The Weld County Department of Human Services wrapped up Reunification Month with a superhero-themed evening of crafts, games and family fun for over 45 individuals from reunified families. By promoting healing, connection and community, the Child Welfare team aims to achieve family preservation and joyful connection. Each reunification story is unique, but a common theme among them is the collaboration between families and caseworkers. Read a reunification story below!
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Reunification Story - shared by Jaylene Tysdal, Weld County Child Protection Permanency Caseworker
This is a story about a mother and her son who worked with Child Welfare for 1.5 years.
With the assistance of her caseworker, the mother was able to get out of an abusive relationship and into a safe and sober lifestyle. Once the abuser was in jail, the mother took the opportunity and worked quickly to get herself back to where she needed to be in order to be a safe and sober caregiver for her son.
Assistance Payments (AP) was key in providing the mother with services and assistance to help her maintain care of her child once returned. She worked with AP to obtain housing, employment and to manage her money in order to be self-sustainable by the end of the case.
From start to finish of this process, it was clear how much the mother cared about her son. Her path to sobriety and consistent positive choices were as much for her as they were for him — to ensure a safe and stable home for them both.
Learn more about the Department of Human Services and the programs and services available to support families.
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Are you interested in learning more? Register for orientation to learn more about foster care and the certification process.
Upcoming options:
Wednesday, July 23, 4:30 to 6 p.m., virtual via Microsoft Teams
Saturday, Aug. 16, 4:30 to 6 p.m., Love Thy Neighbor Community Church, Milliken
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 4:30 to 6 p.m., virtual via Microsoft Teams
 Have you already attended orientation? Register for pre-certification training by contacting your foster care coordinator or Kristy at deandakr@weld.gov.
Upcoming pre-certification training options: Complete one of the following cohorts to meet the 24 hours of training required for foster care certification.
August 2025 Cohort
Friday, Aug. 8, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. (in person, Carbon Valley Lutheran Church, Firestone)
Saturday, Aug. 9, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (in person, Carbon Valley Lutheran Church, Firestone)
Wednesday, Aug. 20, 6 to 8:30 p.m. (virtual via Zoom)
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 6 to 8:30 p.m. (virtual via Zoom)
Note: The last session will be 4 hours of online training, on your own.
September 2025 Cohort
Tuesday, Sept. 2, 5 to 9 p.m. (in person, Zoe's Cafe, Greeley)
Thursday, Sept. 4, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Thursday, Sept. 11, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Tuesday, Sept. 16, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Thursday, Sept. 18, 5 to 9 p.m. (in person, Zoe's Cafe, Greeley)
Note: The last session will be 4 hours of online training, on your own.
Anyone can become a therapeutic foster parent with the necessary experience and training. Therapeutic foster care certification requires an additional 12 hours of specialized training and bi-weekly visits from their support team. Contact Kelly Krause at krausekc@weld.gov for more information.
Meet this fantastic duo – Eliyah and Richard ("Junior")
Visit Weld County’s Waiting Kids for more information about children and youth waiting for a foster adoptive family.
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Take a nature break — your mind and body will thank you!
By Dan Comer, Colorado Child Welfare Training System
We often carry heavy workloads and emotional stress in our work. With so much time spent in front of screens, in high-stakes conversations, and juggling endless to-dos, it’s easy to forget something simple: we need breaks. Any break is good, but time outside in nature can be one of the best, most powerful ways to recharge. Even a few minutes outdoors can have lasting benefits for our mental, physical, and emotional health.
Read more tips on how to take care of your mind and body.
Weld County Foster, Adoption and Kinship Support Group
When: Third Thursday of the month, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Upcoming dates: July 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18
Where: Department of Human Services (315 N. 11th Ave., Building A, Greeley)
Join us to connect with other foster parents, kinship caregivers, adoptive parents, childcare providers, and family childcare (FCC) 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 are provided.
Register for an upcoming Foster, Adoption and Kinship Support Group.
Parent’s Night Out Respite Event
When: Saturday, Aug. 9, 3:45 to 7 p.m.
Where: City Lights Church (7251 W. 4th St., Greeley)
Calling all NoCo foster, kinship and adoptive families! Bring your kids, from newborns to age 17, for a free respite event including dinner and summer fun. You deserve a night out! Make sure to register by July 26!
Greeley Summer Concert Series
This annual family-friendly concert series is a crowd pleaser. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic, spread out a blanket, set up a lawn chair and relax during an evening of exceptional local music.
When: Thursdays, June 19 through Aug. 7, 7 to 8 p.m.
Where: Family FunPlex Outdoor Amphitheater (1501 65th Ave., Greeley)
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Johnstown Movies in the Park
Have a fun night out with the family while watching a movie and enjoying delicious food trucks. Make sure to bring your own blankets and chairs to comfortably enjoy a movie under the stars.
Movies begin at dusk, but make sure to come early to grab a spot and some food.
- July 18 - Lake Park
- Aug. 8 - Rolling Hills Ranch
Thompson Rivers Parks and Rec: Teen Swim Night
This event is for 6th through 12th graders. Inflatables and pizza are provided.
When: Friday, July 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Milliken Waterworks Pool (112 S. Centennial Dr., Milliken)
Note: Registration is not required; just pay $2 at the door. Sign-in sheet with emergency contact will be required.
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Town of Windsor Summer Concert Series
The series showcases diverse musical acts, including local bands, solo artists and occasionally, headlining national performers. Genres range from rock to country, offering something for everyone. Bring your lawn chair and picnic blankets. Food trucks and other vendors will be on-site. Additional activities like face painting and cornhole will also be available.
When: Thursdays, June 12 through Aug. 21, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Boardwalk Community Park (100 N. 5th St., Windsor)
Resources
Operation Foster Hope (Foster Closet)
Operation Foster Hope provides clothing, shoes, diapers, nursery items, furniture, strollers, car seats, school supplies, hygiene products, safety equipment and other needed items to families free of charge. For more information, email operationfosterhopecloset@gmail.com.
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.
Referral Incentives
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.
Donations
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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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