Becoming a Foster Parent
The Process of Becoming a Foster Parent
Are you interested in becoming a foster parent? Are you flexible, dependable, tolerant, and open to learning new parenting styles? Then fostering might be right for you! You must be at least 21 years old, able to pass background clearances, and in good physical health.
The process of becoming a certified foster parent includes the following steps:
Step 1: Attend a Hope’s Promise Information Meeting
This meeting will give you an opportunity to learn more about the foster care system, explore if foster care is right for you, and get your questions answered.
Step 2: Attend a pre-application one-on-one meeting with a member of the Hope’s Promise team
At the pre-application meeting, you will learn more about the process of foster care certification and discuss the kinds of children that may be a good placement fit for your family. This is an opportunity to learn more about Hope’s Promise and for us to get to know you.
Step 3: Submit an application
Complete and submit the standardized Colorado foster parent application.
Step 4: Attend an orientation meeting
At the orientation meeting, you will receive information about the foster care rules and regulations and Hope’s Promise policies and procedures.
Step 5: Complete state-required pre-certification training
Colorado requires that every prospective foster parent complete 27 hours of pre-certification training in addition to other required training, such as CPR and First Aid.
Step 6: Complete paperwork and home study assessment
Hope’s Promise uses an online platform so completing and submitting all of the required paperwork is convenient and easy for you. You can upload completed documents to a personalized portal and track your progress. Once your paperwork is complete a Hope’s Promise caseworker will guide you through the home study interview process. Your caseworker will meet with you at least three times for interviews as well as conduct a home safety inspection.
Step 7: Become certified
Once you have an approved home study, you have completed the 27 hours of required training, and you are CPR/First Aid certified, you can be certified with the state of Colorado as a foster parent.
Step 8: Begin accepting placements of youth needing foster care
Once you are certified as a foster parent, you can begin to provide children needing foster care and their families with opportunities for healing and growth.