   
On any given day in America, more than 520,000 children are in some type of foster care. In Colorado there are currently approximately 6,775 children in the foster care system. The Foster Care Program at Adoption Alliance trains and licenses families to care for children until they are able to return to their biological families or become free for adoption. A child is placed in foster care when the birth family is unable to meet basic needs or provide a safe environment. The children range in age from infants to teens and come from a variety of backgrounds. All of these children have experienced some level of trauma, which has resulted in their removal from the birth family. Some have been abused; some are neglected or have parents who are physically incapable of caring for them. |
What is Foster Care?
- It's the placement of a child with a caring family outside of their home
- It's caring for a child until they can return home or find an Adoptive home
- It's providing a stable, safe, and caring environment for a child
The Children
There is no "typical" foster child. Children range in age from 0-21, are from any ethnic or cultural background, can have any personality type (outgoing, shy, calm, angry, happy, or sad). All have experienced abuse, neglect or abandonment. Their parents may have died, may have mental or physical illness, have a substance abuse problem, feel overwhelmed with parenting or be unable to parent right now. The children's histories will vary and each child's needs are different, but all need someone to provide them with a safe and stable home. Most will experience a sense of grief and loss because of being separated from their parents.
Families Needed
We are always in need of loving and caring foster families. Applicants must be at least 25 year old and must be able to provide financially for their own needs. Foster families can rent or own their home, can be single or married, and can work, stay at home, or be retired. We also require that foster homes be no more than thirty minutes driving time from Adoption Alliance's Denver office.
Foster Parents Are Important Because They...
- Provide the basics: food, clothing, shelter, and medical care
- Encourage positive relationships with birth family and others
- Arrange medical, dental and, if necessary, therapy appointments for the child
- Protect the child from harmful situations
- Are able to ask for help when they need it
- Are in good emotional, physical and mental health
- Are good listeners, are patient, flexible, and are willing to work with others
- Discipline in a positive way by setting fair rules and consequences, are consistent, and encourage positive behaviors
- Nurture the child's educational, emotional, and cultural growth
- Provide loving support and encouragement to reach their potential
- Work with their Adoption Alliance caseworker, County caseworker, and other various service providers to best support the child
- Prepare the child to return home, live with relatives or adoptive parents, or living
independently.
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The Challenges and Rewards of Foster Parenting
Challenges:
- Children may have emotional or behavioral problems, but foster parents can help teach them how to express themselves appropriately.
- Eventually you may have to say good-bye
Rewards:
- You offer a child a fresh start to a new life
- You will connect with your community
- A sense of satisfaction and pride in helping a child in need
Support Provided to Foster Families
- Adoption Alliance provides ongoing training, guidance and support to foster parents and to the children placed in their home. Intensive supervision of each foster home is essential to assure a successful placement for every child and family.
- Foster Families receive the following services:
- Monthly tax free reimbursement
- Free training by Adoption Alliance
- Support from staff & other foster families
- Year end tax benefits
- All dental & medical needs of children are covered through Medicaid
Becoming a Licensed Foster Parent
Becoming a Licensed Foster Parent
Foster families are licensed by the State of Colorado after successful completion of all requirements. Licensing requirements include:
- 32 hours of classroom training (first aid, CPR, universal precautions, etc.)
- Background checks
- Health Evaluations
- Home Study
- Home Safety Check
Why choose Adoption Alliance?
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We are able to provide more individualized support.
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We are a nationally accredited agency, and therefore are held to higher standard then many agencies.
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Our experience in foster care extends over 10 years.
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We have formulated strong relationships with all Denver Metro Counties.
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We provide on-going training and support to families at the agency.
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If you choose to adopt, we have more than 18 years of experience and will support you throughout the process.
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We provide families with 24-hour support.
Frequently Asked Questions about Foster Parenting
For more information, please contact:
Foster Care Administrative Assistant at
Phone: 303-584-9900, Ext 30
Email: foster@adoptall.com
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