Adoption

Adoption creates supportive, loving families

Each year, the Department of Human Services Adoption Unit completes approximately 100 adoptions. There are many children and teens in Colorado who are waiting for a family. Children and teens waiting for adoption share a lot of common ground with any child or teen you may know.

The Colorado Heart Gallery offers information about the children in Colorado looking for a family. Some information about El Paso County Children is below. Based on the belief that every child needs a safe, nurturing, and caring family, the El Paso County Department of Human Services and others are strongly committed to finding permanent homes for waiting children. For more information or questions, please email the El Paso County Adoption Unit at adoption@elpasoco.com.

Several Children in El Paso County are Waiting for a Family

Braydan S.

Meet Braydan!

Braydan is a very intelligent kid. He really likes to ride his bike and play outdoors. Braydan has a good sense of humor and is thoughtful. Braydan longs to be included. He is smart, helpful, and loving. He likes to feel needed and intelligent. Braydan collects Pokémon cards and enjoys playing other card/board games.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Gabriella

A photo of Gabriella “Gabby” (age 13) who is seeking her forever home.

Meet Gabby!

Gabriella “Gabby” (age 13) is a sweet, quirky, intelligent, curious, and creative teen. She loves to be outdoors exploring in nature. Her interests include being active, animals, plants, crocheting, and crafting. Gabby isn’t a huge fan of school but does really well.

Gabby hopes to find a forever home that has animals, likes the outdoors, and has lots of fun!

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Rain

Meet Rain!

Rain (they/them), age 15, loves hanging out with their friends, JROTC, skateboarding, poetry, reading, and writing. They love Dutch Bros, beef Ramen, uncrustables, and sushi. They are an animal lover, but cats are their favorite. They love playing guitar. Their favorite fictional character is Rick from Rick and Morty. Superpower of choice would be to read minds. They want to join the Air Force and go to school and become a published poetry writer. They would love to live in Texas and own a truck someday. They are spiritual, not religious. They are honest, outgoing, and willing to try new things.

They are looking for a forever home with a single-female or lesbian couple.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Xane

Meet Xane!

Xane (age 9) enjoys playing piano & trumpet, swimming, playing Minecraft and board games. Xane is musically gifted and is interested in learning to play additional instruments.

Xane would do best in a two parent household with no younger children. If there are pets, Xane would do best if his contact was monitored.

Xane would do best in a structured home with a routine that he can become familiar with.

He would also do best with a family that is comfortable with higher educational, social, emotional, and developmental needs.

Xane is still expanding his food preferences and what he is comfortable eating. He would benefit from a family who is easy going when it comes to meals and food preferences.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Hunter

Meet Hunter!

Hunter is a 9-year-old boy who enjoys playing with his toys and being imaginative and interactive. He loves Pokémon, Sonic, Building Legos, and all things Beyblade. He craves affection and tries very hard to be on his best behavior although struggles at times with the overwhelming memories and triggers from his trauma. He is intentional about repairing harm when caused and strives to have a good relationship with those he loves and cares about. Expressing those feelings can be difficult for Hunter, but once he trusts you and has identified you as a safe person, he demonstrates it with his actions or words. He can often be misunderstood as angry or reactive but has a true desire to connect and build rapport, but with his history of abandonment and multiple placements in foster care, he is righteously fearful and at times avoidant. He is working on maintaining and accepting positive relationships and connections with the help of therapy and school support. He plays well with other kids and seeks playful interactions. He is a sweet, caring, and intentional kid.

For more information, send an email to adoption@elpasoco.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am interested in adoption. How can I get started?

El Paso County’s Department of Human Services contracts with Child Placement Agencies (CPAs) in the area for adoptive homes as well as foster care and group home care. For more information please contact the CPA directly. All are listed on the Foster Care webpage.

My adopted child is asking questions about his/her biological parents. How can we get in touch with them?

If your child was adopted through El Paso County Department of Human Services, we may be able to assist in locating biological parents. We often receive and send messages back and forth between adoptive and biological parents. If your child was adopted elsewhere, we have a packet of materials we can send you that may assist in locating biological parents. You can also inquire through the Colorado Confidential Intermediary Program.

If I have had guardianship of my grandchild, how do I pursue adoption?

In El Paso County, there is a clinic held at the courthouse (270 S. Tejon St.) once a month that you can attend to learn how to proceed on your own in the adoption process. This clinic will give you information regarding required paperwork and the process to adopt. There is also a self-help room on the first floor of the courthouse. Another option is to consult with an attorney to assist in the process. The only adoptions that the Department of Human Services completes are those that have an open service case (not Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/TANF cases) within the Department.

How can I get a copy of my birth certificate?

In general you may obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate by writing or visiting the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state where you were born. There are a few online resources for information: National Center for Health Statistics or Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment. Costs, requirements and processes vary. If you were born in El Paso County, the number for Vital Records is (719) 575-8492. The Birth & Death portion of the Public Health Department website provides some information.