Home / How foster care works

How foster care works

How foster care works

Centerstone provides therapeutic foster care for children and teenagers in state custody.

When placing children with foster families, we take the needs of the individual into account. Centerstone is licensed to serve clients from 0-21 years old, however, we most often provide services for teens (12-18). We are also increasingly seeing the need for placing sibling groups that include a wide range of ages. The circumstances for each situation are unique. Some clients need short term care (6 months or less) and others need longer term help. Some children stay with foster parents while working toward reunification with their families of origin while others need an encouraging home environment while working toward independent living or adoption. Centerstone also assists with adoption when that becomes a child’s permanent goal.

Treating Trauma through Integrated Services

Many foster children and teens have experienced trauma early in life such as physical abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. Those experiences can impair their self-esteem, ability to trust and willingness to build relationships. Centerstone is a national leader in treating trauma through integrated physical and mental health services in Therapeutic Foster Care. We help you and your child work through emotional and behavioral struggles while focusing on all aspects of the child’s life including physical, educational, social, spiritual and mental well-being.

Training and Support

Our foster parents complete a free comprehensive training course. They learn about the complex challenges facing children in state custody so they can better respond to each child’s needs while providing a safe and supportive home.

Each child is assigned a Centerstone case manager who comes to the home regularly to ensure children and foster parents receive the essential care and support they need. If more specialized care is needed, we will help provide or coordinate other services such as outpatient counseling.

Financial Support

Centerstone Foster Parents receive a nightly monetary stipend for each child. The average monthly stipend is approximately $1,100 per month, but varies depending on the client’s level of care.

Foster Parents

Our foster parents meet the following requirements:

  • At least 21 years of age to foster in Indiana and 25 years of age to foster in Tennessee
  • Can be married or unmarried
  • United States citizenship
  • Pass a medical evaluation and background check
  • Have room for a child in your home and personal life
  • Have patience and a desire to help children who need extra care and support

Centerstone Foster Care FAQs

Have questions? Get answers to our most frequently asked questions on our FAQ page.

Contact Us

To learn how you can make a big difference in a child’s life, fill out an interest form or call 844-936-7837 (844-9-FOSTER).

Centerstone Logo
Centerstone
helpnow@centerstone.org
44 Vantage Way
Nashville , TN , 37228 United States
877-467-3123