ICPC State Pages
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About the ICPC
The Association of Administrators of the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (AAICPC) was established in 1974 and consists of members from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The AAICPC has authority under ICPC to "promulgate rules and regulations to carry out more effectively the terms and provisions of this compact." The AAICPC obtains its Secretariat Services, as an affiliate of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA).
For more information, please visit the AAICPC website.
Contact the AAICPC
American Public Human Services Association
1133 Nineteenth Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 682-0100
fax: (202) 289-6555
Web Manager: Carla Fults [cfults@aphsa.org]
Click on a state to see it's page:
Colorado
-
Adoption
- Age of Majority
- Appeals
- Border Agreements
- Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
- Custody Matters
- NON ICPC - Consultants/Specialists
- Definitions
- Education - Public Education Costs
- Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
- Foster Care
- Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
- ICPC Processing
- Licensing/Certification/Approval
- Parental Placements
- Relative Placements
- Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
- Supervision/Reports/Guidelines
- Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Compact Administrators
| Compact Administrator Pauline Hoekstra |
Deputy Compact Administrator Lila Mutschelknaus |
Consultants
| ICPC Specialist (A-H) Colorado is a decentralized state. Public interstate cases are processed by local county departments of social/human services. For NEICE states with case-specific questions, inquiries, referrals, and status requests; please contact the ICPC County Liaison through the NEICE SDP. For a listing of county ICPC liaisons, click on the following link: Colorado County ICPC Liaisons https://aphsa.org/AAICPC/AAICPC/Resources.aspx (File is located at the bottom of the web page under “Rules, Regulations and Additional Information”). |
Administrative Assistant (A-L) N/A |
| ICPC Specialist (I-Q)
|
Administrative Assistant (M-Z) N/A |
| ICPC Specialist (R-Z) NON-PUBLIC (PRIVATE) INTERSTATE ADOPTIONS are processed by: |
Mailing Address
| Regular Mailing Address For residential placements or placements licensed For public interstate cases, mail your request to the appropriate county department of social/human services. Click on the link below for a listing of county ICPC liaisons: Colorado County ICPC Liaisons https://aphsa.org/AAICPC/AAICPC/Resources.aspx (File is located at the bottom of the web page under “Rules, Regulations and Additional Information”) |
Federal Express Address For residential placements and placement homes licensed by a child placement agency (CPA) in Colorado; email all ICPC paperwork through the NEICE SDP to the CO ICPC State office. Or you can email ICPC documents to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) For non-public (private) adoptions, email Danna using the NEICE SDP or FedEx your request to: For public interstate ICPC documents follow the following instructions:
|
Useful Telephone Numbers
| Child Abuse Hotline To report child abuse or neglect, please call |
Juvenile Compact Office Brooke Montelongo |
| Mental Health Compact Office (303) 866-7424 |
Useful Websites
General Iinformation
Co-Located Compacts - ICPC, ICAMA, ICJ
Adoption
Independent /Private
Independent/Private Adoptive Placements:
Colorado permits private attorney, private agency and/or independent adoptions
| Adoption Type | Yes/No |
|---|---|
| Private Agency | Yes |
| Private Attorney | No |
| Independent | No |
Adoption Statute-Non-Agency; Independent; Private Adoptions:
- Private Agency Adoptions: CRS 19-5-206
- Private Attorney Adoptions: CRS 19-5-206
- Independent Adoptions: CRS 19-5-206
Public
Public Adoptive Placements-Requirements
Three post placements in home visit at two weeks, three months, and six months after placement.
INDEPENDENT / PRIVATE / PUBLIC
The following information applies to independent, private and public adoptions
Adoption Assistance
Adoption assistance payments begins
- At the time the child is placed
Sending State Adoption Subsidy Payments (Guidelines)
No information
Special Needs
Colorado definition of "Special Needs"
To access this information, go to the AAICAMA website at http://aaicama.org/cms/index.php/adoption-assistance/policy-manual.
Finalization
Adoption may be finalized in another state:
- Yes
Before finalization can occur in Colorado, child must be in adoptive placement:
- 6 months
- Other
Statutory code/cite for Adoption Petition
CRS 19-5-208
Court Jurisdiction for Adoption Cases
County District Court
Home Study (Adoptions)
Statutory code/cite for the Adoptive Home Studies:
CRS 19-5-207
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Yes
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: No
Age of Majority
State's age of majority
- 18
Statutory code/cite and the age of majority:
- 21 years. (2-4-401). 18 years under Children’s Code (19-1-103) but jurisdiction of court may continue over any child under 21 years of age who has been adjudicated as neglected or dependent, in need of oversight, or delinquent.
