Treatment/Emergency Foster Care

What is the Treatment Foster Care Program?

The Treatment Foster Care Program is designed to provide stability for adolescents who have mental health and/or behavioral issues. The program also provides intensive therapeutic treatment to meet the child’s specific needs. Treatment parents are needed to provide a safe, structured and nurturing home.

Who are the youth needing care?

  • Youth between the ages of 12 and 17
  • All ethnic and racial backgrounds
  • Youth with mental health issues, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Bi-Polar Disorder or Attachment Disorder
  • Youth on medication for behavioral and/or mental health issues
  • Youth coming out of an institutional setting
  • Youth needing strong supervision and structure

Why aren’t these youth with their birth families?

The birth family may have problems with housing, addiction, relationships, parenting skills, and/or legal difficulties. They usually lack extended family support.

Who is eligible to be a Treatment Parent?

  • Delaware resident
  • Single or married at least one year
  • At least 21 years & under 65 years old
  • Able to provide safe, adequate housing
  • Have sufficient income to support one’s own family
  • Willing to be part of a professional team
  • Willing to learn about the child’s needs
  • Willing to work with birth parents (when applicable)
  • Willing to complete the required criminal history check, medical reports, and training

What kind of help do Treatment Parents receive?

A Children & Families First social worker helps the prospective treatment family assess their readiness to provide care, provides training and offers 24-hour, on-call support.

Treatment parents are part of a professional team that includes Children & Families First, the Delaware Division of Family Services, educational institutions, doctors, therapists, and other community resources. The agency also provides up to 14 days of respite care per year.

Treatment parents receive a payment of $55.00 per day to cover the child’s expenses and compensate the parent. The child’s medical expenses are covered by Medicaid.

What training is provided for the Treatment Parents?

Prospective parents learn to:

  • Understand the Teaching Family Model
  • Meet the developmental needs of children
  • Work with birth parents
  • Participate as a professional team member

Required annual training is also provided.