Gov. John Hickenlooper was joined today by Reggie Bicha, Executive Director of the Department of Human Services, members of the General Assembly and county partners to introduce the second phase of the state’s Child Welfare Plan called “Keeping Kids Safe and Families Healthy 2.0.”
The updated plan builds on an effort announced by the Governor nearly 12 months ago that detailed a common practice approach for all 64 counties, a new performance management system, redesigned employee training strategies, funding reform and increased transparency.
“We are already seeing improvements as a result of last year’s plan and the state’s child welfare system is stronger today,” Hickenlooper said. “This second phase will build on what the state is doing in partnership with local government to protect children and keep more families healthy. Beyond what state and local government does, a new hotline will make it easier for every Coloradan to join in protecting kids."
The updated version of the plan revamps the front end of Colorado’s child protection system through enhanced screening of calls reporting possible child abuse or neglect; new prevention strategies to assist families before they become part of the system; and training for mandatory reporters so at-risk children come to the attention of the child protection system sooner.
Keeping Kids Safe and Families Healthy 2.0 includes the following new areas of improvement in four of the five core components of the original plan:
A Common Practice Approach
Work Force Development
Funding
Transparency and Public Engagement
In addition, CDHS, counties and legislative leadership plan to work collaboratively with the State Auditor to review the state’s workload/caseload for county caseworkers.
“The governor’s enhanced plan takes child protection in Colorado to the next level,” Bicha said. “It is an innovative approach to bridging prevention and practice in a way that stabilizes families and helps prevent child abuse.”
Hickenlooper asked lawmakers in an amended budget request last month to set aside $22 million to fund the changes. The administration is also working closely with various members of the General Assembly on legislative changes that are needed in some areas.
For More information on “Keeping Kids Safe and Families Healthy 2.0” click here.
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January 18, 2013 2013 CDHS Joint Budget Committee Presentations
October 26, 2012 Division of Youth Corrections Fact Sheet
June 21, 2012 Colorado Department of Human Services
January 03, 2012 CDHS Strategic Plan