Complaint Process

Welcome to Boulder County Child, Youth, and Family and Adult Protection Services

At Boulder County, we believe children thrive in families and adults thrive in communities. Our division is committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and transparency in every interaction.

If you have a concern or complaint about the conduct of a Family and Children Services (FCS) employee, we have established a clear process to ensure your concerns are heard and addressed. This page provides information on how to share your feedback and seek resolution.
We are here to listen, support, and work with you to strengthen the services we provide to our community.

Concerned About a Child or Youth’s Safety?

If you are concerned about the safety or well-being of a child or youth, please call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 844-CO-4-KIDS (844-264-5437). If there is an immediate threat, please call 9-1-1.

Child Welfare Complaints

If you have concerns about child welfare practices, here are options for further assistance:

Step 1: Contact Boulder County Child Welfare Services

We encourage you to first reach out to Boulder County Human Services to discuss your concerns. All complaints and concerns will initially be routed to the employee’s supervisor to be addressed through an informal process which may include direct contact from the supervisor by phone, or in person, a formal family meeting or a meeting between the client, employee and supervisor.

Any complaint that cannot be resolved by the supervisor level will be elevated to the program manager of the relevant program area. If the program manager is unable to resolve the concern, it will be elevated to the division director.

Complaints elevated to the division director will be considered a grievance. The FCS director will work to resolve the grievance in a timely manner. If not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, they will be advised that they may pursue their grievance with Colorado Department of Human Services or the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman.

Step 2: Contact the State for Additional Assistance

If your concern remains unresolved, you can escalate it to the state by completing the Child Welfare Complaint Form. Complaints can also be submitted to the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Client Services:

• Online: Complete the Child Welfare Complaint Form – (Spanish)
• Phone: 303-866-3275
• Email: cdhs_clientservices@state.co.us

An additional resource for complainants looking to resolve a concern is the Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO). The CPO is an independent state agency created to investigate complaints and grievances related to child protection services, recommend system improvements, and serve as a resource for the community. Learn more at the Colorado Protection Ombudsman website.

Appeal a Finding

To appeal a child welfare finding, please contact the Colorado Appeals, Mediation, and Dispute Resolution Services (CAMDRS) at 303-866-4546.

Complaints Involving the Courts or Judicial System

Concerns related to the courts or judicial system should be directed to the appropriate office:

• Guardian Ad Litem, Attorney Special Advocate, or Child’s Representative: Contact the Colorado Office of the Child’s Representative.
• Respondent Parent Attorneys: Contact the Colorado Office of Respondent Parent Counsel.

For additional information or questions, please contact Boulder County Human Services directly.