Services (after Age of Majority)
As the Receiving State, the following services will be provided/continued at the age of majority:
- Supervision
Appeals
Appeals permitted:
- Home Study: Yes
- ICPC Decision: No
Border Agreements
Border Agreements permitted:
- Yes
Current Border Agreements with:
- None - Not Applicable
Criminal Background Checks/Abuse and Neglect Registry
Home Studies which Require Criminal / Perpetrator Record Checks
Colorado requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Criminal Background Screening
The following methods are used to capture fingerprints to conduct criminal records checks/and abuse and neglect.
- Live Scan or other computerized technology
- Finger Print cards
Criminal background checks/screening via Live Scan or other computerized technology are offered at the following levels:
- Local
- Other, specified below
Some counties are utilizing live scan.
Background Screening
State or Local Criminal Record Checks Requirements/Process:
Prior to full certification of a family foster home, there shall be a review and documentation in the provider record for each adult living in the home 1) a fingerprint-based criminal history check of CBI and FBI records 2) Child abuse/neglect records check in every state where the adult has resided in the five years preceding the date of application for each adult (18 years and older) living in the home 3)The state's contracted system, colorado state courts to determine any crime for which the applicant or other residential adults was arrested or convicted and the disposition.
Applicant will not be approved if the person has committed any of the following misdemeanor or felony offenses:
A child care facility shall not employ, or a child placement agency shall not employ or certify, an individual who has been convicted of:
a. Child abuse, as specified in Section 18-6-401, C.R.S.
b. A crime of violence, as defined in Section 18-1.3-406, C.R.S.
c. Any felony offenses involving unlawful sexual behavior, as defined in Section 16-22-102(9), C.R.S.
d. Any felony, the underlying factual basis of which has been found by the court on the record to include an act of domestic violence, as defined in Section 18-6-800.3, C.R.S.
e. Any felony involving physical assault, battery, or a drug-related/alcohol-related offense within the five years preceding the date of application for a license or certificate;
f. Has shown a pattern of misdemeanor convictions within the ten (10) years immediately preceding submission of the application. "Pattern of misdemeanor" shall include consideration of Section 26-6-108(2), C.R.S., regarding suspension, revocation and denial of a license, and shall be defined as:
1) Three (3) or more convictions of 3rd degree assault as described in Section 18-3-204, C.R.S., and/or any misdemeanor, the underlying factual basis of which has been found by any court on the record to include an act of domestic violence as defined in Section 18-6-800.3, C.R.S.; or,
2) Five (5) misdemeanor convictions of any type, with at least two (2) convictions of 3rd degree assault as described in Section 18-3-204, C.R.S., and/or any misdemeanor, the underlying factual basis of which has been found by any court on the record to include an act of domestic violence as defined in Section 18-6-800.3, C.R.S.; or,
3) Seven (7) misdemeanor convictions of any type.
g. Any offense in any other state, the elements of which are substantially similar to the elements listed in a-e above; or,
No license or certificate to operate any agency or facility shall be issued by the Department, a county department, or a licensed Child Placement Agency if the person applying for such license or certificate or an affiliate of the applicant, a person employed by the applicant, or a person who resides with the applicant of the facility has been determined to be insane or mentally incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction and, should a court enter, pursuant to Part 3 or Part 4 of Article 14 of Title 15, C.R.S. or Section 27-10-109(4) or 27-10-125, C.R.S., an order specifically finding that the mental incompetency or insanity is of such degree that the applicant is incapable of operating a family child care home, foster care home, child care center, or child placement agency, the record of such determination and entry of such order being conclusive evidence thereof.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Colorado requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Other, specified next
Custody Matters - NON ICPC
(NOTE: These are private or domestic custody matters brought before the court for determination/decision)
Non-ICPC Requests - (i.e. private/domestic custody cases)
ICPC Office will not investigate a domestic or private custody matter.
- Parent vs. Parent: No
- Third Parties: No
ICPC Offices will assist with referral:
- Yes
Refer Cases To:The appropriate agency or court facilitator.
