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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:
When: Wednesday, May 21, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Microsoft Teams
When: Wednesday, June 18, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Where: Virtual via Microsoft Teams
 Have you already attended orientation? Register for pre-certification training by contacting your foster care coordinator or Kristy at deandakr@weldgov.com.
Upcoming pre-certification training options Complete the following cohort to meet the 24 hours of training required for foster care certification.
June 2025 Cohort
Tuesday, June 3, 5 to 9 p.m. (in person, Zoe's Cafe, Greeley)
Thursday, June 5, 6 to 9 p.m. (in person, Zoe's Cafe, Greeley)
Tuesday, June 10, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Thursday, June 12, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Tuesday, June 17, 6 to 9 p.m. (Zoom)
Thursday, June 19, 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.
Foster Care Month Proclamation
The Weld County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May as Foster Care Month at a recent board meeting. Child welfare professionals and faith-based and community organizations were in attendance, as well as the Troyer family, an exceptional foster family that has been recognized by the Colorado Department of Human Services for their 27 years of service, caring for over 60 youth.
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Consider becoming a therapeutic
foster home
We are committed to working toward a future where every Weld County youth and child, regardless of the complexity of their needs, can be cared for within their own community in a trauma-informed family setting. You might be in the position to help make that happen!
Anyone can become a therapeutic foster parent with the necessary experience and training. Therapeutic foster care certification requires an additional twelve hours of specialized training and bi-weekly visits from their support team. Contact Kelly Krause at krausekc@weld.gov for more information.
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Plan structured time this summer.
As we head into summer, here are some reasons to develop daily schedules centered around specific activities and goals:
1. Kids get bored
Children should be given some independence to entertain themselves, but too much free time often results in excessive screen time or boredom.
2. Not all activities are engaging
Incorporating educational activities, such as daily reading or a sensory-focused craft project, will ensure that children are continuing to develop skills and knowledge over the long break period.
3. Routines build confidence
Chores and learning might seem daunting for a child on their own, but when combined with personal projects and rewarding activities, they can build confidence and independence.
Looking for some activity ideas?
1. Visit a local library
Most libraries have summer reading challenges or programming designed to keep children entertained and excited about reading.
2. Find free resources and activities
There are a plethora of free coloring pages, activity sheets, craft ideas and kid-friendly recipes online. Visit the Weld County Childcare website to get started! If you're looking for an outdoor event, take a nature walk or go bowling! Visit Kids Bowl Free to learn more about how children ages 2 to 18 can enjoy two free games every day during the summer.
3. Learn about job opportunities
Weld County has employment and training programs for youth as young as 13 1⁄2. Visit the Weld County website to learn about programs specifically for young adults in foster or kinship care.
The Ambassador Project: Moms’ Paint and Sip Afternoon
This event is just for our foster and kinship moms! Step away from the daily hustle and join the Weld County Area Ambassador Project for a relaxing, creative paint and sip event.
When: Saturday, May 10, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Studio Vino (6055 Sky Pond Dr. P172, Loveland)
Visit this Google Doc for more information or to register. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP if you haven't already. Contact ambassadors at candice@fostersource.org or esther@fostersource.org with any questions.
Weld County Foster, Adoption, and Kinship
Support Group
When: Thursday, May 15, 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursday, June 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
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! Childcare and dinner provided. 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 the Foster, Adoption and Kinship Support Group.
Fundango Northern Colorado Saturday Evening Respite
Upcoming dates: May 10
Visit https://kidsatheartco.org/fundango/ for more information.
Fishing Clinic and Derby
The Colorado Department of Wildlife and Thompson Rivers Parks and Recreation (TRPR) welcome kids, ages 5 to 15, to a free fishing clinic and derby. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to fish, learn and win prizes. Fishing rods and bait will be provided while supplies last. Visit the TRPR website to complete the required registration.
When: Saturday, May 31, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Centennial Lake (320 Centennial Lake Drive, Milliken)
Resources
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
The Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and 988 Crisis Hotline Enterprise proudly announce the launch of a campaign to increase awareness and utilization of the 988 Colorado Mental Health Line. This service connects people in Colorado to trained crisis specialists offering compassionate mental health and substance use support via call, text, and chat. Be sure to add this to your emergency contacts and an accessible place in your home in case it’s needed!
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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