Using data to drive action

We have been working hard to make small changes that can make a big difference in ensuring information produced by the Colorado Lab is understandable and accessible to everyone. Our efforts range from simplifying the language we use to avoiding things like overly flashy, dynamic graphics that can be difficult for some people to see. […]

The Colorado Lab serves as the Family First Evidence-Building Hub, providing guidance to the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) to ensure strategic investments in evidence building for child welfare programs and services that aim to keep children safe and more families together. We’re excited to celebrate an important milestone in this work: the Continuous […]

In late January, we had the honor of convening esteemed researchers from across the country for a kick-off meeting to discuss what is known, and not known, about the relationship between income volatility and child maltreatment. A dozen diverse and uniquely qualified researchers serve as the Learning Community for the Family Economic Well-Being project.  Working […]

The Colorado Lab has issued a new brief, State-Funded Grant Programs: Guidance for Legislators in Bill Drafting. State-funded grant programs support initiatives that address statewide needs through innovative, localized solutions. These grants provide resources for local government and community partners to experiment with different approaches to the same problem simultaneously around the state. However, experimentation […]

The Evidence-Based Decision Making Glossary is a living document that supports decision makers, agency leadership, and staff in communicating consistently and effectively about use of evidence in policymaking. Each definition is based on a literature review and input from subject matter experts and practitioners. The latest terms added to the glossary are: The Colorado Lab […]

We’re shining a spotlight on an important advancement in caring for Colorado families affected by substance use during pregnancy. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) requires states have policies and procedures to address the needs of substance exposed newborns. This includes a process for health care providers to notify child welfare of the […]

The Colorado Lab serves as the statewide Coordinating Entity for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Colorado state government. In this role, the Colorado Lab is providing strategic consultation to the Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) and Joint Budget Committee (JBC) staff in collaboratively implementing House Bill (HB) 24-1428. This law requires an evidence designation […]

Colorado is making strong progress on implementation of its Five-Year Family First Prevention Services Plan. The plan is part of a broader strategy to further evolve the child welfare system to improve the safety and well-being of all children, youth, and families through a continuum of community-based prevention services and supports. The Colorado Lab serves […]

Last month our first policy brief on initial outcomes of the Alternative Response Pilot was presented to the legislature by the Colorado Department of Human Services. Authorized by Senate Bill 21-118, the pilot provides an alternative pathway for Adult Protective Services (APS) to respond to reports of low-risk mistreatment and self-neglect. When allegations of self-neglect […]

We are excited to share our latest evaluation report, Colorado Community Aging in Place–Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) Evaluation. CAPABLE provides each program participant with a series of visits from an interdisciplinary team—made up of an occupational therapist, a registered nurse, and a handy worker—to improve their mobility, everyday functioning, and independence. This is […]