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Therapeutic and Treatment Foster Care in Colorado

Give kids with complex needs the chance to heal in a family setting

A smiling teenager wearing headphones

Therapeutic and treatment foster care in Colorado is unique. There is a significant need for therapeutic and treatment foster care. This type of foster care home offers children and teens with complex emotional, behavioral and mental health needs a safe, family-like home with extra support. Foster parents in this program receive specialized training and support to give kids the care and stability they need to heal and grow.

Why It Matters

Right now in Colorado, more than 200 children and youth who have complex mental and behavioral health needs live in group homes or residential treatment centers. With more therapeutic foster homes, these young people can get personalized treatment and support in a more community-based setting while experiencing the care of a nurturing family.

Play the video: Why Therapeutic and Treatment Foster Care Matters

Why Therapeutic and Treatment Foster Care Matters

There is a significant need to expand therapeutic and treatment foster homes in Colorado.

  • Over 200 children & youth need help

    More than 200 children and youth in foster care require personalized treatment and support, due to complex mental and behavioral health needs.

  • But, less than 85 homes are available

    Right now, there are only 13 treatment foster homes and 71 therapeutic foster homes across the state, which is far fewer than what is needed.

    Only 72 children and teens currently live in a therapeutic or treatment foster care home in Colorado.

By adding more homes, this means more kids and teens will receive:

More Family-Based Care

In therapeutic or treatment foster care settings, children and youth with complex needs can grow in safe, supportive homes instead of more restrictive group or residential settings.

Two foster parents standing together in front of their home

Therapeutic foster care in Colorado helps children heal while staying connected to their communities.

How to Become a Therapeutic or Treatment Foster Parent in Colorado

If you’re interested in becoming a certified therapeutic or treatment foster parent in Colorado, please visit one of the following agencies to get started:

Meet Therapeutic & Treatment Families in Colorado

There are hundreds of foster families across Colorado, and many of these incredible caregivers have stepped up to become therapeutic and treatment foster parents.

Explore their stories and learn more about what it means to be a therapeutic or treatment caregiver in Colorado.

Play the video: Inside Foster Care — Meet Wendy
Play the video: Meet Matthew and Yvette
Get to Know More T&T Families in Colorado

FAQs Therapeutic & Treatment Foster Care

Explore T&T Foster Care FAQs

Who Can Become a Therapeutic or Treatment Foster Parent?

Anyone who qualifies as a traditional foster care parent can take the extra steps to become a therapeutic or treatment foster parent. Because children and teens with complex needs require higher levels of care, this role is often a good fit for:

  • Experienced foster parents
  • Educators
  • Mental health professionals
  • Law enforcement officers
  • Residential treatment staff
  • Medical professionals

With some patience, empathy and commitment, you could make a difference in a child’s life, and training can provide you with the skills you need to succeed.

What is the Difference Between Therapeutic and Treatment Foster Care?

Both therapeutic foster care (TFC) and treatment foster care (sometimes called professional foster care) are specialized, family-based care options for youth with higher needs. The main differences include:

  • Level of intensity
  • Training required
  • Support provided
  • Reimbursement available

Therapeutic foster care is appropriate when children require enhanced emotional or behavioral support above traditional foster care—but can still be safely and effectively supported in a home with less intensive structure.

  • Can care for up to 6 children or youth
  • 12 additional training hours required
  • Bi-weekly support visits from professional staff

Treatment foster care is reserved for youth with more severe behavioral or mental health needs who may otherwise require residential placement—offering a clinically informed family-based alternative.

  • Can care for 1 child or youth, or a maximum of 2
  • 32 additional training hours required
  • Weekly care coordination/team meetings

Both models give kids the chance to grow in a supportive family setting instead of a group or residential placement.

What Training & Support Will I Receive?

Colorado’s therapeutic and treatment foster parents receive extensive pre-service training using the Pressley Ridge curriculum. This is an evidence-based program designed to equip caregivers with advanced skills.

  • Therapeutic foster care: 12 additional hours of specialized training
  • Treatment foster care: 32 additional hours of specialized training

Ongoing support helps foster parents feel confident, connected and ready to provide the right intensive care, allowing children and teens to heal and thrive.