Be an until families reunite.
Did you know…
- There are more than 7,000 children in Tennessee’s foster care system.
- Foster parents can make a significant impact: studies show that children in foster care who are placed in stable, loving homes have better educational outcomes and emotional well-being.
- Becoming a foster parent not only changes the life of a child but also strengthens communities by providing a safe and nurturing environment for the most vulnerable members of society.
Why Centerstone?
As one of Tennessee’s most trusted and experienced therapeutic foster care providers, we have a long legacy of partnering with our caring and committed foster parents to help ease the waiting kids often endure. As a Licensed Child Placing Agency (Licensed CPA), Centerstone Foster Care equips our highly-trained mental health professionals to provide support that’s specific to each foster home. Our team is eager to partner with you, prepare you, and support you along your foster care journey.
What to Expect
1
Provider Selection and Application
Choosing the appropriate provider greatly influences the experience for both you and the children in your care. Working with an provider that comes along side to guide and support you throughout the foster care journey is key.2
Home Study
A home study evaluates the suitability of individuals or couples who wish to become adoptive or foster parents and assesses the potential safety and well-being of children in their care. This includes in-home visits, interviews with family members, background checks, health and financial screenings.3
Background Check
Prospective adoptive or foster parents must pass comprehensive criminal background checks, including sex offender checks and child abuse clearances.4
Attend Foster Parent Training Classes
Foster parents receive initial training regarding the child welfare and court system, addressing a child’s unique needs, and how trauma impacts children. Additional free trainings are required annually to maintain a foster care license.5
Financial Stability and Well-Being
Prospective parents’ financial stability and well-being are assessed to ensure they can adequately provide for the child while also covering their own household expenses. Foster parents receive a per diem for the child’s basic expenses.6
Placement of Foster Child
Once a foster family is fully approved, Centerstone works to align the child’s specific needs with the family’s capacity to provide a secure and nurturing environment, providing a positive experience for all involved. The overarching goal is to offer a safe, loving temporary home for children and teens as they work towards reunification.7
Continued Support
Once you begin fostering, Centerstone comes along side you and the child or children in your care to offer continued support and resources. You’ll have access to our emergency on-call services 24/7, specialized training, monthly support group meetings, and case management and therapy services as needed.
Want to learn more?
Complete the form below to arrange a quick 15-minute call or email correspondence with our knowledgable staff, who can answer all your questions and help you decide if fostering is a good fit for you.
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