Custody Investigation
No information provided.
Definitions
Colorado Specific Definitions
If the following terms are defined differently than below (General Definitions), please provide definitions for the following types of placements as defined within your state. If definitions in your state are the same, please type the word same in the space provided. (only 250 characters per answer will be accepted).
Adoption
Same
Foster-Adopt
is an individual who has been approved as a certified foster parent and who has made an offer of an adoption commitment if the child becomes legally free.
Foster Care
Same
Parent
Same
Relative
Same
Relative Foster Care
refers to a person who meets the definition of a relative as noted above and has been approved as a certified foster parent.
General Definitions
Adoption
is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth parents. Adoption results in the severing of the parental responsibilities and rights of the biological parents and the placing of those responsibilities and rights onto the adoptive parents. After the finalization of an adoption, there is no legal difference between biological and adopted children.
The types of adoptions permitted by each state are governed by state law:
- Private Agency - are adoptions facilitated by a private licensed agency (i.e. domestic and international).
- Independent - are adoptions facilitated by an attorney, other intermediary, or adoption facilitator as defined by state law.
- Public - are adoptions facilitated by a public state or local agency and involve children who are in the custody of a state/local government agency.
Days
means “Calendar” (not business) days.
Foster - Adopt
is an individual who has been approved as a licensed foster parent and who has made an offer of an adoption commitment if the child becomes legally free.
Foster Care (Provider)
is any person other than a natural or adoptive parent with whom a child is in the care, custody, or guardianship of the State Child Welfare Agency and placed by said division, or with its approval for temporary or long-term care but shall not include any person with whom a child is placed for the purpose of adoption. Foster home means and includes private residences that are licensed, or specialized group homes.
Foster Care Maintenance Payments
means payments to cover the cost of (and the cost of providing) food, clothing, shelter, daily supervision, school supplies, a child's personal incidentals, liability insurance with respect to a child, and reasonable travel to the child's home for visitation. In the case of institutional care, such term shall include the reasonable costs of administration and operation of such institution as are necessarily required to provide the items described in the preceding sentence.
Legal Risk Adoptions
A legal risk adoption, or a legal risk placement, is one where a prospective adoptive child is placed in your home although the child is not yet legally free to be adopted.
License/certification/approval
means approval and or certification granted by the authority of a state regulatory agency.
Live Scan
is an electronic computerized technology which digitally scans fingerprints and provides immediate transmission of fingerprint records to the Department of Justice, FBI or other authorized receiving agency.
Parent
is a biological, adoptive parent or legal guardian as determined by applicable State law and is responsible for the care, custody and control of a child or upon whom there is legal duty for such care.
Relative
is a birth or adoptive brother, sister, stepparent, stepbrother, stepsister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, as well as relatives of half blood or marriage and those denoted by the prefixes of grand and great including grand parent or great grandparent, or as defined in your state statute for the purpose of foster and or adoptive placements.
Relative-Foster Care
refers to a person who meets the definition of a relative as noted above and has been approved as a licensed foster parent.
Public Education Costs
Colorado charges for public education:
- No
Colorado charges the sending state for specialized services (occupational, speech therapy)
- Yes
Colorado charges the Sending State to obtain assessments/diagnostics and/or services for education purposes:
- Yes
Financial Plans, Medicaid, IV-E, Daycare, Payments
FINANCIAL PLANS
Colorado permits a child in the legal custody of a Sending State to apply for and receive the following state administered assistance/benefits in Colorado as the Receiving State.
- Medicaid
- TANF Child Only
- TANF–Family
- Kin-Guardianship - State
As the Sending state, following are considered as a viable financial/medical plan when making interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Kin-Guardianship - Fostering Connections (IV-E)
- Kin-Guardianship - State
- Medicaid
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
As the Receiving state, following are considered a viable financial/medical plan when receiving interstate placements:
- Applying for TANF - (Family Income Based)
- Applying for TANF - Child Only
- Title IV-E Foster Care
- Title IV-E Adoption Assistance
- Sending State Adoption Assistance
- Medicaid
- Sending State’s Coverage for Medical Assistance
MEDICAID / MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
The state will ensure medical coverage benefits and services can be received through benefits, programs and providers in the Receiving State before placing a child across state lines.
