"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove . . . But the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child." - Forest E. Witcraft

Connections – A Therapeutic Foster Care Program

What is Therapeutic Foster Care? – At times, a child can no longer remain in their home.  We sometimes see this when the parents are struggling with personal issues.  At times they are unable to address their child’s needs.  Some children have extenuating emotional issues that require additional education and support.  Whatever the reason, a foster care family steps in at a time of great need and provides a child with a safe home, caring support and immeasurable kindness. 

In therapeutic foster care, the Connections program will be there every step of the way to provide the foster care family with the support they need to succeed in making that difference in a child’s life. 

If you are interested in becoming a therapeutic foster care family, please reach out to us today for more information.   You can contact Program Coordinator, Debbie Hill:

Phone: 732-349-3535 ext. 38

Email: DHill@oceanmentalhealth.org

What to Expect From Your Foster Care Experience.

If you are interested in becoming a foster care family, you will work with the Connections to complete a home evaluation.   This will begin with the Connections Program, who will also help you prepare for a required State inspection.  Upon approvals you will be matched with a foster care child.    The children in the therapeutic foster care program are known to have emotional struggles.  This can be a result of the changes in home placement, a chaotic lifestyle, or even a more serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder.  Whatever the struggles, the Connections Program works with you so that you know what to expect from the child you are matched with.    We work to fit you with a situation you are comfortable with and hope to grow your experience over time.  

We know that a supportive family might not be enough to ensure success.   We coordinate additional care and programs for each child as needed.  Minimally, we come to your house to provide in-home therapy once a week.  We also meet with you monthly to check progress and make future plans.   The goal of the program is to reunify the child with the family of origin, or to find the child a permanent adoptive home. 

 The Treatment Program:

 Connections Services consists of five components:  

• Residential
• Clinical
• Educational
• Recreational
• Aftercare

 Residential Program: 

The Connections Program differs from other foster care programs in its specific focus on exceptional children.  The emphasis is on the planned treatment or retraining of children and adolescents to help them develop effective and responsible interpersonal and social skills.

The focus of the residential component is to provide children with a structured, caring, supportive living environment which will assist them in increasing their self-awareness and self-acceptance, and in learning new coping skills and improving overall behavior. Outside of school hours, the children are provided constant supervision by Foster Care Parents or their designees as the children divide their time between therapeutic programming, recreational activities, and family involvement.

Clinical Program: 

The primary focus of the clinical component will to provide therapeutic counseling services to the youth.  Intervention methods to be employed can include:

• Individual Psychotherapy
• Group Counseling
• Behavior management
• Case management
• Psychiatric consultations
• Medication maintenance (if needed)
• Family support services
• Parenting skills training
• Crisis intervention
• Adolescent Day Treatment (case by case)
• Respite care

 Educational Program: 

Although some children in placement may attend Ocean Academy, the special educational school operated by Ocean Mental Health Services, Inc., many will attend schools within your communities. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the need of the youth and the Foster Care family.

The Connections Coordinator and/or Clinician will be available to mediate between the school programs and the clients and to act as a liaison for the purpose of treatment planning and monitoring of progress.  The assigned school district representative will also be able to provide information regarding the child’s educational program, provide progress reports as requested and help prepare for a child’s academic future.

Recreational Program: 

Participation in recreational activities and the constructive use of leisure time are important to the emotional wellbeing of children and adolescents.  As Foster Care parents you will be encouraging your child to get involved in after school, community, and social activities.  It will be important to communicate the child’s progress to the Connections team.  If a child asks to participate in religious services or activities you must honor that request.   This is often addressed in that matching of children to foster care families.   

 Aftercare: 

The Connections Program starts to plan for each child’s future at the start of their placement with you.  Connection is designed to be a one year placement however, some children may be discharged earlier based on certain positive or negative criteria.

