Foster Family Licensing in Colorado
Real Kids. Real Support. Real Change.
Every Child Deserves Safety. You Can Help Make That Possible.
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.
Colorado Foster Family Licensing
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.
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.
No Financial Barriers
We cover all training, background checks, and home studies.
Inclusive & Affirming
Foster parents of all races, religions, ages, identities, and family structures are welcome.
Legacy of Impact
Nearly 100 years of service built on healing relationships.
Consistent, Experienced Staff
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.
What Foster Family 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.
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
Our Core Classes Go Beyond the Basics
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.
Hope Starts With You
And We’ll Be Here to Help It Grow
At Griffith Centers, we believe the best outcomes happen when foster parents feel fully supported — not managed. When you partner with us, you’re joining a caring community committed to your success and the well-being of the kids you welcome into your home.
We’ll be with you for every call, every placement, and every tough moment — because supporting foster parents is more than what we do. It’s who we are.
Let’s take the first step — together.
You bring your heart.
We’ll bring the support.
And together, we’ll help a child feel safe again.
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.