Foster a child
When children must leave their homes, either temporarily or permanently, they need to be a part of a secure and loving family. Foster families offer a child a stable, nurturing home environment and a sense of self-worth and family that will last a lifetime.
Frequently asked questions about being a treatment foster parent.
What is Treatment Foster Care?
Treatment Foster Care (TFC) is home-based care for children and adolescents with significant emotional, behavioral, physical or medical needs. Children of all ages are referred to TFC, although many are ages 10 and older. Many of the children have had numerous placements, are leaving their current placement or are at risk of entering a more restrictive setting.
What are the general expectations of a treatment foster parent?
A treatment foster parent must be able to provide a nurturing and structured home environment, close supervision of the treatment foster child, transportation to and from appointments and work closely with the treatment foster care team toward the foster child's treatment goals.
What are some of the basic requirements to become a treatment foster parent for Children's Service Society?
You must:
- Be 21 years of age or older and be in good health.
- Have a sufficient income to support your own personal financial obligations.
- Undergo background investigations.
- Possess sound judgment and positive parenting skills.
- Have a high school diploma or GED.
- Have renter's or homeowner's insurance on your property.
- Complete the required amount of hours of orientation and pre-service education training.
- Have vehicle liability insurance.
- Have a physical examination (this is required for each household member).
Single and married individuals are eligible to apply.
Is it possible to adopt a foster child?
Although most foster children are not available for adoption, the foster family may apply if the child does become available for adoption.
Who pays for the care of children in foster care?
Foster parents receive money from the agency that places the child in their home to cover living expenses, as well as room and board. Children with special needs also receive supplemental payments to cover their care. Children in foster care are covered by Title XIX (medical assistance) or the insurance of their birthparents.
What support services are available?
Children's Service Society provides foster parents with support services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All foster parents receive orientation and on-going training for effective parenting with an emphasis on working with children with special needs. You will receive in-home visits by social workers on a regular basis. Therapists are also available at a local Children's Service Society office to serve you and your foster child. You will also receive information about the child's personal history, behaviors and school functioning and will meet with the child and staff before he or she is placed in your home, so you can decide if this child is a good match for your family.
At Children's Service Society, we offer a team approach, providing our foster parents with support services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as training and financial compensation. To learn more about foster parenting, call Children's Service Society today at (800) 653-2779 to request information.
Join us at one of our upcoming informational meetings in Milwaukee. Registration is required. Call (414) 453-1400 to register.
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