Public Policy Advancement Center

The CPO is uniquely situated and qualified to answer citizens’ questions. During the past three years, the CPO has demonstrated its ability to provide thorough and objective analysis regarding issues that have long impacted Colorado’s child protection system. As an independent state agency, the CPO is charged with studying and improving the systems tasked with protecting Colorado’s children and with helping citizens navigate these systems.

To aid in the CPO’s understanding of child protection systems throughout the state, the CPO has traveled to hear from families and stakeholders. Repeatedly they asked what issues the CPO is seeing, what projects the CPO is working on and what problems are most impacting the safety, permanency and well-being of Colorado’s children. To better answer and address these questions, the CPO launched the Public Policy Advancement Center. The Policy Advancement Center will house the agency’s systemic projects. These projects include multidisciplinary task forces, stakeholder groups and discussions to address of some of systemic and complex issues impacting the child protection system in Colorado.

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Investigations

Every CPO investigation includes a comprehensive, independent study of relevant facts, records, rules and law. Most investigations involve months of study, research and direct contact with relevant agencies, families and stakeholders. Often recommendations result in recommendations for statutory, budgetary, regulatory and/or administrative changes to a specific area of the child protection system. In some cases, the CPO will help convene and will facilitate stakeholder groups to help address issues captured in its investigation reports.

Issue Briefs

The CPO may publish an Issue Brief to highlight an issue or trend impacting the safety, well-being or permanency of children. Unlike investigations, issue briefs may not be the result of a complaint or concern brought to the CPO’s attention. All issue briefs will contain thorough research and thoughtful analysis regarding an issue impacting children and families receiving child protection services in Colorado.

Case Studies

If a CPO case reveals broader lessons that may help improve the child protection system broadly, the CPO will publish a case study report. Each case study will include a summary of the case, the CPO’s research and analysis, as well as any identified areas of practice that may be improved.

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Investigations

Every CPO investigation includes a comprehensive, independent study of relevant facts, records, rules and law. Most investigations involve months of study, research and direct contact with relevant agencies, families and stakeholders. Often recommendations result in recommendations for statutory, budgetary, regulatory and/or administrative changes to a specific area of the child protection system. In some cases, the CPO will help convene and will facilitate stakeholder groups to help address issues captured in its investigation reports.

Issue Briefs

The CPO may publish an Issue Brief to highlight an issue or trend impacting the safety, well-being or permanency of children. Unlike investigations, issue briefs may not be the result of a complaint or concern brought to the CPO’s attention. All issue briefs will contain thorough research and thoughtful analysis regarding an issue impacting children and families receiving child protection services in Colorado.

2023 Colorado Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee Issue Brief

Mandatory Reporting Task Force

Timothy Montoya Task Force to Prevent Youth from Running from Out-of-Home Placement

Mandatory Reporters: How Colorado’s mandatory reporter law lacks the necessary infrastructure to support those charged with reporting suspected child abuse.

Bridging the Gaps: How current law limits the effectiveness of Colorado’s child fatality reviews.

Strengthening Colorado’s Foster Youth Protection Laws

Prioritizing Child Protection Workers: To ensure the safety and well-being of Colorado’s children, we must take steps to protect those caring for them

Adoption Assistance Investigation

El Pueblo Boys and Girls Ranch Investigation

Inadequate Access: Improving Transparency and Participation in the Division of Youth Services’ Rulemaking Process

Montezuma County Department of Social Services

Calendar

The CPO engages routinely engages with citizens, stakeholders and legislators to address discuss and resolve issues impacting the child protection system.

Latest News

Stay up to date regarding the CPO’s work and ongoing projects by visiting our news page. There you will find the latest news about issues impacting Colorado’s child protection system.

2020 Special Initiatives Agenda

Every year the CPO announces priority projects in its Special Initiatives agendas.