What Is Therapeutic Foster Care?
RISE Services, Inc. Arizona believes that children living with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) who need our temporary foster care services deserve to live with caring adults in safe and loving home environments. In addition to Family Foster Care, RISE Services, Inc. Arizona trains and licenses individuals and families for Arizona’s Department of Child Safety Therapeutic Foster Care service. We encourage you to keep reading and contact us with any questions to learn more.
What Is Therapeutic Foster Care?
Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) and family foster care provide stable and loving homes for children and teens who can no longer live safely in their own homes. TFC homes are unique as they may require additional support beyond what traditional foster care provides for children and youth with IDDs. Foster children with IDDs desperately need compassionate caregivers who are well-equipped to help them manage challenging behaviors and emotions. Through the Department of Child Safety, our TFC parents receive customized training and helpful resources that enable them to learn, understand, and communicate with the young children under their care.
When Do Children Need TFC Homes?
There are several factors involved with placing a child or youth with an IDD into a TFC home. Young children or teens may need one-on-one therapeutic assistance that only a properly trained TFC parent can provide. Children may also benefit from specialized support to learn how to regulate their emotions and practice healthy coping skills in a positive and peaceful family environment.
Is TFC Right for Me?
Before choosing to be licensed as a TFC parent, it’s best to learn about this program and how RISE Services, Inc. Arizona can provide much-needed assistance through support, education, and resources. Much of TFC parenting is providing for the child’s therapeutic needs, whether physical, mental, or emotional. We highly recommend that you discuss this with your family and together choose to support children and youth with IDDs. This will make it easier for your family to navigate this new part of their lives. Most importantly, remember the end goal — to aid in reunifying the child and their biological family or a permanent placement option where foster youth can learn, thrive, and grow.
Choose RISE Today
At RISE, we are glad to be a part of causing positive change in the lives of Arizona families. If you have questions about Therapeutic Foster Care and want to learn more, contact us now. We look forward to helping individuals living with disabilities find meaningful employment, receive in-home care services, and more.
“Therapeutic Fostering,” Arizona Department of Child Safety.
