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Are you interested in learning more about foster care? Register for orientation.
Upcoming orientation dates:
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4:30 to 6 p.m., virtual via Microsoft Teams.
Wednesday, March 12, 4:30 to 6 p.m., virtual via Microsoft Teams.
 Have you already attended orientation? Submit your pre-application through Binti.com and register for pre-certification training by contacting Kristy at deandakr@weldgov.com or your assigned Foster Care Coordinator.
Upcoming pre-certification training options
Choose one cohort to meet the 24 hours of training required for foster care certification.
February 2025 Cohort
Friday, Feb. 7, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (in person, Windsor)
Saturday, Feb. 8, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (in person, Windsor)
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
The final session is virtual, self-guided and takes approximately four hours.
March 2025 Cohort
Tuesday, March 4, 5 to 9 p.m. (in person, Greeley)
Thursday, March 6, 6 to 9 p.m. (in person, Greeley)
Tuesday, March 11, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Thursday, March 13, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Tuesday, March 18, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Thursday, March 20, 5 to 9 p.m. (in person, Greeley)
The final session is virtual, self-guided and takes approximately four hours.
Building Connection Through Small Acts of Love
 Fear to Love aims to support families by empowering parents and professionals to create nurturing, trauma-informed environments where children can thrive.
Through small, intentional acts of love, you can create a profound sense of trust and connection with your child. These consistent gestures allow children to feel safe, valued and understood.
From starting the day with a warm greeting to engaging in eye-level conversations, Fear to Love offers seven ways to update your daily routine with your child to build deeper connections. Read about these tips in the latest Fear to Love newsletter.
Foster Source: Body Positivity for Children in Care
Saturday, Feb. 8, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Tune in for a virtual session to discuss the importance of promoting body acceptance among youth. Join Sarah Sullivan, an educator and doctoral student at the University of Denver, for a discussion about embodied norms and fatphobia, review the risks and warning signs of disordered eating, and learn about alternatives to weight loss to promote health. Gain insight on resources to encourage body positivity among the children and youth in your life.
This session will count toward two training hours. Live Spanish interpretation will also be offered. Visit Foster Source to register.
LGBTQIA+ Community Support & Inclusion
Session 2: Reflection and Application
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Weld County Training Center, 1104 H St., Greeley
Note: Must have attended session 1 to attend session 2.
Join us for session two of this training to broaden your understanding and provide practical tools to create a more inclusive environment. Explore LGBTQIA+ terminology and learn strategies for being more inclusive, affirming and supportive. Email Jenn Fogg at foggxxja@weld.gov to sign up.
Foster/Kinship/Adoption Support Group:
A Parent Café support group to strengthen your family
Upcoming Dates:
Thursday, Feb. 20, 6 to 7:3o p.m
Thursday, March 20, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Human Services Building A, 315 N 11th Ave., Greeley
Join us to connect with other foster parents, kinship caregivers, adoptive parents, child care providers and family child care home providers to share parenting strategies, successes and struggles with those who can relate. We focus on support around parenting and caregiving issues using a nationally recognized, research-based framework for keeping children safe and families strong.
Dinner and childcare provided.
Support group attendance will count toward 1.5 training hours.
Register for the Foster, Adoption and Kinship Support Group.
The Ambassador Project:
A Day at the Greeley Family Fun Plex
Sunday, Feb. 23, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (pass pick up time)
Family Fun Plex, 1501 65th Ave., Greeley
Foster and kinship families are invited to take part in a special day of fun, connection and relaxation. Enjoy a sponsored day pass for your entire family, which includes access to the pool and indoor water park, miniature golf, and a fully equipped gym. While enjoying the fun, we encourage you to connect with other foster and kinship families and build valuable friendships!
Note: Day passes can be picked up on Feb. 23 at the event or used on another day that works best for your family. These passes can be used at the Greeley Family Fun Plex or the Greeley Rec Center.
Register by Feb. 15 to reserve your passes.
Questions? Contact candice@fostersource.org or esther@fostersource.org.
Resources
The Ambassador Project by Foster Source
and Cobbled Streets
The Ambassador Project's mission centers around connecting foster and kinship families in Colorado with supportive and therapeutic resources, trauma-informed education, and fun, free and educational activities. Ambassadors are former or current foster or kinship caregivers who host monthly community gatherings and maintain ongoing communication. To get connected with the Weld County Ambassadors, email candice@fostersource.org or esther@fostersource.org.
On-Demand Webinars by America’s Kids Belong
Need some training and inspiration for your fostering journey? Check out FosterCon webinars by America’s Kids Belong. Webinar content is on-demand and includes topics such as fostering cultural identity, fostering bio family bonds, fostering well-being and so much more.
These webinars will count as 1.5 training hours for each module completed.
Fundango (Saturday Evening Respite)
Fundango is a respite program for foster, adoptive and kinship parents in Colorado with children up to 17 years old in their home. The program focuses on social and emotional learning through art, STEM activities and playtime for kids while parents enjoy a short break. Dinner is included.
Cost: $25 for first child; $5 for each additional child
Be the first to know about upcoming event dates by visiting the Kids at Heart website.
Foster Friendly App:
Discounts and Support for Foster Families
The Foster Friendly app offers valuable, practical discounts on products and services from local businesses to meet the special needs of foster families, from food and family entertainment to personal care and educational support. The app also connects families with local faith communities and nonprofits that offer hands-on support services.
To access this app, you can either download it from the App Store on your Apple device or the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
Foster parents are the best recruiters!
Weld County foster parents can refer a family, up to five per calendar year, and receive $100 upon placement. The referred family must name you at inquiry or by their orientation. Have your friends and family visit www.weldgov.com/go/fostercare for more information and to register for orientation.
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Weld County is proud to partner with Realities for Children, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, to collect monetary and item donations for our children and teens in foster care. Your gift provides emergency funding to Weld County youth who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk. All donations are tax deductible, and 100% of your donation goes directly to help our children and teens in foster care.
Visit the Weld County website for more information.
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