Family First News
- Family First: Annual Evidence Building Strategy Report (PDF) is Available! This report acts as a strategic roadmap to align and activate prevention partners in implementation of Family First in Colorado.
- DCW is seeking a location to host the first two groups for the Child Welfare Motivational Interviewing (MI) training pilot in June. The dates we are holding at this time are June 9 & 10 and June 23 & 24, full-day sessions. We have identified 30 participants for each training, so a great deal of space isn’t necessary. The ideal location will have free parking, Wi-Fi access, and the ability to use or provide technology (e.g. sound system, screen to display, etc.). If you are a county that would like to participate in the MI pilot but are unable to commit staff at this time, this is a great opportunity to support the first piece of this exciting launch. Please contact Noelle Smith, noelle.smith@state.co.us, if you are able to provide space or for any questions.
- Our Colorado Family First Prevention Plan with the addition of Motivational Interviewing (MI) is moving along. We met with our federal partners recently to review the proposal prior to formal submission and received great feedback. Our team plans to move forward with the formal submission once the Communications Team makes necessary changes to the finished Plan.
Core News
- The Core Services Plan 2026-2027 template is making its way through clearance. We anticipate sharing the template and supporting documents by the end of March.
- The next Core Services and Child Welfare Quarterly is scheduled for April 27 from 2:00 to 3:30. The hybrid meeting will be held in Steamboat Springs (135 6th Street). If you are unable to attend in-person, please use this information to join virtually:
We have a packed agenda, so please plan to attend or ask a colleague to attend in your place if you aren’t available.
Program Area 3 (PA3) News
- The Child Welfare Prevention Task Group (CWPTG) met on March 9 to review suggested strikethroughs and updates to Program Area 3 sections in Volume 7. The group will meet next on April 13 from 12:00 until 1:30 to complete the discussion. CWPTG is working to develop a Best Practice Guide for counties that use or are thinking of using Program Area 3. If you would like to attend or know of someone that can add to the discussion, please share the meeting details with them:
Memo Spotlight
- IM-CW-2026-016: Foster Youth in Transition (FYiT) Program Improvement Workgroup
- IM-CW-2026-015: Transition Age Youth Services Office Hours for FYiT
- IM-CW-2026-014: Required Web-based Training for the Educational Rights for Students in Foster Care
- IM-CW-2026-013: Time-limited Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Rule Writing Work Group
County Space
 Feel free to email Amy Sciangula, Noelle Smith, or Yerson Padilla your news, ideas, or questions.
County Question: Is there a certain time limit for Prevention – PA3 in Trails or in general?
Answer: While there is currently no set time limit for PA3 Prevention, this assistance is intended to be short-term. In contrast, Core Services have a time limit of 18 months. County departments can grant extensions of an additional six months, which requires internal administrative review and documented approval in TRAILS (7.303.15).
|
Resources
- The Colorado Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) accepts applications between November and April. Applications for the current season are open until April 30, so it’s not too late to apply for assistance during these final months of winter. Click below to learn about different ways to apply for LEAP benefits, including a checklist to help you prepare your application. If you’re looking for assistance outside of LEAP season, it may be available. Please call 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) for more information.
- Every month, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assists over 600,000 Coloradans, including children, older adults, and people with disabilities, in purchasing groceries. To help counties gauge community needs and determine how to enhance SNAP supports, the Governor’s Office of Federal Funds and Strategic Initiatives maintains a heat map that details SNAP dollar usage and the percentage of the population receiving benefits in each county.
- The Colorado Fatherhood Network (CFN) offers an informational newsletter each month. Through this communication, the CFN brings you news and resources to connect to other statewide providers and learn the latest best practices in fatherhood work. Please let them know if you would like to receive the newsletter, or if you have celebrations or resources to share with others by emailing Alexa Schaffer, aschaffer@cofamilycenters.org. Also, be sure to check out their website where you’ll find the NEW Tip Sheets on engaging dads and stay informed on the latest webinars and peer connection events.
Training Opportunities
- March 23 | Understanding Depression in Young People NEW
Depression in children and teenagers is often undiagnosed and untreated because symptoms are mistaken for normal emotional changes. Learn what factors contribute to youth depression, common signs and symptoms to watch for, and practical ways caregivers, educators, and professionals can support young people and promote mental well-being. Register here
- March 24 | Discrimination, Fear, and Mental Health in LGBTQIA+ Communities
LGBTQIA+ adults are three times more likely to experience a mental health disorder than people who identify as straight. Discuss what factors impact this statistic, how to find supportive professionals, ways of coping, and how to be a true ally. Register here
- March 25 | Understanding Personality Disorders
Personality describes everything about you, and personality disorders can be challenging to manage. In addition to dealing with the illness itself, people often struggle with the myths and stigma surrounding personality disorders. Explore the categories of personality disorders, their symptoms, causes, and risk factors with a licensed therapist. Discuss evidence-based treatment and learn practical tips for managing symptoms and supporting others. Register here
- March 25 | Understanding ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is more than hyperactive people and short attention spans. Explore the causation, symptoms, and treatment options for ADHD and learn practical tips to manage symptoms and support loved ones who are struggling. Register here
- MindSpring On Demand Webinars
Funding Opportunities
- The Office for Victims Programs (OVP), a unit of the Division of Criminal Justice within the Colorado Department of Public Safety, announces the availability of approximately $1 million in Prop KK Grant Funds for a one-year grant period (1/1/27 to 12/31/27). The use of these funds will be limited to projects that will provide direct emergency financial assistance to crime victims. Any organization (community-based or systems-based) providing direct victim services, excluding for-profit entities and individuals, is eligible to apply for this funding opportunity. If you have questions regarding whether your agency or project is eligible for this funding opportunity, please contact cvsgrants@state.co.us. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: All applications and required attachments must be received by 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026, in the new Fluxx Grant Management System. Download and read the Announcement and Instructions before completing the Application.
Employment Opportunities
As Seen Around Colorado
On February 10th, the El Paso County Department of Human Services held its Core Services Resource Fair, welcoming community members, families, and staff. The event was lively with over two dozen service providers from El Paso County and neighboring areas. The Department hosts this fair twice yearly; this specific event was held at the Department building, while the other annual fair takes place at the El Paso County courthouse.
The providers at the resource fair included small providers to large facilities offering a plethora of services ranging from mental health services (Multi-Systemic Therapy, Functional Family Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Supervised Visitation, Life Skills, and other prevention-related services. The purpose of the fair is for transparency and general knowledge of prevention services in El Paso. Each provider was eager to engage with folks who wanted to learn more about prevention services.
|
Best of the March “Bad Dad” Jokes
- What did the buffalo say to his son when he dropped him off at school? Bison.
- What did the ocean say to the beach? Nothing, it just waved.
- When does a joke become a dad joke? When it becomes apparent.
- How much does a chimney cost? Nothing, it’s on the house.
- Why do golfers bring an extra pair of socks when they golf? In case they get a hole in one.
|
|
Prevention and Core Services Monthly Newsletter
