This agency was incorporated in 1994 as a Colorado non-profit child placement agency by the state of Colorado, Child Care Division, Department of Human Services.   Since 1994, Maple Star Colorado provided treatment foster care for youth of all ages, ethnicities, and geographic locations in Colorado.

The mission of Maple Star Colorado is to assist and support Colorado’s children as they move toward permanence.  This mission is accomplished as foster parents and Maple Star’s staff work together to provide loving and healing homes for all children and youth.

Here’s what current foster parents say:

“I really do feel supported here. Kim is wonderful about working around my schedule to fit in visits.”–Lauren B.

“I am happy with the service that Maple Star provides me and have total respect for everyone there. In turn, I feel that they have respect and an appreciation for the families that they license. I feel my needs are met to the best of their ability and that they are always available.” –Amy G.

“Maple Star has done very well in supporting us as we have had some real hard placements and events happen through the years.” –Regina H.

“I really appreciate the Sam’s club card and thank Maple Star every time I use it. Everyone likes to hear ‘good job,’ I am sure even everyone in the office would too.” –Carla J.

“I think Josh does a wonderful job of just checking in with me. His asking how thing are going helps me because I know that I have someone that really cares about how things are going in the home. Also the way that Josh helped me with the situation with K was very helpful and was a big relief.” –Jackie M.

“I have appreciated the texts/phone calls asking how I am doing when things are in crisis with my foster children or their families. This makes me feel like it is recognized that the crisis isn’t just hard on the kids, but also the caregivers, too.” –Nancy S.

“Thank you notes are appreciated. We have gotten them in the past and it lets us know that we are accomplishing things, even though at times it might not seem like it.” –Jennifer W.

“I think Maple Star does a great job. I think it’s great that you mention certain families in the newsletters and I have received written notes, which are always nice! It’s also nice that my case worker (Kim) always asks about my deployed spouse. I think you’re doing a great job!” –Amy G.

What barriers did you think were in the way of you becoming a foster or adoptive parent?What has happened to those barriers?

We didn’t feel that there were any barriers.  We completed the process super fast without issue.  The only possible barrier I saw was both of us needing to work outside of the home therefore, not being able to stay home with the kids.  We rearranged some things in our life to make that possible and I think it was the best decision we could have made for these kids initially.

What motivates you through challenging times? Love for the children.  Knowing the incredibly difficult situations they have come from and that their whole worlds have been turned upside-down.  It just makes you want to make everything better and show them they are loved, no matter what behavior they throw at you.

What is enjoyable?  Seeing the children grow, learn new things, and heal.

What has been the most valuable thing you have learned along this journey?  Family is family – no matter what you look like or where you come from.  These are our kids – as much as anything that could have come from us biologically.

What do you want other people to know about why you decided to adopt or foster from the system?There is a need out there for loving and caring families that are willing to open their hearts and homes to these kids.  Even though it is hard, it is very worth it.  As much as we’ve helped these kids, they’ve helped us.  We constantly get people saying we are such a blessing to these kids and I always feel like they are such a blessing to us.  This is how we’ve been able to have a family.

Why did you choose Maple Star? We wanted to get certified as soon as possible once we made the decision.  After calling around many different agencies or even just counties, they were the most responsive, and held the most trainings that fit our time frame.  They were quick to respond which let us know they would value us as a foster/adoptive family.

What do you like about Maple Star?  All of the support and communication they give our family.  Initially when a child comes into a new home, there’s an adjustment period when the worst behaviors will usually come out.  With out first child, we had a very difficult time adjusting to the transition.  I was on the phone every day with my home supervisor.  She was at our house more than required, always giving great therapy ideas.  They wanted to see our family succeed and they made it happen. -Mandie and John