Become a Foster Parent

Foster Care and Adoption Agencies of Colorado represent over 500 foster homes. This is more than half of all foster families in the State of Colorado. It is because of the commitment of individuals like yourself that we can continue to provide quality care for over 1500 children in out-of-home placement in Colorado. Our foster families span the ethnic, religious and cultural continuum and are located in rural, suburban and urban settings across Colorado. FCAAC member agencies, although similar on many levels, each have their own expertise. They are all licensed Child Placement Agencies by the Colorado Department of Human Services. Click here for a list of contact information and specialty information on our member agencies.

To learn more about the specific requirements and steps involved in becoming a foster parent in Colorado, please click here. For more information on the SAFE home study assessment process that all potential foster and adoptive parents must complete, please click here.

If you are wondering what you need to know before becoming a foster parent, please click here.

Once you have determined that foster care is for you, FCAAC would like to advise you that in the State of Colorado you have a choice in becoming licensed by a private, non profit child placement agency or by a county department of human service agency. FCAAC strongly believes in the benefits of becoming licensed by a Child Placement Agency.

Specifically, these benefits include:

Greater level of support due to the fact that child placement agency workers typically have smaller caseloads.
Ease in getting in contact with workers as agencies are smaller and more personal.
Trainings, Support groups and Fun Family Events are held throughout the year.
Convenience, as you may be able to access therapy, visitation services, clothing banks, et cetera at your agency instead of having to visit many different locations.
Many member agencies actively solicit donations to support foster families and children in care.

Testimonial from a CPA Worker: There have been many, many situations over the last four years that I have been with a CPA in which I can see the benefit of contracting with a private CPA. It's evident in my work now, as it was when I was a County Caseworker, that Caseworkers do not have the luxury of the time and effort that it takes to provide true ongoing support to foster families. As a CPA, that is our primary focus; to advocate for the needs of our foster families and the children they serve. Sometimes, it's as little as returning a phone call about a visit to the doctor, making a phone call to the school to see how the child is progressing, or sending our foster parents information about an interesting community training. Other times, it's standing side by side with the foster parents to advocate their position in a case; we have written letters to the Court and sought testimony from pediatricians and play therapists when the foster parents were concerned about the direction the case was taking. Great foster families are a precious resource for our State's kids. We can't afford to have foster parents languishing in the system, wondering when they will get support, be heard, or have questions answered. Foster parents deserve to be supported and appreciated for the work that they do, and although we can't promise that it will always be easy, we can promise that we will do everything in our power to help them parent their foster kids in a way that helps them live a better life.

Here is a list of resources to help you determine if foster care is the right decision for you:

	Frequently Asked Questions for Potential Foster Parents

I find that my CPA is much more supportive to foster parents than the counties are. Any time that I have an emergency, I can expect staff to either answer or get back to me right away. At the County, I would wait for literally hours before receiving a return call. I find that the provider rates are much more reasonable.

When I was first inquiring about being a foster parent I had called the counties directly. I was disappointed with the very basic information. It seemed like a very scripted conversation, almost like 'how to apply for a loan'. When I called a CPA I was greeted more personably. I was screened far more as to my interests, intentions, strengths etc. Now that I have been with a CPA for more than 2 years I can see the difference with flying colors! We have monthly support meetings, resources galore, emotional support, advocacy during hard times, fun events and the kids in our homes have an additional resource outside of their own caseworkers and gals! When things are tough, as they can be when fostering, there is another layer of support, like a buffer between the foster family and the 'powers that be'. In this system it is such a relief and blessing to have.

I think there are many differences- with one of the primary differences in terms of support. For example, Respite, giving us a break from our foster children, is provided! Or, when we have an emergency or crisis the CPA on-call worker is right there to support us. Overall, I feel the support of the CPA is more superior to that of the county. From the CPA, I always get a call back right away on any question or problem I may have.