Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC)

Do you have room for a child in your life?� Could you serve as a “professional parent” to guide a youth, frequently with the hopes of reuniting the child with his/her natural family?� Are you eager to offer your skills, ideas, interests, as well as stability and a loving environment?� Are you committed to helping children and teens by opening your home?

For more information, contact the nearest YDI office or call 1-877-458-7022 to be connected to the Youth Dynamics “Licensing Coordinator” nearest you!

Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) is Youth Dynamics’ oldest service and an essential part of our continuum of care.� TFC is a solid, evidence based program with a long history of success in helping youth with behavioral problems learn new, more successful tools for communication and interaction.� It is similar to Montana’s State Foster Care program, but also includes a therapeutic component.� The foster parent(s) provide typical parental guidance and support, as well as serving on the child’s Treatment Team, and participating in behavioral modification programs.� TFC parents also receive extensive support from Youth Dynamics in the form of weekly support from their Care Manager and other professionals.�

Guide Homes: Youth who have had a successful stay at Pine Hills (Boys, Miles City) or Riverside (Girls, Boulder) may need to return to a temporary home before returning to their families or independent living.� Guide Home parents serve in more of a mentor role than mother or father, intending the program to be a temporary and positive stay, but without the pressure of forming a long-term emotional bond.� Guide Home parents work with the Treatment Team to ensure youth participate fully in their rehabilitation and treatment programs.� Many find the program very satisfying and rewarding, as there are extensive supports and structures provided.�(Please note: Guide Home parents may not have other children living in the home.)

Respite Care: Respite Parents do not have a youth living with them full-time. Instead, this program offers a break to all youth and families (natural, adoptive, and foster) who receive community services from YDI. Respite families can often start hosting youth in their home within weeks of approval for their home.� Generally, Respite Care is offered on weekends to help youth and parents enjoy a break from the routines and stresses of everyday life.� Both the youth and parents benefit greatly from this opportunity and Respite Care Parents often enjoy welcoming a youth into their home for a weekend, often involving the child/teen in family outings, recreation or entertainment.� Pro-rated stipends are provided.

Adults over 21 years are welcome to apply to become a Therapeutic Foster Care, Guide Home, and/or Respite Parent. Single parents, adults without children, seniors, non-traditional parents, married couples, multi-cultural families, and all other families are welcome!� Stipends range per month to cover the youth’s expenses.