About the Children
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 necessary, an investigation is completed. 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. This could include a certified foster home, licensed group home or placement with the child's relatives or individuals in close relationship to the child.
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.
Reasons why children come into care:
- 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 may result from their experiences with abuse, neglect, loss and separation and 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 known information about the child is shared with the foster family prior to placement.
- 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
