Foster care is the temporary placement of a child in a new home away from his or her family. Children are placed into foster care for a variety of reasons; abandonment, abuse or neglect, or the incarceration or hospitalization of a parent. Placement in a foster home protects the child while ongoing social workers provide the biological family with resources and skills to be safe and effective parents to have their child returned to their home.
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North Carolina: Piedmont & Western NC
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Expanding to the coastal plains soon.
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The number of foster children allowed in a home depends on the type of foster care and household size:
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Family Foster Care (FFC): Up to five children total, including biological and FFC children, depending on home size.
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Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC): No more than four children total, including therapeutic foster children and biological children.
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Intensive Alternative Family Treatment (IAFT): One therapeutic child, plus biological children.
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Rapid Response: One therapeutic child, no biological children.
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Emergency Respite: One child, plus biological children.
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Enhanced Therapeutic Foster Care (ETFC): One therapeutic child, plus biological children, depending on the child’s diagnosis and behaviors.
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We provide a range of foster care services tailored to meet the unique needs of children and families:
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Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC): Support for 2 therapeutic foster children and adolescents with mental health or behavioral challenges, providing structured care in a trained foster home.
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Intensive Alternative Family Treatment (IAFT): A highly specialized, short-term program for children with severe behavioral or emotional needs, offering intensive in-home support and therapy.
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Family Foster Care (FFC): A stable, nurturing environment for children who do not require therapeutic interventions, focusing on family reunification or permanency planning.
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Rapid Response Crisis Stabilization: Short-term emergency placements for children in crisis, providing immediate care and support while a long-term solution is identified.
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Enhanced Therapeutic Foster Care (ETFC): A structured foster care option for children with complex needs, offering additional therapeutic support and services.
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Emergency Respite: Temporary placements for children in need of immediate care, allowing foster families a short-term break while ensuring continuity of care.
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The licensing process typically takes 10-12 weeks, depending on the completion of required training, background checks, and home assessments. During this time, prospective foster parents will receive specialized training, home visits, and support to ensure they are prepared to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children in need.
If you're interested in becoming a licensed foster parent, you can learn more here and start the process today!
To become a licensed foster parent, you must meet the following requirements:
✔ Be at least 21 years old
✔ Complete 30 hours of pre-service training (MAPP Class) and 10 additional hours of therapeutic training
✔ Have a high school diploma or GED
✔ Complete training in CPR/First Aid, Seizure Management, Medication Administration, Bloodborne Pathogens, and Alternatives to Restraints
✔ Participate in ongoing training programs as required
✔ Have a sustainable source of income
✔ Hold a valid driver’s license
✔ Pass a national and local background check
✔ Pass a physical exam and obtain physician approval to fosterAdditionally, all prospective foster parents must complete a resource parent application, which includes a home study and financial review.
For more details or to start your journey, click here.
If you're considering becoming a foster parent in North Carolina, you can start by completing the North Carolina Foster Parent Orientation online. This orientation provides an overview of the foster care system, requirements, and expectations for foster parents.
You can also speak directly with our Licensing Staff for guidance and to ask any questions about the process. Call us at 704-864-1477 x3 to learn more and take the next steps.
