top of page

How to Balance a Job and Become a Treatment Foster Parent in Virginia with Intercept Health TFC

whhartzog
A dad on the phone while working with his daughter on his back

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, but worry that your full-time or part-time job might stand in the way? At Intercept Health TFC, we believe that you can be a treatment foster parent in Virginia, regardless of your work schedule. With the right resources, support, and flexibility, fostering can fit into your life — and your job — beautifully.


In this blog, we’ll explore how you can manage both your career and your role as a treatment foster parent, the benefits of fostering, and the resources available to help you along the way.


Foster parent with child

Why Become a Treatment Foster Parent in Virginia?

Treatment foster care (TFC) is a critical component of the child welfare system, providing a safe, supportive environment for children and teens who have experienced trauma or have complex emotional and behavioral needs. As a treatment foster parent with Intercept Health TFC, you will play a pivotal role in their healing journey.


But becoming a treatment foster parent doesn’t mean you need to give up your job or career ambitions. In fact, many of our foster parents work full-time or part-time jobs while providing the love, care, and stability that children in need deserve.


Woman on phone working in front of computer

Can I Be a Treatment Foster Parent and Work Full-Time or Part-Time?

Absolutely! One of the biggest myths about fostering is that it requires staying home full-time, but that's simply not the case. At Intercept Health TFC, we understand that many of our foster parents are working professionals who want to make a difference but also need the flexibility to maintain their jobs.


Here’s how it works:

  • Flexible Scheduling: Treatment foster parents are given flexibility in their schedules to accommodate their work hours. Visits, appointments, and other obligations are planned around your schedule as much as possible.

  • Comprehensive Support: You won’t be alone in this journey. Our team at Intercept Health TFC provides ongoing support through therapy, training, and resources that are tailored to fit your needs. We work with you to ensure your ability to balance work and fostering effectively.

  • Respite Care: If you need a break, respite care is available for our foster parents. Respite care providers can step in to care for the child temporarily, allowing you time to recharge while still being a dedicated foster parent.


Resources to Help You Manage Your Role as a Treatment Foster Parent:

Virginia provides many resources for foster parents to ensure that fostering children remains manageable, even when balancing a career. Here are some key resources available:


  • Training and Education: Intercept Health TFC offers training programs designed to equip you with the skills to handle the challenges of treatment foster care. These trainings can often be completed online, offering you the flexibility to learn when it fits into your schedule.

  • Financial Support: Treatment foster parents receive a stipend to help cover the cost of caring for the child. This stipend can help offset expenses, and in some cases, it may also be used to support the child’s specific needs (therapy, special programs, etc.).

  • Therapeutic Support: As a treatment foster parent with Intercept Health TFC, you have access to professional therapeutic support for the children in your care. This ensures that you’re never alone in managing complex behavioral or emotional challenges.

  • Peer Support Groups: Connecting with other treatment foster parents is invaluable. Virginia’s foster care community is robust and supportive, offering opportunities for you to share experiences, advice, and encouragement. At Intercept Health TFC, we offer an Intercept Facebook Group where our foster parents can share successes, struggles, resources, tips, tricks and updates that happen along the foster journey.


A foster father with foster son

How to Get Started as a Treatment Foster Parent in Virginia

Becoming a treatment foster parent with Intercept Health TFC is simple, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the process:


  1. Apply Online or Contact Us: The first step is reaching out to Intercept Health TFC. You can fill out an application online or give us a call to learn more about the process.

  2. Complete the Training: Once you’re approved, you'll complete the required training courses. These courses will prepare you for the responsibilities and rewards of fostering children with therapeutic needs.

  3. Start Making a Difference: After completing your training, you’ll be matched with a child in need. You'll receive ongoing support from our team, and we’ll help you navigate any challenges that come your way.


Balancing a full-time or part-time job with the responsibility of being a treatment foster parent is more than possible — it’s a rewarding and life-changing experience for both you and the child in your care. At Intercept Health TFC, we provide the resources and flexibility you need to make this journey work with your career.


If you're ready to make a difference in the life of a child, consider becoming a treatment foster parent in Virginia today. Contact us to learn more about how you can get started and let us support you every step of the way.

22 views0 comments

Comments


Intercept Health TFC Logo With Outline

Foster A Child With Us!

Learn More on our TFC Socials!

© 2024 by INTERCEPT HEALTH

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
bottom of page