Family and Children's Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Index
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
Child Protection / Child Abuse or Neglect
Foster Care / Kinship / Adoption
What adult protection services are offered by
The Adult Protection program through Broomfield
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In-home assessment for abuse, neglect and exploitation
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Arranging, coordinating, delivering where appropriate, and monitoring services, including:
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Medical care for physical or mental health needs
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Protection from mistreatment
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Assistance with application for public benefits
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Referrals to community service providers
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Crisis intervention
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Information and referral for assistance with money management and benefit availability
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Monthly home visits by a caseworker to monitor risk and service needs
What types of
allegations does Adult Protection investigate?
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Physical Abuse
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Emotional Abuse
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Sexual Abuse
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Neglect / Self-Neglect
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Financial Exploitation
What should I do if I suspect that someone I know is a victim of abuse?
Contact the Adult Protection Hotline at
What substance abuse intervention services does Broomfield HHS offer?
The Family and Children's Services Division offers group education and early intervention for teens impacted by drug or alcohol use. The division has a Substance Abuse Interventionist that helps teens develop an understanding of the negative influences of drugs and alcohol by learning the facts about substances and consequences of poor choices, examining the choices available to them, evaluating feelings and defenses, discussing family issues and peer pressure, and practicing positive stress management techniques.
Who is at risk for alcohol and substance use?
All children are at risk for alcohol and substance use, but teenagers who are found to be at a higher risk for drug and alcohol use are those who:
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Have mental health issues
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Have a history of trauma or abuse
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Have low self-esteem
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Feel like they don’t fit in
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Have a family history of substance abuse
What are some reasons that teenagers use alcohol or drugs?
Teenagers report the following as some of the reasons for their use of alcohol or drugs: curiosity, stress reduction, lack of other things to occupy their time, and peer pressure.
What are some of the warning signs that a teenager may be using alcohol or drugs?
The following information was adapted from information from the Center for Disease Control Website. These signs are not exclusive to substance or alcohol use and may indicate that another problem is present. Signs of alcohol and drug use vary depending on the drug being used and the person using the drug or alcohol. To learn more about alcohol and drug abuse, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website.
Physical warning signs:
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More tired than usual or more hyperactive than usual
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Frequent complaints of feeling ill
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Eyes that are frequently red or watery
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Dilated or constricted pupils
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Unusual weight change or loss of appetite
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Severe change in grooming habits
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Odor of alcohol or other substances
Emotional warning signs:
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Unexplainable mood swings
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Irritable or angry
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Low self-esteem
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Personality change
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Apathy or depression
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Paranoid or confused
Behavioral warning signs:
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Argumentative or withdrawn
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Destructive or abusive
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Secretive or lying
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Poor decision making
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Trouble with friends
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Letting go of former activities
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Academic problems (grades, attendance)
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Reduced memory and attention span
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School discipline problems
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Getting into problems with the law
How can I get involved in or refer someone for substance abuse intervention services?
Teens may be referred for intervention services by parents, guardians, other family members, friends, schools, courts, or by themselves. Referrals should be made to Traci Hagie by calling (720) 887-2231 or emailing thagie@broomfield.org.
Colorado Child Care Assistance Program
What is the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)?
Broomfield Health and Human Services provides financial assistance through the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP) to qualifying low-income families who are working, searching for employment or enrolled in the Colorado Works program and who need child care services to support their efforts toward self-sufficiency.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program?
In order to qualify for CCCAP, you must meet basic income eligibility requirements and you must be participating in a qualifying activity. A qualifying activity includes working or looking for employment (up to 30 days per year). Child care assistance will only be provided for the actual hours worked. Income eligibility is based on gross income including unearned income such as child support. All Broomfield CCCAP single heads of household applicants are required to apply for child support and pay a one time $20 child support application fee, if applicable.
To qualify for CCCAP in Broomfield, your family income must fall within 185% of the federal poverty level. Contact the CCCAP Technician at 720.887.2275 to learn more about the eligibility requirements. The Technician will conduct a brief telephone interview to determine income eligibility and schedule an appointment for a full intake interview.
Do I need to file for child support to participate in this program?
YES. You must file for child support for all children in your home, even if they are not in child care. Click on the following link for information about filing for child support.
Can I receive child care assistance while I am in school?
Only students who are minors or students within 6 months of receiving their GED currently qualify for the Colorado Child Care Assistance program.
Do I have to live in
YES. You must have proof of residency within the county to receive assistance.
Can I apply for Child Care Assistance on behalf of my daughter and her child?
NO. The adult with legal custody of the child must apply for benefits.
Can anyone watch my child?
Child Care Assistance only reimburses the child care costs for licensed child care providers.
How do I find a licensed child care provider?
AAll CCCAP parents are responsible for selecting their own
provider. Parents may select a
licensed child care center or a licensed family care home.
