Office of Colorado's Child Protection Ombudsman

About the Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman:
The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman opened in May 2011, and became an independent office in January 2016 under the State of Colorado Judicial Branch in Denver, CO. The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO) was established in 2010 by a unanimous vote of both the Colorado House and Senate, through the passage

of Senate Bill 10-171. The bill was brought forth to the Governor and Legislature by the Child Welfare Action Committee as a recommendation for systemic improvement to Colorado’s child protection system. The Office of the Child Protection Ombudsman has power and duty to facilitate a process of independent, impartial review of family and community concern; request independent, accurate information and to conduct case reviews to help resolve child protection issues and overall systemic issues. The Office of the Child Protection Ombudsman reports to the Colorado Child Protection Board, communicates with the Governor, Legislature, Colorado Department of Human Services regarding systemic issues, data trends, and recommendations for improvements. The Ombudsman’s Office also serves as a resource and “systems navigator” to stakeholders and the general public by assisting in specific cases while also providing ongoing public education and resources to promote the best interest of children and families. Staff:
Stephanie Villafuerte, Child Protection Ombudsman
Sabrina Byrnes, Deputy Ombudsman
Karen Nielsen, Manger of Intake and Administration
Melissa Vigil, Child Protection Systems Analyst