Weld County launches therapeutic foster care program

Published on October 05, 2022

Man and woman holding hands with a child while walking in a park

For children and youth who’ve experienced traumatic events, a special kind of care is required to help them heal. That’s why the Weld County Department of Human Services has launched a therapeutic foster care program and is currently recruiting for individuals who have specialized skills and training and are interested in fostering.

These individuals include:

  • Nurses
  • Social workers
  • Counselors
  • Teachers
  • Others who have worked in the education, medical, or counseling fields
  • Those with foster, adoptive, and/or special needs experience

As a therapeutic foster parent, you will use your skills in a new way by serving as a critical steppingstone for young people as they journey from past trauma toward permanent placements.

“Knowing each child has unique needs, the therapeutic foster care program offers a different entry point to care that pairs high-needs youth with adults who have the capability and understanding to foster them toward healing,” said Kristy DeAnda, foster care recruiter for Weld County.

Therapeutic foster care is a distinct, powerful, and unique model of care that combines a nurturing family environment with active therapy and treatment. Children with emotional, behavioral, and medical issues are treated with integrated services and key interventions from foster parents who are trained, supervised, and supported.

Sometimes, when people hear the word “therapeutic,” they think it refers to medical foster care. While some of the children in therapeutic care may have medical needs, typically, the kids in these types of homes have significant emotional and behavioral challenges.

Many of these young people live in group homes or residential treatment facilities where they receive the behavioral support they need to stabilize from trauma. While this type of environment is helpful for many, research has shown that a secure, family-like environment coupled with clinical support and therapy also creates a positive pathway to healing and permanent placement.

For more information about foster care in Weld County, visit https://www.weldgov.com/Government/Departments/Human-Services/Foster-Care.

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