CO4Kids

09/01/2026

Kinship care reduces trauma by keeping kids connected to family, culture, and their community. In August 2026, there were approximately 1,870 Colorado children and youth in foster care who were living with a kinship caregiver.

08/31/2026

Colorado’s Education Waiver Program helps counties hire passionate child welfare caseworkers while giving them up to two years to complete their bachelor's degrees. This flexible approach bridges local staffing gaps and empowers dedicated community members to build impactful careers in child welfare! Learn more at https://co4kids.org/child-welfare-blog/education-waivers/

Lindsay Rochlitz served five years as a dedicated employee in rural Sedgwick County, a small community. She worked in eligibility for programs like SNAP and Medicaid, and then in child...

08/28/2026

When single parent DeAndrea stepped up to raise her relative Jason, she ensured he grew up knowing his siblings and keeping vital family bonds intact. Now a thriving, adventurous toddler, Jason's story showcases the powerful, life-changing impact of kinship care. Read the blog to see how love and community support helped DeAndrea build a beautiful life for Jason!
https://co4kids.org/parent-partner-blog/deandreas-kinship-journey/

DeAndrea exemplifies the power of kinship care, having taken in her relative Jason as an infant after his siblings were adopted by her sister and sister-in-law, ensuring he remained connected...

08/27/2026

Strong families aren’t perfect families, they’re supported ones. 💙 Research points to 5 protective factors that help prevent child abuse and neglect: resilience, social connections, knowing where to get help, understanding child development, and nurturing kids’ emotions. Which one has made the biggest difference for your family? Tell us in the comments 👇

08/24/2026

It’s an important distinction: a family experiencing poverty is not automatically neglecting their children. 💙 A lack of resources isn’t neglect and many families simply need support to get back on track. Colorado has services for housing, food, childcare, and more. Learn about them at CO4Kids.org and tap “Find Resources.”

08/21/2026

CarePortal and Beautiful Redemption connect Colorado families in crisis directly with local neighbors who can provide essential items like beds, groceries, or car repairs. By offering swift, practical support, this network keeps families safe, strong, and together. Read the story to discover how small acts of community support are making a massive difference!

https://co4kids.org/parent-partner-blog/careportal-and-beautiful-redemption/

For children and families facing a crisis, a small gesture of support can make a monumental difference. In Colorado, the national technology platform CarePortal, implemented locally by the non-profit Beautiful Redemption, is creating a powerful, community-driven network to meet those critical needs.

08/20/2026

Children who experience s*xual abuse rarely say it out loud, which is why caring adults matter so much! Possible signs include sudden fear or anxiety, withdrawal, or showing knowledge about s*x that isn’t appropriate for their age. One sign alone doesn’t confirm abuse, but a pattern is worth a closer look. Be Their Voice. Call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 844-CO-4-Kids. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

08/18/2026

"People and families are not defined by their current circumstances." 💛
Child welfare supervisor Valarie Aparicio is leading with empathy, innovation, and respect in Broomfield, Colorado.
Here’s how she’s helping families thrive:
🤝 Listening over fixing: Validating lived experiences builds trust when it matters most.
🏠 Proactive support: Investing in practical resources to keep families safely together and avoid out-of-home placement.
🔑 Youth empowerment: Giving young adults aging out of care real control and choice over their futures.
🗣️ Center lived experts: Bringing parents and former foster youth to the table to guide child welfare practices.
Inspirational leaders like Valarie remind us that genuine support starts with meeting people where they are. 🌿✨
Read her full story at: https://co4kids.org/child-welfare-blog/valarie-aparicio/

08/17/2026

Fortalecer a las familias ayuda a prevenir el abuso y la negligencia. 🥰 Las investigaciones señalan 5 factores de protección: resiliencia, conexiones sociales, apoyo concreto en momentos de necesidad, conocimiento sobre la crianza y el desarrollo infantil, y el desarrollo social y emocional de los niños. Guarda esta publicación como recordatorio y aprende más en CO4Kids.org.

08/14/2026

Annie and Max Nicely are opening their hearts to foster teenagers, teaching them valuable trade skills, life lessons, and true family stability. Read their story to see how they empower older youth and advocate for keeping siblings together!
https://co4kids.org/parent-partner-blog/annie-and-max/

For Annie and Max Nicely, foster parenting is about more than just providing a bed, it is also about building a permanent foundation of love and life skills. The busy...