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Larimer County proclaims May 2025 Foster Care Appreciation Month and urges more foster families for adolescents and specialized needs
Summary
County human services staff and a long-time foster parent urged residents to become foster families, emphasizing urgent needs for adolescent placements, LGBTQIA+ affirming homes and care for children with intellectual or severe emotional disabilities; board approved proclamation 2-0.
Larimer County commissioners on Tuesday proclaimed May 2025 Foster Care Appreciation Month and county human services staff used the occasion to press an urgent need for more foster families, especially those able to care for adolescents, LGBTQIA+ youth and children with intellectual or severe emotional disabilities.
Angela Mead, deputy division manager for the Larimer County Department of Human Services Child, Youth and Family Services, praised local foster families and described specific placement needs. "We are calling on those with heart, patience, and resilience to open their homes," Mead said, urging residents to consider fostering adolescents and children with higher support needs.
Melissa Van Kooten, lead foster care worker, said foster parent Gina Hamilton focuses on adolescent males aged roughly 15 to 21 and maintains long-term relationships with youth she has cared for. "Each time she says yes to a placement, she's committed to caring for that youth long term," Van Kooten said.
Gina Hamilton, a foster parent of more than 30 years who was recognized as foster parent of the year, spoke about the personal rewards and urged more people to step forward. A message from a youth Hamilton cared for — read on her behalf — said, "Moving into your home and being accepted into your home was the best thing to ever happen to me." Hamilton told commissioners, "We do need more foster parents. We need especially the adolescent foster parents."
The board's proclamation noted that "approximately 189 children are placed in foster care on an average daily basis" in Larimer County and that "7 youth are placed in congregate care annually," and it recognized "more than 57 dedicated foster families" in the county. Commissioner John Kefalas read and moved approval of the proclamation; the motion passed 2 to 0.
County staff said they continue to recruit and support foster families and maintain kinship and adoption supports; the Department of Human Services directs residents to its website for information on becoming a certified foster parent.
