Drenk Services
Therapeutic Foster Care Program
The Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) Program is a community-based residential service for children and youth who are unable to live at home. Temporary housing is provided by community residents who "host" a child or youth and provide food, shelter, transportation, and recreation for the child or youth in a caring, supervised environment.
Children and youth who need Therapeutic Foster Care placement may have the following characteristics:
- Homelessness
- Behavior problems
- Special emotional needs
- Physically aggressive
- Runaway behavior
- Truancy and school problems
- Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
- Suicide and homicide attempts
- Delinquency and court involvement
- Need for supervision and structure
The length of stay for each child or youth is determined on an individual basis. Most children stay in the program for 30 days or less, some stay longer (up to 12 months), and others need only one night. The circumstances that have led to the need for out of home placement often determine the length of stay. The goal is reuniting children and youth with their families as quickly as possible.
To become a Therapeutic Foster Care parent, individuals participate in an interview process, undergo background checks, and participate in intensive training. Each home in which a child or youth will reside must also pass a life safety inspection. Therapeutic Foster Care parents receive a stipend for each child or youth in their care. When a child or youth is staying in a TFC home, program staff maintains daily contact with the TFC parents and are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, as needed.
For more information, please call (609) 265-7804.