Foster parenting is one of the most rewarding ways to invest your life for the benefit of others.

The rewards are great, so of course, you wonder how to become a therapeutic foster parent in Louisiana. When you open your home to a child, the rewards include joy, challenges, and opportunities for personal growth!  After you have been trained and certified, we work to ensure the best fit we can between a child and your family.  We also provide ongoing training on routine and special topics, and when you need assistance or information, we are there to support you and enhance the care you provide.

Methodist Foster Care is on call 24/7 for our foster parents!

Requirements for Becoming Therapeutic Foster Parents

  • You must be at least 25 years of age
  • You may be single or legally married
  • You must have 2 years of direct experience working with special populations.
  • You must be able to meet your family’s financial needs.
  • You must be in sound physical and mental health.
  • You must live in a home with sufficient space for a foster child.
  • You must pass state and federal criminal background checks.
  • You must participate in training.
  • You must participate and pass a home study assessment.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Therapeutic Foster Parent

1. Orientation

  • Attend an informational session; complete application
  • Complete background checks for all adults in the home
  • Initial home inspection and discussion of what is needed in the home

2. Documentation

  • Proof of education & experience
  • References
  • Proof of marital status
  • Birth certificates, driver’s license, insurances
  • Vaccination record for children and pets
  • Proof of sustainable income
  • Physicals and TB tests
  • Home diagram and emergency evacuation contacts

3. Training

  • Foster parenting basics
  • TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) training to understand trauma and how it impacts the child
  • Cultural diversity
  • What to do in a crisis; behavioral interventions
  • Confidentiality
  • Medication management
  • CPR and First Aid certification
  • Child-specific training related to a child in your care

4. Home Study

  • Information is gathered regarding your immediate and extended family history
  • Information is gathered on your life experiences and relationships
  • Your preferences for the type of child you wish to receive are documented here

5. Certification

  • A final review by the Program Supervisor occurs.  This involves an in-person meeting in your home to review last-minute details and answer questions.
  • A certificate is issued – You are a Therapeutic Foster Parent!
  • You are ready to invite a child into your home!

We Support You!

When a child is placed in your home, WE WILL support you.  Our Child Placement Workers make weekly visits in your home to see the child and you.  In addition, we call you each week to find out if we can be helpful.  You have access to someone 24 hours per day. You receive ongoing training to assist in establishing connections to other foster parents, to help you stay on top of the latest trends in foster care, and to provide additional child-specific training related to the child in your care.