Interested in becoming a Foster Parent?  

Summit County Department of Human Services is always looking for motivated, caring and family-oriented individuals to become foster homes in our local community. Summit County DHS encourages interested families to reach out and coordinate with Child Placement Agencies to ensure interested foster families can receive timely home studies and have access to a broader variety of needed child services.  

Be part of something special…become a Colorado foster parent!

What is Foster Care?

Foster parents provide a safe, temporary home for children and youth whose parents or caregivers are unable to care for them. When a child or teenager is removed from their home and a caseworker is unable to identify a family friend or relatives to care for them temporarily, they are placed in foster care. 

It is important to remember that when a child or youth is removed from their home the primary goal is usually to return the child or youth to their parent or caregiver once they can provide a safe and stable home. However, if that option is not available, adoption or another type of permanent home is the secondary goal. 

Who Can Be a Foster Parent?

Colorado is committed to inclusion. There are no restrictions on who can foster based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status. Adoptive and foster parents must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check, complete training and receive a home study. Foster parents must be able to use sound judgment like a prudent parent and demonstrate a responsible, stable and emotionally mature lifestyle. 

• You can be single, married or have a domestic partner.
• You can live in a house or apartment, but must have room for a child.
• You can own a home or rent.
• You can work inside or outside the home. Couples with both partners working outside the home are also eligible to be foster parents.
• You must be at least 21 years of age.
• You must have sufficient income to support your family.
• You must be able to physically care for a child or youth.
• You must pass child abuse and criminal background checks required by state and federal laws.
• You must be able to work with a treatment team and be willing to go to ongoing training.

What is the Role of a Foster Parent?

Foster parents provide a temporary safe, stable home for children who have experienced abuse and neglect and whose parents need time to learn new skills to become the parents their children need them to be. Foster parents care for and meet the meet the physical, emotional and social needs of children in foster care.  

Additional Information:

For additional information regarding foster care in Colorado, please visit CO4Kids.org.

We understand fostering may not be for everyone, however many people are still interested in adoption. For adoption resources please visit coheartgallery.org .