Skip to Main Content
Loading
Loading
Live
Work
Explore
Engage
Search
Home
FAQs
Search
All categories
Assessor
Attorney
Brunner Farmhouse
Central Records - Marriage Certificates
Central Records - Recording
Community Development - Building
Community Development - Engineering
Community Development - Planning
Court Security
Court Services
Elections - General
Elections - RCV (IRV)
General FAQs
HHS - Care Assistance Program
HHS - Child Protection
HHS - Family and Children Services
HHS - Foster Care / Kinship
HHS - Foster Care and Adoption
HHS - SNAP Benefits FAQs
Historic Preservation
Human Resources
Human Resources - Insurance
Human Resources - Leave
Human Resources - LIFE, AD&D, LTD
Human Resources - PMPP
Human Resources - WC
LookOutAlert
Motor Vehicles
New FAQ
Oil and Gas Notification
Open Space and Trails
Police
Police - Animal Services
Police - Civil Unit
Police - Code Compliance
Police - Electrical Assisted Bicycles
Police - Electrical Personal Assistive Mobility Device
Police - Emergency Alerts
Police - Golf Cars
Police - Investigations
Police - Low-Power Scooters
Police - Low-Speed Electric Vehicles
Police - Motorcycles/Scooter 50 cc and Over
Police - Off Highway Vehicles
Police - Records
Police - Recruitment
Police - Sex Offender Registry
Police - Toy Vehicles
Police - Victim Services
Police - Wheelchairs
Public Trustee
Public Works
Public Works - Drinking Water
Public Works - Environment
Public Works - Household Hazardous Waste
Public Works - Park Services
Public Works - Recycling
Public Works - Street Maintenance
Public Works - Utility Maintenance
Public Works - Water Quality
Recreation - Broomfield Days
Recreation - Front Desk
Sales Tax
Treasurer
Video Services
Volunteer - Arts and History
Water Billing
Workforce Center
Categories
All Categories
Assessor
Attorney
Brunner Farmhouse
Central Records - Marriage Certificates
Central Records - Recording
Community Development - Building
Community Development - Engineering
Community Development - Planning
Court Security
Court Services
Elections - General
Elections - RCV (IRV)
General FAQs
HHS - Care Assistance Program
HHS - Child Protection
HHS - Family and Children Services
HHS - Foster Care / Kinship
HHS - Foster Care and Adoption
HHS - SNAP Benefits FAQs
Historic Preservation
Human Resources
Human Resources - Insurance
Human Resources - Leave
Human Resources - LIFE, AD&D, LTD
Human Resources - PMPP
Human Resources - WC
LookOutAlert
Motor Vehicles
New FAQ
Oil and Gas Notification
Open Space and Trails
Police
Police - Animal Services
Police - Civil Unit
Police - Code Compliance
Police - Electrical Assisted Bicycles
Police - Electrical Personal Assistive Mobility Device
Police - Emergency Alerts
Police - Golf Cars
Police - Investigations
Police - Low-Power Scooters
Police - Low-Speed Electric Vehicles
Police - Motorcycles/Scooter 50 cc and Over
Police - Off Highway Vehicles
Police - Records
Police - Recruitment
Police - Sex Offender Registry
Police - Toy Vehicles
Police - Victim Services
Police - Wheelchairs
Public Trustee
Public Works
Public Works - Drinking Water
Public Works - Environment
Public Works - Household Hazardous Waste
Public Works - Park Services
Public Works - Recycling
Public Works - Street Maintenance
Public Works - Utility Maintenance
Public Works - Water Quality
Recreation - Broomfield Days
Recreation - Front Desk
Sales Tax
Treasurer
Video Services
Volunteer - Arts and History
Water Billing
Workforce Center
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 and registered dieticians
Public or private school officials or employees
Social workers, Christian Science practitioners, mental health professionals, psychologists, professional counselors and marriage and family therapists
Veterinarians, peace officers, firefighters or victim's advocates
Commercial film and photographic print processors
Counselors, marriage and family therapists and psychotherapists
Clergy members, including:
Priests
Rabbis
Duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of a church
Members of religious orders
Recognized leaders of any religious bodies
Workers in the state department of human services
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.
▼
HHS - Child Protection
Show All Answers
1.
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.
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.
2.
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:
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
Circumstances indicate that such condition may not be the product of an accidental occurrence
Any case in which a child is subjected to unlawful sexual behavior as defined in section 16-22-102 (9), C.R.S.
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
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
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
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
.
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.
3.
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.
4.
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.
5.
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.
