Sometimes parents may find it is no longer possible or in the best interest of a child to continue to be the legally responsible parent.  Counseling is required by law for any parent considering or desiring to relinquish parental rights to his or her child(ren). Article 19-5-103 (1) (a) of the Colorado Children’s Code states “that the counseling may be obtained from the county department of social services in the county where such parent resides or from a Licensed Child Placement Agency.” The court may also order counseling for the child to be relinquished if the court feels the counseling is in the child’s best interest. The counseling must comply with state regulations for the relinquishment procedure and according to the Children’s Code.

As a Licensed Child Placement Agency, Catholic Charities is available to provide relinquishment counseling to individuals who have been referred by an attorney or want to free a child to be adopted by a family member.  Counselors have many years of experience in providing nonjudgmental and nondirective counseling that addresses all the legal requirements that are set forth by the State of Colorado.  For information or to schedule an appointment, call 719.866.6535.