- No
Medicaid
The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Yes
WAITING PERIOD FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS
Waiting period to apply for benefit assistance:
- 30 days
Waiting period to receive benefits for a child who is under the legal custody/legal jurisdiction of the sending state:
- 30 days
STATE MEDICAL INSURANCE/COVERAGE
As the Sending State, Colorado will provide medical coverage if the child is NOT IV-E eligible
- Yes: Private insurance
As the Sending State, Colorado will permit Placement Resources to apply for medical benefits in the Receiving State or use their personal insurance.
- Yes
PAYMENTS MADE
TANF Payments
- The Basic Cash Assistance grant depends on household size.
Adoption assistance payments begin:
- At the time the child is placed.
Foster Care Payments
Foster care payments are made at the rate of the receiving state.
Special Education Payments
- Yes
Daycare Payments
- No
Kinship Program
"Kinship care is the full time nurturing and protection of children by kin. Kin are relatives or persons ascribed by the family as having a family-like relationship. These relationships take into account cultural values and continuity of significant relationships."
TITLE IV-E
Medicaid - The receiving state is responsible for the Medicaid benefits of children eligible under Title IV-E. Otherwise, the responsibility is with the sending state (see Foster Care Payments).
- Yes
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: Title IV-E verification form
Foster Care
RATES (Foster Care)
Foster care rate paid at:
- Negotiable
- Other
The Colorado County Department negotiates with the receiving state, unless the receiving state has a policy requiring their rate.
Colorado foster care rates:
| Service Level of Care | Amount per day |
|---|---|
| DAILY RATES | Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 |
| Basic - Ages 0-8 | $ 42.86 |
| Basic - Ages 9-13 | $ 54.65 |
| Basic - Ages 14 & up | $ 66.44 |
| Therapeutic Foster Care Rate (all ages) | $106.09 |
| Treatment Foster Care Rate (all ages) | $109.30 |
| Child Placement Agency | $42.86 |
| Group Center | $192.22 |
| Group Home | $143.17 |
| ADMINISTRATIVE MAINTENANCE FEES | Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 |
| Child Placement Agency | $61.78 |
| Group Center | $65.27 |
| Group Home | $37.01 |
| Therapeutic Foster Care | $84.65 |
| Treatment Foster Care | $138.23 |
REQUIREMENTS (Foster Care)
Foster Care Resource Requirements:
Prior to certification, the county shall complete the single assessment of foster and adoptive homes as outlined in Section 7.500.2.
Training, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Five-Year Child Abuse and Neglect Records Check Requirements
1.Prior to the placement of a child, initial training shall be provided through the statewide core curriculum, county department, or CPA.
a.Each applicant shall complete twelve hours of core training. Core training shall include, at a minimum, the following ten primary topic areas:
1) General overview of foster care
2) Administrative and legal issues
3) Why children get placed in out-of-home care
4) Parenting and family dynamics
5) Key concepts of child growth and development
6) Importance of the team approach
7) Individual differences, such as ethnicity and culture
8) Discipline
9) Effects of fostering on the foster family
10) Working with the biological family
b.In addition to twenty-seven hours of pre-certification training, which includes twelve hours of core training, each foster parent must be certified in First Aid or the equivalent, and CPR for the ages of the children in placement.
c.Complete a background check for each adult eighteen (18) years and older living in the home for the following:
1) Child abuse/neglect records in every state where the adult has resided in the five years preceding the date of application; and,
2) Fingerprint-based criminal history checks from the CBI and the FBI.
2. Ongoing Training
a.Each applicant shall have 20 hours of ongoing training every year. The training shall be relevant to fostering of children.
b.If there are children in the home and training is not completed, no additional children shall be placed until training is complete. Children who are currently in placement shall not be disrupted due to this requirement.
C.Exceptions to the Training and CBI, FBI, and Five-Year Child Abuse and Neglect Records Check Requirements
An exception to the above rules may be made for emergency "child specific" placements. These are defined as placements where the child has a prior relationship to the applicant.
1.The applicant may have 60 calendar days from the date of application to complete the above training.
2.In the event of an emergency child specific placement in a previously uncertified home, prior to or at the time of the placement the county shall receive the completed Original Application to Care for Children. In addition, the county and the applicant shall review and sign the CWS-7A form, Individual Provider Contract for Purchase of Foster Care Services, and Foster Care Facility Agreement.
