Services & Supports for Youth

The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman works on behalf of children, youth and families in Colorado. We work independently of all other state agencies, including the Colorado Department of Human Services, the Division of Youth Services (DYS), the court system and law enforcement. Our goal is to improve the services provided to and the experiences of youth and families impacted by the child protection system.

You have the right to contact us. Keep reading to find out more.

Calendar

The CPO routinely engages with citizens, stakeholders and legislators to address, discuss and resolve issues impacting the child protection system. Visit our calendar page to check out some upcoming events.

Services & Supports for Clients Living in DYS Youth Centers

The CPO can help you address concerns about your experiences and treatment you experience while living in Division of Youth Services (DYS) youth centers. Sometimes, you may be able to resolve your concerns by working directly with DYS staff and leadership. But if that’s not the case, we’re here to help. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you get the services you need. We provide free and confidential assistance to anyone who calls.

What can the CPO do to help me?

  • We work one-on-one with you to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
  • We research any concerns about services, treatment and living conditions at DYS youth centers by reviewing records in your case and applicable DYS policies.
  • We explain how decisions are made in your case and how to advocate for yourself.
  • We work with DYS staff and leadership to improve the experiences of all youth living in youth centers.

What are questions the CPO can help me answer?

The CPO has helped youth answer the following questions:
  • How do I get visits with my family or find my siblings?
  • How do I get access to medical or mental health services in DYS youth centers?
  • Why was I restrained?
  • Why was I placed in seclusion?
  • What can I do if someone inside the youth center is hurting me?

Resources for Youth living in DYS youth centers

In addition to the free and confidential services the CPO can provide you, here are some additional resources that may be helpful.

Services and Supports for Clients Living in Out-of-Home Placements

We work independently of all other state agencies, including the Colorado Department of Human Services, the Division of Youth Services (DYS), the court system and law enforcement. We review any concerns or complaints about the services, living conditions and experiences of youth living in DYS facilities, residential facilities and/or foster homes. We provide free and confidential services to anyone who calls, and we work one-on-one with you to review any questions or complaints about the services, living conditions and experiences of youth living in residential child care facilities, kinship placements, group homes or foster homes. Our goal is to improve the services provided to and the experiences of youth and families impacted by the child protection system.

What can the CPO do to help me?

  • We review your complaints and questions about the child protection system, as well as services and living conditions in DYS facilities, residential facilities, group homes, kinship placements or foster homes.
  • We explain how decisions are made in your case.
  • We give you information to help you advocate for yourself.

What are questions the CPO can help me answer?

The CPO has helped youth answer the following questions:
  • How do I get visits with my family?
  • Who is making decisions about me and where I live?
  • How can I advocate for myself?
  • How do I find my siblings?
  • Why can’t I live at home?
  • How do I get documents about my case?
  • What can I do if someone is hurting me?

Resources for Youth living in Out-of-Home Placements

In addition to the free and confidential services the CPO can provide you, here are some additional resources that may be helpful.