What We Do

Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO) is designed to ensure Colorado’s complex child protection system consistently provides high quality services to children and families in all 64 Colorado counties. We are independent from the state and county agencies that work on behalf of children and families. We exist to listen to the public about their experience with and concerns about child protection, research and investigate those concerns, and determine the best way to resolve each concern. Our work also allows us to collaborate with lawmakers, professionals and other stakeholders to advance legislation and policies that will have a lasting, positive impact on our children and families.

Since our inception in 2010, the Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO) has received more than 8,300 calls – up to 25 new cases per week – from Colorado citizens seeking answers and help. Most Coloradans who call us dial dozens of numbers before calling the CPO, which can be frustrating and confusing.

Our Impact

cases from concerned Coloradans since our inception
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Up to 25 new cases per week
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Served citizens in all 64 Colorado Counties
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How We Work for Colorado

Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman was created to ensure the state’s complex child protection system consistently provides high quality services to every child, family and community in Colorado.

Who We Are
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Listen

We listen to people about their experience with and concerns about child protection.

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Investigate

We research and investigate concerns reported by any Coloradan about service delivery within the child protection system.

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Resolve

We determine the best way to resolve concerns – that might mean bridging communication barriers or resolving conflicts based on misunderstanding.

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Identify Trends

We identify trends where the community’s needs have changed and the system hasn’t had the funding, resources or practices to keep up with it. As a result, we make public recommendations for system improvement.

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Lasting Change

We convene lawmakers, professionals and other stakeholders to advance legislation and policies that have a lasting, positive impact on children and families.

Client Services Team

The Client Services Team responds directly to citizen concerns and inquiries about the child protection system. The team is comprised of professionals with decades of experience in child welfare, public health, juvenile justice, behavioral health and engagement. Using ombudsman principles, dispute resolution techniques and a comprehensive analysis of the issues presented in individual cases, Client Services Analysts work with clients to address concerns, provide education and resources. This often includes bridging barriers between citizens and agencies to improve understanding and communication.

Through the individual work on cases, the team identifies emerging issues and trends and determines the severity of the impact on those directly experiencing and delivering services within the child protection system. The team also monitors trends presented in cases and works to address the potential gaps in practice, regulation or law to improve the quality of services being provided to children, youth and families.

This work also allows us to collaborate with lawmakers, professionals and other stakeholders to advance legislation and policies that will have a lasting, positive impact on our children and families.

CPO Case Process

1. Intake

Clients contact the CPO in two manners – phone and online complaints. Once the CPO receives contact from a citizen, staff will work to complete an intake within two-business days. During this intake, the staff will provide information regarding the agency and listen to the citizens’ concerns.

2. Review

After intake has been completed, a CSA will begin a review of the concerns. This may include obtaining and reviewing information (child welfare, medical, legal) to better understand what has occurred and potential ways to address the issues. Through the review process, the CSA may determine the need to contact agencies involved. To do so, the client must provide permission. The CSA may also review applicable rules, regulations, policies and statutes pertaining to the issues to ensure they are being followed.

3. Closure

Upon resolution of the case, the CSA will work to inform the client of the steps taken to address the issues and the outcome of the case. In most cases, the CSA will also provide beneficial and necessary resources for clients to move forward

4. Trends

The team will work to determine if the case contains any systematic concerns or demonstrates a recurring trend noted in other cases.

1. Intake

Clients contact the CPO in two manners – phone and online complaints. Once the CPO receives contact from a citizen, staff will work to complete an intake within two-business days. During this intake, the staff will provide information regarding the agency and listen to the citizens’ concerns.

2. Review

After intake has been completed, a CSA will begin a review of the concerns. This may include obtaining and reviewing information (child welfare, medical, legal) to better understand what has occurred and potential ways to address the issues. Through the review process, the CSA may determine the need to contact agencies involved. To do so, the client must provide permission. The CSA may also review applicable rules, regulations, policies and statutes pertaining to the issues to ensure they are being followed.

3. Closure

Upon resolution of the case, the CSA will work to inform the client of the steps taken to address the issues and the outcome of the case. In most cases, the CSA will also provide beneficial and necessary resources for clients to move forward.

4. Trends

The team will work to determine if the case contains any systematic concerns or demonstrates a recurring trend noted in other cases.