Staff Support for Treatment Parents: 

• Therapeutic treatment parents are provided with assistance and support from the trained professionals of the Connections Staff, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• An initial 12 hours of training is provided in areas such as communication, problem solving, behavior management and alternative parenting skills.
• Additional trainings are provided by various professionals throughout the year.

  Areas of Training Include: 

·         Communication

·         Social Skills

·         Behavior Modification

·         Alternative Parenting

·         Substance Awareness

·         Child Abuse

·         Suicide Prevention

 Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Become a Therapeutic Foster Parent? 

Successful completion of the following are required of all foster parents: application, police check, family interviews, home visits, and personal and/or employer references checks.

What Kind of Children Need Therapeutic Foster Care?  

The boys and girls in our program range from 7-17 years of age and are in need of a supportive, safe, temporary home. These children have in most instances experienced abuse or neglect and as a result may be suffering with emotional difficulties. Their histories may also include many numerous placements and moves from other foster, psychiatric or residential homes. Their behaviors are often reflective of these changes and disruptions in their lives. They all have one thing in common, the desire to be cared for and loved.

 How Long Does a Child Stay in A Therapeutic Foster Home? 

The length of time a child remains in your home will depend upon the specific needs of the child which will be shared prior to placing him or her in your home.  While most children will require support for up to a year, in some instances their stay may be as short as one month. 

Is there financial assistance? 

As a therapeutic foster parent you receive generous, monthly financial compensation. The child’s medical and dental costs are covered by Medicaid.

 What Support Will I Receive as a Foster Parent?

Our foster parents have a wide variety of support services available to them. They include:

·        Behavior Management

·        Case Management

·        Family Support Services

·        Parenting Skills Training

·        Crisis Intervention

·        Respite Care, if needed

·        Home Based Counseling Services

·        Outreach and Home Visits

·        Psychiatric Consultations/Evaluations

·        Medication Monitoring, if appropriate

·        24 hour emergency support from a clinical counselor

 What are the Benefits of Becoming a Therapeutic Foster Parent?  

• Emotional-Making the difference in the life of a child by opening your heart and home when he or she needs it the most
• Financial- Generous Financial Compensation for your support and love.
• Community-By caring for these children you create an opportunity for their families to acquire the skills and resources they need to be reunited.

  What are the Licensing Requirements for Treatment Parents?           

1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
2. Must Complete Care Home Study Application
3. Provide 3 references w/ addresses and phone numbers
4. Complete police checks on all members of household 18 years of age or older and alternate care givers
5. Sign Disclosure Statement
6. Physical Exam. All members of household over 18 years of age need an initial physical exam (must be updated every 2 years)
7. Immunization Records for each child under 18 years of age
8. TB/Mantoux test.  All members of household over 18 years of age need proof of    TB/Mantoux testing within the last 3 years (must be updated every 3 years)
9.  Financially self supportive
10.  Home Owners Insurance
11. Automobile Insurance.  Policy must equal 250/500 or 300/500 split.  $250,000  or $300,000 per person/$500,000 per accident.

1.  Vehicles Registered
2.  Driver’s License
3.  Pets Vaccinated
4.  Phone service with answering machine/service
5.  5 lb. Fire Extinguisher
6.  Smoke detectors on each level of home
7.  Compliance in all areas of Home Study (follow up inspections every 3 months)
8.  Complete all pre-service trainings
9.  Attend all in-service trainings

 *Connections/Open Arms Case Manager must be provided with photo copies of all updates and renewals

What are the steps in placing a Therapeutic Foster Child? 

·        The child’s history is reviewed and discussed by the Connections Team

·        The Connection’s staff complete an interview with the child to evaluate for  program appropriateness

·        The Treatment Family meets with the child.

·        The placement decision is reviewed and discussed with the Treatment family before proceeding to determine whether the placement will be a good fit for the child and family.

·        If a favorable decision is reached, the child is welcomed into his/her new home.

For more information, please contact us at

Email:   DHill@oceanmentalhealth.org 

or

Phone Contact:  Debbie Hill, Connections Coordinator  (732)349-3535 ext. 38