The day-to-day reality
What a week in a therapeutic foster home actually looks like — the good parts, the hard parts, and the routines that make it work.
Free online information session
Thinking about becoming a foster parent? Start here.
Join Tom and Angela for an honest, unhurried conversation about what therapeutic foster care actually looks like in Indiana and Kentucky — who it's for, what to expect, and the support you'd have along the way.
Register for the session
Free · No commitment · Bring your questions
What we'll cover
A straight answer to "what am I actually signing up for?"
The support you'd have
Specialized training, a dedicated case worker, 24/7 on-call support, and a daily stipend to offset the cost of care. You're not doing this alone.
Whether it's a fit for you
Requirements for Indiana and Kentucky, how long the licensing process takes, and honest answers to the questions people don't always ask out loud.
Your hosts
Two people who've done this work for a long time
Tom Pechous
State Program Director · Indiana
Tom leads Benchmark's therapeutic foster care program across Indiana, partnering with families and caseworkers to place children in homes where they can actually heal.
Angela Johnston
State Program Director · Kentucky
Angela runs Benchmark's Kentucky program and has walked hundreds of prospective foster parents through the licensing process — from first question to first placement.
Frequently asked
Questions people usually have before they register
Do I have to commit to anything by attending?
No. The session is informational. You're welcome to attend, listen, and decide the next step (or no next step) on your own timeline.
What if I can't attend live?
We run these sessions monthly — if May 7 doesn't work, watch for our next session date. You can also email us directly at any time; we're happy to answer questions one-on-one.
Is this really free?
Yes. There's no cost, no pitch for a paid program, and no credit card required. Becoming a licensed foster parent through Benchmark is also free.
Who should attend?
Anyone in Indiana or Kentucky who's curious about therapeutic foster care — empty nesters, first-time parents, working professionals, retired couples. There's no single "right" background.
What technology do I need?
Just a computer, tablet, or phone with internet access. The session runs on Microsoft Teams — you can join right from your browser, no download required.
Will I be on camera?
No. Attendees join in listen-only mode — no camera or microphone required (or available). You'll ask questions through the chat, and Tom and Angela will answer them live.
Ready to join us on May 7?
Registration takes about 30 seconds. We'll send a confirmation email with the link to join and a reminder the day before.
Register for the sessionQuestions? Email info@benchmarkfs.org