The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO) continues to monitor and respond to the evolving circumstances surrounding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. As child protection agencies across Colorado respond to the rapidly changing situation, the CPO is committed to assisting children, families and agency partners to ensure services are accessible and information is provided in a timely manner.
Beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, the CPO staff will work remotely. This is a proactive measure to limit potential COVID-19 exposure to our staff. This move will not impact the CPO’s ability to receive and provide timely response to inquiries from citizens and agency partners. The CPO will maintain its regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8: 00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We will also continue to accept online inquiries, concerns and complaints, 24 hours a day through our website. Additionally, citizens may still contact us via phone at: 720-625-8640.
As child protection agencies work to quickly adapt to the evolving circumstances, the CPO is working closely with our partners at the Colorado Department of Human Services — including the Division of Youth Services — and county human services departments, to ensure we are informed of any changes in services or procedures. While the CPO will continue to review concerns regarding the safety, well-being and permanency of Colorado children, we will also work diligently to share important information from our agency partners with families seeking or receiving their services.
We are a free and confidential resource for the community on child protection matters. We are pleased to help you navigate the child protection system and will answer any questions you have in an expeditious manner. However, if you have concerns regarding the immediate safety, protection and well-being of a child, please call the state child abuse hotline at 844-CO-4-Kids (844-264-5437).