---
title: Therapeutic Foster Homes with KVC Kansas
description: Learn about Therapeutic Foster Care, a specialized foster care option with added training & support for caring for children & teens with higher needs.
---
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- Become a Foster Parent
- [Contact a Recruiter](https://info.kvc.org/become-a-foster-parent-in-kansas)
- [Upcoming Info Sessions](https://info.kvc.org/foster-parent-info-sessions)
- [About](https://kansas.kvc.org/about/mission-vision/)
- Resources
- [FAQ: Becoming a Therapeutic Foster Home](https://info.kvc.org/becoming-a-treatment-level-foster-parent-what-you-need-to-know)
- [Is Foster Parenting Right For Me?](https://info.kvc.org/how-to-know-if-foster-parenting-is-right-for-you-ebook)
- [Kinship Care](https://kansas.kvc.org/caregiver-resources/kinship-resources/)
- [Contact](https://share.hsforms.com/1Uem21KHjRn6Lz1DVD7HZWA1j3ux)
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# You Have the Heart. We Give You the Tools to Heal.
Therapeutic Foster Care is so much more than providing a bed; it's about providing a breakthrough. Help a child heal from trauma right in your own home.
[](https://info.kvc.org/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK7RheqMnxKqdyeviqiX8Fl1lpwSTP%2Bap07v3%2F4l%2F55xrh6Rb8nOG3XDdPhHNjnlH%2BTlobjqTR5bSLzV3fgPWsjlF29gTjOIBblDIORV2anXukneloCeUZgxio3YzqqYTxlMO3Y0A3hqn4vG1BJfS5Rd1hiMsihnxBH61no63sX4HKl03zvMGY%2FjbM%3D&webInteractiveContentId=207223707047&portalId=2571081)
#### 24/7
Crisis Support
#### Free
Specialized Training
#### Higher
Reimbursement
### *“You’re making such a difference in the lives of individuals you’ve never met. Taking that step, you’ve already made a difference because you have the mindset to want to make a difference.”*
Roberta Therapeutic Foster Parent
## A Higher Level of Foster Care and A Deeper Level of Support
Therapeutic, also known as Treatment Foster Care (TFC) is designed for children and teens with significant trauma histories. They typically need more than a temporary place to stay; rather, they need a steady and supportive family that is committed to their healing journey.
## Who Becomes a Therapeutic Foster Parent?
- You are patient, resilient, and eager to make a deep impact on a young life.
- You have experience working with youth, as a teacher, coach, healthcare worker or experienced parent *(not required but a plus)*.
- You believe that every child's behavior tells a story and you want to help rewrite the ending.
- You have an extra bedroom and a flexible schedule to support a child with higher needs.
If you said "yes," you are already halfway there! We provide the specialized training to take you the rest of the way.
Stability Creates Opportunity
# Consistency builds trust
## We Are Always Right By Your Side
Therapeutic foster care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. KVC Kansas is here to support you every step of the way, just as fully as we support the child.
**24/7 Crisis Support**
A KVC professional is always just a phone call or email away. You are never facing a hard moment alone.
**Free, Specialized Training**
We teach you Trauma Systems Therapy so you understand the "why" behind a child's behavior and exactly how to help.
**Higher Reimbursement**
TFC parents receive a significantly higher daily reimbursement rate to cover the additional needs of the child and your time.
**Respite Care**
Everyone needs a break. We ensure you get scheduled time off to recharge so you can keep showing up as your best self.
### **You Might Be Wondering...**
Let’s walk through some of the most common questions about becoming a TFC parent.
###### What is Therapeutic Foster Care and what is the goal?
Therapeutic Foster Care is a specialized level of foster care for children and teens who need additional emotional, behavioral, medical or developmental support.
Youth in this program receive individualized care in a family home, rather than in a residential or group setting. Therapeutic foster parents receive advanced training and ongoing support to help youth build stability, trust and skills for long-term success.
**The Goal:**
The primary goal of Therapeutic Foster Care is to provide a safe, stable, and healing home for children and teens who have experienced trauma — while working toward long-term permanency.
For many youth, that permanency goal is reunification with their biological family once it is safe and appropriate. In other cases, it may be adoption, guardianship, or another permanent living arrangement.
TFC is designed to do more than provide supervision. It focuses on helping children build emotional regulation skills, form healthy attachments, and develop the tools they need to succeed at home, in school, and in relationships. Foster parents play a vital role in that process by creating a structured, nurturing environment where healing can happen.
Ultimately, the goal is stability, growth, and a permanent path forward for each child.
