Children’s Foster Care
As a CPA (Child Placement Agency), we provide children’s foster care services in certified foster homes in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). We assist in the facilitation of the placement of the child into the foster home and ongoing support and oversight of the children and the foster parents. Children’s Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP) services help youth learn and maintain the skills needed to live in their communities.
Colorado is committed to inclusion and has no restrictions on who can foster based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status. Foster parents must be able to use sound judgment like a prudent parent and demonstrate a responsible, stable, and emotionally mature environment.
When it comes to foster children, one size does not fit all. Most youth enter foster care due to abuse, neglect or other family challenges. They come from diverse ethnic and cultural populations and are generally birth to 18 years of age (sometimes teens stay in foster care after their 18th birthday). They may have special medical, physical, developmental, psychological and emotional needs, low self-esteem, poor hygiene or poor academic performance. The child may belong to a sibling group or be an only child.
Foster Families receive a monthly reimbursement to offset the costs of providing food, shelter, clothing, and other related expenses. The rate varies and may depend upon the age of the child and the level of care they need. The Foster Parent is not expected to pay for medical or dental care. These expenses are generally covered by Medicaid.
A child or youth may be in foster care for one night, several months, or, in some cases, several years. Our ultimate goal is the reunification of the child with their family. The time spent in foster care is dependent upon each parent’s situation and their ability to engage in services to keep the children or youth safe so that they can be reunited. Children may leave foster care to live with a relative or another adult with whom they have a significant relationship. Adoption of the child may also be a possibility.
Colorado rules allow up to four children or youth in foster care to live in a foster home at one time. There can be no more than eight children, including the foster parents’ biological children, living in the home. Space requirements, the foster family’s preference, the home study, and funding sources are all considered when determining how many children can live in the home.
You will receive all the trainings required that will give you the skills to be a great foster parent and provide an excellent experience for your foster children. We will provide regular home visits with a member of our team to ensure all needs are being met for both you and the child.
Although you will not be able to specifically choose the child you foster, you are able to choose the age, gender, and other characteristics such as a medically fragile or child with Intellectual or developmental disabilities. Placements are made with foster families based on the compatibility of the child’s needs and the skills and resources of the foster parent. The Overture Placement Supervisor will discuss and review a child’s needs and supports with the foster family to ensure the right fit prior to placement. Foster parents have the final say in deciding whether to accept or decline the placement of a foster child in their home.
The time it takes to become a foster parent varies for everyone but typically it takes 2-3 months. You can expect to have several home visits and interviews, a home study, a home inspection, and various background checks along with fingerprinting.