- Home
- » Glossary - T
Glossary - T
Many child welfare terms are subject to interpretation. The Glossary identifies commonly held definitions for terms that can be found on the Child Welfare Information Gateway website. It defines common acronyms and includes links to information on major Federal legislation and related child welfare terms. The Glossary will be updated as new terminology emerges in the field, as new legislation is enacted, and as child welfare terms take on new meaning.
For additional information on glossary terms, please see our index Search A-Z.
temporarily accredited agency (in intercountry adoption)
An agency that has been accredited on a temporary basis by an accrediting entity to provide adoption services in the United States in cases subject to the Convention.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
A program that provides assistance and work opportunities to needy families by granting States the Federal funds and wide flexibility to develop and implement their own welfare programs. The focus of the program is to help move recipients into work and to turn welfare into a program of temporary assistance.
termination of parental rights (TPR)
Voluntary or involuntary legal severance of the rights of a parent to the care, custody, and control of a child and to any benefits that, by law, would flow to the parent from the child, such as inheritance.
therapeutic foster care
Intensive care provided by foster parents who have received special training to care for a wide variety of children and adolescents, usually those with significant emotional, behavioral, or social problems or medical needs. Therapeutic foster parents typically receive additional supports and services.
TPR (see termination of parental rights)
transition, independent living, and self-sufficiency services
Those programs, services, and opportunities intended to support young people in out-of-home care to develop to their full potential; contribute to their schools, programs, and the community; and succeed in work, family, and community life as adults. Also see independent living program.
trauma
An event or situation in which a child's fundamental needs for physical safety and emotional security are not met.
treatment foster care (see therapeutic foster care)
Tribe, Tribal
To view the procedures for establishing that an American Indian group exists as an Indian Tribe, see Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations.