Philosophy and Purpose

The fundamental orientation of the therapeutic foster care program is two-fold: to provide an environment of emotional safety for traumatized children, and to promote permanency. In order for children to acknowledge and process overwhelming trauma and loss, foster parents must cultivate self-awareness and self-regulation in the face of the child’s intensity of feeling. The parent maintains a compassionate, non-reactive stance towards the child, taking responsibility for monitoring the child’s level of anxiety and providing the structure needed to prevent problematic behaviors. Treatment planning and permanency planning are seen as inseparable, and therefore all involved parties must work closely together, with the child and birth family’s ideas, needs, and concerns at the forefront.

Admissions Process

The referring worker makes an inquiry, providing detailed information about the child, in order to determine whether or not a suitable home may be available. If a potential home is available, the worker fills out the application and intake packet, and provides all necessary documentation prior to placement. Whenever possible, one or two pre-placement visits are arranged to further assess the potential placement. The custodial agency worker continues to be closely involved with the case, visiting the child regularly and participating in treatment planning meetings.

To make a referral:

• Richmond area – call 804-285-5900; toll free 1-800-528-1258. email
• Roanoke area – call 540-342-0411; toll free 1-800-342-0420. email
• Norton area – call 276-679-1195. email