Overview:
The Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO) is starting efforts to implement two newly enacted laws that will require a collaboration and partnership between the CPO and the state’s residential child care community. Both laws (detailed below) require the CPO to implement new programing in Colorado. To do this effectively, the CPO will be launching a listening tour to learn from those with experience in this community.
The CPO is hosting two virtual listening tour sessions designed specifically for staff and facility leaders. These sessions are an opportunity for these individuals to share their insights, priorities and suggestions about how the CPO may best carry out its responsibilities in a way that supports the work of these facilities and the youth they serve.
This session is the second of two scheduled listening tours. Zoom information is provided below.
About the Legislation:
House Bill 25-1200: Modifications to the Office of the Child Protection Ombudsman
- This new law authorizes the CPO to visit youth and young people in facilities to hear any concerns they may have with their care or treatment. These visits must be scheduled in collaboration with facility leadership, may not be unannounced and can be requested by the resident themself or by somebody on their behalf. Facilities must provide a private, confidential space for these meetings, which may occur either in person or virtually.
- The CPO will supply outreach materials explaining how youth can contact the office or file a complaint. Facilities must display these materials in a visible location and work with the CPO to offer educational sessions to residents about their rights and the CPO’s services.
- Each facility will develop a Memorandum of Understanding with the CPO regarding these provisions.
- The full text of this bill may be found here, and a fact sheet summarizing the bill may be found here.
Senate Bill 25-151: Measures to Prevent Youth from Running Away
- This new law requires the CPO to conduct a statewide survey about physical infrastructure that prevents youth and young people from running away from facilities. It will include questions about both the infrastructure currently in place at facilities and what physical infrastructure you feel is needed to deter youth from running from care. Examples of this type of physical infrastructure include delayed locks, alarms, fencing signs and lighting.
- In July 2026, the CPO is required to publish a report that summarizes the results of this survey.
- The full text of this bill may be found here, and a fact sheet summarizing the bill may be found here.
Zoom Information for Session One:
Topic: CPO Residential Facility Listening Tour (Session Two)
Time: Sep 25, 2025 12:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85309230897?pwd=ATHlvNVaSOBah2kwjhY33BfqrvKWai.1
Meeting ID: 853 0923 0897
Passcode: 355885
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https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/85309230897/invitations?signature=jRXcalnKGHl10U0LNvbaVyYEG1eNB4f3Fqs8mcR7Otw