Beyond Care Living, Inc. offers foster care services to children who have experienced crisis, disruption, or unsafe living conditions. Our program ensures each child is welcomed into a loving, secure home where their emotional and developmental needs are prioritized. We support foster parents every step of the way with expert training, practical tools, and 24/7 guidance. Children are given the chance to heal, regain confidence, and build trusting relationships at their own pace.
Here are some insights about our children services/foster care program:
What Is Foster Care?
Foster care is a temporary support system for children who cannot safely remain in their own homes due to challenging or unsafe circumstances. Foster parents open their homes to provide safety, love, and stability while the state works toward resolving concerns within the child’s biological family. The primary goal is to reunite the child with their family whenever it is safe to do so. In cases where reunification is not possible, foster parents may be considered for adoption.
Who Is a Foster Parent?
A foster parent is someone who steps in to offer a safe, caring, and temporary home to children in need. They help children grow, heal, and feel supported—whether the child eventually returns to their birth family or finds permanency through adoption. Foster parents should be compassionate, patient, and understanding of the trauma children may have gone through. Although fostering can be emotionally demanding, it is often a deeply meaningful and life-changing experience.
What Does It Take to Become a Foster Parent?
To become a foster parent, you must meet a series of qualifications and complete the required steps:
- Experience: Prior caregiving experience—especially with children or individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities—is preferred.
- Home Interviews: At least one in-home interview is required, with additional visits for couples.
- Documentation: Submission of forms, background clearances, health information, references, and verifications.
- Income and Employment: Proof of stable and adequate income is mandatory.
- Background Checks: Applicants must pass comprehensive criminal and child welfare screenings.
- Home Safety: The home must meet safety requirements such as working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers.
What Are the Background Check Requirements?
Every potential foster parent must pass the following:
- Fingerprinting
- Local police records review
- National Sexual Offender Registry check
- Child Abuse Registry clearance
- Department of Children’s Services (DCS) records review
Applicants with felony convictions related to child or spousal abuse, violent crimes, or recent serious offenses (such as assault or drug/alcohol-related charges within the past five years) will not be eligible.
What Is TN-KEY Training?
TN-KEY is a required training program for future foster parents that introduces them to the child welfare system, trauma-informed care, medical resources, and more. It includes 8 modules to be completed within 60 days, along with required assignments. CPR and First Aid certification is also mandatory and must be renewed every two years.
What Ongoing Requirements Are There for Foster Parents?
- Yearly Training: A minimum of 15 hours of continuing education is required annually.
- Reassessment Every Two Years: A review is conducted to confirm updated safety compliance, financial stability, health status, and adherence to foster care standards.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Foster Parent?
The approval process typically takes several months, depending on how quickly training, documentation, interviews, and safety checks are completed. Timelines may vary based on individual progress.
How Do I Apply to Become a Foster Parent?
To get started, simply fill out the form, and a team member will contact you to guide you through the next steps.