6.
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 and registered dieticians
Public or private school officials or employees
Social workers, Christian Science practitioners, mental health professionals, psychologists, professional counselors and marriage and family therapists
Veterinarians, peace officers, firefighters or victim's advocates
Commercial film and photographic print processors
Counselors, marriage and family therapists and psychotherapists
Clergy members, including:
Priests
Rabbis
Duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of a church
Members of religious orders
Recognized leaders of any religious bodies
Workers in the state department of human services
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.
7.
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.
8.
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 and relatives
Meet with the child regularly
Prepare reports
Make recommendations
Ensure that the child's educational needs are met
9.
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.
Live Edit
Live
About Broomfield
How Do I?
Apply for a...
Contact…
Find…
Get…
Pay…
Read City and County News
Register to Vote
Sign Up for a Recreation Class
Subscribe to City and County Emails
View…
Volunteer
New to Broomfield
City and County Departments
Attractions/Facilities
1STBANK Center
9/11 Memorial
Art in Public Places
Auditorium
Brunner Farmhouse
Paul Derda Recreation Center
Broomfield Community Center
Bay Aquatic Park
Broomfield County Commons
Library
Museums
Skate Parks
Broomfield Explores
Weather and Air Quality
Maps
History and Historic Preservation
History of Broomfield
Historic Preservation
Schools
Photo Gallery
FAQ's
Broomfield Celebrates
Anniversary
Residential Services
Pay a Bill Online
Resource Directory
Online Forms
FAQs
Waste and Disposal
Trash Haulers
Recycling
Disposal
Passports
Licenses
Marriage Certificates
Building Department
Code Compliance
Assessor
Housing Division
Water Bill
Community Services
Broomfield Facility Locations
Police
Fire
Motor Vehicle
Senior Services
Court Services
Environmental Services
Elections
County Services
Cemeteries
Public Health and Environment
Departments
Assessor
Property Search Links
Appeal Information
Valuation Process
Business Personal Property
Forms, Maps, Other Info
Assessment Reports
Data Files & Open Data
Recorded Document Search
Property Tax Information
Property Tax Exemption and Deferral Programs
Attorney
City Charter and Codes
Legal Referral Contacts
Combined Courts
Colorado Attorney General
Title VI Non-Discrimination Policy
Audit: Internal and Performance
Building
City and County Manager
City Council
Manager's Reports and CMO Weekly Council Updates
Broomfield Urban Renewal Authority
Title VI, Equity and Anti-Discrimination Statement
City and County Clerk and Recorder
Public Records Request
Recording
Elections
City Clerk
Motor Vehicle
Code Compliance
Communications and Engagement
Television Schedule
Internet Privacy Policy
We Are Broomfield
Sponsorships
Partner with Us
Broomfield Voice
Watch Live
Year in Review
Non-Profit Partner Share Request
Community Assistance Center
Passports
Where Do I?
Community Development
Building
Capital Improvements Program
Engineering
Planning
Transportation
Court Services
Forms & Court Documents
Jury Information
Judges
Frequently Asked Questions
Transcript Information
Virtual Court
CSU Extension
Creative Broomfield
Creative Network
Creative Broomfield Presents
Broomfield History & Museums
Art in Public Places
Rent the Auditorium
Arts, History, and Cultural Council
Broomfield Library
Get Involved
Development, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Economic Vitality
Growing in Broomfield
Starting a Business in Broomfield
Working and Living in Broomfield
Business Support
Contact Economic Vitality
Community Partners
IT'S Broomfield
Elections
Engineering
Environmental Services (Public Works)
Finance
Billing Services
Accident Reporting
How to do Business with Broomfield
Reports
Risk Management
Human Services
About Us
Child, Adult, and Family Services
Operations
Self Sufficiency & Public Benefits
Workforce Center
Strategic Priorities
Housing Division
Boulder Broomfield Regional Consortium
Fair Housing and Special Populations
Home Owner Support
Rental Housing
SENIOR Property Tax Refund Program
Human Resources
Employment
Employee Benefits
Guidelines/Resources
Information Technology
GIS
Library Home
Children's Library
Teen Zone
Adult Services
inventHQ
Summer Library Adventures
Use the Library
Reserve a Room
Motor Vehicle
Open Space and Trails
Advisory Committee (OSTAC)
Programs & Events
Wildlife Information
Maps
Permits & Development Review
Open Space Master Plans/ Statistics
Parks, Recreation and Senior Services
Parks
Recreation Services
Senior Services
Special Events
Cemeteries
Planning
Police
Crime Prevention
Detention Center
Divisions and Units
Firearm Ordinances
Services
Programs & Events
Volunteer Information
Public Health and Environment
How Do I ...
