Qualifications to Get Started
Willing to share your home and life with a child without expectations
Pass fingerprint and background checks
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Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
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Be at least 25 years of age
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Be a legal resident of the United States
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Be a Tennessee resident for the last 3 months
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Have sufficient income to cover your own family's needs
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Own or rent your home/apartment
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Why Choose Therapeutic Interventions?
We are an accredited agency that encourages members of diverse and underrepresented groups to become foster parents. We provide therapeutic foster care for children and youth who have experienced early trauma and significant challenges. We work closely with our foster parent(s) during and after the application process to provide the specialized training, preparation, and support that children need. Our highly trained team is available 24/7 to support our foster parents.
How Does Therapeutic Foster Care Work?
A foster parent is a coach, mentor, and support for the child's family.
As a foster parent, you choose which children you feel prepared to foster. Before accepting a child for placement, you will review all legally permissible information available to help you make the best decision for your family.
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A foster parent is reimbursed for costs associated with fostering.
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Each foster parent receives initial and ongoing specialized training and preparation.
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As a foster parent, TI values your perspective and encourages you to have a strong voice as an advocate and respected team member.
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You are never alone. Our foster parents receive 24/7 support from the TI team.
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Myths of Fostering
MYTH: I am too young/too old to be a foster parent.
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FACT: Applicants must be at least 25 years of age. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis: however, at least one applicant must be at least 25 and no applicant will be considered who is under the age of 21 according to TN State Licensing Policy.
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MYTH: I can’t be a foster parent because of my low income or housing space.
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FACT: We only require that you be able to support yourself on your own finances without relying upon the monthly reimbursement given for the child. Applicants must be financially stable. Individuals on State Public assistance will not be considered for approval.
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FACT: We require every child to have their own room with a bed. Two children can share a room with one other age-appropriate, same-gendered child (except siblings under five).
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MYTH: Foster Parenting is easy. All they have do is watch the kids and collect a check.
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FACT: Foster parenting is both as challenging and rewarding as regular parenting can be. Foster parents have high expectations of commitment and involvement with the child which goes beyond payment reimbursement.
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MYTH: Adoption is a large cost
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FACT: Fostering-to-adopt is FREE! All expenses including lawyer fees and adoption services are provided by the state. Children continue to receive free/low-cost health insurance and therapeutic services after adoption.
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MYTH: I can’t be a foster parent because I am single, unmarried or in a same-sex relationship.
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FACT: Single parents are still parents of course!
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FACT: The marriage status does not matter if you are in a committed relationship and both participate in training and fostering.
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FACT: We are an LGBTQ-affirming agency that welcomes all people!