How to Adopt a Child from Foster Care in Colorado
The choice to adopt is a large and deeply personal decision. While it is not a decision to make lightly, it is one that can have a positive effect that ripples through generations. The process is not simple and requires a significant amount of time and energy. However, working with a Brookfield adoption attorney from Danielsen Westhoff can make the process run a little bit smoother.
Colorado Foster Care Adoption Requirements
To adopt a child from foster care in Colorado, the process is the same as becoming a foster parent. According to CO4Kids, you must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- You must be a legal resident
- You must be at least 21 years old
- You must have sufficient income to support your family
- You must be physically able to care for the child
- You must submit to and pass a background check
- You must be willing and able to work with a treatment team and attend ongoing training
Many people think you must be married or own your own home to foster or adopt Colorado youth, but this is not the case. Whether you are single, partnered, or married, as long as your partner is equally interested in adoption, marital status will not disqualify you.
What to Expect from the Adoption Process
Once you know you qualify to become an adoptive parent. You must attend informational sessions and training on the fundamentals of parenting children in the foster care community. According to the Colorado Department of Human Services page on adoption, this training will prepare potential foster and adoptive parents for the road ahead. This includes parenting challenges, time frames for adoption, and the types of adoptions they complete.
Homestudy
The Colorado Department of Human Services utilizes the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) to assess potential family members. The SAFE home study consists of three interviews to assess a family’s overall fitness to foster or adopt. The process can help potential parents and DHS determine what kind of child might be most appropriate for the home. This may include assessing your willingness to take children whose family is still trying to reunify, but may also face TPR for the child to be adopted, or whether you only want to consider children already free for adoption.
Matching and Placement
Once you have been approved, your fostering/adoption agency or DHS will begin matching you to potential adoptable children. The goal of foster care is always to reunite the child with their biological family whenever it is safe and possible. However, when this is not possible, these children may become legally eligible for adoption.
Placement and Post-Placement
Once you have been matched with a child, it is often done as a foster parent with the intention to adopt. You will continue to engage with DHS and your agency until the necessary supports are in place and everyone is comfortable with the placement. The child must be in your home for a minimum of six months before the adoption can be finalized.
Your family may be eligible for adoption assistance meant to support your family in meeting your child’s additional needs. This agreement is something that is negotiated with the department before finalization and is based on the needs of your child and your family’s financial situation.