About
Board of Health
COVID-19 Information
Community Services
Individual & Family Services
Licensing & Permits
Public Trustee
Foreclosure Property Search
Foreclosure Information
Foreclosure Sale
Release of Deed of Trust
Public Works
Environmental Services
Facilities/Fleet Services
Utility Maintenance
Wastewater Treatment
Water Resources/Water Treatment Plant
Recording
Sales Tax
Citizen Access Online
Current News and Information
Forms and Publications
Sustainability
Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability
Disposable Bag Fee
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Energy
Transportation
Zero Waste
Sustainability Calendar
Universal Collection in Broomfield
Transportation
Active Transportation
Plans & Studies
Traffic Engineering & Data
Transit Options
Treasurer
Tax Payment Search
Tax Payment Search
2023 Distribution Statements
2022 Distribution Statements
2021 Distribution Statements
2020 Distribution Statements
Mobile Home
Property Tax Exemption and Deferral Programs
Tax Deferral Application
Tax Lien Sale Information
2022 Tax Lien Sale Results
2022 Delinquent Property Tax List
2022 MH Delinquent Property Tax List
Water Bill
Workforce Center
Facility & Service Policies
Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Notifications
Current Emergency Status
Emergency Management
Plans
Resident/Business Preparedness
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Air Quality
Animal to Human Disease
Evacuations
Infectious Disease
Mental and Behavioral Health
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Summer Weather Preparedness
Wildfire Preparedness
Winter Weather Preparedness
Work
Find A Job
Apply Now
Benefits
Chamber of Commerce
Business Personal Property
Business Licenses
Workforce Center
Business Services
Job Seeker Services
Young Adult Services
Veteran Employment Services
Workforce Resources
Career Fairs
Economic Vitality
Business Support
Relocate
Community Partners
Explore
Parks, Open Space and Trails
Parks and Park Shelters
Open Space
Trail Information
Wildlife Information
Broomfield 100
Broomfield Parks and Open Space Map
Seasonal Facilities
The Bay Aquatic Park
Batting Cages
Year-Round Facilities
Auditorium
Athletic Fields, Courts and Rinks
Paul Derda Recreation Center
Library
inventHQ
Depot Museum
Broomfield Community Center
Skate Park
Rent a Facility
Recreation Programs
Register for a Class
View Fitness Schedules
Passes and Fees
Preschool and Camps
Preschool
Camps
Therapeutic Recreation
Active Adult Recreation
Library, Arts, History and Extension
Library
Creative Broomfield
Art in Public Places
Museums
Broomfield History & Museums
CSU Extension
inventHQ
Engage
Connect with City Council
City Council
Watch a City Council Meeting
Search Past Council Meeting Agendas, Minutes and Documents
Community Goals
Public Notices
Oil and Gas
Travel and Training
Upcoming Proposed Agendas
Find Your Ward on a Map
Teen Council
Participate in City Council Meetings
Council Meeting Calendar
Council Agendas, Minutes and Videos
Council Procedures and Rules of Order
Public Notices
Learn About City and County Operations
Mission and Values
City and County Leadership
City Charter and Code
Municipal Code
City Charter
City and County Departments
Annual Budget
Comprehensive Plan
Organizational Chart
Public Records Request
Community Assistance Center
Engage
Volunteer
Recruiting Volunteers Now!
Adopt an Area
Arts & History
Broomfield Pals
Library
Police Department
Recreation
Senior Services
Special Events
20 Volunteers in 20 Years
Volunteer Appreciation
Open Space and Trails
Vote in Broomfield
Sign up for Recreation Classes
Boards and Commissions
Boards and Commissions Rosters
Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability
Arts, History and Cultural Council
Board of Equalization
Board of Health
Charter Review Committee
Historic Landmark Board
Land Use Review Commission
Library Advisory Board
Local Licensing Authority
Neighborhood Board of Adjustments
Open Space and Trails Advisory Committee
Parks, Recreation and Senior Services Advisory Com
Personnel Merit Commission
Get Notifications
Subscribe to B in the Loop eNewsletters
Sign up for Emergency Notifications
Follow us on Social Media
Give Feedback
Broomfield Voice
Development Projects
Transportation
Sustainability
Oil and Gas Concerns
Government Websites by
CivicPlus®
Arrow Left
Arrow Right
[]
Slideshow Left Arrow
Slideshow Right Arrow