Couples in Boulder County, Colorado have several adoption options available to them. One that the county is trying to draw more attention to is a program called Fost-Adopt, in which couples take in children who may or may not be available for adoption.

"Typically, biological parents stripped of custody have a year to straighten out drug problems or mental health issues and convince a judge their home is a safe place for kids. If they can't, the child's foster parents have the chance to adopt him permanently."

This can be a difficult option, because there's no guarantee that the child a couple bonds with will stay with them long-term. Of the approximately 44 kids who are placed in foster care every month, only five of those become available for adoption. Still, County officials want couples who are considering adoption to be aware of this option, as they could potentially provide a safe, temporary home for kids who badly need it, until the right circumstances allow them to adopt a child. Read more at LongmontFYI.com.

Children and teens with problems with alchol and drug abuse can get help at residential treatment centers like Island View. Learn more about the ways Island View can help teens with substance abuse issues.

Labels: adoption_options, foster_care