###### What kind of support will I receive?
You are never alone in this work. Therapeutic Foster Parents receive:
- 24/7 support from a dedicated Family Service Coordinator
- Regular in-home visits
- Access to behavioral health professionals
- Treatment team collaboration
- Respite care resources
- Ongoing coaching and guidance
We are committed to supporting you so you can confidently support the youth in your care.
###### What training is required to become a Therapeutic Foster Parent?
##### If You Are Not Yet a Licensed Foster Parent
To become a Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) provider, you must first become a licensed foster parent in Kansas.
That process includes:
- Completing required pre-service training
- Passing background checks and home assessments
- Meeting state licensing standards
- Participating in home visits and interviews
- Preparing your home to meet safety requirements
Once licensed, foster parents complete ongoing annual training to maintain their license and continue building skills to support youth.
If you’re just starting to explore fostering, this is your first step. Our team will walk with you through the entire licensing process, from application to approval. We also offer **[virtual informational sessions](https://info.kvc.org/foster-parent-info-sessions)** where you can speak directly with a foster parent recruiter and ask questions about what becoming licensed involves.
##### If You Are Already a Licensed Foster Parent
If you are currently licensed and interested in becoming a Therapeutic Foster Parent, you will complete additional specialized training focused on supporting youth with higher emotional or behavioral needs.
This includes training in:
- Advanced trauma-informed care
- Behavior intervention and de-escalation techniques
- Crisis response and safety planning
- Understanding mental health diagnoses
- Medication awareness
- Collaborating with therapists and treatment teams
Therapeutic foster parents receive enhanced coaching, increased clinical support and more frequent collaboration with professionals to ensure youth and families are fully supported.
It doesn't matter if you are just beginning the licensing process or are an experienced foster parent ready to expand your skills, our staff will guide you step-by-step and remain a consistent source of support throughout your journey!
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###### What types of youth qualify for Therapeutic Foster Care?
Youth placed in Therapeutic Foster Care typically:
- Have significant emotional or behavioral needs
- May be at risk of residential or congregate care placement
- May have experienced multiple placements
- May have developmental delays or medical needs
- May receive additional services such as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
Placement decisions are made based on what is in the best interest of the child or teen and are determined by a professional treatment team.
###### Who can become a Therapeutic Foster Parent?
Therapeutic Foster Parents must meet all Kansas foster home requirements, including:
- Being at least 21 years old
- Demonstrating financial stability
- Passing background checks
- Completing required training
- Providing adequate bedroom space
- Using non-physical discipline
We welcome compassionate adults from all walks of life who are willing to learn, grow and collaborate with professionals to support youth with higher needs.
###### How is this different from traditional foster care?
Therapeutic Foster Care provides:
- Smaller household size (typically caring for no more than two youth in foster care)
- Specialized training beyond standard foster parent licensing
- Structured support and consistent check-ins
- 24/7 access to professional guidance
- Collaboration with a treatment team
This level of care is designed for youth who need more intensive structure and supervision than traditional foster care provides.
###### How many children or teens can I care for in Therapeutic Foster Care?
In Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC), most homes are licensed for **one to two foster youth at a time**. This limit is intentional.
Children and teens in TFC have experienced significant trauma and need a high level of stability, attention, and emotional support. Keeping placements small allows foster parents to give each child the individualized care, structure, and therapeutic focus they deserve.
While it may seem like caring for more children could help more youth at once, the goal of TFC is depth over volume — building trust, addressing trauma, and helping each child heal in a safe, family-centered environment.
In some cases, exceptions may be considered (such as sibling groups), but maintaining smaller placements helps ensure every child receives the attention and support they need to thrive.
# Why are only two youth allowed?
## What You’ll Need to Get Started
To become a Therapeutic Foster Parent, you will first become a licensed foster parent in Kansas. KVC provides guidance and support throughout the entire process.
### Step 1: Start the conversation
Reach out to KVC to ask questions and learn more about foster parenting and Therapeutic Foster Care. A recruiter will help you explore whether this path may be a good fit.
### Step 2: Become a licensed foster parent
If you decide to move forward, you’ll complete Kansas foster parent licensing with guidance and support from KVC every step of the way.
### Step 3: Complete specialized training
After licensing, you’ll receive additional, free training focused on caring for children and teens with higher needs. KVC helps you schedule and track training hours.
### Step 4: Prepare for placement
You’ll work with your KVC team to understand expectations, daily routines and supports before a child or teen comes into your home.
### Step 5: Ongoing support once a youth arrives
You’re never on your own. KVC provides continued guidance, check-ins and 24/7 support while you care for a child or teen in your home.
# Your Questions Are Welcome Here
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21350 W. 153rd Street
Olathe, KS 66061
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