Be a Foster or Adoptive Parent to a Colorado Child:

Anyone can become a Foster Parent !  
Below is a good introductory video by Debi Grebenik, the Executive Director of Maple Star Colorado introducing Maple Star, and showcasing a number of testimonies by Foster Parents who have come from many walks of life, and personal circumstances, who have become successful Foster Parents to deserving children right here in Colorado...
 
 
When Maple Star receives an inquiry from someone interested in being a foster parent, (usually via phone or e-mail or using the online inquiry form on the Maple Star web site ) an initial screening is performed.   Below are the 3 steps necessary to become a foster or adoptive parent:

HOW TO BECOME A FOSTER PARENT:

Step 1: Get Started with Information

Please tell us more about yourself by clicking HERE to complete our inquiry form. By completing the form a worker will contact potential applicants and discuss your interest in foster care or adoption. If you meet the basic criteria for beginning the licensing process, an initial visit may be scheduled, the foster parents may attend an orientation or information may be sent to the prospective foster or adoptive parents.

Step 2: Moving Forward

To begin the process of Becoming a Foster Parent the following paperwork must be completed by prospective foster parents or adoptive parents:

a) Application
b) Fingerprint Card(s)
c) Release of Information Waiver
d) Central registry check form(s)
e) Three reference letter requests
f) Foster Parent Questionnaire

The following will be discussed during the initial interview:

a) Core Training/Orientation Requirements
b) Key Agency Policies
c) Tasks necessary to complete licensing

Additional paperwork (a checklist is provided):

a) Three reference letter requests
b) Fingerprint Card(s)
c) Memorandum of Agreement

Complete 27 hours of CORE training.

 The Core Training/Orientation curriculum will include the following topics:

a) Overview of Maple Star Philosophy/Therapeutic Foster Care
b) Administrative Issues and Legal Issues
c) Why children get placed in out-of-home care
d) Childhood Growth and Development
e) Parenting and Family Dynamics
f) Importance of the team approach
g) Agency policies and guidelines.

Step 3: Preparing the Home and Family Assessment (Home Study)

Following the completion of the core training, a home health and safety inspection visit will be scheduled.  After all background checks have been received in addition to the completion of a physical examination the interviews for the home study will be scheduled.

The written home study will become an important part of the provider's file and includes the following information:
 

a) Identifying Information
b) Reasons for interest in foster care
c) Previous family care experience
d) Home health and safety checklist
e) For single parents: describe how the single parent handles the dual parenting roles, issues in respect to personal relationships as a result of separation and divorce, how these issues have been addressed and the support systems available to the parent
f) Employment
g) Impact of foster care on applicant's marriage and children.
h) Childrearing practices
i) Roles and responsibilities
j) Health of family members
k) Criminal histories
l) School adjustment
m) Handling stress
n) Relationship to extended family
o) Community and neighborhood involvement
p) Assessment and recommendations
o) Views on adoption

Once the written home study is completed, the licensing specialist will meet with the foster parents to discuss the home study.

 The foster parents must meet all regulations prior to licensing. This includes completion of a First Aid/CPR class.  If one of the parties is no longer interested in licensing the home, the application may be denied, or withdrawn, and a license will not be issued.

Once all items have been completed satisfactorily, and if all parties remain interested in licensing the home, the applicant may be issued a permanent license as a foster parent.