Training (Education and Training)
- 27 hours of pre-certification training and 20 hours of on-going training every year.
Home Studies (Adoption/Foster Care/Kinship/Parent/Relative)
Types of Home Studies
Colorado conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
County departments are required to conduct the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) format.
Colorado designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Yes
Colorado considers a home study as current/valid for:
- 1 year
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, Colorado will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- Yes
As the Receiving State, Colorado will permit a Sending state to pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study.
- Yes
As the Receiving State, Colorado will accept/update a home study that was not originally conducted by the receiving state or a private contractor acting on behalf of the Receiving State.
- Will Update and Accept
Adoptive Home Studies
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- No
Prospective adoptive parents permitted to pay for a pre-adoptive home study
- Private Adoptions: Yes
- Independent Adoptions: No
DCPS contracts for Purchase of Services with private agencies in other states:
- Yes
Foster Care Home Study
Home study for foster care conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- Yes
Parent Home Study
If child has been removed from the parent, Colorado requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Yes
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
- A court does not have evidence before it that such parent is unfit
- Does not seek such evidence
- Does not retain jurisdiction over the child after the court transfers the child
Judges may utilize ICPC Regulation 3 for placements with non-custodial parents.
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Relative/Kinship Home Study
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- No
Define Relative
A specified caretaker relative is any relation by blood, marriage or adoption, who is within the fifth degree of kinship to the dependent child. A specified caretaker may also include an individual who exerts the responsibility for a child. A specified caretaker is a person who exercises the responsibility for the child(ren). The following hierarchy shall be followed:
A. A parent (who must participate in the work requirements of the program);
B. A relative by blood, marriage, or adoption who is within the fifth degree of kinship to the dependent child(ren) (not to be separated due to death or divorce); or is appointed by the court to be the legal guardian or legal custodian of the dependent child(ren), who has the opportunity to choose to be a member of the assistance unit and therefore, as a member, must participate in the work requirements of the program;
C. If those identified in A or B, above, are not available, a person who exercises responsibility for a dependent child(ren) within the person's home and provides verification of such responsibility, who has the opportunity to choose if they are a member of the assistance requirements of the program.
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Colorado considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
- 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
- Godmother, Godfather
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Colorado performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: Because Colorado is state supervised and county administered, it is difficult to determine the length of time for completing home studies.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: Because Colorado is state supervised and county administered, it is difficult to determine the length of time for completing home studies.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Private
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- 30 days
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- 30 days
Colorado determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the Receiving State Local Office.
Upon receipt by the local county department of social/human services.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y |
Criminal Record Checks
Colorado requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Colorado requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Results
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: 31-60 days
ICPC Processing And Data Collection
Colorado conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
County departments are required to conduct the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) format.
ICPC Placement Checklists
| Adoption | Foster | Foster-Adopt | Parent | Relative | Residential | Electronic Transmission Accepted * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICPC 100A (Placement Request) | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| ICPC – 100 B (if child is in the Receiving State) | y | Incoming Residential Only - S, R, L | |||||
| Court Order | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Financial/ Medical Plan to support placement | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Medical Documentation/History | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Title IV-E Status | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Social History/ Case Plan | y | y | y | y | y | ||
| Consent to Adoption | y | ||||||
| Termination of Paternal Rights | y | ||||||
| Supervisory/ Progress Reports | y | y | Regulation 1 only (No electronic) | ||||
| Home Study Report | y | y | Regulation 1 only (No electronic) |
Date of Receipt - Home Study
Colorado determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the Receiving State Local Office.
Upon receipt by the local county department of social/human services.
Colorado designates staff in each county/region to conduct home studies and/or process interstate placements.
- Yes
Private Contract Services - Home Study
As the Sending State, Colorado will pay a contractor or private/independent agency in the Receiving State to conduct a home study
- Yes
Criminal Records Checks
Colorado requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Colorado requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Mailing Process - Interstate Home Study
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y |
Wait/Processing Times
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study) - Public
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: Because Colorado is state supervised and county administered, it is difficult to determine the length of time for completing home studies.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: Because Colorado is state supervised and county administered, it is difficult to determine the length of time for completing home studies.
