What are the children like?
Children in Treatment Foster Care (TFC) are typically between the ages of 6 and 19. These children have almost all experienced trauma and have emotional and/or mental health needs that result in more challenging behaviors than children in traditional foster placements.
Do I have a say in what child comes into my home?
Yes. Information about the children is shared with you in advance so you can discern if a child sounds like a good fit for your home.
How and when will a child be placed with me?
As soon as you complete licensing and training, you will begin to receive information about children in need of homes. The timeline for placement depends on what is needed to make a successful transition for a child into your home.
Is there a limit or requirement on how many kids I have in my home?
Yes, only two children with special needs (including TFC) are allowed in a home at a time, and no more than four children total in the home (including your own minor children).
How long is a child in foster care?
This depends on the situation, but the timeframe could be anywhere from a few weeks to several years.
What types of support will I get?
In addition to a monthly stipend and an annual clothing allowance, we offer 24/7 crisis support, therapy, access to a psychiatrist, educational advocacy, a supportive network of other TFC foster parents, and training opportunities. Please see our TFC webpage for additional details.
Where will the child go to school?
This depends on where the child is attending school before being placed in your home. There will be a collaborative meeting (referred to as a “Best Interest Determination” meeting) to discuss the school placement that is in the child’s best interest.
What about after-school or childcare needs?
Children up to the age of 13 may be eligible for childcare assistance in a licensed, contracted childcare facility. Your case manager can help you with this process if needed.
Do I have to own my own home?
No, you can own or rent.
Do I have to be married?
No. You can be single or married. All adults in the household would be asked to participate in the licensing process. The level of licensing and training for each adult could vary depending on the level of care they will provide.
How long does the licensing process take?
Licensing takes approximately four to six months to complete, depending on your ability to complete required tasks and training.
When and where is the training offered?
There are a variety of options for initial training through MO C.A.R.E. Training is offered virtually or in person, and based on the family’s scheduling needs or preference.
Additional required training for TFC is provided through Together Facing the Challenge (TFTC). More information on TFTC can be found here and through a member of the Marygrove staff.
(Note: families who are already licensed for traditional foster care, won’t need to participate in MO C.A.R.E training.)
Can I have a job outside my home as well?
Yes, however, it’s important that you have the flexibility to care for the needs of the child. For TFC parents, families need to have a child care and a back-up plan in the event a child is sick, suspended from school, has a family visit, court hearings, etc.
What is respite?
Respite or respite care is temporary care (with a minimum of six hours) for a foster child designed to give the foster parent/s and foster child a break. In TFC, foster parents are provided with 48 hours of respite each month to use at their discretion. This is in addition to two weeks of vacation each year.
During respite, where does the child in my care go?
Respite providers provide a loving and safe place for foster children to stay temporarily. Marygrove can provide a list of respite providers or the foster parent can recommend someone they know, such as a trusted family member or friend.
Family and friends will need to get approved in advance to provide respite. Approval includes background checks, training, physicals for adult applicants, and a home visit if respite will take place in the respite provider’s home. The respite applicant also must meet with the foster parent’s licensing worker to complete a brief assessment.