Colorado Foster Care Requirements Are Inclusive And Accessible
Here is a snapshot of key requirements. To foster you:
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Can be single, married or with a domestic partner.
- Can own or rent a home, condo or apartment, as long as it has room for a child.
- Can work inside or outside the home; couples who both work outside the home are eligible
- Must have sufficient income to support your family.
- Must be physically able to care for a child.
- Must pass required background checks.
- Must demonstrate a responsible, stable and emotionally mature lifestyle.
Colorado is committed to inclusion. There are no restrictions on who can foster based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or expression, gender identity or marital status.
View kids in our state’s foster care system who are eligible to be adopted.
Connect with other foster parents, experts and resources–use the form below.
Become trauma aware and invite your support network to do the same.
Connect with Foster Friendly businesses, faith communities and other organizations showing up for Colorado’s kinship and foster families.
We Offer Valuable Fostering Resources and Experienced Guidance
Step 1: Get Connected
If you’ve thought about fostering. but aren’t sure if you have what it takes, the best first step is to attend an information session in your county.
We’re here to accompany you on your journey. Use this form to connect with us, and we’ll provide resources and support to help you each step of the way.
Not sure if fostering is right for you or which agency to choose? Use this form below for help getting connected.
Colorado Kids Belong Recruitment Manager, Courtney Williams. suggests, “Attend an orientation…or three!”
Step 2: Find An Information Meeting In Your County
Typically the first step to become certified to foster is to attend an information meeting hosted by the county in which you live. If your county is listed below click on it to get more details. If you don’t see your county use our form to connect with our recruitment team.
Updated May 2023
A Few Helpful Hints As You Begin
The first goal of foster care always is reunification with the biological family.
The county does not charge a fee for getting licensed to foster, however, the license only covers your county of residence.
Child placement agencies (CPA) usually charge for licensing, but it extends statewide.
Adopting has additional requirements beyond those required to foster.
Adopting Through Foster Care Is A Lifelong Commitment
Adoption helps kids who cannot be reunified with their families meet the core needs of every child: legal status, social status, educational opportunities, and the love and commitment of a family.
The needs of the child take priority in determining a family match. The hope and expectation of a family that pursues adoption is to commit to an unconditional, lifetime relationship with a child.
For children in foster care who already have suffered trauma and loss, adoption must be pursued with deep intentionality, awareness and commitment.