Therapeutic Foster Care - Treatment Foster Care
Children and teenagers in the foster care system are more likely to develop mental health conditions like anxiety and PTSD. They may struggle to connect with others or display behavioral issues due to their trauma. As such, they need special care to grow and thrive like their peers.
Sadly, it's often difficult to find foster homes for these kids. They may go through multiple placements and require extra attention and care. These boys and girls become candidates for a therapeutic approach but need the right caregivers.
The therapeutic foster care process can provide them with the assistance they need to heal, and you can help.
Are you interested in learning more about therapeutic foster care? If so, keep reading. We'll cover everything you need to know about the topic.
What Is Therapeutic Foster Care?
Therapeutic foster care is a treatment that strives to provide a more structured home environment by focusing more on a child's mental health and skill building. It helps children and teens with complex behavioral, emotional, or social needs.
Usually, kids in therapeutic foster care were placed in multiple homes or faced many disruptions. They may also have experienced traumatic events while in the foster care system. In short, these kids need more resources and support to heal and thrive.
You may have heard of this model referred to as treatment foster care. But what is treatment foster care, and how is it different?
All foster parents must undergo training before getting their licenses. However, providers of therapeutic foster care take extra courses. They learn how to protect a child's mental health by providing the right type of care and encouraging them to develop critical life skills.
TFC requires a more structured environment and 24/7 supervision. Parents may need to learn how to address inappropriate behaviors or handle special medical and educational needs based on the child's case.
Ideal candidates are patient and understanding, as these children may take longer to heal and develop healthy habits.
How to Become a Therapeutic Foster Care Provider
If this is a path you're interested in, you should begin by submitting an inquiry with an agency. You'll then attend an informational session to learn more about these foster youth's process and needs.
Not every foster child needs therapeutic foster care. This treatment model assists children with significant behavioral, emotional, social, or medical needs.
You'll learn more about the best approaches to care when it comes to these kids. Additionally, after completing the required TFC training, you'll have the knowledge to help various children and teens.
Generally, you'll have to complete more training hours if you want to help high-needs children compared to other foster parents. You'll also likely need regular in-service training to maintain your license.
Attending to high-needs foster children is an admirable goal, especially since it can be harder to find a home for these kids. However, you should also prepare yourself for the emotional challenges ahead. It's crucial to remain flexible and to practice empathy.
Who Makes a Good Candidate?
Good candidates for providing therapeutic foster care are individuals who are very patient and love children. You should have a strong desire to learn and help others.
Working with these kids can be a challenge, but it's also a very rewarding experience. You're helping kids who desperately need it, and you can help guide them toward a better future.
Having childcare experience is a definite advantage. Individuals with child welfare experience also make excellent therapeutic caregivers.
After a certain timeframe, parents who have completed their regular foster licensing requirements can apply to continue their training and become therapeutic care providers.
How Much Do You Get Paid for Therapeutic Foster Care?
Since children and teenagers in treatment foster care need more attention and care, you may receive a higher reimbursement rate.
How much does therapeutic foster care pay?
Rates will vary by state. For instance, Nevada has different rates, including "Advanced Foster Care" and "Specialized Foster Care." The current rate for specialized foster care is $3497.92 per month, but the proposed amount is even higher.
Each child's case is unique, so payments are often difficult to compare or predict. If you want an estimate, research your state's foster care rates.
Depending on your state or agency, the categories may be slightly different. However, there is usually a basic, supplemental, and exceptional rate for high-needs children.
What Are the Requirements for Therapeutic Foster Care?
Interested applicants must have completed the basic training for all foster parents and also receive additional education.
For instance, if you need 30 hours of training for initial licensing, you'll need to complete a certain number of additional hours for TFC training afterward. You'll also have to complete in-service courses annually to ensure you stay updated about the latest childcare techniques.
Therapeutic foster care requirements may vary depending on your agency. You must meet all the qualifications of a traditional foster parent. You'll have to be a certain age (usually 18 or 21), pass a state and federal background check, pass a safety inspection, provide proof you're financially secure, etc.
You may also need to know CPR and become First-Aid Certified.
TFC providers must be available 24/7 in case there is an emergency or a need for intervention. Generally, this means at least one parent should work from home.
Single parents aren't blocked from becoming TFC providers. However, having a partner and a strong support network is recommended to assist you.
Foster a Child Today
Therapeutic foster care is a model of treatment meant to help children and teens with significant behavioral, emotional, social, or medical needs. These kids often have the greatest needs since finding homes for them is hard. However, you can make a difference.
Becoming a therapeutic foster care provider means you can assist these children and help them thrive. You'll need additional training, but any foster agency will be thrilled to learn that you're interested in TFC.
Contact us today to foster a child or to learn more about this type of care.
