Becoming a foster parent is arguably one of the selfless and impactful things a person can do. It is challenging, fulfilling, and not just anyone can do it. Foster parents heal, help, support and teach children every day and their contribution to the lives of others is invaluable. The types of foster parents and their duties are just as diverse as the children they take in. One such example of foster parents that make a huge impact are therapeutic foster parents.
Who Are Therapeutic Foster Parents?
All children deserve to be nurtured, protected and loved. In fact, they all deserve to look to the future with hope and embrace their dreams no matter what. Therapeutic foster parents make sure that they can do just that.
Therapeutic foster parents, often known as treatment parents, work with children who have special needs. Indeed, these children need constant care, behavioral modification or simply cannot stay in traditional foster care homes and remain safe.
This includes children with specific behavioral, emotional, medical and social demands. Further, like all kids, they deserve someone who is dedicated to them, nurturing, and supportive as they grow. Therapeutic foster parents do just that and more.
Treatment foster cares offers children a safe, attentive, and stable environment with around the clock care. To assure that children receive the best foster experience therapeutic foster parents receive more comprehensive training than traditional foster parents. This ensures that the foster parents have the tools, insight, and resources to be successful in their role. Treatment foster parents also collaborate with professionals such as therapists and other community workers to make sure that the child’s needs are being satisfied as well. This support system is not only wonderful for the child but is also beneficial for foster parents.
How to Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent
Becoming a caregiver is not done overnight. It’s a process but it is sure to be rewarding as well. Like all foster parents, therapeutic foster parents must meet the state requirements to be considered for the role.
Some Criteria include being able to:
- Love a child that is not your own, nurture them, understand them, and help them grow
- 21 years old (preferably no more than 55 years older than the foster child)
- Have a functioning vehicle and phone
- Have a sufficient income
- Good health mentally and physically
- Receive training
For treatment foster parents the expected criteria met and responsibilities go beyond this. As mentioned above, a therapeutic foster parent must be available to their foster child 24 hours a day and at least one trained adult must be present with a child at any given moment. Therapeutic foster parents also must undergo extensive training to ensure that they can effectively care for the special needs of the child they parent.
Learn More About Therapeutic Foster Care
In conclusion, becoming a therapeutic foster parent is more than just taking in a child, it’s giving a child a second chance, and the freedom, love, and support they deserve. If you think this opportunity is for you, submit an inquiry and change a child’s life today.
Contact us to learn more.