Across Colorado, children enter foster care — often suddenly, often scared, and often with nowhere safe to land. Behind the numbers are real stories: kids pulled from chaos, loss, or danger. On average, nearly 10 kids enter foster care every day in our state.
They don’t need perfect.
They need safety, stability, and someone who cares.
At Griffith Centers, we’ve been partnering with Colorado families for almost 100 years. We license foster homes statewide — covering all licensing costs and providing trauma-informed training, ongoing guidance, and support that stays with you every step of the way.
Every Child Deserves Safety. You Can Help Make That Possible.
What Foster Care Licensing Looks Like
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
We make the licensing process clear, doable, and well-supported. From your first question to your first placement — and long into the future — we walk alongside you.
You don’t have to fit a particular “mold” to become a foster parent. Whether you’re:
- Single, married, or partnered
- Renting or owning your home
- Completely new to fostering or returning after years away
…you may be more ready than you realize.
Why are Children Placed in Foster Care?
There’s No One Reason — But One Constant Need: Support.
The circumstances that lead to foster care placement are often rooted in systemic hardship and crisis. Here’s what national data (AFCARS FY2021) shows:
- 63% — Neglect
- 36% — Drug abuse (parent)
- 14% — Caretaker unable to cope
- 12% — Physical abuse
- 9% — Unsafe or unstable housing
- 7% — Child behavior problems
- 6% — Alcohol abuse (parent)
- 5% — Abandonment
- 4% — Sexual abuse
- 2% — Child abuse (unspecified)
- 2% — Drug use (child)
- 1% — Parental death
- 1% — Relinquishment
No matter the cause, our focus stays the same: helping children find a safe, stable, and nurturing home while we support family connections and long-term healing.
Why Families Choose Griffith Centers
A Longstanding Partner in Your Corner
As a Colorado-based nonprofit, we’re small enough to truly know you — and experienced enough to support you through anything. Here’s what sets us apart:
Individualized Support
Real guidance, real listening, and less bureaucracy.
Covered Costs
We cover all training, background checks, and home studies.
Inclusive & Supportive
Foster parents of all races, religions, ages, identities, and family structures are welcome.
Consistency & Experience
Our team stays long-term so you can count on the same familiar faces.
Trauma-Informed Training
We help you understand what kids have been through, and show up for them with empathy and skill.
With Griffith Centers, you are never navigating foster care alone—you are part of a community grounded in nearly 100 years of experience and compassion.
Licensing Requirements at a Glance
Here’s What the State of Colorado Requires:
Be at least 21 years old
Rent or own your home
Be single, married, or in a committed partnership
Have a stable income
Have a separate sleeping space for a youth
Complete background checks and required training (we cover all of it)
We’ll walk you through every step — so you can focus on preparing to welcome a child into your home.
Training That Prepares You for Real-Life Care
Licensing isn’t just about completing forms — it’s about feeling equipped to support a child who has experienced more than most. Our Core Classes cover key areas such as understanding the foster care system, knowing what to expect from licensing and placement, and providing trauma-informed, healing-centered care. You’ll learn how to support children through transitions, loss, and attachment, as well as how to navigate behavior challenges, grief, and the healing process. More than just providing a safe bed, you’ll gain the tools to offer real stability and meaningful connection.
I am not married. Can I still foster?
Yes. Foster parents can be single, divorced, or widowed. You must be over age 21 to qualify in most states. GCC also welcomes unmarried partners wanting to foster.
How much does training cost?
There is no monetary cost for training in most locations, however a fee for CPR/First Aid training is sometimes required. The investment primarily involves your time and emotional commitment. Some online training classes are offered in most locations.
Do I have to own my home?
No. As long as you have space for a foster child, you can qualify.
How do I know if I qualify to be a foster parent?
Griffith Centers conducts informational sessions outlining the foster care licensing process. Following the initial session, adults wishing to proceed will receive training on topics including support systems, trauma, safety, and behavior management.
How are medical visits covered for foster children?
As a foster parent, you are responsible for ensuring children in your care receive medical attention and treatment when needed. Medicaid covers all foster youth medical costs.
What types of children should we expect as foster parents?
