Steps to Making A Difference as a Therapeutic Foster Care Parent
Be Part of a Team of Caregivers
Become a Therapeutic Foster Care Parent
Interested in becoming a Therapeutic Foster Care Parent at Alexander Youth Network? We provide assistance to potential parents each step of the way. From the application process to training, licensing, and initial placement, the team at Alexander will help you succeed!
Parents work closely with a dedicated team to assist them through the entire process of becoming foster parents. Being a therapeutic foster parent allows you to be part of a team of caregivers. Alexander encourages foster parents to work alongside biological parents and guardians, as well as our mental health staff to provide a therapeutic structure-based environment for children.
All AYN foster parents are provided with the following:
- Certification in Together Facing The Challenge and Pressley Ridge Model for Therapeutic Foster Care
- Certification in Intensive Alternative Family Therapy
- North Carolina licensure support
- Transition support prior to placement
- Only one child is placed in a home to focus on their individual needs*
- Treatment coaches and 24/7/365 crisis support and consultation
- Peer support and networking opportunities
- Monthly stipend*
- Respite services two days a month*
- Parent Support Groups
- Financial support, if necessary from Alexander Children’s Foundation
*Please note that placement is based on the needs of a child and the number of children placed in one home can vary. Stipend and respite services also vary based on the programmatic needs of a child.
To start the process of becoming a therapeutic foster parent and making a difference to a child at Alexander Youth Network complete the form below.
Requirements to be a Therapeutic Foster Care Parent:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Have available space in their home
- Have less than three children already living in the home
- Complete necessary screenings and training
How long does it take to become a foster parent? What is the process like?
Including the application process, training, licensure, and placement – the entire process to become a parent can take between 4 to 9 months. Both a background check and a DNA screen are required prior to enrolling in the 30-hour training program at Alexander. Potential parents are also required to complete a fire inspection which will be conducted in your home, fingerprinting, and physicals for all household members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQs and benefits of therapeutic foster parenting with Alexander Youth Network.
Locations: Alamance, Alexander, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cumberland, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Hamlet, Hoke, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Moore, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Rutherford, Scotland, Union, Wilkes
