Foster Care

Path to Becoming a Weld County Foster Home

The certification process takes 4-5 months. Here’s the path and suggestions for a timely completion.

• Week One
  • Step 1 - Attend Orientation
  • Step 2 - Complete Pre-Application using online Application link (Binti) to authorize initial background checks.
  • Step 3 - Upon pre-approval, you’ll receive a code to access certification documents and the Foster Care Application.
  • Step 4 - Sign up for Pre-Certification Training (NTDC), provide citizenship verification, register & complete fingerprints.
• During NTDC Training Month
  • Step 5 - Completion of the Application is required before beginning the training classes (Binti)
  • Step 6 - Begin training & schedule appointments for all family members to complete health evaluations.
  • Step 7 - Submit the following documents by the end of the 3^rd training session:
    •  Financial Form
    • Complete Fingerprints (instructions will be provided)
    • All family members complete health evaluations (Health Forms on Binti)
    • References
    • Safe Questionnaire 1
    • Relative Employment Form
  • Step 8 - Once Fingerprint results are received, a Home Study will be ordered.
  • Step 9 - By the end of the fifth training session, the following documentation needs to be completed:
    • Schedule First Aid & CPR Training (instructions will be provided).
    • Finish all certification paperwork in Binti (applicant forms and supporting documents).
  • Step 10 - Complete the Following:
    • Complete online State CWTS Trainings (Reasonable and Prudent Parenting & Mandatory Reporters, Safe Sleep)
    • Complete Weld County Prudent Parenting.
    • Sign final paperwork.
    • Final Home Inspection.

A useful tool to help you make an informed decision about fostering a child

Your answers to the following statements will help you more fully understand how you feel about fostering a child. This guide is solely yours—we won’t ask you to turn it in or share it with others, although you may wish to discuss the results openly and honestly with your partner and/or family. Once completed, this guide should be able to help you make an informed decision on whether becoming a foster parent is right for you and your family.

Foster parent Beliefs and attitudes

Please decide if you Agree, Disagree, or are Not Sure about the following statements:

1. I need a foster child so I won’t feel so unhappy.
2. Foster children are easy to please because they are so happy to have a home.
3. Providing a foster home is a way to rescue children from a difficult situation.
4. The money paid by the state for foster care will help me meet all my household expenses.
5. All that foster children need is a lot of love.
6. I can contribute to a better society by being a good foster parent.
7. I did a pretty good job with my children so I think I’ll be good with a foster child.
8. My child needs a playmate.
9. Having a foster child is a good way to prepare for adopting a child.
10. Childhood can be a difficult time. I feel I can relate to children going through rough times.

What can you learn from your responses?

1. I need a foster child so I won’t feel so unhappy.
Give yourself one point if you said "disagree." If you are unhappy you should think twice about becoming a foster parent. It is not fair to the child to expect their presence to improve your mood. Speak to a counselor first. If you are able to manage the depression successfully for a six-month period, then you may reconsider being a foster parent. 

2. Foster children are easy to please because they are so happy to have a home.
You get a point if you said “not sure” or “disagree.” While many foster children are happy to have a safe home, they may not be so easy to please. Most will test your patience by acting out, being sad and/or shy. Don’t expect foster children to be extra grateful and obedient. They didn't ask to be put in their position and they don’t owe you anything because you accepted them into your family.

3. Providing a foster home is a way to rescue children from a difficult situation.
Score a point if you chose “not sure” or “disagree.” Folks who have a rescue approach to foster care are likely to resist reasonable contact with the foster child’s birth parents. Remember that foster care is temporary and the goal of foster parents is to work with agency professionals so that families are reunited.

4. The money paid by the state for foster care will help meet all my household expenses.
A point for checking “disagree.” Being a foster parent should not result in financial sacrifice. However, nobody should decide to become a foster parent because they think it will help them financially.

5. All that foster children need is a lot of love.
A point for those who said “disagree.” While a lot of love is a nice thing to provide, foster parents also must have good parenting and communication skills and an understanding of their role as foster parents. Being patient, consistent and following through on rules and expectations are all important. It takes more than a loving attitude to be a successful foster parent.

6. I can contribute to a better society by being a good foster parent.
If you said “agree” give yourself two points. Score one point for “not sure.” A good foster parent can put the needs of the child, the child’s family and society ahead of personal needs. Viewing oneself as providing a necessary service to the child and to society is a positive reason for becoming a foster parent.

7. I did a pretty good job with my children so I think I’ll be good with a foster child.
A point for those who “agree” or are “not sure”. Having been a successful parent indicates that you have certain skills and personality traits that make you an effective parent. Wanting to use these talents to help out as a foster parent is a plus.

8. My child needs a playmate.
A point if you “disagree.” Being a foster parent is about caring for others and contributing to society in general. Your need to have a playmate for your child should not be a significant factor in your decision.

9. Having a foster child is a good way to prepare for adopting a child.
A point if you checked “agree” or “not sure.” Being a foster parent will help you determine your suitability to be an adoptive parent. While adoption is occasionally possible, it should not be your primary purpose for becoming a foster parent.

10. Childhood can be a difficult time. I feel I can relate to children going through rough times.
A point if you selected “agree” or “not sure.” If you were a foster child or experienced other significant hurdles, you indeed “know what it’s like.” Even if you didn’t have a difficult childhood you feel able to understand how troubling childhood can be. However, be cautious if you feel your childhood experiences have left you angry, depressed or resentful. Strong negative emotions from your own childhood could hinder your efforts to be a positive parent figure. If you feel you have such difficulties to a significant degree, you should seek personal counseling before becoming a foster parent.

How did you do on the survey? With a possible score of eleven, compare your total to the scale below.

We are committed to working toward a future where every Weld County youth and child, regardless of the complexity of their needs, can be cared for within their own community in a trauma-informed family setting. You might be in the position to help make that happen! Anyone can become a therapeutic foster parent with the necessary experience and training. Therapeutic foster care certification requires an additional twelve hours of specialized training and bi-weekly visits from their support team.

Meet Krissondra and Lucas:

Native American culture celebrated in the Yoke home