Qualifications to Foster or Adopt:
The requirements to become a foster or adoptive parent include, but are not limited to:
- Must be at least 21 years of age (CDHS Vol 7.708.22)
- Must be a US citizen, legal Permanent Resident of the US or lawfully present in the US
- Must have adequate space and a bedroom available for the foster child. (May be shared with another child) (7.708.22 B)
- Must have a stable income to support your existing family (7.708.21i)
- Must be healthy enough to care for a child
- Must pass a home study
- Must be approved by our County Departments of Human Services
- Spouses or live-in partners must also be committed to the program
A foster or adoptive family:
- May be of any religion, race, ethnicity or cultural background
- May be married, single, living with a partner
- May rent or own your residence
- May or may not be a parent
- May be with or without children
- Include diverse economic status and family composition
Following are some characteristics that we look for in a foster or adoptive family:
- Ability to establish nurturing, structured relationships with children
- Ability to demonstrate good coping skills and a strong support system
- Ability to provide physical and emotional care and appropriate supervision
- Willingness to learn special skills required to parent a child's specific needs
- Ability to understand and show acceptance of the child's family
- Ability to help a child cope with separation and loss
- Commitment to utilize non-physical forms of discipline
- Awareness of the crises, stresses and social problems that abused and neglected children often suffer
- Ability to handle difficult behaviors, such as defiance, running away, excessive lying, stealing, truancy, sexualized behaviors, aggression, and substance abuse
- Willingness to seek professional assistance for the child or themselves
- Willingness to comply with child welfare rules, regulations and case plans
You will not qualify if any adults in the household have been convicted of any of the following (including any deferred judgment):
- A crime of violence as defined in Section 18-1.3-406, C.R.S.
- Child abuse as specified in Section 18-6-401, C.R.S.
- Felony sexual behavior
- Felony domestic violence
- Felony physical assault or battery
- Felony drug-related/alcohol-related offense within the past five years
For more information about becoming a foster or adoptive parent:
- Learn about the Application Process
- Attend an Information Night
