Yes, you can do this!

It's quick: We have family support counselors on staff daily to take your phone call and schedule you for a tour.

It's easy: From your first contact with our staff to the moment a child is first placed with you, Hope & Home will guide you through the application and training process step by step. We take the time to ensure that you are well prepared for this important adventure.

It's inexpensive: Our application fee is just $100; unlike with some adoption agencies, there are no hidden fees.

It's fun: During the certification process and the many social events that we have, you will gain friends and bond with others who have the same kind of heart for God's children that you do.

Here are the 7 basic steps of becoming a Hope & Home foster parent:

1. Give us a call at 575-9887.

Ask for Maria, Bridgette or Leah. They take the time to explain the basic ins and outs of foster care at Hope & Home. In this confidential consultation, they'll answer any questions you may have and help determine if you meet the minimum requirements for becoming a foster parent.

2. Enjoy a tour of Hope & Home and meet the staff.

During this initial visit, we'll help you to determine whether foster care is right for you.

3. Fill out an application.

A $100 application fee and a $15 fingerprinting fee (paid to the Colorado Springs police, not us) are your only costs!

4. Complete the training process.

From our fast-paced "Launch" orientation--where we treat you to dinner, give you a special t-shirt and introduce you to others just starting out--to our own in-house, professionally taught "Hope & Home University" classes, we've designed our certification process to fully engage and prepare you to be the best foster parent possible. And we're there to help you with it at every turn by offering: --childcare while you're here; --scheduling flexibility if your work requires it; --reminders about paperwork you'll need to complete and turn in. The sooner your paperwork is completed, the sooner you can begin the final step in getting certified:

5. Complete a "home study".

A confidential series of in-depth interviews conducted by a specially trained expert on our staff. This helps us match you with children who are a good fit for your family.

6. You're ready, so answer the phone!

It will be Hope & Home calling about a potential child placement for you!

7. Welcome your child!

We'll help you all get settled and make sure you have everything you need as you get to know each other.

All sorts of people--with all different financial and living situations--can make good foster parents.

Some of our families live in big houses, and some live in apartments; some are married couples, while others are single; some have children still at home, while others are "empty nesters." We evaluate each person on a case-by-case basis. However, as minimum requirements you must be:

• Age 21 or over
• Financially stable (able to pay your bills and not be on public assistance)
• Without criminal child abuse charges in your background