- Collaborative Foster Care
- Where to Start
- Information Meeting
Information Meeting
What is an Information Meeting?
Information Meetings are open to any interested member of the public to learn more about foster care through Collaborative Foster Care Program (CFCP) of Arapahoe, Douglas and Jefferson Counties. There is no cost to attend. All Information Meetings are virtual via Zoom.
CFCP staff will present the requirements and considerations for becoming a foster parent. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to ask questions of our team members. Attendance at an Information Meeting is required before you are provided pre-application paperwork and before beginning the Pre-Service Training.
Register
While we are holding information meetings virtually, registration is required 24 hours in advance to receive video conference link. For available dates and to register click the registration page. A link to access the Zoom meeting will be emailed to you the morning of the scheduled meeting.
Note - Due to the nature of the content in this meeting please ensure children are not in attendance.
Questions? Call 303-636-1KID (1543) or email CFCP.
Begin Your Journey into Foster Care
We estimate the process to become certified with our program will take approximately 6 months. Here are the steps needed to begin your journey into foster care with the Collaborative Foster Care Program.
Step 1: Information Meeting
Information Meetings will provide you with a brief overview of the youth in foster care, the role of a foster parent, and the process to becoming certified with Collaborative Foster Care Program. Attendance at an Information Meeting is required before you will be provided pre-application paperwork and before beginning the Pre-Service Training.
Step 2: Pre-Application Paperwork & Meeting
After attending an Information Meeting, you will receive information on accessing the online portal, which will walk you through how to apply to become a certified provider. Once you submit the pre-application, we will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your desires to become a foster family.
Step 3: Pre-Service Training
The Collaborative Foster Care Program will provide you with 30 hours of required Pre-service Training prior to certification. Training series are 5 weeks long, two nights per week (Tuesday and Thursday), from 6 to 9 p.m. We have training series scheduled throughout the year.
Our training will strengthen your ability to care for youth who have experienced significant trauma. The better prepared you are to handle challenging behaviors, mental health, or special needs, the more stability you will be able to provide for youth in foster care. Training topics include trauma, cultural needs, impacts of abuse, child development, attachment, grief and loss, discipline techniques, reunification, preparing for placement, and the importance of a support team.
Step 4: Application
Families will fill out an application through an online portal that will walk you through the process. Access to the portal will be provided to you at the Information Meeting.
Step 5: Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) Home Study Process
As a prospective foster family you must participate in the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) home study process. A SAFE home study is an overall assessment of the physical and emotional environment of your home and family. Interviews are conducted with each member of your household.
Step 6: Approval, Withdrawal or Denial of Certification Application
The home study is reviewed by our program during a Certification Review Team Meeting regarding your family’s strengths and/or challenges and a decision will be made regarding approval or denial of the foster care application.
- If approved, your family will become eligible for one or more children to be placed in your home.
- You are able to withdraw from the application process at any time by informing a member of our team. If certification is not suitable for either the prospective foster family or the program, application withdrawal may be requested.
- If denied, your family will receive written notification and instructions for submitting an appeal, if desired.