The Baca County Department of Human Services announced on April 6 an updated grievance procedure for individuals involved in the county child welfare or adult protection system.
The new policy outlines steps for addressing complaints about county child welfare employee conduct. The department said that information about the grievance process will be posted on its public-facing website or otherwise provided to those involved in these systems.
According to the procedure, individuals are first encouraged to discuss concerns directly with their caseworker. If unresolved, they may request a meeting with both the caseworker and supervisor by contacting 719-523-4131. Further unresolved issues can be escalated to a meeting with the supervisor and the County DHS Director. If dissatisfaction continues, a written grievance may be filed at 772 Colorado Street, Suite 1, Springfield, CO 81073.
Grievances must be submitted within thirty calendar days of the alleged incident and include specific details such as complainant’s name, address, statement of grievance, applicable case information if known, and desired resolution. The county child welfare director is required to act on grievances within twenty calendar days after receipt. A final decision will be issued within thirty-five days if resolved satisfactorily.
If not resolved to satisfaction and upon request from the complainant, contact information for the Office of Child Protection Ombudsman (720-625-8640) will be provided. Complainants may also reach out to the Colorado Division of Child Welfare at 303-866-3275.
The policy clarifies that this process does not interfere with civil or criminal investigations or judicial proceedings and does not allow participants to seek remedies outside court jurisdiction through this process.
