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Healing Happens in Homes Like Yours.

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Therapeutic Foster Care

Therapeutic Foster Care is a specialized, structured form of foster care designed for children and youth who have experienced trauma, emotional challenges, behavioral issues, or developmental needs that require a higher level of support.


TFC parents receive enhanced training to provide trauma-informed care in a nurturing home environment. These foster parents are part of a professional treatment team that includes therapists, case managers, and other providers. The goal is to promote healing, emotional growth, and long-term stability while ensuring the child’s safety and well-being.


Therapeutic Foster Care allows children to remain in a family setting while receiving the structured support they need to thrive.

Minimum Requirements

Age & Residency

  • You must be at least 21 years old

  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident

Home Environment

  • You may own or rent your home (house or apartment)

  • Home must be clean, safe, and have enough space for a child (each child must have their own bed)

  • Must pass a fire and safety inspection

  • Functional smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits are required

Income & Stability

  • Must demonstrate sufficient income to meet your family’s needs without relying on the foster care stipend

  • Financial records may be reviewed during the home study

Background Checks

  • All adults (18+) in the home must undergo:
    Criminal background checks (including fingerprinting)
    Child abuse and neglect registry checks

  • Certain criminal offenses (especially related to child abuse, violence, or sexual offenses) will disqualify applicants

Health Requirements

  • All household members must be in good physical and mental health

  • A physical exam or medical statement is required for each applicant

Core Training Options

You will complete one of the following approved training programs based your individual circumstances:

  • NTDC (National Training and Development Curriculum) –
    A 30-hour trauma-informed curriculum that covers parenting strategies, attachment, child development, grief and loss, and working within the child welfare system.

  • TIPS-MAPP (Trauma-Informed Partnering for Safety and Permanence – Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) –
    A traditional 30-hour training model designed to prepare families for foster and adoptive care through structured sessions and group participation.

  • Deciding Together –
    A flexible, one-on-one version of TIPS-MAPP, often used for kinship caregivers or families unable to attend group sessions. Typically completed over 7 weekly in-home or virtual visits.

Mandatory Trainings

  • Tailored sleep routines designed to suit your baby’s temperament and individual needs

  • Safe sleep environment setup aligned with the latest health and safety guidelines

  • Support during nighttime hours to reduce parental exhaustion and encourage restful sleep for your baby

Licensing Process

  • Complete a home study conducted by a licensing worker
    Includes interviews, home visits, reference checks, and documentation review

  • Submit required paperwork (application, background consent forms, pet records, floor plans, emergency plans, etc.)

  • Complete CPR and First Aid certification

Additional Considerations

  • You can be single, married, divorced, or partnered

  • Parenting experience is not required

  • Must be willing to work as part of a team with DSS, birth families, therapists, and schools

  • Must follow all state and agency policies related to discipline, visitation, supervision, and care

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