How to Become a Foster Parent in Tennessee

Quotes about foster care

How to Become a Foster Parent in Tennessee

Close to 400,000 children are in the U.S. foster care system, and the numbers are on the rise. Yet, the path to becoming a foster parent in Tennessee can often seem unclear. FosterUSKids.org is your source for information and guidance, connecting you with a local Tennessee agency to simplify becoming a foster parent.

HOW TO FOSTER: A SIX-STEP GLANCE

There are six steps to complete before you can bring a child into your home as a licensed foster parent in Tennessee:

1. Request Information About Fostering – 
   FosterUSKids puts the Tennessee foster care and adoption agencies at your fingertips.
2. Attend an Orientation Meeting for Foster Parenting –
   Learn more about the foster parent journey: how to become a foster parent, the characteristics of kids in foster care, and state foster care rules and regulations.
    
3. Submit a Foster Parent Application –
   Your agency’s social workers will help you with the required documentation, background checks, personal references, and state-specific criteria.
    
4. Attend Pre-Service Training –
   Around 30 hours of formal parent training cover essential topics from what to expect to trauma-informed foster care.
    
5. Complete an Assessment and Home Study –
   This vital process includes a home visit and interviews with social workers to ensure you are a good fit and ready to be matched with a foster child.
    
6. Receive Your Foster License –
   The typical 3 to 6-month process results in getting your foster family license and then welcoming a foster child into your home!

Parenting is a rewarding journey marked by commitment and growth. For foster children in Tennessee, the search is not for a perfect parent but someone they can count on for love, care, and a stable home – a foundation that will make a life-altering difference.

We at FosterUSKids are grateful you are on the path to learning more. For detailed guidance through every step, contact a Tennessee child-placing agency now.

Requirements to Foster in Tennessee

Foster parents receive help from the Department of Children’s Services, including board rate payments to help offset the cost of care. These rates vary slightly based on the child's age and needs.

Children and teens in foster care also receive state health insurance through SelectKids. The parent helpline is 1-888-422-2963, and there's an online portal for parents.

Kids in care receive a membership ID card, which the DCS Health Advocate Representative has. Each child is also assigned a PCP. Physical and mental health care needs, as well as dental and vision services, are covered.

When you start fostering in Tennessee, you'll receive access to a dedicated Foster Parent Advocate who can answer questions, provide support, and assist you with any grievances and appeals.

Parents must also complete trauma-informed training, which teaches them how to be better caregivers. The training is free, and your agency can help you find and complete the necessary hours. You'll learn most of what you need to know in training, though you'll also want a solid support network.

Foster parents receive access to respite care, which can provide a break when needed. While most parents can leave their children with a babysitter or family member, foster parents must rely on trained, licensed caregivers. Depending on respite care allows parents to address emergencies, relieve stress, etc.

Regular Board Rates (Effective 7/1/2023) Ages Foster Care Adoption Assistance Subsidized Permanent Guardianship Ages 0-11 $29.96/day $29.91/day $29.91/day Ages 12+ $34.35/day $34.30/day $34.30/day Ages 12+ placed on or after 2/15/2023 $50.00/day (permanent placements only) * $34.35/day (for temporary placements) $34.30/day $34.30/day Sibling groups of two or more, regardless of age placed on or after 2/15/23 $50.00/day based on age reflected above based on age reflected above Special Circumstances Board Rates Ages Foster Care Adoption Assistance Subsidized Permanent Guardianship Ages 0-11 $32.95/day $32.90/day $32.90/day Ages 12+ $37.78/day $37.73/day $37.73/day Kinship/ Relative (Expedited) Board Rate Prior to Approved Foster Home Status After Approved Foster Home Status $14.12/day Based on age referenced above Extension of Foster Care Independent Living Allowance Rates Regular Board Rate Graduated Board Rate Age 18-20 Parenting Board Rate Age 18-20 $14.06/day $7.03/day $20.00/day

Effective 2/15/2023 Foster parents will receive a one-time $2,000.00 bonus per child following six consecutive months of placement for children in foster care who are twelve (12) years of age or older or children who are members of sibling groups of two or more children. Foster parents must meet all compliance standards including training requirements at the end of the six-month placement time frame to receive the bonus. *Temporary placements who assume complete care of the child during placement are also eligible for the incentive rate.

