DENVER (Nov. 05, 2025) — In honor of National Adoption Month, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is celebrating four remarkable families who have adopted children and youth from foster or kinship care. These families were nominated because of their dedication, kindness and support for the children and young people in their care by Colorado county departments of human services and child placement agencies.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary for the Colorado Heart Gallery. This vital, statewide initiative plays a powerful role in finding loving homes for kids and teens waiting to be adopted. Volunteer professional photographers capture their unique personalities in compelling portraits, sharing their stories with potential families. This video celebrates this important milestone.
"Every child and teen deserves a safe, loving family,” said CDHS Executive Director Michelle Barnes. “Adoption gives young people the stability and support they need to thrive when reunification with their birth family isn’t possible. The families we honor this month demonstrate the incredible difference a loving home can make.”
Currently, almost 300 children and youth are waiting to be adopted. CDHS continues to seek foster and kinship families across the state, especially for siblings, teens, and youth with behavioral or mental health needs. Anyone over 21 who can offer a safe and caring home can apply to become a foster parent.
Meet the Families
April and Eric, Pueblo
April and Eric have provided a loving home for numerous children since 2001. With three biological sons and seven adopted children, they are known for their open communication, flexibility and teamwork with professionals to help each child succeed. Fostering runs deep in their family. Eric’s parents were foster parents and now their oldest son and his wife are carrying on the tradition.
Blake and Hannah, Durango
After having their first child, Blake and Hannah became certified foster parents in 2020. Since then, they have adopted three children, including a sibling group and a child with developmental disabilities. They’re strong advocates for their neurodiverse family and remain dedicated to keeping birth family connections.
DeAndrea, Delta
DeAndrea Beres’ story shows the power of kinship care. When her infant relative Jason needed a home, she stepped in so he could remain connected to his siblings and family. Now three years old, Jason is thriving. As a single mother, DeAndrea emphasizes the importance of having a strong support network, like a “village,” for anyone considering kinship care or adoption.
Kelly and Kevin, Brighton
Kelly and Kevin specialize in caring for children with high medical needs. Their family includes two adult biological children, five adopted children (including two four-year-olds with complex heart conditions), and one informally adopted adult-aged child. Despite facing immense challenges, including the loss of an adopted child, they continue to advocate fiercely for children’s medical and educational needs.
“These families are changing lives every day,” said Tres Newport, acting director of the Office of Children, Youth and Families at CDHS. “By sharing their stories, these families inspire others to help children and teens reach their full potential.”
Adoption in Colorado
- 658 children and youth in Colorado foster care were adopted in 2024.
- 37% of adoptions nationwide happen through the foster care system, according to the National Survey of Adoptive Parents.
- Almost 300 Colorado children and youth are still waiting to be adopted today.
Learn more about how to adopt from foster care on the CO4Kids website or CDHS’s adoption page.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adrienne Baxter
Recruitment and Retention Communications Specialist
720.202.5923