Although no child is the same, we typically work with children who are:
- Between the ages of 0-18 years old
- Scared of coming into a stranger’s home
- From all different backgrounds, ethnicity, and religions
- Recovering from trauma due to abuse and/or neglect
- Grieving due to being apart from their family and family members
- Maybe in your home for a day up to a year
- Experiencing their first placement
- Coming to you after having been in multiple placements
- In need of a safe place to stay until able to return home or find placement with relatives
- By themselves or coming with siblings
- Coming with nothing or with everything they own
Can I adopt a child by doing foster care and what does that process look like?
The answer is yes, however, if your main goal is to adopt a baby or very young child, you may want to look towards a private adoption or look at adopting older children or children with special needs. The priority in foster care is to work towards the goal of reunification with their biological parents or with other family members. If the child/children cannot be reunited with their parents or placed with a family member, then the foster parents for that child/children will be asked if they would like to adopt. Foster-to-adopt parents may have multiple placements go through their home before the right children become available for them to adopt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Begin Your Journey
Step 1. Fill Out The Application & Complete Background Checks
Step 2. Meet with a Griffith Centers' Team Member to Discuss Next Steps
Step 3. Complete Necessary Training (CORE, First Aid, & CPR)
Step 3. Complete Home Study with a Griffith Centers' Team Member
Click the link below to get started with online therapy today!
Contact Info
Headquarters
10190 Bannock St. Suite 120
Northglenn, CO 80260
EIN: 84-0404251
Griffith Centers does not provide emergency mental health services. If you are in crisis or experiencing an emergency, please call 911 or contact Colorado emergency services immediately.
Important Links
Connect With Us
Griffith Centers holds the following licenses and certifications:
Council on Accreditation (COA) of Services for Families and Children, Inc.
Behavioral Health Administration (BHA)
Colorado Department of Education (CDE)
COGNIA (formerly known as AdvancED)
North Central Association of Schools
Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS)
Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF)
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)
For inquiries regarding our licenses and certifications, please contact us at info@griffithcenters.org.
Written by The Team at Griffith Centers
99 Years of Building Brighter Futures Across Colorado
Learn more about Griffith Centers.
Knowing the signs my child needs counseling often starts with noticing that something feels different, even if you cannot explain exactly what has changed. Ongoing mood changes, withdrawing from people they once enjoyed, emotional reactions, or behaviors that feel bigger than the situation may signal that your child needs additional support.
Many parents reach a point where they know something is wrong but are unsure whether it is time to seek outside help. Reaching out for support does not mean you have failed as a parent. It means you are giving your child more people in their corner who can help them understand their emotions, build coping skills, and work through challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Changes in mood, behavior, relationships, or daily functioning may signal a need for support.
- Parents do not have to wait until a crisis happens to seek help.
- Counseling can provide children with tools, coping skills, and a safe place to talk.
- Different levels of care exist depending on a child’s needs.
- Early support can help children and families feel more connected and prepared.
Table of Contents
- What are the warning signs that my child’s needs have outgrown what I can manage at home?
- What levels of care exist between talking to my child and seeking professional help?
- How do I find the right type of support without feeling overwhelmed by options?
- What happens during the first appointment or intake with a mental health provider?
- Will getting outside help mean my child gets labeled or diagnosed?
- How do I know if this requires outpatient support or something more intensive?
- What do I do if my child resists the idea of getting help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What are the warning signs that my child’s needs have outgrown what I can manage at home?
The signs your child needs counseling often involve ongoing changes in emotions, behavior, relationships, or daily functioning. Children may show signs through increased irritability, withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty managing emotions, or struggles at school or home. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recommends paying attention to changes in a child's emotions, behavior, or functioning that last over time or interfere with daily life.
Parents often search for child mental health warning signs because they sense something has changed but are unsure whether it is part of normal development or a sign their child may benefit from additional support. A helpful question is not only, “Is this behavior difficult?” but also, “Is my child struggling in a way that affects their ability to enjoy life, connect with others, or manage everyday challenges?”
When behaviors, emotions, or concerns continue despite your support, it may be time to consider additional help.
How do I find the right type of support without feeling overwhelmed by options?
Finding the right support starts with understanding your child’s specific needs rather than searching for a single solution. Parents may need support too, especially when they are navigating behavior changes, family stress, or uncertainty about how to respond.
You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out. The first conversation is often about gathering information, understanding your options, and identifying what type of support will be most helpful.
At Griffith Centers, our team helps families understand what their child may be experiencing and determine the level of support that best fits their needs. Parent coaching can also provide caregivers with guidance, practical tools, and strategies to be more confident supporting their child. Learn more about our parent coaching services.
