Fostering Young Hearts
Centerstone’s Therapeutic Foster Care Service provides foster care, case management and therapy for children and teenagers in state custody.

Centerstone is looking for loving foster parents who are willing to open their hearts and home to children in need.

Becoming a Foster Parent
Children and teens in state custody are often very vulnerable. Many are victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Some have behavioral and mental obstacles to overcome. Foster parents provide safe and supportive homes for these children.

The children in our program are typically between 12 and 18 years old. Centerstone provides foster parenting services on short and long term bases. Some children need foster parents while working toward reunification with their families. Others need an encouraging home environment while working toward independent living.

Training
All foster parents in our program complete a 10-week course titled “Parents As Tender Healers”—or PATH.

Many children in our programs experienced trauma early in life. Those experiences impaired thei self-esteem, ability to trust and their willingness to build relationships. The PATH course teaches foster parents how to address these core issues. The PATH curriculum helps potential foster parents understand the complex challenges children face, specifically children in state custody.

Support
Each child in our program receives case management services. Centerstone Case Managers meet with children and their foster parents regularly to ensure children receive essential care and foster parents receive desired support.

Centerstone offers additional resources for children and foster parents as needed. Therapists are availabl for in-home visits to help children and foster parents manage complex issues. If more specialized care is needed, children and foster parents attend counseling sessions at Centerstone outpatient clinics.

Mentoring
Centerstone also offers mentoring services for children in our care. Mentoring is ideal for individuals who want to have a positive impact on children, but are not ready to become a foster parent.

Centerstone Mentors are positive role models and have the power to impact a child’s behavior at school, at home and in the community. Mentors develop trusting relationships with children and challenge them to overcome the circumstances that led to the situation.

“Centerstone will prepare you for one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of your life! I hope you will join us as we work together to build healthy homes and offer children the opportunity to live happier lives.”
— Centerstone Foster Parent

Qualifications
Foster parents and mentors must have patience and a desire to work with children who need extra care and support. Additionally, foster parents and mentors must meet the income requirements and:

• Be at least 25 years old
• Have graduated high school
• Submit three letters of recommendation
• Have full coverage auto insurance
• Complete a Centerstone background check
• Abide by confidentiality policies
• Have at least one year of experience working with youth
• Have availability to spend with children in the evenings and on weekends

Have questions?
Visit our Foster Parent FAQ to learn the answers to common questions about becoming a foster parent. You can also contact us for more information at fostercare@centerstone.org.