EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KOAA) — A local foster care placement facility, Kids Crossing, in Colorado Springs, wants people to take advantage of a new state law that makes it easier and faster for children to find their homes.
The law, "Kinship Foster Care Homes," took effect in September, 2024. It expands access to kinship or kin-like foster care by streamlining the licensing process and offering financial reimbursement for caregivers.
For Lenita Zubrin, the new law means her 18-month-old great-grandson, James, can grow up in a place where he feels safe and comfortable.
"Parents have gotten a divorce," said Zubrin.
She says James suffered a brain injury as an infant.
"He's absolutely a miracle. We did not think he was going to live," said Zubrin.
After completing a background check, she's become James' legal guardian.
“He would heal the best with the family,” she said. “I didn’t want him in foster care for a long period of time.”
El Paso County Department of Human Services reports that as of September 12, 329 children are currently in kinship care. The department reports that it has been steadily increasing since the law passed.
Ben Schoch, Foster Director at Kids Crossing, says finding foster homes can be challenging.
"Always looking, always recruiting,... always answering questions," said Schoch.
He says the new law is making a difference for both children and caregivers.
“Financial reimbursement that was not provided before,” said Schoch.
He says these changes are critical to keeping children in familiar, supportive environments while ensuring their safety and stability.
For Zubrin, every moment with James is a reminder of why the law matters.
“He’s my miracle,” she said. “He’s absolutely a miracle.”
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