Children’s Home Society Recognizes National Foster Care Awareness Month with a Call for Therapeutic Foster Care Parents

Posted on May 20, 2025

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impactful role foster parents, families and advocates play in the lives of children in need. Children’s Home Society (CHS) is proud to offer Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) services for children who have experienced trauma and require specialized support in a healing, stable and safe home environment.

TFC serves children who have experienced abuse, neglect, traumatic life events, and often, the loss of their family. Some children may have significant mental health issues. Many have built walls around themselves to avoid being hurt again. As a result, they may have difficulty managing their emotions and may present challenging behaviors.

Currently, there is an urgent need for foster parents across South Dakota and the nation—and an even greater need for TFC families. Nichole Knepp is the Assistant Director of Clinical Outpatient Services at CHS. She stresses that every child deserves to have a home where they feel loved, supported and safe.

“Every child deserves a home and a chance to heal. Children in Therapeutic Foster Care have complex needs that require patience, understanding and support,” says Knepp. “We rely on dedicated foster parents and families to help these children heal. Now more than ever, we need people who are willing to step into this critical role and CHS is there to support these individuals every step of the way.”

CHS encourages compassionate individuals and families to consider becoming licensed TFC parents. The services at CHS are exclusively operated by highly qualified staff who provide training, 24/7 support, counseling and therapy services, and a team-based approach to help families succeed. CHS is also licensed as a child placement agency through the South Dakota Department of Social Services.

This National Foster Care Awareness Month, CHS invites the community to get involved and make a lasting impact on a child’s life. To learn more about TFC or how to become a Therapeutic Foster Care parent visit the Children’s Home Society TFC website.