A Parent's Guide to Therapeutic Foster Care in Tennessee
Become a Foster Parent with Bair
Have you ever felt a pull to do something more, something that makes a lasting impact on another person’s life? Many people across Tennessee feel this call but aren’t sure where to begin, or if they are even qualified for such a responsibility.
If this sounds like you, learning about therapeutic foster care in Knoxville and throughout Tennessee could be the answer. You may already know about foster care, but therapeutic foster care goes deeper. It provides specialized, trauma-informed support to children and teens who need more than a safe home, they need healing.
At The Bair Foundation, we walk alongside foster parents in Knoxville, equipping them with the tools, training, and ongoing support to help children who have experienced trauma begin to heal and thrive.
What is therapeutic foster care?
Traditional foster care provides children with safety and stability in a nurturing home. Therapeutic foster care, sometimes referred to as Level 3 Foster Care in Tennessee, goes beyond that. It is designed for children who have survived neglect, abuse, or other trauma and need intensive emotional and behavioral support.
Think of it this way: traditional foster care is a safe harbor in a storm. Therapeutic foster care is like being the skilled captain and crew helping a child rebuild their ship and learn to sail again.
Children in therapeutic foster care are not “bad kids.” Their challenging behaviors are symptoms of the pain they’ve endured. As a therapeutic foster parent in Knoxville, your role is to guide them toward healing, working with professionals, using trauma-informed parenting techniques, and integrating therapy into daily life.
At The Bair Foundation, we prepare parents for this important role through specialized training and round-the-clock support.
“As a Program Director, I see every day how therapeutic foster care changes lives. It’s not just about placing children in homes — it’s about equipping families with the support and resources they need, so kids can experience stability, healing, and hope for a brighter future.” – Program Director of our Knoxville, Tennessee office, Stasi Armstrong
Therapeutic vs traditional foster care in Tennessee
Here’s how therapeutic foster care in Tennessee differs from traditional foster care:
| Aspect | Therapeutic Foster Care | Traditional Foster Care |
| Child’s Needs | Supports children with trauma and intensive emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs. | Provides safety and stability for children without intensive therapeutic services. |
| Parent Training | Advanced trauma-informed training through programs like PATH (Parents As Tender Healers). | Includes standard pre-service and in-service training, such as Tennessee KEY curriculum. |
| Support | Foster parents partner with therapists, case managers, and social workers with frequent check-ins. | Foster parents receive support but with less frequent oversight. |
| Reimbursement | Higher daily stipend covering the costs of caring for children with complex needs. | Standard stipend to cover basic care expenses. |
| Number of Children | One or two children at a time, except for sibling groups. | Homes may have more children if they meet space and safety requirements. |
| Caregiver Schedule | Flexible schedule and strong family support. | Can accommodate working parents or single caregivers with proper supervision plans. |
| Placement Length | Often longer-term to provide stability for trauma recovery. | Can be short- or long-term. |
| Goal of Care | Focused on trauma healing and long-term stability. | Focused on providing a safe, loving environment while permanency is sought. |
Who can be a therapeutic foster parent in Tennessee?
Many people wonder if they’re qualified. The truth is, you don’t need a perfect background, a big house, or a special degree. What you do need is patience, resilience, and a willingness to learn.
At The Bair Foundation, we believe the most important qualifications are compassion and consistency. Children need adults who won’t give up on them, even on the hard days.
“Every child in foster care deserves more than just a safe place to sleep — they deserve the chance to heal, grow, and thrive. Therapeutic care gives us the tools to address the wounds of trauma, so that these kids aren’t defined by their past but empowered for their future.” National Clinical Director, Mandy Anderson
Tennessee foster parent Requirements
To ensure children are placed in safe, stable homes, Tennessee has a clear set of foster parent requirements. These safeguards are designed to protect children while preparing you for success.
According to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, foster parents must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be a legal Tennessee resident for at least three months before applying
- Pass criminal background checks for all adults in the home
- Provide five personal references
- Show financial stability
- Have a safe home with space for a child
- Complete PATH (Parents As Tender Healers) training
- Participate in a home study process
The process usually takes 3–6 months. At our Knoxville, Tennessee, Bair Foundation office, our team guides you every step.
The Licensing Process for therapeutic foster care in Knoxville
The journey to becoming a therapeutic foster parent in Tennessee includes several key steps:
- Information and Orientation Sessions – Learn about the foster care system and ask questions in a no-pressure environment.
- Application and Background Checks – Submit paperwork, references, and permissions for screenings.
- Home Study – A collaborative process to ensure your home is safe and to understand your family dynamics and motivations.
- Specialized Trauma-Informed Training – Complete PATH training plus trauma-informed care training tailored for therapeutic foster parents.
The Bair Foundation in Knoxville provides the additional training and personalized support needed for success in therapeutic foster care.
Knoxville foster parent support
One of the greatest fears for new foster parents is being left to manage everything alone. Therapeutic foster parents with The Bair Foundation in Knoxville receive:
- 24/7 access to professional staff for crisis support
- Regular home visits and check-ins from social workers
- Connection to other foster parents through support groups
- Access to respite care when you need a break
This network of support ensures you always have someone to turn to.
A Day in the Life of a Therapeutic Foster Parent
Daily life as a therapeutic foster parent means creating structure, safety, and predictability. It could include:
- Helping a child practice calming techniques when overwhelmed
- Setting and maintaining loving boundaries
- Advocating for their educational services
- Attending therapy or team meetings
- Celebrating small victories along the way
Everyday routines become powerful opportunities for healing.
Matching children with Knoxville Families
Child placement in therapeutic foster care is never random. At our Knoxville Bair Foundation office, we carefully match children with families based on needs, strengths, and family dynamics. You’ll have a voice in the process and the opportunity to ensure it’s the right fit for your home.
Knoxville FAQs
Do I have to be married to foster?
No. Tennessee welcomes single parents, married couples, divorced, or widowed individuals who can provide a stable home.
Will I receive financial support?
Yes. Foster parents in Tennessee receive a daily stipend, with higher reimbursement for therapeutic foster care due to the greater level of need.
Can fostering lead to adoption?
Sometimes. If reunification isn’t possible in Tennessee, and a child becomes legally free for adoption, foster parents are often given first consideration.
Take the first step in Knoxville
Becoming a therapeutic foster parent in Tennessee is a big decision, but it’s also one of the most impactful choices you can make. Children in therapeutic foster care need consistent, loving adults who are willing to help them heal from trauma and build a brighter future.
We serve foster families in Knoxville and the surrounding East Tennessee are within a fifty-mile radius of our office. Whether you live in Knox County, or nearby communities, our team is here to guide and support you.
At our Knoxville office at Bair, we provide the training, resources, and 24/7 support you need to succeed in this calling. If you feel the tug on your heart to make a difference, we encourage you to talk with our Knoxville office representatives to take the next step.
Visit our Knoxville office’s location page here
On average, 200,000 children enter the system each year. Our work is never done.
You can take the first step toward providing the loving home that every kid deserves.
Become a Foster parent