Generally, any adult over 21 can adopt in Colorado regardless of marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or number of children. Military families stationed overseas but with Colorado residency can also adopt from foster care. 

However, individuals with a history of violence, abuse, neglect, or other serious criminal offenses are typically ineligible.

To adopt a stepchild, the stepparent and biological parent must be married. The stepparent must undergo a background check and fill out the necessary paperwork. 

Both biological parents must consent to the adoption unless parental rights are terminated due to abandonment or lack of support. If the other parent is missing, a newspaper notice is required. 

A successful hearing determines the court’s final decision.

A kinship adoption is when a relative formally adopts a child whose parents are unable to care for them. Kinship adoption grants the adopting relative full legal rights of the child. It can occur if a child’s parents die, consent to adoption, are deemed unfit, or abandon the child. 

Colorado law prefers kinship adoption to foster care, as it can provide a permanent home for the child.