Child Protection Services

Colorado Child Protection Services Hotline

Designed to provide one, easy-to-remember phone number for individuals to use statewide to report suspected child abuse and neglect, the hotline serves as a direct, immediate and efficient route to Colorado's 64 counties and 2 tribal nations, which are responsible for accepting and responding to child abuse and neglect inquiries and reports.

All callers will be able to speak with a call-taker 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For non-emergencies please call 303-621-3149 during normal business hours.

Sections

Child protection services are split into two different sections:

1. Intake, Assessment & Protective Services

Intake caseworkers respond to a variety of concerns about children and their families. They are the first to respond to a report of possible child neglect or abuse. When a report of possible child abuse or neglect is received, the intake screener gathers critical information from the reporter. This information will be used by the Intake Screening Team to determine if an investigation is needed and how the intake worker will carry out the investigation.

During the investigation, the caseworker assesses the family environment and safety and risk factors concerning the child(ren). The worker will also assess the allegations of abuse/neglect and work with families to assist with any community based services needed to strengthen family functioning.

If the intake worker determines that a family needs long term services then the case is moved into the ongoing unit.

2. Ongoing, Protective & Reunification Services

Ongoing services are provided for children ages 0 to 21 and their families. These children have generally been identified as being at risk for abuse and/or neglect or have high-risk behaviors that place themselves and the community at risk.

Ongoing caseworkers provide a variety of services with the goals of minimizing the risk to children, preserving the family and ensuring that children are in the least restrictive permanent home within the established State guidelines. Services to children and families are provided either voluntarily or under a court order, and include:

  • Referrals to community agencies
  • Ensuring residents complete therapeutic and substance abuse services
  • Supervised parenting time
  • And other services on a case-by-case basis