Therapeutic Foster Care Information

Opening your home to a child in need is one of the most powerful gifts you can give. The presence of a caring adult can mean the difference between surviving and truly thriving for youth who have experienced trauma or significant challenges. That’s the heart of therapeutic foster care.

What Is Therapeutic Foster Care?

Therapeutic foster care (also known as treatment homes) provides youth with the chance to live in a family setting while receiving extra care and guidance. Unlike traditional foster care, treatment homes are designed to provide a higher level of support for youth with emotional, behavioral, or developmental needs. Therapeutic foster parents receive specialized training so they can provide structure and compassion that youth need to grow.

By stepping into this role, you can:

• Offer children a safe and consistent home environment.
• Help youth heal, grow, and discover their potential.
• Receive counseling, medical coverage, and case management for the child along with 24/7 guidance from a professional team.
• Connect with other foster parents who share the same commitment.

People from all backgrounds can be therapeutic foster parents. They can be single or married, working or retired, homeowners or renters, but what matters most is a caring heart and willingness to learn. As a therapeutic foster parent, you help youth in your care with activities, responsibilities (homework, getting ready for school, healthy eating, etc.), take them to their appointments, and celebrate all of their successes. You’ll work closely with caseworkers, therapists, and support staff who will walk with you every step of the way. Together, you’ll create an environment where children can feel safe, valued, and hopeful again.

Every child deserves a safe and nurturing place they can call home. By becoming a therapeutic foster parent, you’re not only offering that home, you are giving a child the chance to believe in their future, a chance to heal, and build healthy relationships. It’s a role that takes heart, but the rewards are immeasurable and the impact will last a lifetime.

For more information and to learn more about becoming a Therapeutic Foster Parent call, Sylvia Bernard at
201-740-7049 or email at sbernard@cafsnj.org.