Treatment Foster Care (TFC) is a fast-growing part of the children's services array in Kentucky. The literature also refers to this type of treatment as therapeutic foster care, specialized foster care, or foster family-based care or treatment. It is an attractive option when a child needs overnight care, due to the flexibility in treatment interventions and geographic location, and because it is a less restrictive environment than other types of out-of-home placement.

Treatment foster care has typically been provided by private child-caring agencies for children in the custody of the Department for Community Based Services (child welfare). However, it is quickly becoming a recognized treatment option for children with severe emotional disabilities and for youth in the custody of the Department for Juvenile Justice. As a result, many Community Mental Health Centers provide treatment foster care in areas all across the state.

See the Related Links box for a list of treatment foster care programs operated by Community Mental Health Centers. Additional providers of treatment foster care services are available through the IMPACT Plus program. For additional information about these providers, please visit the IMPACT Plus program page (see Related Links).

Use the Contact Information for inquiries or comments about treatment foster care in Kentucky.

For information about additional resources that provide information and support for foster parents and foster children or individuals who may be considering fostering children, see TFC Resources in the Related Links box.

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