About CDHS

The Colorado Department of Human Services collaborates with partners in State and county governments, nonprofits, advocates, community residents, providers and many others to empower Coloradans to thrive through bold and innovative health and human services.

Our mission

Together, we empower Coloradans to thrive.  

Our vision

To serve Coloradans through bold and innovative health and human services.

Our values

We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.

Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.

We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.

Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.

We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.

Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.

Our guiding principles

In the CDHS 2020-23 Strategic Plan, we laid out the following guiding principles: 

• We design and deliver high-quality human services that improve the safety, independence and wellbeing of Coloradans.
• We believe in supporting the whole person, the whole family and the whole community. Our services will be individual- and family-focused, family-driven and community-based.
• As an organization, we do what's right even when it's hard. When we're wrong, we acknowledge the error and learn from it. We foster an environment that allows risk and gives permission to fail.
• We believe in fostering equity so all Coloradans have the opportunity to reach their full potential. We ensure individual human rights and work to eliminate discrimination and stigma.
• Our actions and words will always reflect our beliefs and values.
• We will create and maintain a culture that attracts top talent, improves retention and inspires great work. We believe in a joyous work environment that maintains a culture of learning and excellence.