HOW TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT IN TENNESSEE
If you have ever wondered how to become a foster parent in Tennessee, there has never been a better time. Children who are in the custody of the State of Tennessee need a safe, stable, loving environment where they can learn, grow and be successful. You could provide these needs for a child in your home. Those interested in becoming a foster parent in Tennessee must complete the home study process, which includes PATH (Parents as Tender Healers) training, background checks and home visits.
Free on-going training is offered to our foster parents to help families refine and expand their skills. Reimbursement to offset the costs of raising a child is also provided. Our qualified, professional staff offer in-home case management services and 24/7 crisis support to all our foster parents. Please consider helping change a child’s life by being part of the Camelot Difference.
Billie and David are foster parents with Camelot. They have for well over 100 during their 13 years as foster parents. Billie and David’s perspective on foster parenting is listed below.
- Excitment and Enthusiasm
- Change and Flexibility
- Shopping Trip (every new placement requires one)
- Eruption of emotions, both positive and negative
- Acceptance and Love (Agape Love, love that covers ALL and isn’t based on a feeling or emotion, love that is not earned but is freely given)
- Fear! Am I enough? Even after 100 placements, the eternal battle is always there.
- LOVE, even if it’s in the middle of a battle
- Readiness, change is always coming
- Beautiful pictures, words, hugs
- Battles, emotions, trauma, DCS, Bio Families
- Attachment
- FUN! Make the best of today!
- Hurt
- Empty
- Fear of their (the child’s) tomorrow
- Did we do enough or prepare them?
- Excitement
- When will our next adventure start?
Foster Parent FAQs
Do I have to be married?
Our foster parents are single, married and/or partnered.
Do I have to live in Tennessee?
Yes, we can only license homes in the state of Tennessee.
I have children of my own. Can I still foster children?
We have foster parents who have children and some who have never had their own children.
Do I have to own my home?
Camelot’s foster parents are homeowners and renters. We do require that the residence be structurally sound.
Do I have to have employment?
Our foster parents may be employed or not employed, but must be able to financially meet their own needs.
How much does it cost to become a foster parent in Tennessee?
There is no charge for a foster family home license. However, some families might incur minor costs involved in getting their home into compliance with licensing standards.
Are there other options besides being a full-time foster parent?
Yes, a respite home is a foster home in which a client stays from one to ten days. This may be planned respite or on an emergency basis.
Do you welcome same-sex and/or non-binary couples to foster children?
Absolutely! We are strong supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community and firmly believe that love knows no limits.
Other Foster Parent Requirements
- Be in sufficient good health and able to pass a physical
- Be at least 25 years of age
- Learn and use proven behavioral management skills
- Complete and pass DCS required background checks
- Accept support needed to maintain the child’s placement within the resource home
- Give without the expectation of immediate returns
- Preserve the continuity of the child’s racial, ethnic, and religious beliefs
- Accept and care for a child’s emotional, physical, psychological, and behavioral needs
- Love and care for children
