Yes. Many of our foster parents are single individuals who have provided excellent care.

No. Some of our most dedicated foster parents are older adults. However, if there are health concerns, you may be asked for a statement from your doctor.

Many good foster parents work outside the home. However, because of the level of care that children in our program need, the foster parents must maintain 24/7 availability in cases of crisis.

Timing can vary and is often difficult to predict. Therapeutic foster care is treatment-based and varies from child to child. The average length of stay for children in our program is 9-12 months.

Some children in therapeutic foster care visit their biological parents as directed by court order. This is if the children’s treatment goal is to be reunited with the family. In these circumstances, therapeutic foster parents are trained and encouraged to participate in shared parenting, as it is in the best interest of the child. The location and schedule of visits are arranged between the biological parents, the court and the assigned case manager. Foster parents are expected to assist with transportation to and from visits. If there are transportation difficulties, assistance can be arranged to and from visits.

The process to become licensed generally takes about 90 days after you complete an application, training, background screening and a home study.

Yes. Therapeutic foster parents are prohibited by law from using any form of physical punishment. Positive parenting techniques should be used with any child in therapeutic foster care.

Yes, unless otherwise indicated in the child’s treatment plan. However, each child must have their own bed, and children age 3 or older must be of the same gender.

Absolutely. Homes for therapeutic children range in age from 5 to 17 years old. Therapeutic foster parents can specify their preferred age and gender, as well as any behavioral problems they don’t feel equipped to handle. Therapeutic foster parents should only accept children whom they believe they can manage. When contacted about a possible placement, you will be informed of all known information regarding the child’s needs and behaviors. You may accept or refuse placement based on that information.

A number of factors affect how many children can be placed with you. Our foster parents are generally licensed for 1 to 3 therapeutic children, based on adequate facilities, resources and capabilities.

Children in our therapeutic program can exhibit behavioral problems, developmental delays, learning difficulties, sleep disturbances, bedwetting and/or emotional instability. Some may have symptoms of prenatal alcohol or drug exposure such as irritability, extreme sensitivity to stimulation, distractibility or an inability to learn from consequences. In therapeutic cases, these symptoms are moderate to severe.

It is likely you will begin receiving calls very soon after your license is issued.

Yes. However, you must receive prior approval from the child’s multidisciplinary team.

Yes. In our program, therapeutic foster parents receive 10 paid days of respite care per year and are encouraged to identify sitters who can be trained to meet the needs of the child.

Generally not. Families and their foster children enjoy pets. The only concerns are around issues of safety, cleanliness or health factors (i.e., a child’s allergies).

Thank you for your interest in becoming a therapeutic foster parent! Learn more and take next steps here.