Department of Human Services
The mission of Boulder County Department of Human Services
is to protect abused and neglected children and at risk adults, to provide
permanency for children, and to provide economic assistance to eligible county
residents. We strive to promote self-sufficiency and to enhance the dignity and
self-worth of all we serve.
The Department of Human Services values diversity. We promote a work environment in which all persons are treated with courtesy, dignity and
respect, and is free from harassment and intimidation. It is our intent to create an environment that pays attention to the dynamics of difference to better meet client
and worker needs. In addition, we promote understanding and appreciation of differences including, but not limited to, age, color, disabilities, ethnicity, gender,
language, national origin, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Our value of diversity will be applied throughout all levels of the organization including the
development of policies, procedures and daily work activities and practices. Developing and retaining diversity in our workforce means we are better able to respond to
the needs of the citizens we serve.
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FOR EMERGENCY and AFTER HOURS DIAL 911
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Child Abuse and Neglect
Hot Line |
303-441-1000 |
Longmont Child Protection |
303-678-6000 |
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3400 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80304 |
303-441-1000 |
Financial Assistance
Information |
303-441-1200 |
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3460 Broadway
Boulder, CO 80304
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303-441-1200 |
Workforce Boulder |
303-301-2900 |
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529 Coffman St.
Longmont, CO 80501
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303-678-6000 |
Boulder County Job Line |
303-441-4555 |
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712 Main St.
Louisville, CO
80027
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303-413-7000 |
Child Care
Eligibility - English
Eligibility - Spanish |
303-604-1043 |
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Child Support |
303-678-6300 |
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The Child Protection Program
Involves the assessment of need for
protection of children. Reports of neglect, abuse or exploitation of children
are investigated under the standards and requirements of Colorado Law. If the
report is substantiated, the family is referred to appropriate treatment
resources within the agency or the community. Resources, counseling, and
emotional support are used to protect the children and to help stabilize the
family. The Sexual Abuse Unit investigates sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
They also maintain ongoing support and monitor families to protect the children
and help stabilize the family. To report child abuse and neglect, please call 303-441-1000
for the Boulder office and 303-678-6247 for the Longmont office. If you
are calling after hours, weekends or holidays, please call 911. Citizen Review Panel, Boulder
County, Colorado
Are you concerned about the way you are being treated by your Child Protection caseworker or any other Boulder County
Human Services employee in Child Welfare? If so, you can take action. To ensure fairness for everyone, Boulder County has set up a formal grievance process for
complaints regarding rude or unprofessional conduct, failure or refusal to communicate, (including failure to return phone calls, or treating clients
with disrespect). Here are the steps you can take:
First, raise your concern with your caseworker. This is the simplest,
quickest way to address your complaint. You must raise your concern within 30 days of its onset. If you and your caseworker cannot resolve the problem, speak to his/her
supervisor, and then to the department administrator. If the complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you will need to fill
out a grievance form, which can be obtained from the administrator. The form will ask you to detail your concerns and what you would like to see happen. Send
the form to: Director/Boulder County Human Services, 3400 Broadway, Boulder, Co. 80304. The Director will review your grievance form and send you a written decision
within 30 days. If you are satisfied with the Directors response, the case is closed. If you are still not satisfied, the complaint will be referred to the
Citizen Review Panel
The Citizen Review Panel (CRP) is an independent group of five Boulder
County citizens, appointed by the Boulder County Commissioners, who review complaints regarding unresponsiveness or unprofessional conduct by
Human Services
employees. No employees of Boulder County Human Services or the State Department of Human Services are on the panel.
Your grievance form will be forwarded to the panel, which will
contact you to set up a time for the review. The panel will meet within 30 days of receiving your complaint. These reviews are closed to the public. The only people who may participate in the review are you, your caseworker,
and members of the panel, and county staff who work for the panel.
After the review, the panel will send their written
recommendations to you and the director of Boulder County Human Services. Your caseworker will also receive a copy. If you and the director agree with the
recommendations, the case is closed. If either of you disagrees with the recommendations, either of you may ask for a review by the Board of County Commissioners.
It is important to remember that this process is for complaints about
Boulder County Department of Human Services employee conduct only. This process does not change any civil or criminal investigation or court action. For
example, recommendations can not be made regarding:
Substantiation of abuse or neglect Central registry listing Filing of Dependency/Neglect petitions or criminal charges Treatment planning for a child or family Custody, placement or visitation regarding a child Removal of a child from his or her parent, guardian or custodian
If you have questions concerning this process you may contact:
Jackie Antoine, Citizen Review Panel Coordinator
Tel: 303-441-1654 - Fax: 303-441-4550
E-mail:
jantoine@bouldercounty.org
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- Youth Services
Provides support and counseling to adolescents and
their families. Adolescents who are in conflict with their families and/or
other systems in the community receive services. These services help them stay
with their families whenever possible, and strive to ensure safety and improved
functioning. Some adolescents may be part of the Independent Living Program
which helps them emancipate from their families.
Another component within the unit works with developmentally disabled children
and their families. These children, or adolescents at times need out-of-home
placement or require specialized support to maintain or return to their
families.
