CO Foster Care FAQ

Envoi Associates licenses caregivers who are willing to provide evidence-based, trauma-informed care to children and youth aged 5-18 with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). A caregiver can be licensed as a respite provider, therapeutic foster home, or treatment foster home.

To become licensed with Envoi Associates, you must be over 21, have a spare room in your home (children and youth in foster care may be able to share a room with other children/youth depending on age/gender), undergo training, pass background checks, complete a home study, and meet other state-specific requirements for foster parents. We do not discriminate against any individual seeking to become a foster parent based on their race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or national origin.

Envoi Associates does not charge or collect any money from families or individuals wishing to become certified by our agency. We cover the cost of training, background checks, and the home study process for all our licensed foster homes. Families are expected to obtain required safety items for their home, such as a 5lb fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide alarms, lock boxes for medications and any home modifications to meet licensing requirements.

Envoi Associates does receive a variety of referrals for children and youth of various ages and backgrounds, but our focus is on providing support and care for children and youth aged 5-18 with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD).

Becoming a respite care provider is an alternative way to help a child in need when opening your home full-time is not an option. As a respite care provider, you would provide much-needed respite care for foster children and their families. Respite care can last from one afternoon to two weeks, and reimbursement for services is offered. Envoi Associates provides up to 36 days of paid respite for caregivers in our professional foster parent program, and respite providers are essential support to the community.

Envoi Associates supports single individuals in becoming foster parents. Our program includes a variety of families with different backgrounds and makeup.

Working parents can typically continue their employment while being foster parents, with support from Envoi Associates. We offer two specialized programs for experienced individuals who would like to provide care to youth without seeking outside employment.

While we are not an adoption agency, we know that there are times when a child or youth in foster care needs permanency, and returning home is no longer an option. Envoi is happy to work with the county that holds temporary custody of the child/youth during the adoption process.

The length of stay for children or youth in foster homes can vary widely, depending on their individual circumstances and the goals of their case plan. Statewide, most children or youth spend an average of 6-18 months in out-of-home placement.

Envoi Associates considers foster parents' preferences regarding age, gender, and specific needs of the children they are willing to foster.

On average, the process takes around 4-6 months, depending on training schedules and how quickly requirements are met.

The number of children or youth placed in your home will depend on your capacity, preferences, and the needs of the children in care. We typically recommend that new foster parents start with one placement at a time but understand the need for homes that accept sibling groups. 

Whenever possible, Envoi Associates strives to place children in foster homes within their local communities, allowing them to attend their neighborhood schools. If this is not possible, a Best Interest Determination (BID) meeting with the originating school district and the district within your neighborhood will occur to support the child/youth best.

All foster parents receive financial reimbursement to cover the cost of caring for foster children, including food, clothing, and other essentials. Experienced individuals can apply to become a contracted, professional foster parent or therapeutic provider and receive additional financial payments to replace income from traditional employment.  

Envoi Associates provides a range of support services to foster parents, including specialized therapeutic pre-service training, professional crisis management training, case management, respite care, and access to support groups. We also provide a 24/7 crisis support hotline for our foster homes and quarterly events for caregivers to connect.  

Foster parents may have varying levels of interaction with biological parents, depending on the circumstances of the case and the requirements of the child welfare system. Foster parents can choose what level of interaction they are comfortable with and what information is shared. When appropriate, Envoi encourages caregivers and parents to facilitate a relationship to provide the best care for the children and youth placed in the home.

Yes, we support and license homes according to state regulations.

Envoi Associates was initially founded in Tennessee and expanded to Northern Colorado in 2022. Our Northern Colorado office is located in Loveland, Colorado. We license foster homes in Weld, Larimer, Boulder, and Broomfield counties. If you are within those counties or just outside those areas and would like to work with us, reach out!

Choosing which agency to go with when considering foster care is an important decision. Here are some factors to consider:

• Training and Support: Evaluate the training and support services offered by each agency. A comprehensive training program and ongoing support can be invaluable in your journey as a foster parent.

• Services Offered: Consider the range of services offered by the agency, including types of placements, ages of the youth served, support for the children or youth placed in the home, and support for the caregiver.

• Compatibility: Assess how well you mesh with the agency's philosophy, values, and approach to foster care. It's essential to feel comfortable and supported by the agency you choose.

• Location and Accessibility: Consider the location of the agency and how easily accessible it is for you. You'll likely have regular meetings, training sessions, and interactions with agency staff, so proximity can be important.

The first step is to attend a group information session or schedule a one-on-one information session with our Outreach & Licensing Specialist, Candice Moore. You can register for an information session here. 

After attending an information session, submit an application and reconnect with the Outreach & Licensing Specialist, who will help guide you through the process.