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 1 year
Colorado offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherQuarterly
Wait Time for ICPC Decision
| Foster Care | Relative | Relative - Foster Care | Parent | Foster - Adopt | Adoption (Public) |
Adoption (Private) |
Adoption (Independent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 1-2 months | 1- 30 days | 1-2 months | 1- 30 days | 1- 30 days |
Data Collection
Colorado collects, tracks and reports interstate data via:
- State System (SACWS or Other Computer System/Database)
Colorado collects, tracks and reports interstate home studies via
- Manually (By hand)
Licensing/Certification/Approval
Licensing
Dual Licensing state:
- Yes
Colorado uses the following terms to authorize a resource family for foster care and (or) adoption after completion of education and training in state:
- Approve (Adoption)
- Verified (Foster Home)
- Certified
Colorado requires the following types of placement resources to be licensed/approved/certified:
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Adoption
- Foster/Adopt
Colorado resource training program is as follows:
- PRIDE (Parents Resource Information Development Education)
Colorado will give full or partial credit for foster care and adoption education and training completed in another state:
- Adoption
Partial Credit - Foster Care
Partial Credit
Title IV-E documentation/verification required
- Yes: Title IV-E verification form
Requirements (Licensing)
Licensing Requirements
No information provided
Foster Care Placements
No information provided
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 1 year
Colorado offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherQuarterly
Parent Studies
Colorado conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
County departments are required to conduct the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) format.
Custodial Parent Evaluated Per Reunification
If child has been removed from the parent, Colorado requires a home study evaluation before reunification.
Yes
Non-Custodial Parents
Placements with non-custodial parents are not covered under the ICPC if:
- A court does not have evidence before it that such parent is unfit
- Does not seek such evidence
- Does not retain jurisdiction over the child after the court transfers the child
Judges may utilize ICPC Regulation 3 for placements with non-custodial parents.
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Colorado performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: Because Colorado is state supervised and county administered, it is difficult to determine the length of time for completing home studies.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: Because Colorado is state supervised and county administered, it is difficult to determine the length of time for completing home studies.
Colorado determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the Receiving State Local Office.
Upon receipt by the local county department of social/human services.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
Colorado requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Colorado requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: Because Colorado is state supervised and county administered, it is difficult to determine the length of time for completing home studies.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Colorado requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Other, specified next
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 1 year
Colorado offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherQuarterly
Relative Placements
Colorado conducts the following types of home studies:
- Relative Care
- Foster Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Parent Care
- Foster- Adopt
- Adoption
- Other
County departments are required to conduct the Structured Analysis Family Evaluation (SAFE) format.
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
A specified caretaker relative is any relation by blood, marriage or adoption, who is within the fifth degree of kinship to the dependent child. A specified caretaker may also include an individual who exerts the responsibility for a child. A specified caretaker is a person who exercises the responsibility for the child(ren). The following hierarchy shall be followed:
A. A parent (who must participate in the work requirements of the program);
B. A relative by blood, marriage, or adoption who is within the fifth degree of kinship to the dependent child(ren) (not to be separated due to death or divorce); or is appointed by the court to be the legal guardian or legal custodian of the dependent child(ren), who has the opportunity to choose to be a member of the assistance unit and therefore, as a member, must participate in the work requirements of the program;
C. If those identified in A or B, above, are not available, a person who exercises responsibility for a dependent child(ren) within the person's home and provides verification of such responsibility, who has the opportunity to choose if they are a member of the assistance requirements of the program.
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Colorado considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
- 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
- Godmother, Godfather
Regulation 7 Priority Placement
Colorado performs priority placements:
Yes
A court ordered Priority 7 conducted if the child is in a DCF shelter or foster home for substantial period of time.
Wait Time (ICPC Interstate Home Study)
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: Because Colorado is state supervised and county administered, it is difficult to determine the length of time for completing home studies.
Wait time to complete Home Study, only (without criminal records check):
- Other: Because Colorado is state supervised and county administered, it is difficult to determine the length of time for completing home studies.
Colorado determines the "Date of Receipt" for an interstate home study as:
- Date stamped in the Receiving State Local Office.
Upon receipt by the local county department of social/human services.
