What to Expect During Your First Year as a TFC Parent

whhartzog
Jun 26
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Becoming a Treatment Foster Care (TFC) Parent: Your First Year Journey

Becoming a Treatment Foster Care (TFC) parent is a deeply meaningful and life-changing experience. At Intercept Health TFC, we understand that the first year is full of learning, growth, and some unexpected moments. However, it's also brimming with powerful connections, small victories, and the incredible reward of making a difference in a child's life.

If you’re considering becoming a TFC parent in Virginia or you’re just starting your journey, here’s what to expect in your first year.

1. The Beginning: Licensing and Training

Before you welcome a child into your home, you’ll go through a licensing process. This includes background checks, home studies, and specialized training in trauma-informed care and behavioral health.

What You’ll Experience:

Pre-Service Training: 20–30 hours of training designed to prepare you.
Home Visits: Interviews with a licensing specialist will take place.
Ongoing Support: Expect continual support from our Intercept Health TFC team every step of the way.

This phase is aimed at equipping you—not just to meet requirements, but to build confidence in your ability to support a child with emotional and behavioral needs.

2. Placement: Welcoming Your First Child

Once licensed, the placement process can vary. It may happen quickly or could take more time, depending on matching needs. When a child is placed with you, you’ll receive background information and a personalized support plan.

What to Expect:

Mixed Emotions: Feelings of excitement and nerves are normal.
Adjustment Challenges: Both you and the child may face initial hurdles.
Support Checks: Frequent check-ins from your Intercept Health case manager and clinician will help you.

You’re not expected to have all the answers. Your primary role is to provide structure, consistency, and compassion as the child begins to feel safe.

3. Building Trust: The First Few Months as a TFC Parent

The early months will focus on relationship-building. Many youth in TFC have experienced trauma, so it takes time for them to trust and settle into a new environment.

Common Experiences:

Emotional Ups and Downs: Expect fluctuations in mood.
Behavioral Challenges: Navigating tough behaviors may arise.
Signs of Growth: You may notice gradual signs of attachment and progress.

Your support team will provide vital in-home therapy, respite care, and 24/7 crisis support. Regular team meetings will allow you to discuss ongoing progress and adapt care plans as necessary.

4. The Learning Curve: Self-Reflection and Growth

Foster parenting can challenge you in unexpected ways. This journey will teach you more about your own resilience, communication style, and emotional triggers. You may find yourself feeling a mix of pride, frustration, joy, and worry.

Helpful Resources:

Peer Support Groups: Leverage community connections for encouragement.
Training Refreshers: Attend clinical training sessions when needed.
Open Communication: Maintain dialogue with your TFC specialist.

Remember: You’re never alone. At Intercept Health TFC, we are here to support you through the challenging days and celebrate the breakthroughs.

5. The Milestones: Celebrating Progress

By the end of your first year, you’ll likely reflect on how far both you and your child have come. Milestones may include:

Full Nights of Sleep: A sign of growing comfort.
Positive Parent-Teacher Conferences: Indicators of progress in social settings.
Shared Laughter: Finding joy during hard days.
Therapeutic Breakthroughs: Marks of emotional growth.

Being a TFC parent isn’t about fixing a child. It’s about creating a healing environment where they can grow—and where you grow alongside them.

6. Final Thoughts: Your Impact as a TFC Parent

Your first year as a TFC parent will be filled with surprises. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it. Every moment you show up, practice patience, and offer love and structure helps a child move closer to healing.

At Intercept Health TFC, we believe in the power of family, therapeutic support, and community. We’re proud to walk alongside you during every part of this journey. If you're interested in becoming a TFC parent in Virginia, Contact us today to learn more about how you can make a difference in a child’s life.