Parents should select the type of care that best meets the needs of the
child(ren) and family. Quality child
care should include nurturing providers and an environment that is safe,
developmentally stimulating and promotes growth and learning.
Child Care Innovations maintains a list of current licensed providers.
They can be reached at
Can I use more than 1 provider?
YES, as long as each provider is licensed.
How long can I receive assistance?
Each case is reviewed for re-determination every six months.
How do I apply for Child Care
Assistance?
You may pick up an application at Broomfield Health and Human
Services, 6 Garden Center,
Are there any fees or costs associated with participation in this program?
YES. Parents participating in the CCCAP program are required to pay a portion of their monthly child care expenses. This is referred to as the parental fee. The amount is determined based on the family income and the number of people in the household. The fee is paid directly to the provider each month. You will be informed of the portion of the cost that you are responsible for at the time of your application.
Child Protection / Child Abuse or Neglect
At what age is it appropriate to leave my child at home alone?
The Colorado Department of Human Services provides helpful guidance for parents related to this topic on their website. Click here to view their response to this question.
The answer to this question depends upon the situation and the maturity of the child. Colorado in general has accepted the age of 12 as a guideline for when it may be appropriate for a child to be left at home alone for short periods of time.
What constitutes child abuse and/or neglect?
"Abuse" or "child abuse or neglect" is defined in Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S) § 19-1-103. Child abuse or neglect means an act or omission in one of the following categories that threatens the health or welfare of a child:
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Any case in which a child exhibits evidence of skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, failure to thrive, burns, fracture of any bone, subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling, or death and either: Such condition or death is not justifiably explained; the history given concerning such condition is at variance with the degree or type of such condition or death; or the circumstances indicate that such condition may not be the product of an accidental occurrence;
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Any case in which a child is subjected to unlawful sexual behavior as defined in section 16-22-102 (9), C.R.S.;
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Any case in which a child is a child in need of services because the child's parents, legal guardian, or custodian fails to take the same actions to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision that a prudent parent would take;
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Any case in which a child is subjected to emotional abuse. Emotional abuse in this section means identifiable and substantial impairment of the child's intellectual or psychological functioning or development or a substantial risk of impairment of the child's intellectual or psychological functioning or development;
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Any case in which, in the presence of a child, or on the premises where a child is found, or where a child resides, a controlled substance (defined in C.R.S. 18-18-102 (5)) is manufactured or attempted to be manufactured;
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Any case in which a child tests positive at birth for either a schedule-I controlled substance, as defined in section 18-18-204, C.R.S., unless the child tests positive for a schedule-II controlled substance as a result of the mother's lawful intake of such substance as prescribed.
For additional
information about how to identify child abuse, please visit the Child Welfare
Information Gateway website, a service of U.S. Department of Human Services,
Administration for Children and Families' Children's Bureau at
http://childwelfare.gov/can/identifying
or download a fact sheet about signs and symptoms at
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/ factsheets/signs.pdf.
If you suspect that a child is being harmed,
you should report your concerns by calling the Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 720-887-2271.
Is homelessness a reason to remove a child from his or her parents?
Homelessness in and of itself does not constitute child abuse and is therefore not a basis for child protection intervention as long as the parent continues to provide the necessary shelter, food, clothing, medical care, and educational attention the child needs. /p>
If I make a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, will my identity be protected?
Those who report suspected abuse and neglect of children remain anonymous and are immune from any civil or criminal liability if the report is made in good faith. Colorado Revised Statute §19-3-307, requires the identity of the reporter to be protected.
Can I make an anonymous report of child abuse or neglect?
Anonymous calls are accepted and regarded as credible unless further investigation proves otherwise; however, the identity of the caller, even if known, will not be revealed to the family who may be the subject of the allegation. It is critical that the person making the report provide as much information as possible; however, to enable the department to assess the situation thoroughly.
What persons are mandated by the state to report suspected child abuse or neglect and what are the penalties for failure to report?
Colorado Revised Statute §19-3-304 requires the following persons (based on profession) to report suspected child abuse or neglect.
- Physicians, surgeons, physicians in training, child health associates, medical examiners, coroners, dentists, osteopaths, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, nurses, hospital personnel, dental hygienists, physical therapists, pharmacists, registered dieticians;
- Public or private school officials or employees;
- Social workers, Christian Science practitioners, mental health professionals, psychologists, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists;
- Veterinarians, peace officers, firefighters, or victim's advocates;
- Commercial film and photographic print processors;
- Counselors, marriage and family therapists, or psychotherapists;
- Clergy members, including priests; rabbis; duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of a church; members of religious orders; or recognized leaders of any religious bodies; and
- Workers in the State department of human services.
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Commercial film and photographic print processors when they have
knowledge of or observe any film, photograph, videotape, negative, or
slide depicting a child engaged in an act of sexual conduct.
These persons are required to make a report:
- When they have reasonable cause to know or suspect child abuse or neglect.
