Therapeutic Foster Care

What is Intensive Alternative Family Treatment (IAFT) Foster Care?

The most general definition for “Therapeutic Foster Care” is the provision of comprehensive care and services for children who the State has determined require therapy as a part of other services due to a serious emotional, behavioral, medical or psychological condition. Therapeutic foster children often require a higher level of care, more intensive therapy (medical or psychological), more tutoring or other educational aid and more supervision. Therapeutic foster care offers additional support to assist children with trauma, abuse, neglect, and dysfunctional lives.

Become a foster parentWhat is (TFC) Therapeutic Foster Care?

Intensive Alternative Family Treatment (IAFT) is a specialized, in-home, family-based foster care option for children who have been unable to maintain in lower levels of care such as Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) or who may need additional supports when stepping down from a higher level of care. Integrated Family Services is overseen by Rapid Resource (RR) in order to provide IAFT foster care services. The goal of IAFT services is to ensure stability and a successful transition back home with the child’s family of origin or a lower level of care.

Children who may be served in IAFT treatment display severe emotional or behavioral difficulties. They are at a higher risk for hospitalizations, have had disruptions in previous placements, and may have additional developmental diagnosis and needs

Who Are the Children?
Benefits of being a foster parent

Thousands of children in North Carolina enter the foster care system each year. All foster children have unique backgrounds, experiences, personalities, strengths and needs. Some children in foster care require extensive care for physical or emotional handicaps and disabilities.

Some also require help with undisciplined and delinquent behaviors. Most foster children do not have a strong sense of belonging or self-worth. Many have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. All children who are in foster care require special care, support and nurturing.

Who can be a Therapeutic Foster Parent?

Foster parents must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Have a stable home and income
  • Be willing to be finger printed and have a criminal records check
  • Maintain a drug free environment
  • Complete all required training and be licensed by the state of North Carolina

Benefits of being a Therapeutic Foster Parent

Earning respect as a valuable member of a team focused on making a difference in a child’s life, serving your community, gaining new skills.

For more information on foster care, contact Logan Campbell at 252-455-6390 or John Deans, or please call the main line for more information: 252-439-0700.

If you are a provider in need of TFC/IAFT placement, please see below for IFS Foster Care referral form or contact Marci Cochran – Foster Care Director for more information at 252-375-8245.
Therapeutic Foster Care/IAFT Referral Form