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1. What adult protection services are offered by Broomfield’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Department?

The Adult Protection program through Broomfield HHS offers the following voluntary services to at-risk adults who are susceptible to mistreatment such as abuse, neglect, and exploitation:

• In-home assessment for abuse, neglect and exploitation


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  Arranging, coordinating, delivering where appropriate and monitoring services, including:
  
  
  
  
  • Medical care for physical or mental health needs
  
  
  • Protection from mistreatment
  
  
  • 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

2. What types of allegations does Adult Protection investigate?

• Physical Abuse


• Emotional Abuse


• Sexual Abuse


• Neglect / Self-Neglect


• Financial Exploitation

3. What should I do if I suspect that someone I know is a victim of abuse?

Contact the Adult Protection Hotline at 720.887.2271.

4. 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:

• Discussing family issues and peer pressure


• Evaluating feelings and defenses


• Examining the choices available to them


• Learning the facts about substances and consequences of poor choices


• Practicing positive stress management techniques

5. 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:

• Have mental health issues


• Have a history of trauma or abuse


• Have low self-esteem


• Feel like they don’t fit in


• Have a family history of substance abuse

6. 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


• Peer pressure

7. 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.

8. What are the physical warning signs of drug abuse?

• More tired than usual or more hyperactive than usual


• Frequent complaints of feeling ill


• Eyes that are frequently red or watery


• Dilated or constricted pupils


• Unusual weight change or loss of appetite


• Severe change in grooming habits


• Odor of alcohol or other substances

9. What are emotional signs of teenagers abusing drugs?

• Unexplainable mood swings


• Irritable or angry


• Low self-esteem


• Personality change


• Apathy or depression


• Paranoid or confused

10. What are the behavioral signs of a teenager abusing drugs?

• Argumentative or withdrawn


• Destructive or abusive


• Secretive or lying


• Poor decision making


• Trouble with friends


• Letting go of former activities


• Academic problems (grades, attendance)


• Reduced memory and attention span


• School discipline problems


• Getting into problems with the law

11. 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.