Treatment Foster Care

When youth live in multiple foster homes, the consequences are devastating. In-home services are critical for parents to help youth make a successful transition into the community.

Bethanna's Treatment Foster Care (TFC) Program offers a distinct, powerful, and unique model of care. The TFC Program is an alternative to group living or institutional care for children with intensive emotional and behavioral needs. Foster parents care for children with more challenging emotional and behavioral needs in a nurturing and therapeutic family environment. In addition to providing the benefits of traditional foster care, TFC features behavioral health interventions and structured treatment.

What are the goals of this program?

  • Maintain children and youth in a community home environment instead of placement in a group living facility or institutional care.
  • Serving as a step-down resource for children and youth transitioning from higher levels of care, such as psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment facilities, and other institutional placements.
  • Promoting safety, stability, and improved behavioral health functioning that will lead to permanency and improved well-being.
  • Compliance with the Foster Family-based Treatment Association, Pennsylvania Child and Adolescent Service System Program, and People Places, Inc. Parenting Skills Training.
  • Adheres to regulations governed by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and Philadelphia's Department of Human Services.

    • What is the difference between TFC and Traditional Foster Care?

    In addition to performing the same responsibilities as a traditional foster parent, Treatment Foster parents are expected to:

  • Provide basic care and nurturing in addition to implementing specific treatment strategies to support successful adjustments and improve well-being.
  • Serve as a primary agent of change as a member of their child's treatment team.
  • Care for a limited number of foster children at one time.
  • Participate in training focused on specific skill development.
  • Implement and document goal-driven treatment strategies in the home.

    • Who is eligible for this service?

    Children and youth living in Philadelphia qualify for the TFC Program through the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) evaluation. The CANS evaluation assesses children and youth's needs and strengths to determine TFC eligibility and assist in service planning as well as tracking and measuring outcomes.

    How are parents involved and supported?

    Many children and youth in Treatment Foster Care have suffered abuse or neglect; they often have trouble adjusting to a family environment. Treatment Foster parents play a critical role in helping children form trusting relationships necessary for healthy development. Bethanna offers strong support to TFC parents through learning-based interventions designed to help children develop positive, adaptive social skills. Additional services offered:

  • Individualized crisis support/prevention plan for each child and youth
  • 24 hours of in-service specialized training annually
  • Weekly contact and support by Bethanna staff
  • A higher per diem payment
  • Compensated planned and crisis respite care
  • Team treatment planning for children and youth
  • 24/7 crisis intervention on-call service

    • Where is this service available?

    Currently serving Philadelphia County at this Bethanna location.

    Frequently asked questions about Adoption Services

    How can I learn more?

    Contact Community Treatment Services to request an Information Packet.

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