For information and safety tips regarding the high wind event and Xcel Energy’s public safety power shutoff visit boulderodm.gov.

Friday December 19, Red Flag Warning. No Open Burning in Boulder County

Fostering in Boulder County
A mother and her two children smiling happily.

Fostering in Boulder County

We put children first. This belief guides everything we do in foster care.

When children cannot safely stay with their families, foster families provide a temporary, safe, and supportive home. The goal is almost always to reunite children with their parents when it is safe.

In 2025, Boulder County Human Services changed how we manage foster care. We now partner with Child Placement Agencies to place and support foster children. This shift allows us to focus more on helping families stay together and supporting them early, before out-of-home care is needed.

Kinship care — when relatives care for children — remains one of our top priorities.

Boulder County partners with a small number of trusted Child Placement Agencies (CPAs) to place and support children in foster care. These CPAs are local nonprofits (or becoming nonprofits) that share our values and have strong experience in Colorado’s child welfare system.

CPAs are responsible for recruiting, certifying, training, and supporting foster families. Each agency must meet strict state standards and has skilled staff who care deeply about the children they serve.

While CPAs handle day-to-day support for foster families, Boulder County still has legal custody of every child in care. Our caseworkers make all decisions about each child’s safety, stability, and long-term well-being.

If you’re interested in fostering, you’ll work directly with one of our CPA partners. They will guide you through the process, provide training, and serve as your primary point of contact. View the full list of County and Child Placement Agencies in Colorado.If you would like help getting started with fostering in Boulder County, email Jessica Steenson at jsteenson@bouldercounty.gov.

Foster parents come from all walks of life. What matters most is that you can provide a stable, safe, and caring home.

If you’re thinking about becoming a foster parent:

  • Reach out to a CPA partner (see the “Child Placement Agency (CPA) Partners” tab for more information).
  • Attend an info session and complete required training.
  • Complete a home study and background check.
  • Work with your CPA to get matched with a child.

If you have questions about foster care in Boulder County or need assistance working with a CPA, contact Suzanne Daniels by calling 303-441-1533 or email sdaniels@bouldercounty.gov.

Contact Us

Human Services

Phone: 303-441-1000
TTY: 1-800-659-3656
Fax: 303-441-1523
Submit a question

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 471
Boulder, CO 80306

Boulder Location

3460 Broadway, Boulder
Fax: 720-564-2283
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday/Wednesday/Friday

Longmont Location

515 Coffman St., Longmont
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday-Friday

Lafayette Location

1755 S. Public Road, Lafayette
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday
Closed 1-2 p.m. for lunch.

Human Services website

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