Colorado State's Requirements to Become a Foster Parent

General Requirements

• Potential foster families in Colorado undergo an intense application and training process. In general, you must carefully consider the commitment before agreeing to become a foster parent. The Colorado Department of Human Services says that a successful foster parent can provide a stable and structured environment, and is committed, caring, patient, flexible and prepared to accept the challenge of dealing with potentially difficult cases. The state does not have requirements for sex, race or financial status, although potential foster parents do need to have sufficient financial security to maintain their home, whether it is owned or rented. Applicants must be at least 21 years old.

Orientation

• All potential foster parents in Colorado must attend a foster parent orientation, where they can learn more about foster parenting and its responsibilities. The orientation covers the application process, the training process and information about legal procedures relating to foster parenting.

Application

• Foster parents in Colorado must complete the Colorado Department of Human Services application to care for children, which can be acquired at your county department or from the private child placement agency that you wish to work with. All applicants will undergo a Colorado and national background check for criminal records and previous child abuse charges.

Training

• Once your application is approved, you will undergo training classes taught by child welfare professionals. The training classes cover common issues that come up in foster care situations, including legal issues, discipline, handling family dynamics and working with birth families.

Family Assessment

• Colorado conducts family assessments, also called home studies, of all potential foster parents. These are a series of interviews conducted in your home with case workers or other child welfare professionals, covering the physical and social environment, your background, values, personal characteristics, family dynamics, and parenting skills and preparation.

Next Steps

• When you complete all of the application steps, you may be approved to have foster children placed in your home. If a child is placed in your home, you will receive a monthly stipend to cover expenses, and the child's medical expenses will be covered by Medicaid. You will also have a caseworker, who will assist you with meeting the child's needs and coordinating care.