Letter from the Child Protection Ombudsman: Reflecting on a Decade of Service with the Office of Colorado's Child Protection Ombudsman
Dear Colleagues, Partners and Friends,
As I prepare to leave my position with the Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman, I feel deeply thankful and proud of all we’ve achieved together during the past ten years. It’s truly impressive to see how our agency has grown to be a key part of Colorado’s child protection community.
From day one, our mission was straightforward: To be a trusted resource for children, families and our many community partners. Thanks to dedication, teamwork and our unwavering focus on justice and compassion, we’ve worked hard to live up to that promise. Today, our agency is nationally recognized as a leader in providing support, advocacy and driving real changes in child protection systems.
During the years, we have collectively found and filled many gaps and policy shortcomings that affected Colorado’s children and families. Our team led numerous initiatives—like improving adoption assistance laws, reforming Division of Youth Services policies, strengthening child abuse reporting laws and supporting youth who run from their out-of-home placements. These efforts, among others, have enabled us to better serve those who rely on us. By constantly reviewing and refining our work, we make sure our support meets the changing needs of our community. We build trust and drive better results in the child protection system.
I’m grateful to have been part of these reforms, but none of this would have been possible without the strong backing of our community partners. Together, we’ve not only identified areas that needed improvement, but we’ve also taken action to address them — always prioritizing what’s best for Colorado’s children.
It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this agency. The dedication of our team and the spirit of cooperation across our network have inspired me daily. I’m sincerely thankful for the trust you’ve given me and for the opportunity to work alongside such passionate and committed people.
As I move onto a new chapter, I look forward to seeing the continued growth of the Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman and the broader child protection community. I’m confident that you will all continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families throughout our state.
Thank you for letting me serve, for your partnership, and for your friendship. I wish you all ongoing success and fulfillment as you continue this important work.
With deep appreciation,
Stephanie Villafuerte
Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman