention Day Treatment, and Children's Special Services.
Arkansas Department of Education, Office of Special Education
First Connections is Arkansas's statewide early intervention program (IDEA Part C) for children from birth to their 3rd birthday with a developmental delay or disability. Early interventionists work with families at home or in everyday places like childcare, parks, and libraries, building a plan that helps the child take part in daily life and gives adults tools to support learning.
For children from birth to 36 months with a diagnosed condition or a delay. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, and family friends, can make a referral, and no diagnosis is needed, only a suspected delay. The developmental evaluation and assessment are at no out-of-pocket cost to the family. See the official site for current rules.
The Center for Exceptional Families (Arkansas Parent Training and Information Center)
The Center for Exceptional Families
The Center for Exceptional Families (TCFEF) is Arkansas's only Parent Training and Information Center. It gives information, training, resources, and one-on-one support to families of children and young adults with disabilities, helping them understand special education rights and processes, take part in education decisions, and connect with services. Parent Mentors serve each area of the state.
Arkansas Continuum of Care Housing Assistance Contacts
Arkansas Development Finance Authority
ADFA runs state homelessness programs such as the Emergency Solutions Grant and HOME-ARP, but it doesn't help individuals directly. Instead it posts referral contacts for the Arkansas Continuum of Care (CoC) areas, which connect people who are homeless or at risk: Hot Springs/Southwest Balance of State, Little Rock/Central Arkansas (CATCH), Fayetteville/Northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith, and Southeast Arkansas (SOAR).
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
For Arkansans who need housing help. Contact the CoC for your area; the sheet says to try 211 for statewide coverage. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas has two 16-bed Crisis Stabilization Units, created under Act 423 of 2017 as alternatives to jail and emergency rooms for people in crisis who come into contact with law enforcement. Both are open 24/7, staffed by mental health professionals and licensed nurses, and give short-term stabilization for mental health or substance misuse. The Sebastian County unit is in Fort Smith and the Craighead County unit is in Jonesboro.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
Either unit accepts referrals from any Arkansas county, at any time of day or night. The Fort Smith unit mainly serves Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Scott, and Polk counties, and the Jonesboro unit serves 20 counties in the Northeast and East-central region. See the official site for current rules.
The Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence keeps a statewide list of domestic violence shelters with each one's city, hotline, office number, and website. The list includes Taylor House for Men in Batesville. ACADV isn't a shelter itself and doesn't provide direct victim services, but it links survivors to shelters and has an Order of Protection online portal.
Not for emergencies. If you need help NOW, call 911.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
For survivors of domestic violence anywhere in Arkansas. Contact the shelter nearest you. See the official site for current rules.
Arkansas Energy Office (Division of Environmental Quality)
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps qualifying households with home energy bills: heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. In Arkansas it is run by a network of community-based organizations that serve all 75 counties, and you apply through the one that serves your county, not through the Arkansas Energy Office. The state says LIHEAP never charges a fee to apply.
Where
Arkansas
Cost
Free
Who it's for
For residential households that meet the income chart (businesses aren't eligible). Applications are first-come, first-served, typically January to April 30 and July to September 30. Bring photo ID, Social Security cards (18+) or numbers (minors), recent utility bills, proof of income, and proof of residency. On October 26, 2026 the page said LIHEAP is closed and pointed people to their local Community Action Agency. See the official site for current rules.
Legal Aid of Arkansas is a nonprofit public-interest law firm that gives free civil legal help to low-income Arkansans. Its priorities include orders of protection, domestic abuse, guardianship, landlord-tenant disputes and evictions, housing discrimination, debt relief and garnishments, and problems with public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, TEA, SSI, child care, and subsidized housing. Apply online 24/7 or call the helpline.
For low-income Arkansans with civil legal problems whose income and assets are under Legal Services Corporation limits, based on federal poverty guidelines. Because resources are limited, Legal Aid only takes cases within its priorities. See the official site for current rules.
These programs serve families anywhere in the U.S., including Arkansas.
211 (United Way 211)
United Way 211
Call 211 for confidential help connecting to local community services, such as housing, homelessness, and utility bill assistance. 211.org can also help you find your local 211.
Free, confidential support 24/7 by call, text, or chat. You don't have to be suicidal to reach out; reasons include relationships, economic worries, substance use, depression, and loneliness. Spanish: press 2 or text AYUDA to 988. Veterans: press 1.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care
Helps parents find safe, quality child care in their community that fits their family's needs. It links to each state's or territory's child care websites, where parents can search for child care and consumer education information.
Where
Nationwide
Cost
Free
Who it's for
Information site open to everyone. The state programs it links to set their own rules. See the official site for current rules.