- When they have observed a child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect.
Any mandatory reporter who willfully fails to report as required by § 19-3-304(1): Commits a Class 3 misdemeanor, shall be punished as provided by law, and shall be liable for damages proximately caused.
When would it be necessary to remove a child from his or her home?
The Department's goal is to maintain children SAFELY in their own homes; however, the safety of the child is our primary goal. The Department provides protective services to families to help prevent abuse and neglect and links them to resources to help them become nurturing caregivers to their children. However, if the Department determines through thorough assessments and investigations that the safety of the child is in danger if the child remains in his/her own home, the child will be placed in another home. There are a number of options for placement of a child, including with another relative or into foster care.
What is a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)?
Court-Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers who are trained and supervised by the non-profit organization, CASA, to represent the best interests of children who are the victims of physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court. The desired result is that children are placed into safe, loving homes where they can thrive. These volunteers are sworn in as "Officers of the Court" and provide pertinent information to the judge so that important decisions can be made regarding the child's educational and health related needs, therapy, visitation, and ultimately permanency. These advocates review the child's records; interview parents, foster parents, teachers, relatives; meet with the child regularly; prepare reports; make recommendations; and ensure that the child's educational needs are met.
For more information about CASA or their volunteers, please visit their website at http://www.casa17th.org/index.html.
What is a guardian ad litem?
A guardian ad litem is an attorney who is appointed by the Court to represent the interests of a child or children in a family that is under court-ordered protective services. This attorney will be present at each court hearing and makes recommendations to the Court regarding the case plan and progress in each case. The attorney is paid by the Court and is independent and autonomous from the parent and the Health and Human Services Department.
What is Foster Care?
Foster care is the placement of a child into the legal custody or legal authority of a county department of human/social services for physical placement of a child in a certified or licensed facility.
The objectives of foster care are to:
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Protect the child and provide sufficient care for the child on a temporary basis in a nurturing, stimulating environment.
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Help the child cope with the separation from the family.
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Provide a safe environment while developing and implementing a permanent plan for the child’s future.
Family foster care can offer care to children with a range of problems, depending on the experience, expertise, and resources of the foster family. Foster parents work together with the child’s biological parents with a variety of professionals including social workers, juvenile court officers and judges, family counselors in private and public agencies, and a variety of medical personnel, as needed by the child.
Who are foster parents?
Foster parents are caring and committed individuals who open their hearts and home to meet the needs of children who must be placed in out-of-home care in order to be safe. A foster family provides the child with an emergency or temporary home and a supportive, stable family environment while the birth family addresses the concerns or situation that prevents them from parenting their child. Typically, foster parents care for the child until reunification with the birth family occurs, there is an adoption or guardianship by kin, or the child is legally available for adoption. Sometimes foster parents become the permanent home for the child through adoption.
You Don't Have to be Perfect to be a Perfect Parent for a Child!
Successful foster parents...
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Are patient, committed and caring
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Are teachers, mentors, and learners
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Love a challenge and have a sense of humor
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Are flexible
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Ask for help and support when it is needed
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Enjoy seeing children grow, thrive and achieve
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Communicate well
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Provide consistency and structure
Who can be a foster parent?
To be a foster parent, you must be at least 21 years of age, have enough room to accommodate a child, be certified as a foster parent, and have a stable income to support your existing family. You do not need to be married, own your own home, or be a parent already. Families of all religions, races, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds are needed.
What do foster parents do?
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Provide children with a safe, nurturing relationship.
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Work as members of a professional team.
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Support the child’s relationship with the birth family.
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Ensure that the child’s basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, medical, educational, and emotional development are met.
Which children need homes the most?
Foster parents are needed to provide homes for:
- Teenagers
- Sibling groups who need to stay together
- Infants and toddlers
- Children with emotional/behavioral needs
- Children with special needs, such as developmental delays, physical impairments, and/or mental health issues
I work outside my home; can I still be a foster parent?
Yes, many foster parents work full time.
How can I learn more about becoming a foster parent?
Step 1: Attend a foster care orientation meetings.
Step 2: Complete and submit and application.
Step 3: Attend foster parent CORE training classes.
Step 4: Participate in a comprehensive Home Study.
The steps to become certified as a foster family are fully outlined in the Colorado State regulations for Foster Care Homes. Once you successfully completed these steps, you may be certified to foster a child.
For more
information, call Broomfield Health and Human Services Department at
How can I support the Broomfield Health and Human Services Foster Care program?
Here's a list of ideas:
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Become an approved babysitter or respite provider for a foster family
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Become an approved mentor to a foster child
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Become an approved tutor for a foster child
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Provide clothing or services to a foster family
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Help fund extracurricular activities or supplies for a foster child
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Sponsor a project to collect important items, such as children's overnight bags, clothes, backpacks, and school supplies.
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If you own a business, consider offering discounted services to foster families.