The Department of Human Services recognizes how important kinship placements are to the overall health of children. To ensure that your experience in applying for services for kin through our Department can be as rewarding and positive as possible, the Department provides you with knowledgeable and courteous staff to assist you in the process.
All kinship placements in the Division of Child Welfare require background checks. The background checks for the applicant are paid for by our Department. The requirements for kinship placement are located in the State of Colorado Website in Volume 7 section 7.400 and 7.500. (http://stateboard.cdhs.state.co.us:8008/CDHS/rule_volumes$.Volume7s)
If you do not have a computer or would like the information in Volume 7, section 7.400 and 7.500, sent to you, please contact Adam Trujillo, Kinship Coordinator, at 970-352-1551 ext. 6233.
For relatives who live in the state of Colorado, the Department offers two types of kinship placements, Kinship Care and Kinship Foster Care.
Kinship Foster Care
Kinship Foster Care homes are required to be licensed foster homes by the State of Colorado. Please contact Tim Nava, Foster Care Certification Specialist, for details on the qualifications for a licensed Kinship Foster home. Mr.Nava can be reached by phone at 970-352-1551 ext. 6292 or by email at: navaxxtr@co.weld.co.us
Kinship Care (for Colorado homes only)
Kinship Care homes are required to be registered in the State of Colorado, Trails data base. Kinship Care providers are encouraged to apply for Colorado Works (TANF). Colorado Works provides Medicaid, Supportive Services, and a monthly Basic Cash Assistance to your kin. Your personal income is required on the application but is exempt in qualifying your kin for the Colorado Works program. Cooperation with the Weld County Child Support Enforcement Division will be required for this program. Kinship Care homes may apply for only Medicaid. If Kinship Caretakers choose to apply for only Medicaid, they are not eligible for Supportive Services or monthly Basic Cash Assistance. When applying for only Medicaid, cooperation with the Weld County Child Support Enforcement Division is not required.
A brochure entitled "What Do I Need to Know as a Kinship Provider" is available under the Helpful Information link on the right. This brochure will provide you with additional information regarding Colorado Works, Food Assistance, and Child Care Assistance.
The Weld County Department of Human Services provides a newsletter to Kinship Providers, which includes information that may be helpful in the care of your kin. If you would like to have this sent to you electronically, please contact Mr. Trujillo by telephone or email at trujilar@co.weld.co.
Kinship Support Groups
The kinship program offers a number of support groups throughout Weld County for families involved with the Kinship Program. Please refer to the Kinship Support Group schedule posted in the right-hand column under the “Helpful Information” heading for more details.
2011 Kinship Support Group Holiday Party.
