What to Expect During Your First Year as a TFC Parent

Becoming a Treatment Foster Care (TFC) parent is a deeply meaningful and life-changing experience. At Intercept Health TFC, we know the first year is full of learning, growing, and, yes, some unexpected moments. But it’s also full of 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 that includes background checks, home studies, and specialized training in trauma-informed care and behavioral health.

What you’ll experience:

• 20–30 hours of pre-service training

• Home visits and interviews with a licensing specialist

• Support from our Intercept Health TFC team every step of the way

This phase is designed to prepare you—not just to meet requirements, but to feel confident in your ability to support a child with emotional and behavioral needs.

2. Placement: Welcoming Your First Child

Once you're licensed, placement can happen quickly or take time, depending on matching needs. When a child is placed with you, you’ll receive background information and a personalized support plan.

Expect:

• A mix of excitement and nerves

• Initial adjustment challenges—for both you and the child

• Frequent check-ins from your Intercept Health case manager and clinician

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

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

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

You may see:

• Emotional ups and downs

• Behavioral challenges

• Gradual signs of attachment and growth

Your team will provide in-home therapy, respite care, and 24/7 crisis support. You’ll also have regular team meetings to talk about progress and adapt your care plan as needed.

4. The Learning Curve: Self-Reflection and Growth

Foster parenting can challenge you in ways you didn’t expect. You’ll learn more about your own resilience, communication style, and emotional triggers. You’ll also likely feel a mix of pride, frustration, joy, and worry.

Helpful things to lean on:

• Peer support groups

• Clinical training refreshers

• Open communication with your TFC specialist

Remember: You’re never alone. At Intercept Health TFC, we walk with you through the hard days and celebrate the breakthroughs.

5. The Milestones: Celebrating Progress

By the end of your first year, you’ll likely look back and realize how far you and your child have come. Maybe it’s:

• A full night of sleep for the child

• Their first positive parent-teacher conference

• A real laugh after a tough day

• A breakthrough in therapy

TFC isn’t about fixing a child. It’s about creating a healing environment where they can grow—and where you grow, too.

Final Thoughts

Your first year as a TFC parent will be full of surprises. It won’t be easy—but it will be worth it. Every moment you show up, stay patient, 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.

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.