StepStone Family & Youth Services of Tennessee

The Care Children Need. The Support Foster Parents Need.

Foster care is more than just a temporary solution; it’s an essential support system for children and families in crisis. StepStone Family and Youth Services understands this deeply, offering a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth, and providing the necessary support for foster parents who make a lasting difference in their lives. At StepStone, the mission is clear: to create a place where every child is cared for and every foster parent has the tools and resources they need to thrive. 

Serving Children with Diverse Needs

The children in foster care come from a variety of backgrounds and have different needs. Some face intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities, while others are typically developing children in search of a safer, more stable environment. Many of these young individuals have experienced neglect, trauma, or instability, making it all the more critical for them to have a loving and supportive home.

StepStone recognizes these challenges and works tirelessly to match children with dedicated foster families who can offer the care and stability they need. Whether a child needs specialized care or just a fresh start in a safer environment, StepStone provides the resources and support to make the transition as smooth as possible.

The Support Foster Parents Need

While foster children face many hurdles, foster parents also encounter unique challenges. StepStone goes beyond just placing children in homes; they are dedicated to ensuring that foster parents have the knowledge, training, and ongoing support to positively impact in a child's life.

As part of the StepStone family, foster parents receive comprehensive support throughout the entire process. From pre-service training to ongoing guidance, StepStone ensures that foster parents are ready to handle the complexities of their new role. Some of the key services provided to foster parents include:

Pre-service training: Foster parents are trained to handle the challenges that may arise when caring for children from various backgrounds and needs.

Licensing assistance: StepStone helps foster parents complete licensing requirements and apply for their foster care license.

Continuous support: Once a child is placed in a foster home, StepStone offers ongoing support, ensuring that foster parents have the resources and guidance they need to succeed.

Foster parents must also undergo background checks and complete extensive training, including medication administration, CPR, and first aid. This preparation ensures that foster parents are well-equipped to handle both everyday situations and emergencies.

Why StepStone?

StepStone Family and Youth Services is committed to creating lasting change in the lives of children, youth, and families. The organization understands that children need more than just a roof over their heads—they need a safe, supportive environment where they can heal, grow, and thrive. At the same time, foster families need more than just a placement; they need ongoing support and the tools to make a difference in a child’s life.

StepStone provides things, offering a holistic approach that focuses on the well-being of both children and foster parents. Their services create a win-win situation: children receive the care and stability they need, and foster families are supported with the resources and guidance required to succeed in their important roles.

The benefits of becoming a foster parent with StepStone are numerous:

Competitive per diem rates: Foster parents are financially supported to ensure they can provide for the children in their care.

Hassle-free payments: StepStone takes the stress out of managing payments, ensuring foster families can focus on what matters most—caring for the children.

Resources and assistance: Whether it's additional training or help during difficult moments, StepStone always offers guidance and support.

Continuous training: StepStone offers ongoing opportunities for foster parents to enhance their skills and knowledge.

StepStone's Impact on Families and Communities

StepStone's approach to foster care is built on the belief that every child deserves a safe, loving home, and every foster parent deserves the support and training they need to make a lasting impact. This approach doesn’t just change the lives of the children in foster care; it also strengthens families and communities.

By providing children with a supportive environment, StepStone helps them heal from past trauma and gives them the tools to build a better future. At the same time, StepStone helps foster parents develop positive relationships with the children they care for, fostering an environment where children and families can flourish.

StepStone’s mission goes beyond just providing temporary homes for children—it’s about building a stronger, more compassionate community where children can thrive, and foster families can feel supported in their caregiving roles.

Join the StepStone Family

Becoming a foster parent is a deeply rewarding experience but can also be challenging without the right support. That’s why StepStone Family and Youth Services is committed to walking alongside every foster family, offering the training, guidance, and financial support needed to make a real difference in a child's life.

If you're interested in joining StepStone and providing a loving, stable home for a child in need, StepStone is here to support you every step of the way. For more information or to apply to become a foster parent, visit https://www.stepstoneyouth.com/.

Becoming a foster parent with StepStone, makes you part of a community dedicated to transforming lives. You help provide the care children need while receiving the ongoing support you deserve. Together, we can make a lasting difference.