Foster FAQs for Tennessee

While there's only so much this guide can cover, we hope to answer some questions that new parents might have. These common questions should help you understand the foster care system and the licensure process more. For any other questions, contact your foster care agency.

What Is a Foster Care Advocate?

Advocates are professionals approved by the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) or a private agency.

In Tennessee and as part of the Foster Parent Advocacy Program, at least one Advocate oversees each region. You can contact your Advocate for support, intervention services, education, and more. They assist with serious investigations, policy violations, and related issues.

Your Advocate can also educate you about the Foster Parent Bill of Rights.

What Is the Mentorship Program?

Tennessee has a parent mentorship program. New parents can connect with experienced foster families who provide support and guidance. It's an excellent way to learn more about the process and discover tips for making fostering easier.

Can I Have Pets and Still Foster?

Yes, foster families can have pets as long as the pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and do well with children. Pet vaccinations are a requirement to ensure the safety of kids in your care.

Pets may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What if I Have an Emergency Situation?

Dial 911 if you have a household emergency and administer CPR or First Aid if necessary. CPR and First Aid training will ensure you know what to do if your child gets hurt in the home. Always contact the child's Family Service Worker in the event of an accident or other emergency.

If you have a family emergency and need to leave, you can access respite care.

Become a Foster Parent Today

We hope this guide helped you learn more about how to become a foster parent in Tennessee. Of course, it's only the first step. There's still much for you to learn.

If you're interested in fostering or adoption, contact your local foster care agency to get started on an initial application.

We can help new parents start their fostering journey in Tennessee as well. Please click the link below.

Foster agencies in Tennessee

Select My Foster Agency in Tennessee

General Foster FAQs

General Statistics About Foster Care

• 9,227

  Children in Tennessee foster care in 2021

• 1,872

  Children in Tennessee who are awaiting to be adopted

• 34%

  Of Foster children in Tennessee are between the age of 13 - 17

• 10

  Is the average age for a child in Tennessee foster care in 2021

When you become a foster parent, you also become an unofficial advocate for these kids. You help to ensure their voices don't get silenced and work towards creating better experiences for them. Part of being a good advocate is educating yourself on the latest foster care statistics and news.

Here are some of the latest statistics for Tennessee:

• There are 9,227 children and teens in the state's foster care
• The foster care system served 14,558 kids in 2021
• 1,872 are awaiting adoption (as of September 30th, 2021)
• 1,072 of those awaiting adoption had parental rights terminated
• The median age of kids in the state's foster care system is ten years old
• A combined 34% of foster youth are between the ages of 13-17
• 57% of kids in care live in a licensed foster home (non-relative)
• 68% of case plan goals are to return the child to their parents once safe
• The goal in 19% of cases is adoption
• Foster youth spend a median time of 11.3 months in care
• 25% of foster children and teens spend 1-5 months in foster care
• The median age of kids awaiting adoption is ten years old

Support Services for Foster Parents in Tennessee

Each state has its own foster parent qualifications. In Tennessee, those requirements include the following:

• You're at least 21 years old or older
• You have a reliable source of income
• You're willing to work as part of a team
• You live in a safe environment
• There's enough room for a child
• All adults have to pass a background check
• You're a resident of Tennessee
• You're healthy enough to care for a child
• Must complete the required training
• Your home must pass an inspection

Foster parents should be responsible, loving, and flexible adults willing to devote time and effort to caring for a foster child. Foster placement is a temporary situation, and most case plans aim for reunification with the birth parents or family.

Parents can be single, married, or divorced, and they can also rent or own their home.

If you meet the foster parent requirements, contact your local Department of Social Services or a private foster care agency to get started with an initial application. You'll have to provide some information, such as your preferences as a foster parent.

A private agency may have additional requirements that differ from the state. For instance, some require foster parents to be older than 21.

NOW IS THE TIME TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT IN Tennessee

Every day in Tennessee, children from all age groups enter foster care, some with no belongings of their own, all without an adult they can depend on. Every Tennessee kid needs a soft place to land and a place to call home. Whether you can offer temporary care or become a forever family, your interest could mean a brighter, more secure future for a child in Tennessee.

Still undecided? An Tennessee child-placing agency is here to guide you, providing answers about stipends, coaching, therapy resources, and foster parent training.

Take the next step: Begin your parenting journey by fostering an Tennessee child today.