Providing foster care services to middle Tennessee for over twenty-one years.
Proudly serving youth and foster families in twenty-five counties across Tennessee.
There is a continuous need for compassionate, qualified foster homes for children in our area. When a child’s needs are not being met, they require a safe, supportive, and nurturing foster home until they can either return to their biological family or find an alternate path to permanency.
Becoming a foster parent has a profound impact on the youth in care, their biological families, and the community. By offering safety and stability, foster parents promote well-being, growth, and opportunities for achievement.
Take the first step to becoming a foster parent
Foster Parent Requirements
Must reside in a home, apartment, or condo with enough space to meet the child’s needs. In addition, the following requirements must be met:
• Age 25 +
• Pass a drug screen
• Pass a complete state and federal background check
• Have health insurance and complete a medical exam
• Have a valid Tennessee Driver’s License and auto insurance
• Meet home safety requirements
Process of becoming a foster parent
You’ll start your journey toward becoming a foster parent by completing the licensing application and home study, while also attending pre-service training classes.
• Completion of the licensing application
• Participation in pre-service training
• Completion of the home study process
• A positive recommendation to the State Licensing Office
• Approval of the licensing request from your state Department of Community Based Services (DCBS)
Foster Family Support Services
How does StepStone help foster parents?
We help foster parents by providing emotional, physical and monetary support. We offer 24/7 access so foster parents always have a resource available in the case of a crisis. The staff collaborates with other professionals in the area to ensure all the needs of the children in our program are met. Our network within each community is there to provide each child with what they need to succeed.
How do foster parents prepare a child for success?
When a child is placed in a foster home, we help all members of a family work together in a positive manner. Our families are responsible for maintaining the child’s educational and vocational needs. Educational support is paramount in helping foster children through school and setting them up for success as they transition to adulthood and/or finding forever homes.
Foster parents also assist with the adoption process for some of our youth. They help by preparing the children to transition from their foster home to a potential pre-adoptive placement. Within the adoption process, foster parents assist with completing necessary documentation to assist with the adoption process paperwork.