Therapeutic home based care

Therapeutic Home Based Care, often shortened to THBC is a specialised form of foster care for children and young people who have experienced trauma and need a higher level of emotional and behavioural support in a stable home environment. It is different from general foster care in that THBC carers receive additional training, support, and resources to care for children with complex needs. The focus is on healing trauma through consistent, therapeutic relationships. THBC carers typically suppirt children and young people aged 7–17 years. Placements can be short-term, long-term, or until the child transitions to independence. Stability is a key goal. We carefully match our carers with a child based on your strengths, preferences and capacity.

Eligibility & Requirements

• No formal qualifications are required, but experience in caring roles (eg. parenting, teaching, nursing, youth work) is helpful. You’ll receive comprehensive training and ongoing support.
• Some people are able to work and still be a therapeutic carer. It depends on the child’s needs. Some placements may require a carer to be home full-time or have flexible work arrangement
• You do not need to own your own home. You can rent as long as it’s safe, stable, and has a spare bedroom.

Support & Training

You’ll receive trauma informed care training, behaviour management strategies, and ongoing professional development tailored to therapeutic care, plus:

• 24/7 on-call support
• A dedicated caseworker
• Regular break from caring (we call this respite)
• Therapeutic specialists (psychologists, behaviour support)
• Peer support groups

Financial Questions

Therapeutic carers receive a higher reimbursement than general foster carers to reflect the additional responsibilities and needs of the child. You’ll also be reimbursed for approved expenses. The allowance is designed to cover the child’s needs, but some carers choose to go above and beyond.

Would you like to find out more? We can pop in for a causal info session or put you in contact with a current carer. You don’t have to commit, we understand it’s a big decision.

For more information:
P: 1800 324 924
E: info@catholiccaredbb.org.au