CDHS Honors Colorado Foster Families Highlighting the Ongoing Need to Support Nearly 3,600 Children and Youth

For National Foster Month, CDHS highlights statewide need for more foster families 

Denver (May 4, 2026) — To highlight the need for more foster parents in Colorado, this National Foster Care Month  the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) honored five foster families at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science on Saturday, May 2. Many of these families support teens, as well as those with behavioral or mental health needs. 

“We have a great need for foster families of all types, especially those who can open their hearts to teens, sibling groups, and youth with behavioral and mental health needs,” said Joe Homlar, director of the Division of Child Welfare at CDHS. “When caring individuals step up, they can provide a safe, stable, and loving home that is critical to reducing the impact of trauma and helping children work toward reunification with their families when possible. This kind of dedication changes lives.” 

Every day in Colorado, an average of eight children and youth enter foster care. As of April 3, there were 3,590  children and youth in foster care living in a family-like setting, and of those, 2,567 are with certified kinship and foster families. Foster care gives children a safe, stable, and caring home while their parents work to overcome challenges that affect their ability to care for them. 

The five families being recognized this year are:

Jeff Bland Sandra Macias from Commerce City Jeff Bland and Sandra Macias started fostering in 2022, focusing on teenagers because they recognized their critical need for a stable, loving home. They currently care for three teenage girls in a supportive, trauma-informed environment that encourages the teens to be active in family life, develop independence and learn self-advocacy. Sandra is bilingual in Spanish, which is vital for supporting Spanish-speaking youth. She helps maintain cultural connections and celebrate educational success: they helped two young women graduate high school, and a third will graduate this year.

Amber and Alicia Johnson from Grand Junction Amber and Alicia, along with their 15-year-old daughter Taylen, created a diverse family in a safe and loving home, including a-six-year-old boy, his 11-month-old sister, and a 19-year-old youth in transition. Driven to give children the security they deserve, they approach every challenge with a «how can we?» mindset, finding creative solutions. Their approach has led to success and the six-year-old is now excelling as a top learner in school, and they championed their youth in transition who graduated and found a job. They advise prospective foster parents to «take the leap» to experience the profound reward of watching a child grow and feel safe through patience and kindness.

Annie and Max Nicely from Pagosa Springs Annie and Max, along with their children and adopted granddaughter Aspen, are deeply dedicated to providing a stable and loving environment for all children. They currently care for two teen boys, prioritizing consistent safety and unwavering support —a mission Annie, with a degree in human services, holds dear. The family runs a custom hot rod shop, and their busy, large household focuses on teaching life skills and offering apprenticeships, holistically preparing teens for successful futures. 

Bobby and Brianna Ryan from Frisco Bobby and Brianna Ryan run a vibrant, committed household in Frisco, which currently includes their six biological children and an infant in foster care. Since becoming certified in 2020 to serve a critical community need, they have opened their home to 12 children in foster care. As a competitive, athletic, and musical family, they actively participate in their bilingual church, and Brianna’s fluency in Spanish helps them connect with Spanish-speaking children and biological parents, fostering compassionate relationships. Although fostering is challenging, they state that making a positive, long-term impact on a child’s life is worth the emotional journey.

Wendy Screen from Aurora Proud veteran Wendy Screen became a foster parent in 2012 and now holds a therapeutic level certification. Inspired by her own experience of being fostered and adopted, Wendy specializes in caring for «tougher kids» with high needs. She uses her military background to provide the necessary structure, guidance, and supervision these young people need in a committed, loving environment. Wendy fosters a true sense of family, maintaining lifelong connections with the youth in her care, and prepares them for adulthood through practical life skills while also supporting reunification. She emphasizes that «changing one life is worth it».

“We know Coloradans are interested in learning more about foster care, and these families’ stories show the profound, life-changing impact a temporary safe home provides,” said CDHS Deputy Executive Director of Community Partnerships, Minna Castillo. “The need is urgent, especially for teens and children with higher needs. We hope these inspiring examples will move Coloradans from interest to action.”

When parents need additional support to provide safety and care for their children, county human and social service agencies work to meet those needs. They focus on keeping families together. In instances where that is not possible, caseworkers first look for kin — adults who have an established, trusted relationship with the child — to step in. When there is no kinship possibility, foster families provide safety, stability and care.

“Foster care is an essential foundation that strengthens Colorado families and communities,” said Thom Miller, director of the Office of Children, Aging and Community Services at CDHS. “It provides a crucial period of safety and stability for children and youth, allowing their birth families the space to work toward a successful reunion. To meet the unique needs of all our youth—especially teens and those requiring specialized support—we urgently need diverse, dedicated families across all backgrounds to step up.”

Being a foster parent, while challenging, can be extremely rewarding. In Colorado, foster parents must be at least 21+ years old and can be:

• Single, married or in a committed relationship
• All races and ethnicities
• Homeowners or renters
• An experienced parent or a first-time parent

To learn more about becoming a foster parent, go to CO4kids.org. To meet children and teens currently waiting to be adopted, visit coheartgallery.org.