How Children Enter Foster Care
Children come to the attention of the child welfare system in Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties when the Department of Human Services receives a report that the child may have been abused or neglected.
If there is an immediate safety concern in the home, the child may be removed from the home for his/her own protection and placed by court order in temporary out-of-home care.
Primary reasons why children come into care:
In Jefferson and Arapahoe Counties (on average):
- The majority of children in out-of-home placement will return to their parents or relatives.
- A small percentage of children in out-of-home placement become legally free and eligible for adoption.
- Neglect
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Medical Neglect
- Other
The children:
- Come from diverse social, ethnic and economic backgrounds
- Include all ages, from birth to 18
- 40% on average are teenagers
- Include sibling groups
Not all of our children have special needs, but the majority does face emotional, behavioral, medical or developmental challenges, which might require treatment. Some children may withdraw, while others act out or lie. They may exhibit behavior such as truancy, running away and defiance. Some may also be involved in other court systems, including judicial, municipal or truancy court.
All available information about the child is shared with the foster family prior to placement, including relevant social, medical and educational history, behavior problems, court involvement and parental visitation plans.
Families that can handle challenging parenting situations and commit to being "on duty" all day, every day, are needed to foster and adopt. These families must be able to provide for a child unconditionally and know that even when they don't feel appreciated, they are helping to prevent future cycles of abuse, and giving a child hope.
- Review the Roles of a Foster Parent and Adoptive Parent
- Attend an Information Night
"Magical things happen when you
love a child unconditionally"
-Paige, foster and adoptive parent
