Frequently asked Questions

1- What are the requirements to become a foster parent with HOPE, Inc.?
2- What is Treatment (Therapeutic) Foster Care and how does it differ from traditional foster care? 
3- What are the children like who need treatment foster care? 
4- Do I have a choice about the type of children placed in my home?
5- How Much Will I Be Paid? 
6- What do I need to do and how long does it take to become a therapeutic foster parent? 
7- How long does it take to get a child placed in my home and how long will they stay?

 

Q. What are the requirements to become a foster parent with HOPE, Inc.?
A.  The requirements to become a foster parent vary from agency to agency.  At HOPE, Inc. you must be at least 24-years old, may be married, single or divorced, have space in your home for additional children, have a stable income sufficient to provide for your family, have no “founded” child abuse and/or neglect complaints, no felony of any kind, good driving record, your home must meet basic requirements and you must be willing to work as a member of a team in meeting the needs of children placed in your care.  Additional requirement are listed on the next few pages.
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Q. What is Treatment (Therapeutic) Foster Care and how does it differ from traditional foster care? 
A. Treatment Foster Care is a clinically effective and cost-effective alternative to residential treatment facilities that combines the treatment technologies typically associated with more restrictive settings with the nurturing and individualized family environment.  Foster care has provided nurturing, safe, and custodial care for children who require placement outside of their family.   The primary reason for placement in traditional foster care is the need for care and protection.  The role of the foster parent is that of caregiver and nurturer.  Treatment, if any, occurs outside of the foster home.  Children are referred to Treatment Foster Care programs to address their serious levels of emotional, behavioral and medical problems.  Treatment Foster Care is active and structured, and occurs in the foster family home.  

Statement approved by the Foster Family-based Treatment Association’s Board of Directors, 2001.  Derived from the work of Geral Bereika, Ph.D.

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Q. What are the children like who need treatment foster care? 
A. Typically, they are children who have experienced various types of abuse, abandonment or who come from dysfunctional environments.  They often have emotional and/or behavioral problems. The symptoms of these problems can vary from bedwetting to physical and verbal aggression.  They have at least one DSM-IV diagnosis such as depression, post traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality, oppositional defiant, and/or ADHD.  They attend outpatient therapy, are on medication and can have multi-appointments on a weekly basis.
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Q. Do I have a choice about the type of children placed in my home?
A. Yes, you will always be given the choice of the type of child to be placed in your home.   This may include such things as age, sex, and presenting problems or behaviors such as those discussed above.  Don’t be afraid to say no to a possible placement. It is in everyone's best interest to be honest about your concerns and preferences.
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Q. How Much Will I Be Paid? 
A. The rate of pay is considered as reimbursement to meet the needs of the child placed in your home.  Rate of pay is based on many factors and will be discussed by the program manager at the time of placement.
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Q. What do I need to do and how long does it take to become a therapeutic foster parent? 
A. For certification as a therapeutic foster parent with HOPE, Inc., please review “Seven Steps to Becoming a Foster Parent With HOPE, Inc.” or call the HOPE office at 804-684-2555.  The period of time needed to complete the process varies depending on how quickly you can complete all the requirements, to include home visits, reference checks and income verification.   
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Next > Seven steps to becoming a foster parent with HOPE, Inc.
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