As part of its work, CDHS includes a number of initiatives that affect everything we do across our offices, divisions and programs. Here are some of our most important initiatives.
CDHS strategic plan
In 2020, CDHS introduced a new strategic plan, titled Better Together. Based on feedback from thousands of survey responses and discussions with staff, stakeholders and partners, CDHS's strategic plan identified guiding principles and key initiatives that align with our new mission, vision and values. These provide the foundation of what we do, who we serve and who we are.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
Our mission at CDHS is to empower Coloradans to thrive with the people-first values of accountability, transparency and ethical practice. In order to uphold this foundation, we must do more than talk about equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). CDHS is actively listening and learning in order to responsively change our policies, practices and mindsets.
Family and community engagement
CDHS uses two important principles to guide the way we provide human services. One is equity, diversity and inclusion; the other is a whole-community, whole-family, whole-person approach, also known as two-generation. To hold ourselves accountable to those principles, we created the Family and Community Engagement Plan, a roadmap to a more inclusive CDHS.
Two-generation approach
CDHS uses a two-generation approach to guide all of our services. The two-gen approach encourages our programs to serve children and their caregivers together, to put the entire family on a path to permanent economic security. It provides all family members with opportunities, together, to be successful.
Family Voice Council
What better way to improve Colorado's human services than to ask those Coloradans who have actually used the services? The Family Voice Council is made up of 20 members who have been involved with, or are currently engaging in, two CDHS services or programs. Council members come together regularly to learn, give input and ultimately affect positive systems change at CDHS.
Youth development plan
The Colorado Statewide Youth Development Plan presents a vision for a strong youth development network and strategies for improving an array of youth-focused policies, practices and programs. At the core of the vision and strategies is the incorporation of positive youth development principles into the services and programs for youth ages 9 to 25 in Colorado.
Wildly Important Goals
As part of our annual performance plan, CDHS establishes Wildly Important Goals (WIGs) each state fiscal year. Executive leadership develops WIGs that will advance our strategic policy initiatives. Each WIG is designed to be measurable, responsive to change and transparent.