The foster care system is a system that helps protect children and teens who cannot live safely with their families. When a child’s home is unsafe – because of abuse, neglect, or other serious issues – a judge may decide that the child needs to be placed in foster care. From there, caring adults step in to give that child a safe, supportive home while long-term plans are made.
What Is Foster Care?
Foster care is temporary care provided by trained and licensed families who open their hearts and homes to children in need. These families are called foster parents, and they play a big role in helping children feel safe, cared for, and supported.
What Is Therapeutic Foster Care?
Therapeutic foster care (TFC) is a specialized type of foster care designed for children and teens who have experienced significant trauma, emotional challenges, or behavioral needs. These youth require a higher level of care and support than traditional foster care can provide.
Therapeutic foster parents receive additional training to help them understand and respond to the unique needs of these children. With support from a team of professionals, they provide structured, nurturing environments that promote healing, stability, and growth.
TFC isn’t just about managing behaviors – it’s about building trust, encouraging resilience, and helping youth gain the skills they need to succeed. For many children, therapeutic foster care is essential to their well-being and development.
Why Do Children Enter Foster Care?
Children are placed in foster care for many reasons, including:
- Abuse or neglect in their home
- Parents struggling with addiction or mental health
- Unsafe living conditions
- Parents in jail or unable to care for them
- Abandonment or being left without a guardian
What Happens When a Child Enters Foster Care?
Here’s a simple step-by-step look at how the foster care system works:
- A Concern Is Reported
Someone (like a teacher, doctor, or neighbor) reports concerns about a child’s safety to a child protection agency. - A Caseworker Investigates
The agency evaluates the situation. If the child is in danger, they may be removed from the home. - The Child Is Placed in Foster Care
The child is placed with a foster family who has been trained to care for children going through difficult times. - A Plan Is Made
The goal is usually to reunite the child with their family once it is safe. If that’s not possible, the plan might include adoption or another permanent home. - The Child Receives Support
While in foster care, the child may get help with school, counseling, and medical care. Foster parents and caseworkers work together to meet the child’s needs.
How Long Do Children Stay in Foster Care?
Foster care is not meant to be permanent. Some children stay just a few weeks, while others may stay for months or even years. Every case is different. The goal is always to find the safest, most loving permanent solution.
How Are Foster Parents Chosen?
Foster parents go through a training and approval process. They learn how to care for children who may be scared, hurt, or unsure about their future. In programs like SCYAP’s therapeutic foster care, foster parents receive extra training to support children with emotional or behavioral needs.
How Does Foster Care Help?
Foster care gives children:
- A safe place to live
- Adults who care for them
- Support to heal and grow
- A chance to return home or find a forever family
The foster care system also helps families by giving parents time to get the help they need so they can reunite with their children when it’s safe.
You Can Make a Difference
Whether you’re interested in becoming a foster parent or simply want to learn more, your support matters. At SCYAP, we provide training, 24/7 support, and resources to help foster parents succeed. Learn more by visiting the below link or calling 1-800-882-5513.
One caring adult can change a child’s life forever.