DENVER (March 6, 2025) — The Colorado Department of Human Services is dedicated to improving the safety, independence and well-being of families across the state. Through programs such as the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline, Child Support Services and Adult Protective Services, CDHS empowers communities and provides safeguards. In 2025, CDHS is celebrating significant milestones and continued progress in its mission to empower Coloradans to thrive.
Celebrating a decade of the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
Since its launch in 2015, the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline — 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437) — has been a critical tool in protecting children from abuse and neglect. Designed to provide a centralized, easy-to-remember number for reporting concerns, the hotline has fielded more than 1 million calls related to child welfare in the past decade. This resource helps make sure that children and youth across the state are safe and supported, and families are connected to resources to succeed and thrive.
Strengthening families through the Child Support Program
Children and families can get the financial support they need to thrive, thanks to CDHS’s Child Support Services program. By helping parents and caretakers establish, enforce and modify child support orders, the program provides financial stability by collecting more than $316 million annually for 122,676 families statewide.
“Ensuring the safety and security of children and youth is central to CDHS’s mission,” said Michelle Barnes, executive director of CDHS. “These resources are pivotal in connecting families to help and preventing harm before it happens.”
Protecting at-risk adults through Adult Protective Services
Since 1983, Colorado’s Adult Protective Services program has provided crucial support in response to alleged mistreatment of adults who are unable to provide or obtain services necessary for their health, safety and welfare or who lack the capacity to make or understand responsible decisions. County departments of human services’ Adult Protective Services staff investigate and respond to reports of abuse, neglect, exploitation and other harmful acts; provide necessary interventions; and connect these adults with critical resources. The program has experienced a 32% increase in cases over the last decade, with more than 8,900 cases assigned last year. Our dedicated workforce strives to support at-risk Coloradans through innovation, collaboration and client-focused strategies to prevent and reduce negative outcomes, promote equity and strengthen support networks.
Providing specialized care to adolescents with behavioral health needs
The Adolescent Behavioral Treatment Unit at the Colorado Mental Health Hospital in Pueblo is open for admissions of youth statewide who meet the criteria for inpatient psychiatric hospital level of care in a high-security setting. This critical mental health service is for youth aged 12-18 with complex psychiatric challenges and who require inpatient hospitalization in order to receive the treatment they need. This specialized unit provides individualized therapeutic treatment in a supportive environment to help these young people recover and go on to live healthy lives.
“Coloradans deserve the opportunity to thrive throughout every stage of their life,” said Minna Castillo, deputy executive director of community partnerships. “Whether it's to support children, parents or aging adults, CDHS is here to help.”
CDHS remains steadfast in its mission to deliver high-quality human services that improve the safety, independence and well-being of Coloradans. From the launch of the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 10 years ago to ongoing efforts in child support, adult protective services, and youth mental health, the department’s programs reflect a comprehensive approach to supporting families in need.
The Colorado Department of Human Services supports people and families by connecting them with assistance, resources and support at every stage of their lives. We serve Coloradans through bold and innovative health and human services. And together, we empower Coloradans to thrive.
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Media contact
Jordan Saenz, Deputy Director of Communications
720.355.3657
jordan.saenz@state.co.us