Denver Human Services

May is National Foster Care Month 

Denver Human Services is proud to honor National Foster Care Month this May with a variety of efforts to raise awareness about the magnitude of the issue and the urgent and sustaining needs of children and older youth in foster care and their families. Our efforts will issue a call to action that motivates, inspires and facilitates many more families and individuals to become foster parents and develop a positive framework for maintaining visibility and interest in the foster care issue to support the year-round recruiting efforts of our team. 

No matter who you are or how much time you have to give, you can stand up for children and youth and create meaningful connections. Take a look at our Stand Up for Me Menu of opportunities to make an impact on our children.  

Stand Up for Me Menu

If you have a few minutes…..

• Spread the word by sharing information with your friends about this opportunity. Link to us on Facebook under Denver Human Services and share our posts to help raise awareness is one easy way.
• Make a financial contribution to GIVE Denver. This DHS program provides spring baskets, school supplies and holiday gifts for our foster children and their families. This is our way of saying we care all year round. 

If you have a few hours…..

• Volunteer with our Denver foster care program to provide support to families currently working on strengthening their families or providing foster care to our children.
• Coordinate a presentation at your church or work so that other people learn more about the need for foster families.

 If you have a few weeks…..

• Become a respite care provider to support foster families in your community.
• Tutor a child in foster care. Too often, they must change schools (or have social/behavioral challenges to overcome), and would benefit greatly from extra academic support.

If you have more time……

• Become a foster or adoptive parent. Caring families are especially needed for older youth, siblings and children with special needs.
• Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).CASA volunteers are trained citizens appointed by judges to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children.

Visit our NEW foster care website Stand Up For Me to learn more about how you can make an impact in a  foster child's life. 

Foster Parent Information Meetings 

Foster parents come from all walks of life and they have backgrounds as diverse as the children they care for. All kinds of families can care for foster children. Some foster parents are married, some are in same sex couples, and some are single. Some foster parents own a home and some rent. Foster parents may already have children and some are grandparents. What these parents all have in common are their love for children, the ability to commit to meeting challenges, and a strong desire to make a difference in their foster children's lives. 

Requirements for foster parents

• At least 21 years of age;
• Good physical and emotional health;
• Exhibit family stability and good communication skills;
• Sufficient income to support self and family;
• Meet State requirements for housing, safety, space and equipment;
• Open to learning new styles of parenting;
• A U.S. citizen or legal resident;
• Pass criminal backgroun check;
• Ability to accept and appreciate cultural differences

Benefits of being a foster parent and the support foster families receive

• Chance to make a difference in the life of a child;
• Opportunity to help families and communities;
• Medicaid insurance to cover the child;
• Financial reimbursement for child's expenses;
• Orientation and ongoing training;
• Monthly foster parent support groups.

Foster Care Process
The certification process is completed by Denver Human Services with each prospective home and includes:

• Fingerprinting to screen for criminal background and child abuse registry;
• Home study by a social worker;
• Safety inspection of the home;
• Three letters of recommendation;
• CPR and First Aid certification;
• Current medical physicals for each family member;
• CORE training - 27 hours of classroom training on the fundamentals of foster care;
• 20 hours of annual continuing education

Take a Stand for a Child in Need
Just the simple act of providing shelter, food, a stable life and loving support helps tremendously. You might even help a child regain trust and hope. And that’s definitely something to stand up for.

If you would like more information about becoming a foster parent, please call our Foster Care information line at 720-944-4000. You can also attend a Foster Care Information Meeting.