Not all special needs are visible on the outside

Therapeutic foster parents receive trauma-informed care training and education to address the needs of a child with specific special needs. Since each child's special needs are different, the training will be developed collaboratively between Buckner and the therapeutic foster parent(s).

Safety is a top priority for everyone involved. Buckner works with your family to develop a plan that considers each person in your home. You will also benefit from in-home visits from your dedicated Buckner staff to support and consult on safety for your family.

No. There are many two-parent working therapeutic foster families. However, children with special needs do require extra services sometimes, such as medical therapies or behavioral coaching sessions. It is important for therapeutic foster families to have flexibility with their work schedule when appointments are needed to address and support special needs.

It's not unusual to be fearful of the unknown. In fact, this is how most children entering foster care generally feel. The basic training that all foster parents receive provides trauma-informed care and the basics of parenting a child that has been a victim of abuse and neglect with complex trauma history. Therapeutic foster parents also receive a training plan based on their own strengths and challenges and then customized education on specific special needs.

Unfortunately, children in therapeutic foster care do have additional needs that require documentation, like medical visits, incidents, and educational accommodations to show that the child’s needs are being met in foster care. However, our specialists are here to guide you through paperwork and answer questions. This also gives you a chance to shine as an advocate for a child who really needs a voice to ensure access to equitable services.