Therapeutic Foster Care
Therapeutic Foster Care provides planned, time-limited placement for children with a treatment family and are under the supervision of experienced treatment managers.
Therapeutic Foster Care provides planned, time-limited placement for children with a treatment family and are under the supervision of experienced treatment managers.
Referrals
The Therapeutic Foster Care program provides planned, time-limited placement for children and adolescents struggling with behavioral and emotional mental health issues. Youth are placed in licensed foster homes where families have completed an intensive screening and training process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. What ages of children are served in the Therapeutic Foster Care program?
- A. We serve children up to age 18 or graduation from high school.
- Q. Who qualifies for Therapeutic Foster Care?
- A. Eligible youth typically struggle with behavioral, school performance and emotional issues that interfere with their ability to function in the family unit and/or in their community.
- Q. How is this program funded?
- A. The therapeutic component is typically funded through Medicaid insurance and requires prior authorization. Private pay, adoption subsidy, or State funding through DPHHS or Juvenile Probation covers the room and board component.
- Q. How do I enroll my child into Therapeutic Foster Care?
- A. Our Admission Coordinator would be happy to assist you and answer any specific questions you might have. For more information for the Livingston/Bozeman area, call (406) 222-6490, or Billings at (406) 245-2751.
Testimonials
Each year parent/guardians, clients and stakeholders have the opportunity to provide feedback regarding services. Listed below are some of the comments they have made in recent years:
I had a rough start, but I am going to have a great finish.Youth
I just wanted to be left alone…I am so glad that you didn’t believe me.Youth
This kid didn’t have a chance until he found this foster family. I have watched the impossible happen. There is a special place in heaven for those who love other people’s kids as if they were their own.Judge
We did together, what we could never have done alone.Parent/guardian
I was filled with anger and now I am filled with hope. It won’t be easy, but it will be possible.Youth
Want to be a TFC parent?
Therapeutic Foster parents change the world…one child at a time. We are looking for people who have room in their home and in their heart for a child who needs the opportunity to live and grow in a family setting. Children referred to our program usually are reunited with their biological families or are adopted when their behavioral and emotional issues have been stabilized.
- Q. What are the requirements to become a therapeutic foster care parent?
A. There is an intensive screening, licensing and training process for all of our licensed treatment foster families. All the children placed in your home have insurance coverage for the medical/dental/counseling services they may need. Families are reimbursed $850.00 per month for care provided.
- You must be at least 21 years of age (single or married).
- You must successfully complete a fingerprint national criminal background check and a Motor Vehicle Check.
- You must attend a 16-hour Pre-Service Training and complete an additional 31 hours of annual training for every year you are licensed.
- You must complete a SAFE Home study (Standardized tool used throughout the State of Montana by public and private Child Placing Agencies). This section is completed by meeting with you in your home and takes approximately 3 home visits at 2-3 hours for each meeting.
- You must provide us with four people who we can contact for a personal /written reference for each applicant.
- You must be a team player.
- You must be able to provide a child with love, safety, and guidance.
- You must serve as a professional member of your child's treatment team.
If married, each person must complete all of the training, home study and background checks.
- Q. How long do children stay in placement?
- A. Each situation is unique. Some children are placed in an emergency and may stay a few days or a few weeks. The average length of stay for children is about 18 months.
- Q. Do I need to have previous experience as a foster or adoptive parent?
- A. No. Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch will provide you with the initial and on-going training that is required. We develop strong and positive relationships with our families. Their feedback indicates they enjoy training and are excited about developing new skills, new relationships, and being actively involved in providing a safe environment for children who need someone to be their bridge between their yesterday and their tomorrow.
We will always walk along side you as you begin and help maintain your journey as a foster parent. We provide 24-hour on-call services for our families with placements. For more information in the Bozeman /Livingston area, please call (405) 222-6490; in Billings (406) 245-2751.
