Dungarvin Colorado’s foster care services work to provide safe, stable, loving homes for children and young adults, including for youth who have specialized support needs. But like the rest of the country, Colorado is experiencing a shortage of licensed foster care homes.
Currently, between 3,400 and 3,900 children are in Colorado’s foster care system, but there are only about 2,180 licensed foster care homes, according to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System and the Christian Alliance For Orphans.
Luca and Wyatt, who are fostered by Alicia Welch and Michael Quintana.
“A lot of kids need care right now, and we’re definitely looking for more foster care providers, especially people who have some experience working with children who have complex needs,” said Dungarvin Colorado Development Director Hayley Hufendick. “Many of these children are coming from really tough situations. Because of extensive trauma in their lives, they can develop emotional scars that lead to aggressive behaviors. They need safe, loving homes.”
Thankfully, there are Coloradans willing and able to welcome displaced children into their homes and provide them with the stability and support they need. Alicia Welch and Michael Quintana are one such couple. They received training from and
continue to work with Dungarvin to foster two young adults within the Colorado Children’s Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP). CHRP is a Medicaid waiver program that provides services and placements for kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) or acute support needs.
Alicia and Michael began fostering Luca, 19, three years ago. A year later, they welcomed Wyatt, 20, into their home. The sister and brother both have I/DD and are on the autism spectrum. Sadly, they came from a troubled home environment where they had less than adequate support for their needs.
But today, the siblings are thriving. Alicia and Michael have supported them to learn life skills and enrolled them in behavioral services to reinforce what they’re learning at home. In addition, they’re now working toward their GED diplomas.
“It’s truly been a gift watching them blossom,” Alica said. “We live on a farm, and they love being with the horses, goats and chickens. Once we got Luca off all of the medications she was on, we literally watched her relearn how to live and have genuine feelings and emotions. And Wyatt has developed self-confidence for the first time in years.”
Luca
Dungarvin Colorado Program Director Tandi Schips, who works with the couple, said she’s seen a big difference in Luca and Wyatt as well. “I see them once a month and I can tell you that since they have been living with Alicia and Michael, they have come such a long way in advocating for themselves, communicating with others and talking about their feelings.”
Alica said being a foster care provider has been extremely rewarding to her and Michael and she recommends it to anyone who wants to help children in need. “Just go in with an open mind,” she said. “It takes a lot of work and dedication, and you have to be in it for the love of these kiddos.”
Foster Care Led to Adoption
Another couple that has worked with Dungarvin to become foster parents are Jose and Julia Najar, who began fostering Zach in 2018. Now 16, Zach, who has I/DD and is on the autism spectrum, had been in and out of the foster care system due to his single mother’s struggles with substance abuse.
“He had been displaced twice before in another state, and placed with us four different times in five years. The process was extremely frustrating and heartbreaking for both Zach and us,” Jose said.
Jose and Julia were ecstatic when they were finally able to adopt Zach last year. “It had been a long, stressful journey. But Zach is resilient, and now we are a permanent family and he will have the stability he deserves,” Jose said.
Their family also includes Leland, 21, who the couple adopted in 2011. Leland, who is now in the Navy, and Zach have developed a strong bond and are thrilled to be brothers. “When we talk to Leland on video conferencing, Zach always loves to come say hi to him,” Jose said.
Jose and Julia encourage others to become foster parents. “Not only to help children in need, but to enrich your own life as well,” Julia said. “You get an opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life by providing them with a safe and supportive environment, showing lots of love, patience and understanding.”
Dungarvin is proud of its Colorado Children’s Foster Care and Residential Services team, as well as all of the excellent foster care parents providing safe and loving homes to so many children in need.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning how you can receive support from Dungarvin, please visit us at www.dungarvin.com to learn more.