Prospective foster parents must:
• be at least 21 years old*
• be a Tennessee resident for a minimum of three consecutive months prior to approval
• be a U.S. citizen or approved as a Legal Permanent Resident
• have all adult household members pass background checks
• have safe housing and reliable transportation
• have stable and sufficient income to cover the cost of your household expenses
• be physically healthy enough to carry out the duties of a foster parent
• have pets vaccinated in accordance with local and state laws
*Relatives age 18 or older may be considered to become foster parents for a sibling or other blood relative.
All prospective foster parents must complete the pre-service training curriculum, TN KEY (Knowledge Empowers You). During training, you will attend an Informational Meeting, four trauma-informed learning modules, CPR and First Aid, Medical Resources and Information, six hours of on-demand therapeutic training courses, and a MAP (Mutual Assessment Process) Meeting.
Additionally, you will provide a historical and current overview of yourself and your household through a Foster Parent Application, questionnaire, and various licensure forms.
Lastly, you will participate in a home study, which includes but is not limited to, submitting verification documents, home visits and interviews with a home study writer, home safety assessment, and criminal history and background checks.
The training and licensure process typically takes four to five months to complete in its entirety.
We strive to provide the utmost support to each of our foster families. Our Foster Care Team provides case management, in-home visitation and support, treatment planning, transportation assistance, family visit facilitation, and coordination with DCS and the other members of the child's team. SMCH foster families receive ongoing trauma-informed education, an adequate monthly stipend to meet the needs of each child, a minimum of two days of paid respite each month as well as respite coordination, support during times of crisis or placement instability, and around-the-clock access to a member of our team.
Smoky Mountain Children’s Home is licensed to care for children ages 0-21. While quality foster homes are needed in general; historically, sibling groups and teenagers have fewer placement options and typically wait longer for placement.
The average time a child remains in foster care is 20 months; however, a child may be in your home for a few weeks, months, or even years. The length of time a child spends in foster care depends on parental participation in their plan and the needs of the child.
Yes, you are able to specify the age range and gender your family feels best equipped to care for.