Foster Care Services in Colorado
Real Support. Real Families. Real Impact.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect—Just Willing to Show Up
Why are Children Placed in Foster Care?
The System Is Complex — But the Need Is Clear
Children enter foster care for many reasons, and the data tells a difficult story (AFCARS FY2021; most recent reporting year):
- 63% – Neglect
- 36% – Parental drug abuse
- 14% – Caretaker unable to cope
- 12% – Physical abuse
- 9% – Housing instability
- 7% – Child behavioral concerns
- 6% – Parental alcohol abuse
- 5% – Abandonment
- 4% – Sexual abuse
- 2% – Child abuse
- 2% – Child drug use
- 1% – Parental death
- 1% – Voluntary relinquishment
No child chooses these circumstances. And no child should have to navigate them alone.
That’s where foster parents come in — with steady hands, open hearts, and the right support behind them.
Fostering with Guidance, Care, and Community Support
Every child deserves safety, stability, and the chance to be loved. But each day in Colorado, nearly 10 kids enter foster care—many carrying trauma, fear, or uncertainty. They need safe homes. Steady adults. Real care.
And they need it now.
At Griffith Centers, we’ve supported children and families across Colorado for nearly a century. As a trauma-informed, inclusive, and deeply experienced agency, we help families become licensed to foster — and support them every step of the way as they help children and youth move toward permanency.
If you’ve ever wondered if you could make a difference, the answer is yes. We’ll help you get there.
Why Choose Griffith Centers?
A Local, Trauma-Informed Agency with Heart and Experience
We’re not a giant organization trying to scale numbers. We’re a nonprofit with nearly 100 years of deep, human-centered service to Colorado’s youth and families.
Here’s what makes us different:
Individualized Support
Our smaller size means more personal guidance
All Costs Covered
Licensing, training, background checks, and home studies — we’ve got it
Inclusive Care
We welcome foster parents of all backgrounds, genders, identities, and family structures
Legacy of Impact
Nearly 100 years of service built on healing relationships.
Consistent Staff
Our team stays with you long-term for stability and support
Trauma-Informed Training
Because understanding trauma leads to better outcomes — for everyone involved
What Foster Parenting Actually Means
A Path to Permanency — and to Healing
Fostering means providing a child a safe place to land while they navigate their circumstances. It means supporting kids through uncertainty, helping them feel safe again, and stepping into the long game of healing.
At Griffith Centers, we walk with you every step of the way — from initial questions to licensing to placement and beyond.
We provide:
- Foster home licensure
- All required training
- 24/7 support after placement
- Cost-free background checks, home studies, and licensing
- Trauma-informed guidance that empowers you to show up for kids in meaningful ways
You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just have to care. We’ll help with the rest — together.
What It Takes to Foster
Requirements (At a Glance)
If you’re:
At least 21 years old
Single, married, or partnered
Renting or owning your home
Financially stable
Able to provide a separate space for a child
…you may be more qualified than you think.
We’ll help you navigate the full licensing process, including required training, background checks, and preparing your home.
Getting Started Doesn’t Have to Feel Overwhelming
You’re Not Alone in This
Becoming a foster parent is a big decision — but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. At Griffith Centers, we break it down into manageable steps, answer all your questions, and stay with you from your first inquiry through your first placement — and far beyond.
Our Core Classes give you everything you need to understand the foster care system, meet licensing requirements, and learn how to support a child with trauma, grief, or instability.
We’re not just here to help you fill out forms. We’re here to help you change a 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.
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
Ready to Take the First Step?
Reach out to Griffith Centers today.
Hope and healing start here.
Contact Info
10190 Bannock St. Suite 120
Northglenn, CO 80260
EIN: 84-0404251
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.