City & County of Broomfield

Family Foster Care

As leaders, not only in the community but in the state, Broomfield citizens are active resources in many children�s activities. Broomfield citizens are unique in the support and resources they offer to children. Broomfield Health and Human Services works with community leaders to create successful strategies in an effort to support children who are in foster care.

As the community develops, support of children in foster care will continue to be a need. Foster parents are an integral part of the development and nurturing of children and the health of the community. Foster parents offer children the stability and emotional support they need to experience a safe and encouraging environment.

1. What is Foster Care?

Foster care provides protective services for children. Foster Parents provide 24-hour temporary care for children who cannot remain in their own homes due to neglect, abuse, or other significant family problems. The goal of Broomfield Health and Human Services is to strengthen the family of origin, so the child can be returned safely home as soon as possible.

The objectives of foster care are to:

Protect the child and provide sufficient care for the child on a temporary basis in a nurturing, stimulating environment
Help the child cope with the separation from the family
Provide a safe environment while developing and implementing a permanent plan for the child�s future

Family foster care can offer care to children with a range of problems, depending on the experience, expertise, and resources of the foster family. Foster parents work together with the child�s biological parents with a variety of professionals including social workers, juvenile court officers and judges, family counselors in private and public agencies, and a variety of medical personnel, as needed by the child.

2. Who Are Foster Parents?

Foster parents come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Anyone with a desire to provide care for children is welcome to apply as a foster parent.

3. What Do Foster Parents Do?

Provide children with a safe, nurturing relationship
Work as members of a professional team
Support the child�s relationship with the birth family
Ensure that the child�s basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical, educational, and emotional development are met

4. Which Children Need Homes the Most? CHILDREN OF ALL AGES!!

Foster parents are needed to provide homes for:

Teenagers
Sibling groups who need to stay together
Infants and toddlers
Children with emotional/behavioral needs
Children with special needs

5. How Do I Become a Foster Parent?

For more information, call Broomfield Health and Human Services Department at 720-887-2266
A representative will contact you regarding the program
Orientation and required training will be provided at no cost to prospective foster applicants

6. How Can I Support Broomfield Health and Human Services Foster Program?

Distribute foster care information to employees at your place of work
Allow our agency to hold presentations, set up display booths/tables, and distribute information to your employees, civic groups, service clubs or faith-based organizations
Volunteer your time by becoming involved as a mentor or working at special events to promote the foster care program
Provide respite care for foster parents
Mentor a child.
Donate or sponsor specific items that are often needed by foster children � shoes, clothing, school supplies, luggage, coats, etc.
Contribute financially to aid families in their support of extra-curriculum activies.

Links to more Foster Parent information:
1. State of Colorado Foster Care Webpage www.changealifeforever.org

2. Colorado Foster parent Association 303-231-0021 or www.csfpa.org

3. National Foster Parent Association www.nfpainc.org

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