Become a Foster Parent in Colorado
Support That Stays With You — From the First Step to the First Placement and Beyond
Every Child Deserves a Safe Place to Land
Why are Kids Placed in Foster Care?
It’s Not Simple. But It Is Serious.
Behind every placement is a story of crisis — often rooted in poverty, substance use, or family instability. Based on national data (AFCARS FY2021), here’s what that looks like:
- 63% — Neglect
- 36% — Drug abuse (parent)
- 14% — Caretaker unable to cope
- 12% — Physical abuse
- 9% — Unsafe or unstable housing
- 7% — Child behavior challenges
- 6% — Alcohol abuse (parent)
- 5% — Abandonment
- 4% — Sexual abuse
- 2% — Child abuse (unspecified)
- 2% — Drug abuse (child)
- 1% — Parental death
- 1% — Voluntary relinquishment
No child chooses these conditions — and no child should face them alone.
And You Could Be the One to Provide It
Every day in Colorado, nearly 10 kids enter foster care. Most come in carrying trauma, grief, or fear — often with nothing more than the clothes they’re wearing. They need more than a bed. They need someone steady. Someone safe. Someone who cares.
That’s where you come in.
At Griffith Centers, we’ve spent nearly 100 years walking alongside Colorado families through some of life’s hardest moments. We license foster parents across the state — offering trauma-informed training, 24/7 support, and a team that stays with you for the long haul. Plus, we cover 100% of the costs along the way.
What Sets Griffith Centers Apart?
Local. Trauma-Informed. Rooted in Real Relationships.
We’re not a big agency with a revolving door. We’re a Colorado-based nonprofit with nearly a century of experience and deep relationships in the communities we serve. Our team is built to stay — and to support you as you support children and youth.
Here’s what makes us different:
Individualized Support
Our small size means more personal attention, listening, and hands-on guidance.
All Costs Covered
Training, background checks, home studies — we pay for it all.
Inclusive & Affirming
Foster parents of all races, religions, genders, identities, and family structures are welcome here.
Legacy of Impact
Nearly 100 years of service built on healing relationships.
Low Turnover, High Expertise
Our staff brings decades of expertise in trauma-informed care.
Trauma-Informed Training
Specialized classes help you understand what kids have been through — and how to show up for them with compassion and consistency.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect — You Just Have to Care
We’ll Help You with the Rest
Becoming a foster parent can feel overwhelming. That’s why we make the process clear, step-by-step, and fully supported. From your first inquiry to your first placement — and long after — we’ll be there every step of the way.
Whether you’re:
- Single, married, or partnered
- Renting or owning your home
- Wondering if you’re “ready” but know you care
…you might be more qualified than you think.
Core Training That Prepares You for Real-Life Care
Because Kids Deserve More Than Just a Roof Over Their Heads
Our Core Classes prepare you to understand the foster care system, support children through trauma, grief, and transitions, and know what to expect—and how to respond—when a child is placed in your home. You’ll also learn about licensing requirements and the next steps in the process.
We don’t just help you pass inspections — we help you prepare to care for real kids, with real challenges, in real life.
You Can Be the Reason a Child Feels Safe Again
And We’ll Be Right Here with You
Foster care isn’t easy — but it is life-changing. For the child. For you. For your entire family. Whether you provide temporary care, help a youth return to their biological family, or support them on a path toward permanency, what you do matters more than you may ever know.
At Griffith Centers, we’re honored to walk alongside families who open their hearts and homes to children who need them most.
Let’s take the next step — together.
Because every child deserves a safe place to land.
Foster Parent Requirements at a Glance
You Might Be More Qualified Than You Think
To become a foster parent in Colorado, you need to:
Be at least 21 years old
Own or rent your home
Be single, married, or in a committed partnership
Have a stable income
Have a separate sleeping space for a child
Complete required training and background checks (covered by us)
We’ll walk you through every part of this process — and offer support at every stage.
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
Start Your Journey
Click the link below to get started with online therapy today!
Contact Info
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)
For inquiries regarding our licenses and certifications, please contact us at info@griffithcenters.org.