Our Services
THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE
We have services that can accommodate a myriad of needs for children in different situations.
WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC FOSTER CARE?
Therapeutic foster care is a specialized mental health service for youth with significant emotional and behavioral challenges. It involves placing children with trained foster parents who provide a nurturing, structured environment alongside professional support. These caregivers collaborate with mental health professionals to implement customized treatment plans that promote healing and resilience.
The care model includes counseling, skill-building activities, and ongoing support for both the child and the foster family. By fostering positive relationships and stability, youth develop coping strategies and gain confidence. This comprehensive approach helps them transition toward a healthier, more self-reliant future.
FOSTERING FACTS
As the amount of children in the foster care system grows every year, the need for foster homes increases.In 2022, there were approximately 10,500 children in the foster care system in North Carolina.When a home cannot be found, children have no choice but to sleep at social services or siblings are split up.
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50% of foster youth are jobless and have no income for four years when they age out of the foster care system. The average income for a young adult aging out of the system is $7,500 per year. These foster children need a supportive environment where they can grow and achieve their goals to become independent members of their community.
DECIDING TOGETHER TRAINING
Training is free for potential families and conveniently provided based on the family’s schedule and availability. Training consists of six books and seven meetings with an assigned licensing worker. Child selection and placement is based on the family’s preference and the child’s specific needs.
HOW IT WORKS
Each family will have an assigned care coordinator as well as a licensing worker who are there to assist with all appointments and meetings for the children placed in your home. You will receive $4200 per month to spend on the care of your child.
BENEFITS
Emotional and Behavioral Development
One significant benefit of therapeutic foster care is its focus on fostering emotional and behavioral growth in youth. Trained foster parents and mental health professionals work together to create individualized treatment plans that address the child's specific needs. This support system helps youth develop coping mechanisms, regulate emotions, and build resilience, leading to improved mental health outcomes over time.
Stable and Supportive Environment
Therapeutic foster care provides a safe, stable home where children can form positive, trusting relationships with caregivers. Unlike traditional foster care, this model emphasizes therapeutic practices, ensuring that children feel secure and understood. The structured yet nurturing setting allows youth to heal from past trauma and learn essential life skills in a supportive environment.
Comprehensive, Family-Based Care
This approach benefits both the child and the foster family through consistent, professional support and training. Foster parents receive guidance and resources from mental health professionals, enabling them to effectively manage and respond to challenging behaviors. This collaboration enhances the overall caregiving experience and ensures the child receives consistent, family-based care that bridges the gap between clinical treatment and everyday life.
REQUIREMENTS
• 21 years old
• Can be single/married
• High school diploma or GED
• Stable income/finances
• No government assistance (EBT/Food Stamps, subsidized housing)
• Background check
• Complete 30 hours of pre-service training
• Complete 10 hours of therapeutic training
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