Therapeutic Foster Parent Requirements in the Eastern Shore of Virginia

The First Home Care Therapeutic Foster Care Program ensures that children are placed with families who meet the following requirements in order provide the best possible environment:

• The average age of children and adolescents served in Therapeutic Foster Care is 3 to 17, with the greatest anticipated need being for those ages 10 to 17.

• Therapeutic Foster Parents must be at least 21 years of age.

• At least one parent must speak the same language as the child.

• Therapeutic Foster Parents must have access to reliable transportation.

• Therapeutic Foster Parents must complete 24 hours of pre-service training. Additional training is available.

• Therapeutic Foster Parents must undergo a Child Protective Services (CPS) and a State Police Background check.

• Therapeutic Foster Parents must agree not use corporal punishment with children in their care and adhere to the agency’s policies regarding the use of punishment.

• The total number of children residing in a foster home requiring therapeutic foster care shall not exceed three. The total number of children residing in the home shall not exceed six including the foster parent’s own children.

• Foster parents must have sufficient income to ensure their stability and security of their own family without relying on board payments.

• Therapeutic Foster Homes must have adequate space to provide children with their own bed and personal space.

• A health history must be provided on each member of the household including a physical, mental health and other treatments, which may impair ability to care for children.

• Therapeutic Foster Parents will be provided 24-hour on-call support.

• Therapeutic Foster Parents will be provided a tax-free income stipend per month, per child/youth.  

For more information, please contact the Program Services Coordinator at (757) 442-4590.