Method of requesting, sending, and/or reporting an interstate home study
| Regular Mail | Express Mail | Overnight Mail | Electronic Mail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y | |
| Send home study request to Local office | y | y | y | |
| Send request for a home study to Receiving State | y | y | y |
Criminal Records Checks
Colorado requires criminal background checks for the following home studies:
- Foster Care
- Relative Care
- Relative-Foster Care
- Foster-Adopt
- Adoption
- Parent
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Colorado requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Wait Time for Criminal Records Checks
Wait time for fingerprint results are:
Live Scan or other technology
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: 4-7 days
Manually - Fingerprint Card
- State: Not Offered
- Local/County: 31-60 days
Average length of time to process and complete a home study with criminal background checks for an interstate placement (Not including completion of education training):
- Other: Because Colorado is state supervised and county administered, it is difficult to determine the length of time for completing home studies.
Type of Checks (Crim. & Abuse Neglect Registry)
Colorado requires the following types of criminal background and perpetrator checks (Federal (F), State (S), Local (L), Abuse and Neglect Registry (ANR), Not Required (NR))
| Federal | State | Local | ANR | NR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative | y | y | y | y | |
| Relative Foster Care | y | y | y | y | |
| Foster-Adopt | y | y | y | y | |
| Adoption | y | y | y | y | |
| Parent | y | y | y | y |
Verification of Criminal Records Results
- Actual results/information contained in the Criminal Background
- Other, specified next
Wait Time - (License/ Certification/ Approval - Education and Training)
Average Length of time it takes for a home to be licensed/approved/certified:
- 3-6 mos.
Length of time a license is valid before renewal required.
- 1 year
Colorado offers classes (education and training) for placement resources' homes to become licensed/certified/approved:
- OtherQuarterly
Residential Treatment Centers/Facilities
Before Colorado will approve a child for an interstate placement with an RTF, Certification/verification of acceptance is required from the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF).
- Yes
Residential Placements
A “residential child care facility (RCCF)" shall provide 24-hour residential group (congregate) care and treatment for five or more children/youth up to 18 years old. A residential child care facility is operated under private, public, or nonprofit sponsorship.
Please click the link below for additional requirements for youth approaching the age of 17 or youth with delinquencies:
CDHS DCW Enforcement for Youth Near 17 Years or Older and Youth with Delinquencies
Supervisory Reports
Colorado Requires face-to-face supervision:
- Once a month
Colorado will provide supervision of an interstate placement:
- Until the ICPC case is closed
Colorado Submits a supervisory report to the Sending State
- Quarterly
Colorado will send a supervision report to:
- The ICPC in the Sending State
Supervision Guidelines
Please see Regulation 11 for supervision requirements under the ICPC (Link provided below):
Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
Home study for adoption conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- No
Home study for relatives conducted prior to Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
- No
After TPR, relatives are no longer relatives and a foster care or adoptive home study must be requested.
- Yes
Relative Home Study
Define Relative
A specified caretaker relative is any relation by blood, marriage or adoption, who is within the fifth degree of kinship to the dependent child. A specified caretaker may also include an individual who exerts the responsibility for a child. A specified caretaker is a person who exercises the responsibility for the child(ren). The following hierarchy shall be followed:
A. A parent (who must participate in the work requirements of the program);
B. A relative by blood, marriage, or adoption who is within the fifth degree of kinship to the dependent child(ren) (not to be separated due to death or divorce); or is appointed by the court to be the legal guardian or legal custodian of the dependent child(ren), who has the opportunity to choose to be a member of the assistance unit and therefore, as a member, must participate in the work requirements of the program;
C. If those identified in A or B, above, are not available, a person who exercises responsibility for a dependent child(ren) within the person's home and provides verification of such responsibility, who has the opportunity to choose if they are a member of the assistance requirements of the program.
Relatives must be licensed:
- No
Proof of Paternity is required:
- No
Colorado considers the following types and degrees of relation as relative placements. Individuals related in the 1st degree, 2nd degree, 3rd degree and 4th degree (You may need to refer to your state's consanguinity chart or state statute to determine relations or relative status.)
- 1st Degree (mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter)
- 2nd Degree (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, first cousin)
- 3rd Degree (great grandmother, great grandfather, great aunt, great uncle, grand-niece, grand nephew, second cousin)
- 4th Degree (great, great-grandmother, great, great-grandfather, great, great aunt, great, great aunt, great, great uncle, great grand-niece, great grand nephew, third cousin)
- Godmother, Godfather
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