The application is based on minimum requirements stipulated by the counties with whom we partner. These counties require a background check and first aid training to ensure youth safety. CPR/First Aid certification must be renewed every two years. The health history determines if an adult is physically and mentally suitable to interact with and care for youth in foster care.
Prospective hosts meet and interact with the youth at our monthly events. Once you are matched with a youth through the CHOICE program, you are approved to spend time with the youth outside of the events.
At the end of each event, prospective hosts are given a feedback form where they can indicate any youth whom they are interested in getting to know better. Youth are given the same opportunity to indicate which adults they would like to get to know. Hosting matches are based on mutual connections.
No. CHOICE is a mentoring program that focuses on permanent relationships. Sometimes hosting relationships can lead to adoption. Not every host is interested in adoption, but we do expect our hosts to advocate for and support youth finding legal permanency.
No. As youth are spending time in your home, we expect prospective hosts and their partners to both actively participate in this program.
No, but please keep in mind that most of our youth live in the Denver-Metro area, and hosts will be responsible for transportation once matched.
No. It is important that during these events, the focus is on the youth in our program.
Yes. CHOICE staff will discuss sleeping arrangements with you should you plan on hosting a youth overnight.
Raise the Future is committed to inclusion. There are no restrictions on who can host based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status. CHOICE hosts must be Colorado residents at least 24 years of age. You can be single, married, in a committed relationship, or have a domestic partner.
The youth are between 12-18 years old. They might have educational, emotional and/or medical needs. They live in foster family homes, group homes, or residential placements and will not be returning to their biological families.
Some of the youth have had parental rights terminated. Others have not, but the parental rights could be terminated once a permanent placement has been found.
This depends on the circumstances and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. At the end of each event, youth are given a feedback form in which they indicate the prospective hosts they are interested in getting to know better.
Youth live with foster families, in group homes, or residential centers within the Denver Metro area. Many youth are moved for various reasons; this can happen at any time. We encourage natural connections between a youth and host based on personality, character, and mutual interest, rather than focusing on the geographic location of the two parties. However, we will ask you on your evaluation form how many miles you are willing to drive to meet up with a youth.
All of the youth in the program must be open to a connection with an adult. Some are interested in adoption, while others are not.
Raise The Future is not an adoption agency, but we will help you connect with the appropriate resources for adopting should you decide to explore this option.
Yes! Driving the youth is a huge help to the program and a great way to get to know the youth. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more.
Volunteer at an event; fundraise; invite CHOICE to speak at your work, faith-based or civic organization; or simply help spread the word about the youth who need permanent connections. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more.
Learn more about becoming a CHOICE host, and complete the CHOICE Orientation on your schedule.