Specialized therapeutic foster care services are intensive treatment provided to children with emotional disturbances that reside in a state licensed foster home. Specialized therapeutic foster care services are appropriate for long-term treatment and short-term crisis intervention.

Specialized therapeutic foster care services incorporate clinical treatment services, which are behavioral, psychological, and psychosocial in orientation. Services must include clinical interventions by the specialized therapeutic foster parent(s), a clinical staff person, and a psychiatrist.

There are two levels of specialized therapeutic foster care, which are differentiated by the type of supervision and training of the foster parents and intensity of programming required. Specialized therapeutic foster care levels are intended to support, promote competency, and enhance participation in normal age-appropriate activities of children who present moderate to severe emotional or behavioral management problems. Programming and interventions are tailored to the age and diagnosis of the child.

Foster Care Goals

• Enable a child to manage and to work towards resolution of his or her emotional, behavioral, or psychiatric problems in a highly supportive, individualized, and flexible home setting.
  
• Providing a safe and nurturing environment for the child.
  
• Giving the child an opportunity to build new relationships.
  
• Fostering optimal child development.
  
• Introducing new environments and opportunities to the child.