Becoming a Therapeutic Foster Parent

 

Upcoming Information Sessions

• You are cordially invited with no obligation

• Come learn about Therapeutic Parenting

•  Your RSVP is requested when possible

•  Contact Allison Slight at 704.227.9222

Wednesday, Evening, September 8th 2010
5:30-6:30pm

Freedom Regional Library
1230 Alleghany St.
Charlotte, NC 28208
Free & accessible parking

Thursday, Evening, September 9th 2010

5:45-6:45pm

Amelie's French Bakery
2424 North Davidson St. Suite 102 (meet in the atrium)
Charlotte, NC 28205
Free & accessible parking

I can not imagine being an intensive Professional Parent at any other agency. I have been a licensed foster parent for five years and with Alexander Youth Network for two. I feel extremely supported, appreciated and understood. Alexander makes us feel special. Though the children are number one, we also care tremendously for one another. We are like a family. There are plenty of training opportunities, chances to network with one another, and an outstanding Foster Parent Association that helps us communicate with management. What more could you ask for in an agency?"

—Foster Parent Daryl Haywood

Alexander Youth Network licenses and manages over 100 foster care homes as part of its extensive array of children's mental health services. The agency manages several different foster care programs, including Therapeutic Homes, Intensive Therapeutic Foster Care, Multidimensional Therapeutic Foster Care, and Rapid Response Crisis Homes.

Alexander recruits stable adults over 21 to serve as foster parents and provides them with a generous monthly stipend based on the needs of the child. The agency looks for parents from a large multi-county area throughout the Piedmont and Foothills area of North Carolina. The agency provides training and handles licensing by the State of North Carolina.

Alexander is in need of foster parents from a wide variety of locations throughout central North Carolina. If you are interested in learning more, please call to reserve your spot at a group interview. 704.366.8712.

Click here to download our Foster Parent Recruiting Brochure (PDF).
The brochure contains Frequently Asked Questions about foster parenting and the process for licensing.

Click here to apply online to become a foster parent or click here to download a paper application.

Therapeutic Care Homes

Therapeutic foster care families are located in Piedmont and western North Carolina and provide a highly supervised family living environment for children and adolescents who are emotionally disturbed. Therapeutic foster families are licensed by the state and fully screened, trained and supervised by Alexander staff to provide quality services in their homes. Families are supervised by professional foster care coordinators and receive ongoing in-service training. A foster care coordinator is on-call for crisis assistance and consultation around the clock. Foster family respite is available to help families take needed breaks.

Intensive Therapeutic Foster Care

Intensive Therapeutic Foster Care is offered exclusively by Alexander Youth Network and bundles Therapeutic Foster Care treatment with other outpatient therapy and other treatment options such as community support or day treatment. Children in Intensive Therapeutic Foster Care have the most severe mental health issues and require services beyond traditional therapeutic foster care treatment.

Rapid Response Crisis Homes

Rapid Response Crisis Homes provides emergency care to children in the mental health system who need a temporary placement outside their normal home. Children can stay in a crisis home for up to 30 days while the child's treatment team works to ensure the child's treatment plan is best meeting the needs of the child and family. Foster families operating Rapid Response Crisis Homes are paid a stipend regardless of whether children are in placement in order to maintain space in the home. Currently Rapid Response Homes are offered in Mecklenburg County only.

Specialized Foster Care

Specialized Foster Care is traditional foster care for children who are able to live in a traditional family setting and have minor or no mental health issues. The program is flexible and can be individualized according to the child's needs. All children served in Specialized Foster Care are in the legal custody of their local Department of Social Services. Specialized foster care is provided throughout the region.