Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC)

Provides substitute family care with nurturing, guidance, and education
Provides a stable, structured home environment which encourages needed growth and development
Employs assessment, planning, and intervention techniques within the family setting
Utilizes the skills of trained foster parents to effect emotional and behavioral changes in youth
Multi-faceted treatment team approach utilizing therapy, psychiatric case management, and crisis intervention services

Qualities of TFC Parents

Maturity
An ability to maintain stable relationships
A high degree of flexibility and adaptability
An understanding of the temporary nature of treatment foster care
Desire to make a positive difference in the lives of youth
“Team players” who are able to work closely with the other members of the treatment team to achieve treatment goals

To be considered for licensure as a TFC parent, you must:

be a responsible, mature, healthy adult who is capable of meeting the needs of children in care
be at least 25 years of age
be a legal resident of the United States
have no criminal record or history of abusing children
have a high school diploma or GED
have been single, married, divorced, or widowed continuously for the preceding one year
must not be dependent on reimbursement from foster parenting to support your family
be willing to abide by a policy of no physical discipline (spanking, etc.)
complete a foster parent application (with references)
have a driver’s license, auto insurance, and dependable transportation
have a bedroom of at least 80 square feet for one foster child or 40 square feet per child if children share a bedroom
complete the required hours of pre-service, prevention and management of aggressive behaviors (PMAB), and psychotropic medication management (PMM)
pass environmental health and fire safety home inspections
become certified in CPR and First Aid (and maintain this certification)
earn 40 hours of supervised child care experience (if new to TFC)
be tested (along with all household members) for tuberculosis (TB)
participate in 50 hours of in-service training annually

proof of current pet vaccinations (if applicable)
a drawing of your home’s floor plan (including dimensions and use for each room)
results of home water supply testing (if not on city system)
Home Weapons Inventory
“Consent to Release of Information” form
a copy of your marriage license or divorce decree (if applicable)
proof of home owner’s/renter’s and automobile insurance coverage

If you are interested in becoming a treatment foster parent, please contact the Recruiter / Trainer at (214) 333-7015 or fill out the Treatment Foster Parent Interest Inquiry and email to tfc@dallasmetrocare.com.