FAMILY FAQs
What is foster care?
Foster care is a service provided by families in the community to children who need the protection and provision of a temporary home. Whenever it is safe, we encourage foster parents to view their role as a ministry to a family in need.
What is adoption?
Adoption is receiving a child or youth into your home who is legally in the custody of a county department of social services but in need of a permanent family. The child’s family of origin has had their parental rights terminated by the court and the child is available for adoption by another individual or couple.
Does Foster Care lead to Adoption?
When reunification is not possible, foster families are considered for adoption of their foster child.
How long will it take for a child to be placed in my home?
For most Project 1.27 parents, the certification process takes 6 to 12 months. Parts of the foster and adoption process are in your control, for instance, the amount of time it takes you to complete the training and paperwork. The timeframe of the home study and background checks are largely out of your control. After certification, a child can be placed with you as soon as there is a match. The length of time before a placement varies and can be as short as a day and longer than a year. The wider your variables, such as, age, sex, race, and behaviors you can manage, the shorter the time it will take for your agency to offer a possible match. Before an adoption occurs the child must live in your home for at least six months.
Why should I utilize Project 1.27 when I can just go straight to the county or another private agency?
Good question! A partnership with Project 1.27 is not necessary in the foster and adoptive process, however,
- Project 1.27 is Biblically based, trauma-informed and relationship-focused.
- Learn about foster care and adoption before choosing a certification agency.
- Adds an additional layer of support from your experienced Project 1.27 Case Manager.
Which County/Agency should I choose?
We advise families to consider choosing an agency that best fits their specific needs. While choosing a county or agency is an important step, this decision is best made when you are close to completing your application packet. Families have an opportunity to meet with a variety of partnering agencies during Project 1.27 training.
Will legal issues in my past prevent me from being approved for adoption or foster care?
Possibly. It is best to be forthcoming in your application about any issue that may arise from your past. During this process, you will be giving a very detailed account for your life.
Though it may not seem fair, counties and agencies are very careful about protecting the children. Consider the questions you might ask if your child was going to be raised by someone else. What would you want to know about the parents?
If you have specific concerns, speak privately with your Case Manager.
Though it may not seem fair, counties and agencies are very careful about protecting the children. Consider the questions you might ask if your child was going to be raised by someone else. What would you want to know about the parents?
If you have specific concerns, speak privately with your Case Manager.
Will I be able to love a child that ISN'T MINE BIOLOGICALLY?
Yes. It's not always easy but it is possible. Remember that love is an action, not a feeling. There are some children you may bond with more quickly than others but the feeling of love often follows the actions of love that you demonstrate with the child. Many foster and adoptive parents report that they feel the same level of love for their adoptive child that they do for their biological child.
Will children already in my family get along with foster children or youth?
Issues with siblings can occur in any family and is more likely when a new child enters your home. Talk with your current children prior to new children coming into your home. Prayer, education, and patience are important when seeking answers to difficult questions like this.
Do I have to be a Christian to participate in Project 1.27?
Everyone is welcome to attend Info Night. All Project 1.27 families must fill out a Spiritual Questionnaire and participate in a Pastoral Interview (if you are married, at least one parent must be a Christian). We believe that faith in Jesus is integral to our ability and motivation to love and care for children from hard places. If you prefer a non-faith based approach, we can help direct you to an agency to pursue foster parenting or adoption.
Can I say I can’t handle children with certain issues?
Yes. It is very important to be open and honest with your comfort level. If you are married, be sure you are both in agreement about the level of care you can provide. Overall, it is important to pray and let God guide you in these important decisions. Your Case Manager can also provide support in this area.
Is financial assistance available to foster or adoptive parents?
Foster parents are reimbursed an amount based on the age and needs of the child. Reimbursement will be provided through a check from the county or agency the month following when the care was provided. Adoptive parents sometimes receive an adoption subsidy. A subsidy occurs most often for sibling groups, minority children, children over the age of 6 and children or youth with special needs. Medicaid is also available for adopted children and youth until they are 18 or 21 depending on eligibility, with some exceptions. However, Project 1.27 is available to help advocate for potential subsidies.
What challenges do foster children experience?
All children in foster care have experienced some type of trauma. These children may be developmentally delayed, have a difficult time attaching to adults, suffer from drug or alcohol related issues, have boundary issues, or outbursts of anger. The good news is that many of these concerns are treatable through the relationship of foster and adoptive parents as well as the many professional resources available.
What is a home study?
A home study is a report written by a social worker about you and your family. The worker will come to your home for several visits to interview you and your children individually, and, if married, as a couple. They will discuss your life – past and present, and how adding a child, youth, or siblings will affect your life. The purpose of a home study is to evaluate you and your family as a potential foster or adoptive home and a potential match for a child or youth. The agency you choose to work with will perform this service.
Am I a good enough parent to foster or adopt?
We find that the best foster and adoptive parents are flexible, willing to learn new ways of parenting and have learned to deal with adversity and stress in healthy ways. They also have supportive relationships with others in their community.
May I email my case manager my application packet?
You may email your Case Manager only the documents which do not contain your signature. Any documents requiring a signature must be mailed to your Case Manager or dropped off at the office by appointment only.
AS A FOSTER PARENT, DO I HAVE TO ACCEPT EVERY CHILD I AM ASKED TO TAKE INTO MY HOME?
During the home study process, you and the social worker will talk about what age, sex, ethnicity, number of children, and behaviors of children will be the best fit in your family. Any time you are called about a child you feel is not a good match, we encourage you to say no. Please keep in mind the narrower your parameters regarding children you will welcome into your home are, the fewer the calls requesting a placement you will receive. The more variables you have, the more calls you will receive
After I am certIfied is any additional training required?
Yes, the Colorado Dept. of Human Services requires foster parents to complete 20 hours of ongoing training each year. Ask your agency for additional training requirements.
How much does it cost to foster or adopt a child?
Project 1.27 has a $100 fee which covers all of our training and Case Manager services. Additional costs may include,
- Physical exams completed on everyone residing in your home
- Background Form
- Fingerprint Cards
- Filing an Adoption Petition
- Cost of a new Birth Certificate
