Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC)

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program description

The Therapeutic Foster Care program provides homes with specially trained foster parents to children that have been abused, neglected, or experiencing special family circumstances requiring out-of home care. The program also serves children with physical, medical, and/or developmental challenges. Children needing foster care range from infancy to 18 years old. Placement in foster homes may be short-term (a few days) or long-term (several months) depending on the situation.

A professionally trained staff provides educational and social services to the children and their families.

Foster parents� responsibilities include:

• Providing for the daily care of the child
• Ensuring the continued growth and development of the child
• Building a positive, supportive relationship with the child�s family
• Following all of the DSS (Department of Social Services) and OCS (Office Of Community Services) guidelines for family foster homes

services provided

• 8 hours per month of behavior consulting, including three face to face visits with the foster family
• Pre-service and on-going training for the foster parents
• Participation in family team conferences, school conferences, and other meetings regarding the child/children
• Assessment and facilitation of the need for therapy for the child/children
• Assistance with the child/children�s transportation needs
• Coordination of the development of a treatment plan
• 24-hour crisis on-call back-up

becoming a foster parent

Requirements to become a foster parent:

• Be at least 21 years of age, but no older than 60
• Two-parent families are preferred, but single parents are accepted if they have at least one certified alternate caregiver
• At least one caregiver must be available at all times (flexible job)
• Meet minimum education requirements:
  • Have a College Degree, or
  • High School Diploma, two years college with two years experience in specialized field, or
  • Four years work experience/parenting of children with special needs
• Be financially stable (be able to meet own�s family�s needs)
• Be in good physical, emotional, and mental condition
• Live in a home with adequate space to accommodate an additional child
• Be able to pass state and federal criminal clearances
• Be able to attend initial and on-going training
• Able to participate in a home study process
• Participate in all meetings (medical, psychological, etc.)
• Cooperate with family visits
• Keep accurate records (monthly report of activities, incidents)
• Work directly with GCTFS worker, OCS worker, school and other identified caregivers
• Participate in the devising of child�s treatment plan and the implementation of identified goals and objectives

If you would like to become a foster parent, please fill out this form, print it for your record, and click "Send Form" to submit your information. Our foster care staff will contact you shortly.

areas served

• Baton Rouge
  Mike Ecuyer - (225) 201-0696
• Houma
  Stephanie Ward - (985) 853-1445
• New Orleans  Ofrecemos servicios en Español
  Melissa Gaudet- (504) 361-9950

If you would like to find out more information about becoming a foster parent, you can visit the Department of Social Services' website.