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There are many ways that the Boulder County community can help by
participating in programs at Boulder County Human Services:
- The Volunteer Services Program
Always needs volunteers to work with
clients and to help out in various occupations. Financial donations to the
Volunteer Donated Account help families and individuals who are not eligible
for government assistance. Donations of gifts are taken annually during the
Adopt-A-Family holiday program. Call 441-1053 to volunteer.
- The
Foster Parenting Program
Provides foster homes for children who
are going through transitions within their own families. Families who would
like to provide such homes may apply to become foster parents. Foster parents
receive reimbursement for the child's basic living expenses. Additional
qualified families are needed in all areas of Boulder County. Call 441-1089 to
apply. You can also click on the following link for more information: http://www.bouldercounty.org/ss/adoption.
- The Adoption and Fost-Adopt Programs
Provide homes for children who
either are currently, or may be, in need of permanent homes. Financial
assistance may be available to assist adoptive parents in meeting the needs of
adoptive children. For further information, please call 441-1089.
You can also click on the following link for more information: http://www.bouldercounty.org/ss/adoption.
- The Office of Child Care
Licenses all day care homes for the State of
Colorado. Call 866-5958 for more information.
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Adult Protective Services
phone 303-441-1441
Boulder County Adult Protective Services (APS) staff investigates reports of abuse,
neglect (including self-neglect) or financial exploitation of at-risk adults who are unable to protect themselves due to a physical or mental limitation. APS staff
assesses the need for protective services and provide services to reduce the identified risk to the adult. These services may include case coordination, short-term case
management, guardianship or representative payee, and information and referral.
Adults who may receive Protective Services are defined in the state law as: "At-risk
Adult" means a person eighteen (18) years of age or older who because of mental or physical dysfunction or advanced age is unable to manage such person's own resources,
carry out the activities of daily living, or protect such person from neglect, hazardous or abusive situations without assistance from others and who has no available,
willing, and responsibly able person for assistance and who may be in need of protective services.
What allegations will APS investigate?
- Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is intentional infliction of injury or physical mistreatment, including: Slapping, pinching, choking, kicking, shoving, inappropriate use of drugs or
physical restraints.
- Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any nonconsensual sexual contact. (Note: Any sexual contact between a facility staff person (such as a nursing home, adult family home, boarding home, or
supportive living) and a vulnerable adult is considered nonconsensual). Sexual abuse includes: Unwanted touching, rape, sodomy, coerced nudity, sexually explicit
photographing.
- Mental or Emotional Abuse
Mental (or emotional) abuse is the intentional action or inaction of mental or verbal abuse. Mental abuse includes: Intimidation, coercion, ridicule, harassment; treating
an adult like a child; isolating an adult from family, friends, or regular activity; use of silence to control behavior; yelling or swearing resulting in mental distress.
- Neglect or Self-Neglect
Neglect or self-neglect means that, through action or inaction, by themselves or someone else, a vulnerable adult is deprived of care needed to maintain physical or
mental health. This does not include a competent person who decides to live in a way that may threaten their safety or well-being. Neglect or self-neglect includes:
Untreated or improperly attended medical conditions, poor personal hygiene; unsafe living conditions (for instance, no heat); unsanitary living quarters (for instance, no
toilet); lack of appropriate clothing; lack of necessary medical aids; failure to take medications as prescribed.
- Exploitation or Financial Exploitation
Exploitation is exerting undue influence or forcing a vulnerable adult to perform services for the benefit of others. Financial exploitation is the illegal or improper
use of the property, resources or income of a vulnerable adult for another person ’s profit or gain. Examples of exploitation include: An adult relative living in the
home of a vulnerable adult without contributing to the household. An unexplained sudden transfer of assets to a family member or someone outside the family.
- Abandonment
Abandonment is leaving a vulnerable adult without the ability to get necessary food, clothing, shelter, or health care. An example of abandonment includes a caregiver
deserts the individual in a public place or in their own home.
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- Colorado Works/TANF
Provides financial assistance and Medicaid to eligible families who have
dependent children.
- Aid to the Blind (ABT)
Provides financial assistance and Medicaid to
eligible, legally blind persons of any age.
- Aid to the Needy Disabled
(AND)
Provides financial assistance to
eligible disabled persons who are 18 to 60 years of age.
- Baby Care / Kids Care
Provides medical assistance for pregnant mothers and
children whose families are financially eligible.
-
Boulder County Medicaid
Offers information regarding Medicaid eligibility, benefits, provider look-up
and frequently asked questions - Child Support
Enforcement
Provides assistance in collecting child
support from absent parents.
- Colorado Refugee Services Program (CRSP)
Offers financial
assistance, Medicaid, and Human Services for eligible refugees.
- Food Assistance/SNAP (Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program
Are food coupons for eligible individuals and families
who are in need of food.
Do I qualify? - General Assistance
(GA)
Covers burial
and medical assistance to eligible families and individuals.
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program
(LEAP)
Offers help with heating
costs from November through April.
- Medicaid
Pays for medical services on behalf of people receiving Old
Age Pension, Colorado Refugee Services, or Aid to Families with Dependent
Children.
- Old Age Pension (OAP)
Provide financial assistance and Medicaid to
eligible persons who are 60 years of age and older.
- Medicare Savings
Program
Provides financial assistance
for certain Medicare costs for eligible elderly persons.
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