About Us
Our Staff & Volunteers
CSFPA is powered by individuals who have firsthand experience with foster care. Our team includes current and former foster parents, birth parents, kinship and adoptive families, caseworkers, and child welfare professionals—both active and retired. We are supported by community members, advocates, and volunteers who share a common goal: advancing child welfare advocacy to create meaningful change for children and families involved in the child welfare system. Together, this diverse group brings lived experience, professional expertise, and a commitment to strengthening Colorado foster families and building healthier families across the state.
Our History
The Colorado State Foster Parent Association (CSFPA) was founded in 1971 by foster parents and allies who recognized the need for a statewide connection, training, and advocacy for Colorado foster families. Over the years, CSFPA has partnered with counties, agencies, and community organizations to strengthen the voice of foster, kinship, and adoptive families while championing child welfare advocacy and the wellbeing of children in care.
From its earliest days, CSFPA has worked to provide education, resources, and peer support for caregivers, while also building bridges between foster parents, birth families, and the child welfare system. Today, more than five decades later, the association continues that legacy—standing alongside families, celebrating reunification, and advocating for a better future for every child in the foster care system.
Our Mission
Rooted in more than 50 years of service, we are a statewide network of Colorado foster families, kinship, adoptive, and reunified families, birth parents, child welfare professionals, and community allies.
CSFPA believes that every child deserves safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive. Through our child welfare advocacy, we support those who care for them—and by walking alongside families on the journey toward reunification—we are helping to create a stronger, more compassionate foster care system for generations to come.
As A Team, We C.A.R.E.
Compassion: We approach our work with deep empathy and understanding for the unique experiences and challenges faced by foster children and Colorado foster families.
Advocacy: As passionate advocates for child welfare advocacy, we tirelessly work to break down barriers and create a more supportive and inclusive environment for all foster children.
Resourcefulness: We are creative and adaptable in finding solutions and utilizing available resources effectively to support foster care families and children.
Empowerment: We believe in empowering individuals within the foster care system to reach their full potential by providing them with the tools, resources, and support needed to succeed.
As A Team, We S.H.I.N.E.
Stewardship in child welfare advocacy involves managing and caring for resources with accountability, sustainability, and wise use of resources through collaboration, especially for Colorado foster families.
Hope is essential in fostering positive outcomes with perseverance and determination, motivating individuals to overcome challenges within the foster care system.
Integrity is vital in this field, as it means upholding the highest ethical standards and ensuring transparency, honesty, and accountability in all interactions.
Nurture is about embracing diversity, collaboration, and inclusion to create a supportive community for all foster children and families, particularly those involved in Colorado's foster care.
Excellence reflects our commitment to striving for the highest quality in all that we do, dedicating ourselves to growth, innovation, and continuous improvement in child welfare advocacy.