Colorado Association of Family and Children's Agencies Colorado Association of Family and Children's Agencies
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE
"CAN I AFFORD TO ADOPT OR BECOME A FOSTER PARENT?"
"WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION?"
"DO I HAVE TO HAVE A BIG INCOME OR A LOT OF MONEY IN THE BANK TO ADOPT OR BECOME A FOSTER PARENT?"
"I DON'T OWN MY HOME, I RENT. CAN I ADOPT OR BE A FOSTER PARENT?"
"BOTH OF US WORK. WILL I HAVE TO QUIT MY JOB IF I WANT TO ADOPT OR BE A FOSTER PARENT?"
"I'M SINGLE OR A SINGLE PARENT. CAN I ADOPT OR BE A FOSTER PARENT?"
"I'M OVER FORTY. AM I TOO OLD?'
"WILL I HAVE TO WAIT A LONG TIME BEFORE A CHILD IS PLACED IN MY HOME?"
"CAN A FOSTER PARENT ADOPT?"
"CAN A ADOPTIVE OR FOSTER PARENT CHOOSE THE TYPE OF CHILD PLACED IN THEIR HOME?"
"WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN AN ADOPTION OR FOSTER CARE AGENCY?"


Q."CAN I AFFORD TO ADOPT OR BECOME A FOSTER PARENT?" 
back to top A. YES. Adopting or being a foster parent does not have to be expensive. Adoption agencies may have a sliding scales of fees and may reduce or eliminate fees depending on circumstances, especially for older children or children with special needs. There are NO fees for foster care licensing services.
Q. "WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION?"
back to top A. Foster care provides a safe, temporary home for children who are unable to remain in their own homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. Foster families are the bridge for the relationship between children and their birth or extended family until they're reunited or become legally available for adoption. They also serve as members of a professional team in planning for the child's future. Adoption provide children with a permanent family. Both foster families and adoptive families protect and nurture children in their care, meeting their basic needs for food, clothing and shelter as well as their emotional and developmental needs.
Q. "Do I have to have a big income or a lot of money in the bank to adopt or become a foster parent?"
back to top A. NO. You do not have to be rich. You only need an income sufficient to meet the basic needs of your family. Foster parents do receive payments toward the care of children, and there are programs available that can provide benefits for many of today's adopted children.
Q. "I don't own my home, I rent. Can I adopt or be a foster parent?"
back to top A. YES. You don't have to own a house to give a home. You can rent or own as long as your home is safe and has enough room for family members. Most important is the love, understanding and guidance you can offer a child.
Q. "Both of us work. Will I have to quit my job if I want to adopt or be a foster parent?"
back to top A. MAYBE. In many cases NO, however, some agencies may require a parent to be at home. Please check with your agency as to their requirements.
Q. "I'm single or a single parent. Can I adopt or be a foster parent?"
back to top A. YES. Single people, men and women, can be excellent adoptive and foster parents. Experience has shown that children can thrive in a single-parent home. Some agencies may have restrictions, and you should check with them before proceeding.
Q. "I'M OVER 40. AM  I TOO OLD?"
back to top A. NOT NECESSARILY. As long as you are in good health and have the energy and desire to be a parent, age is not a decisive factor. A 50 or 55 year-old person or couple may be perfect for foster care or the adoption of an older child.
Q. "Will I have to wait a long time before a child is placed in my home?"
back to top A. NOT NECESSARILY. Circumstances vary from case to case, but is usually takes from three to four months to get a foster care license or to be approved for adoption. Persons or families wanting to adopt infants or very young children will probably have the longest wait for a child.
Q. "CAN A FOSTER PARENT ADOPT?"
back to top A. YES, depending on circumstances. Each case is different, but when reunification efforts are unsuccessful and adoption becomes the plan for a child, foster parents are given priority as adoptive parents. However, kin will be considered before foster parents.
Q. "Can a adoptive or Foster parent choose the type of child placed in their home?"
back to top A. YES. Careful consideration and pre-placement routines are taken to ensure the proper matching of each child in a foster and adoptive home, prior to a placement. 
Q. "What should I look for in an adoption or foster care agency?"
back to top A. You should be looking for a licensed, reputable agency, one with some longevity and experience with your situation. In addition, an agency should be in "good standing" with the State Department of Social Services and be financially sound.
Q. "Do I need an agency to be involved in adoption or foster care?"
back to top A.   NOT NECESSARILY. Going through an agency or the State Department of Human Services to facilitate adoptions or foster care will enable you to benefit from their experience, ethical and professional staff, who can offer support and guidance through the process. 
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