Children’s Therapeutic Family Care (CTFC) uses the evidence-based Treatment Foster Care Oregon model, which was developed as an alternative to institutional, residential, and group care placements for children with severe emotional and behavioral disorders. The program aims to keep youth ages 7–11 in a natural environment by matching them with a therapeutic parent.

CTFC is not a traditional foster care placement and has specific mental health treatment criteria required for eligibility.

Therapeutic parents provide a safe and nurturing environment for youth while supporting their treatment goals. These individuals or couples:

1. Create opportunities for youth to successfully live in a family setting

2. Enjoy working with children and want to promote positive change

3. Are willing to work together with a team of treatment professionals

4. Demonstrate flexibility and can adapt to a change in plans

You do not need previous experience to become a therapeutic parent.

Therapeutic parents receive:

• Initial and ongoing training

• Daily monitoring

• Weekly group support

• 24/7 access to in-the-moment coaching

• Monthly compensation