What happens during the first appointment or intake with a mental health provider?
A first appointment usually focuses on learning about your child, your concerns, and what support may be helpful.
A provider may ask questions about your child’s emotions, behaviors, relationships, school experiences, family history, and current challenges. The goal is not to judge your parenting or immediately assign a label.
The intake process helps providers understand the bigger picture. It creates a starting point for developing recommendations that match your child’s needs.
Parents often feel relief after the first conversation because they no longer have to figure everything out alone.
Will getting outside help mean my child gets labeled or diagnosed?
Getting outside help does not automatically mean your child will receive a diagnosis or be labeled.
Mental health support is designed to understand what a child is experiencing and identify ways to help. Some children benefit from counseling simply because they need a safe place to express feelings, learn coping skills, or navigate difficult situations.
A diagnosis, when appropriate, is only one part of understanding a child’s needs. It does not define who your child is or determine their future.
The purpose of support is to help children feel understood, build confidence, and develop skills to help them handle challenges.
How do I know if this requires outpatient support or something more intensive?
The level of support your child needs depends on the severity of their challenges and how those challenges affect daily life.
Outpatient counseling may be appropriate for children experiencing anxiety, emotional struggles, family concerns, behavioral challenges, or life transitions while still managing daily activities.
More intensive support may be needed when a child is experiencing significant safety concerns, severe emotional distress, or challenges that require a higher level of structure and supervision.
A qualified provider can help you understand the options and determine what level of care makes sense. Reaching out for guidance is an important first step.
What do I do if my child resists the idea of getting help?
A child’s resistance to counseling is common and does not always mean they do not need support.
Many children feel unsure about therapy because they worry they will be judged, blamed, or asked to talk about things they are not ready to share. Parents can make the process feel safer by explaining that counseling is a place where children can learn coping skills, understand their feelings, and have another trusted person supporting them.
Start the conversation with honesty and reassurance. Let your child ask questions, express concerns, and share what feels uncomfortable without pressuring them to immediately open up.
Avoid presenting therapy as a punishment or something they have to do because they “misbehaved.” When children feel respected and included in the process, they are often more willing to build trust and engage with support.
What levels of care exist between talking to my child and seeking professional help?
There are several levels of support between handling concerns at home and seeking intensive treatment.
Some children can benefit from outpatient counseling, where they meet regularly with a therapist to address emotions, build coping skills, improve relationships, and work through specific challenges. Some children may need additional support through family therapy, school-based services, community programs, or more structured levels of care depending on their individual needs.
The right level of care depends on your child’s needs, safety concerns, symptoms, and daily functioning. A mental health provider can help you understand what type of support is appropriate.
Seeking support does not mean a child is “in trouble.” Counseling can be a proactive way to help children build skills before challenges become overwhelming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Most Effective Ways to Help My Child Calm Down During an Anxiety or Anger Episode at Home?
The most effective approaches are usually simple and consistent. Calm breathing, grounding exercises, emotional labeling, and reducing stimulation can help children regain control. Practice these skills regularly so they feel familiar when stress occurs.
How Long Does It Take for Kids to Learn Emotional Regulation Skills With Support From Home and Therapy?
Emotional regulation develops over time rather than overnight. Some children show improvement within weeks, while others need months or longer, depending on age, developmental factors, and the severity of symptoms. Consistency is often more important than speed.
What Should I Do if My Child Refuses to Use Coping Strategies We Practice Together?
Refusal is common, especially when children are highly emotional. Continue modeling the skills yourself and practice during calm moments. Offering choices can also increase cooperation and help children feel more in control.
How Can I Tell if My Approach at Home Is Actually Helping My Child's Emotional Regulation Improve?
Look for gradual progress rather than perfection. Signs of improvement may include shorter meltdowns, faster recovery times, increased emotional awareness, and greater willingness to use coping strategies. Small changes often add up over time.
About Griffith Centers
For nearly 100 years, Griffith Centers has supported children, adolescents, and families throughout Colorado through compassionate, family-centered behavioral health services. We provide child therapy, family therapy, family preservation services, youth advocacy programs, trauma-informed care, emotional wellness support, and community-based mental health services designed to strengthen families and improve outcomes. By helping children build resilience, emotional awareness, and healthy coping skills, Griffith Centers continues its mission of building brighter futures across Colorado.
Contact us to learn more about online therapy services and schedule your first appointment today.