WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE
Therapeutic Foster Care is a specialized program in which
children with special emotional, behavioral, or psychological
needs are unable to live with their natural family for variety of
reasons and are placed with specially trained foster parents.
WHY BE A THERAPEUTIC FOSTER PARENT
You can be constructively involved in the lives of children who
need a stable, loving, home environment.
- You receive training for this challenge that may also be
useful in your own family.
- You can make a difference for children who have nowhere else
to go, allowing them to grow and learn under your guidance.
- You receive continuing agency support, annual training and
emergency access to the agency professional staff 24 hours a day.
- All payments to Therapeutic Foster parents are not taxable
income.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THERAPEUTIC FOSTER
FAMILIES
- Families or single persons in the community that agree to
accept youth into their homes.
- Committed, stable, responsible adults, age 21 and over who
are capable of making good decisions in caring for children.
- A genuine concern for the interest of the child and a
commitment to work as a member of a professional treatment team.
- Respectful of individual differences with regard to race,
religion, family and culture.
- Accepting of the child’s natural family and willing to work
cooperatively toward reuniting the child with his or her family
if appropriate.
THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CHILDREN
- Between the ages of 2-18 years old
- All races, cultures, ethnic and religious backgrounds.
- A maximum of two children may be placed in your home,
based on desire, available space and individual needs of the
children.
- Length of stay is based on the individual treatment needs
of the child.
COMPENSATION
A monetary
value cannot be placed on the care and love provided by the
family. The time and effort put forth by the family in
under-going educational training and providing the special
needs of the children placed in their care is modestly
compensated at $30.00 per day, per child in your home.
BECOMING A THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE FAMILY
If you would like additional information about becoming a
therapeutic foster care family, simply call either Woodward or
the office nearest you. An agency staff person will be glad to
explain the program in detail and answer any questions you may
have. Upon request, we will send you an application and
arrange a time to meet with you in your home to discuss the
program and to initiate the certification process.
