Treatment Foster Care (TFC) is a special type of family-based care. TFC is for youth with significant mental and behavioral health needs. This service is open to youth currently in state custody or those living at home with their parents or guardians.
What is Treatment Foster Care?
The main goal of TFC is to provide mental health treatment within a skilled, licensed TFC family home. Instead of living in a group home or residential treatment center, youth in TFC live with trained TFC families in the community. These TFC families work as active members of a treatment team. They work closely with the youth's parents, case workers, and other professionals to create a plan that meets the needs of the youth. Length of time in TFC varies but averages 6 to 12 months.
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3 Goals of TFC
One of the main goals of TFC is to create a plan of support that the youth and their family can keep using even after they leave. This includes things like helpful ways to cope, knowing where to find help, and ongoing community supports. The goal is to give them a plan that helps them do well at home and in their community long term.
TFC aims to help youth learn new skills in areas where they might be struggling. At the same time, building upon the things that the youth and their family are already doing well. By focusing on strengths and teaching new skills, TFC helps youth become more capable and confident.
TFC wants to see good things happen for the youth. This means fewer times needing to go to the hospital or residential treatment and less involvement with the justice system. This happens because TFC focuses on understanding the youth's needs and teaching their families how to best support them. By addressing the root of the issues and building family skills, TFC aims for lasting positive change.
Importance of Family Engagement
Every youth and family is different, so your help is a big part of their success. The goal is to make sure your youth successfully moves back home with the right treatment supports in place. This includes attending team meetings at least once a month and taking part in therapeutic services. You will also have in-person visits and regular phone calls with the case manager to talk about progress. We will work with you in regular team meetings to make the move back home as easy as possible.
For youth currently in state custody, we work closely with you and your caseworker. We will help plan involvement and visitation that fit your specific plan to bring your youth home. Our goal is to keep families engaged and connected as much as possible.
How to Apply
If you think TFC would help your youth or a youth in your care, please talk to their family services worker. Only their worker can officially send in a referral, but they rely on your input. Your observations help them decide on the best level of support for the youth.
For youth in their parent/guardian's care, participation in the TFC program is voluntary. Your youth will remain in your legal custody. Find the TFC application here.
Interested in becoming a TFC parent?
TFC parents are special people who provide 24/7 "coaching" and support. They are part of the treatment team. Every day, they help youth practice the new life skills and coping strategies in real-life situations. They also help build the youth's strengths. TFC parents track how the youth is doing in using new skills in the home and take them to appointments. Because this role requires more time and energy than traditional foster care, TFC parents receive a competitive monthly rate. This helps them be fully available for the youth in their care.