Bethany Christian Services of Greater Chattanooga
Contact Information
930 McCallie Ave
Chattanooga, TN 37403
United States
Online Contact Form
Chattanooga, TN 37403
United States
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9AM - 5PM |
| Tuesday | 9AM - 5PM |
| Wednesday | 9AM - 5PM |
| Thursday | 9AM - 5PM |
| Friday | 9AM - 5PM |
| Saturday | 9AM - 5PM |
| Sunday | 9AM - 5PM |
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Being a foster parent is so much more than loving a child in your home. It’s also showing kindness to a family when they need it most.
It’s giving a child a safe place to land during a hard, scary time when they’re away from home. And it’s showing compassion to a parent who is likely overwhelmed, scared, and without a lot of support.
It’s helping a child stay connected to the only home they’ve ever known, in whatever way it’s safe to do so, and cheering on a family that’s living out a comeback story.
At Bethany, our heart beats for family. We want to see families strong, supported, and together. But we know there are times when families face challenges—and children need care.
That’s why we’re seeking foster parents who believe in families too.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
- Adoption
Requirements to become a foster parent
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.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
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Aug 29, 2023
I was a young woman lost and scared when I contacted this agency. They acted like they cared instead of paying for my prenatal care they put me on tenncare a form of public assistance and gave me food stamps. I was placed with a sponsor family to stay with until my son was born. After his birth no one but the sponsor family visited (1time) no counselor and I received no aftercare counseling or emotional support. My family was contacted and I left . For years I struggled with PTSD because of the way my adoption was handled. I pray everyday my son was placed with loving Christian parents and was given all the opportunities I was unable to provide. Most especially I hope he was LOVED. Shame on BCS for the way they treat birthmoms. We already feel guilty enough we already feel worthless and completely lost. Leaving a young woman to aimlessly walk through this pain alone is unchristian and cruel. BIRTHMOMS go somewhere else please . Adoption can be a positive experience for all involved if you deal with ethical truly caring professionals something you will not receive here!!!
May 02, 2021
This has taken me years to finally sit down and type. I have worked with this agency for the past 8 years and have NEVER felt as if though my needs as a birth mother have been met. I knew adoption was the best for my situation and this agency took advantage of me. I was only 15 years old when I got pregnant. I wanted an open adoption and I thought that's what I was going to get. They were NEVER clear to me on the legality of an open adoption.(Open adoption is technically not a legally thing, they made it as if though it was) I felt as if though they stole my baby for money and left me hanging and alone. Anytime I needed the agency I had to be the one to reach out, even at that they would NEVER pick up the phone the 1st time or respond to me that day of or even the day after. The emotional roller-coaster this agency has put me though, making ME be the one to do their job and reach out. ITS EXHASUTING! They only pay attention to the "want to be parents" since they are the ones bringing in money and they leave the birth moms to rot in sadness over the loss of their child. They claim to be a "Christian Service" but there is no God in this agency, just really lazy unprofessional workers who think they are making a difference in the world when they really are hutting those around them. They forget, without the pregnant mothers there would be no business for them, pay attention to those women more they are the ones who are really in need.
Jan 29, 2020
VERY unethical practice. Don't use this organization for your adoption process unless you want unprofessional work. i have worked in this field for over 30 years doing adoptions and i have never encountered such liars
Sep 16, 2019
I can't wait