Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) families are needed now more than ever.
Children who are struggling with complex mental health and behavioral health challenges need TFC families to wrap around them. TFC families have the amazing opportunity to minister to children in their care by providing safe, loving homes for foster children with the intention of reunification.
TFC’s mission is to help children heal through creating secure relationships and building healthy attachments. Sadly, the number of children in Foster Care continues to grow daily, but it is our hope that the number of TFC families increase to meet that need.
Hear From One of Our TFC Families!
Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) Requirements:
A Therapeutic Foster Home is a foster home that is licensed with a maximum capacity of three children, and each foster parent has received specialized training to provide care and services within a support system of clinical and consultative services to children with special behavioral health needs, as identified by the Department of Child Safety and Behavioral Health Services.
All required paperwork must be completed prior to licensing and applicants must work cooperatively with the licensing agency. The agency must agree to the licensing of the family for the type of license requested.
In order to provide children with TFC, applicants must meet a list of requirements and have at least one of the following minimum experience or education.
Applicant Requirements:
- One year’s experience as a licensed foster parent;
- Three months’ successful experience in child welfare, foster care, behavioral health, education, or a related profession as approved by Office of Licensing and Regulations. “Successful experience” means that the foster parent has been responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of a child or adult with behavioral health needs for a minimum of 20 hours per week without any negative actions.
- A bachelor’s or graduate degree in health care, social work, psychology, or a related behavioral health field.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Be a legal resident of Arizona
- Be able to provide safe transportation for any appointments or emergencies
Home Requirements:
- Provide a safe and clean home with adults able to assist the child(ren) with complex behavioral needs.
- Provide each child with a separate bedroom
- At least one qualified adult must be at home full time or part time
- Meet the Life Safety Standards in Arizona’s Title 21 Chapter 6, Department of Child Safety — Foster Home Licensing.
- Pass a home safety inspection conducted by Christian Family Care and by the State of Arizona Office of Licensing and Regulation
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