TFC parents have a critical role in the lives of children and youth in need of stable, compassionate, selfless and unconditional care. They are not only parenting kids from hard places, but are often encouragers, comforters, supporters, advocates, cheerleaders, teachers, counselors and mentors.

Becoming licensed as a foster parent with CHS does not require any out-of-pocket expenses. Any expenditure incurred through the process would be reimbursed by the agency.

A child's length of stay can vary widely based on a variety of factors. Some children are in foster homes for only a few days, others may remain for a year or two while their case moves through the court system. Although the time may vary widely, foster families are given a more realistic timeline prior to placement.

CHS accepts referrals from state and tribal Child Protection Services for children in need of TFC. The initial referral contains basic information about the child's strengths and areas of need. We work diligently to match children to families that can meet their unique needs and once a family is identified, CHS staff make contact and present the referral information to the family. The family can ask questions or seek clarification on information presented about the child. Sometimes, this requires additional information gathering from the referring agency.

Once a referral for a child is accepted by a foster family, a placement date is determined. The placement date and details are agreed upon by the referring agency/caseworker, CHS and foster parents. Typically, the child's caseworker and a representative from CHS are present at the time placement occurs to review paperwork and help everyone get settled in. The caseworker and CHS make contact within the first 24 hours of placement and maintain regular home visits.

The TFC parents’ primary role is to provide exceptional, trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate care to each child they welcome into their home. Often, foster parents are key partners in the treatment team as they communicate the observations they’ve made, which are used to shape and monitor the progress of treatment goals.

CHS has two primary functions within the TFC program. First, our staff provides clinical therapy and case management services to children, youth and families in the program. Second, we recruit, train, license and retain families to provide TFC through CHS. Our team is committed to providing excellent service to children and families.

CHS staff understand the importance of birth family connections and encourage appropriate contact as approved by the child’s caseworker/referring agency. While there are times direct contact is not approved, the team strives to ensure birth parents receive updates regarding the child’s treatment and care within the program.

While CHS staff will present referrals, foster parents are encouraged to carefully consider how accepting the specific child into their home will impact overall family functioning. If foster parents feel the impacts of placement are greater than they can successfully manage, the referral should not be accepted. CHS reserves the right to withhold referrals for children they do not believe would match well with a particular family.

Sibling groups are placed together in the same home whenever possible. There are times when siblings cannot be placed together due to a variety of factors. In that event, a plan is developed to ensure that ongoing, consistent contact is maintained.

If you are interested in providing Therapeutic Foster Care with Children’s Home Society please complete the inquiry form here.

Typically, the process takes approximately four to six months.