A safe, nonjudgmental space by call, text, or chat for anyone concerned about or affected by child abuse. It is not a reporting line and is not connected to 911; the site lists each state's child abuse reporting contacts.
Open to anyone. The hotline may have to share information with authorities if a child is being harmed or someone intends to act on suicidal thoughts. In California, child abuse reports go to your county's CPS line. See the official site for current rules.
Free, confidential, 24/7 support by text message. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to reach a trained volunteer crisis counselor for stress, anxiety, loneliness, substance use, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
Where
Nationwide
Cost
Free
Who it's for
Available to anyone in the United States. See the official site for current rules.
A federal tax credit that helps low- to moderate-income workers and families reduce taxes owed and possibly increase their refund. The IRS site has a qualification checker and links to free tax preparation help.
Where
Nationwide
Cost
Free
Who it's for
For workers with low to moderate income; the amount can depend on children or dependents and other factors. The IRS notes refunds for EITC claims are held until mid-February. See the official site for current rules.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD's tool for finding housing, shelter, health care, and clothing resources by location. It also links to help paying rent, applying for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), talking to a housing counselor, and reporting housing discrimination.
Where
Nationwide
Cost
Free
Who it's for
Open to anyone searching. Each local program found through the tool has its own eligibility rules. See the official site for current rules.
Find Your Parent Center (Parent Training and Information Centers)
Center for Parent Information and Resources
A finder for the nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) in the US and territories. These centers work with families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, birth to 26, and help parents take part in their children's education and development.
Where
Nationwide
Cost
Cost varies
Who it's for
For families of children and youth with disabilities, birth to 26. Each Parent Center sets its own services. See the official site for current rules.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
A confidential, anonymous search tool for finding mental health and substance use treatment facilities in the United States, with guides on treatment options and paying for treatment.
Where
Nationwide
Cost
Free
Who it's for
Free to search. Each facility sets its own intake rules and costs. See the official site for current rules.
Free, confidential, 24/7 support from advocates by call, chat, or text (START to 88788), including crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local resources. Help is available for anyone affected by relationship abuse.
Open to anyone. The Hotline does not give direct financial help (like cash or hotel vouchers) but can connect you with local resources. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. See the official site for current rules.
Free, confidential support for parents, children, and youth from trained Helpline Specialists by call, text, or live chat, available 24/7. Run by Parents Anonymous, which also offers Parents Anonymous support groups.
National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (Fatherhood.gov)
U.S. Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance
A federally funded national resource for fathers. Offers a library of fatherhood resources, activities for dads and kids, topics like co-parenting, blended families, and economic stability, a Program Map to find local fatherhood programs, and a National Call Center for dads.
Support for fathers dealing with depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after a baby arrives. Includes a call/text HelpLine, free peer support such as support groups (including a group for dads) and a peer mentor program, a weekly Chat with an Expert call, and a directory of perinatal mental health providers.
Not for emergencies. The PSI HelpLine is not a crisis hotline and does not handle emergencies. In a crisis, call 988 or your local emergency number, or call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-852-6262 (24/7).
For dads facing perinatal mental health challenges. The PSI HelpLine is not a crisis hotline and does not handle emergencies. You leave a confidential message any time and a trained volunteer returns your call or text; messages are returned every day, within 8am-11pm EST. In a crisis, call 988 or your local emergency number, or call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-852-6262 (24/7).
A national campaign with evidence-based guidance to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths, plus tummy time tips and free printable materials for parents and grandparents.
Where
Nationwide
Cost
Free
Who it's for
Free information for anyone caring for a baby. Talk with your child's doctor about your baby's specific needs. See the official site for current rules.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish for people and families facing mental health or substance use disorders. Connects callers with local treatment, support groups, and community organizations. It does not provide counseling.
Open to anyone. No insurance needed; people without insurance may be referred to state-funded or sliding-fee programs. TTY: 1-800-487-4889. See the official site for current rules.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Administration
The federal SNAP program provides food benefits to low-income families to help with their grocery budget. In California, SNAP is called CalFresh and you apply through the state.
Where
Nationwide
Cost
Free
Who it's for
For low-income households. In California, apply for CalFresh; the county decides eligibility. See the official site for current rules.
WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Administration
The federal WIC program provides healthy foods, personalized nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals from pregnancy until a child turns 5. Includes an eligibility checker and a tool to find WIC near you.
Where
Nationwide
Cost
Free
Who it's for
WIC serves women who are pregnant, recently pregnant, or breastfeeding, and babies and kids under 5. USDA says moms, dads, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under 5 can apply for the children in their care. See the official site for current rules.
