Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the Treatment Foster Parent [TFP] Program of Youth & Family Services.
Q: Do I need to be Catholic to apply for the TFP position?
A: No.
Q: Do I need to take a program youth to a Catholic church - or another denomination?
A: Only if the youth wants to attend and participate. Our agency does not insist that youth or TFP's attend church services. We encourage spiritual growth for program youth and will support any type of religious service he/she wishes to attend.
Q: Do I have to be married to apply for the TFP position?
A: No, our agency has several single-parent homes and they do quite well with program youth. However, if you are living intimately with another person, you must be legally married in order to qualify.
Q: May I have my own children while being a TFP?
A: Yes. The state will allow up to five children in the home (counting your own biological children). We ask that you provide care for at least two program youth.
Q: What effect will program youth have on my own children?
A: Our experience has been very positive. The program youth often exhibit protective attitudes and behaviors toward the TFP's biological children. However, our agency personnel trains and supports TFP's to set appropriate boundaries in the home to avoid volatile situations.
Q: How big does my house need to be?
A: There is no minimum size required. However, program youth are not allowed to sleep in the same room as any TFP family members. Same gender program youth can share a room with each other, but must have separate beds (twin, full or bunkbeds). There is a detailed list of home requirements contained in the packet - "Risk Management Checklist."