DENVER (Sept. 10, 2025) — September is National Kinship Care Month, a time to honor the vital role that relatives and close family friends have in temporarily caring for children when their parents or guardians can’t.
Sometimes children or youth temporarily live with relatives, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches or other trusted adults they know. Relatives and family friends help reduce the trauma of separation from parents. Kinship care provides stability and comfort for kids and teens during a difficult time while families work toward reunification.
Colorado’s Kinship Foster Care Homes Law streamlines kinship certification and reduces barriers for kin, while still maintaining safety and the integrity of certification. Since its passage in 2024, kinship foster care certifications have increased 38% statewide, including people who are awaiting full certification. As of Sept. 3, the number of kinship foster care families has grown from 588 to 813.
“This is a significant victory for Colorado families,” said Joe Homlar, director of the Division of Child Welfare at the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). “The new legislation for kinship certification makes it easier for kin to step in and care for children or youth, while keeping them safe and connected to their families and communities.”
“In our county, the updated certification process has been a tremendous asset for kinship caregivers,” said Suzanne Daniels, manager of Boulder County Human Services’ Family Engagement Division. “It has made it easier for relatives and close family friends to become certified kinship providers, ensuring they receive the support they need while helping children stay connected to familiar caregivers, extended family and siblings.”
Research from Child Welfare Information Gateway and the Children’s Bureau shows that when children and youth cannot remain with their parents, kinship care can help them thrive. Benefits include improved mental health, reduced trauma and fewer behavioral problems. Learn more about other benefits by visiting CO4Kids.org.
Explore kinship services through CDHS by visiting the Kinship page on the CDHS website. Read the proclamation marking September as Kinship Care Month in Colorado.
Media contact:
Julie Popp
Communications Manager
Office of Children, Youth and Families
julie.popp@state.co.us
720.788.1307