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Adoption Laws in Colorado: The Process and Requirements

by Tanis McGonegal Family Law
Oct 1, 2024
adoption

Some couples cannot have children of their own. Sometimes people want to be parents but do not want to go through the whole pregnancy and childbirth process. In these cases, adoption can be a viable option for those who want a family.

However, adoption can be a long process. It’s not something that happens overnight, so you need to meet the requirements and you need to be patient. Here’s a look at the types of adoption in Colorado as well as the processes involved.

Types of Adoption

There are three types of adoption available in Colorado:

  • Adoption from foster care. If a child cannot be reunited with their parents, then the next best thing is to offer a permanent home through adoption. There are hundreds of foster children looking for a home.
  • International adoption. International adoption is the adoption of a child from another country. There are different types of international adoptions, and licensed Colorado child placement agencies will finalize these adoptions and support prospective families and children through this process. 
  • Private domestic adoption. Private domestic adoption is done when biological parents voluntarily relinquish their parental rights by placing a child into the custody of a child placement agency. These placements are managed by child placement agencies as well as private Colorado adoption attorneys. Colorado is an agency-to-agency state, which means that the adoption process does not allow for private parties. These agencies provide support to the adoptive family.

Requirements for Adoption

Each state has different requirements for adoption. Adoptive and foster parents must be at least 21 years old. Those who are unmarried can adopt on their own, but married individuals must adopt with their spouse. The only exception is a stepparent adoption. A person looking to adopt must also pass a background check, complete training, and complete a home study. 

The adoption process involves various steps:

  • Attend an information session. Information sessions are held across Colorado. They are there to help answer the questions you may have about adoption. The licensing agencies will provide specific information about the types of adoptions they conduct, time frames for adoption, and involvement in the adoption process.
  • Background checks. Many agencies will also conduct background checks on not only the prospective adoptive parents but all adults in the home. These checks are done to ensure the child is going to a safe home without criminals or a history of abuse. 
  • Attend training. Every prospective adoptive parent must complete core training as well as CPR, first aid, and other required training. Each child placement agency may also have its own training requirements. In two-parent households, both parents must complete the training. 
  • Home study process. Colorado uses the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE), which is a type of home study methodology that allows for effective evaluation of prospective families for adoption. The home study process takes roughly 3-6 months to complete and prepares parents to care for children who have experienced trauma, grief, and loss.
  • Matching process. Once a parent becomes certified, families are able to care for a child in foster care or go through the adoption process. Families can inquire with agencies about the type of child they would like to adopt. Factors may include age, needs, disabilities, and gender identity.
  • Placement and post-placement supervision. If a placement is determined to be a fit for the family and the child, they will be slowly transitioned into the foster home through scheduled visits and a transition plan. This process often takes many months to make sure everyone has the support they need. Throughout the duration of the case, a foster parent will have case workers visit their home to assist with the transition and provide support and assistance to ensure the child is getting their needs met. Caseworkers are required to visit the child in the home at least monthly to determine safety and well-being. The worker also is required to see the child outside the presence of others to see how well they are functioning in their new home.  In Colorado, post-placement supervision is required for at least six months before the adoption can be finalized.

Contact Us Today

When you turn to Tanis McGonegal Family Law, P.C., you will speak directly with a knowledgeable family law attorney who understands the emotional and legal complexities of divorce. We offer a 20-minute consultation at no charge to discuss the basic aspects of your case and explain how our legal services can help you. Contact us now to get started. 

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