March 12, 2024 by coloradolab

Interdisciplinary Representation for Parents Improves Outcomes in Complex Child Welfare Cases

The Office of Respondent Parents’ Counsel (ORPC) issued a press release sharing findings of an independent evaluation conducted by the Colorado Lab. The evaluation shows that using an interdisciplinary team to serve parents with complex needs leads to greater success in their child welfare case. Colorado’s ORPC is an independent state agency that provides legal […]

12 March 2024
March 12, 2024 by coloradolab

Simplify Language: Colorado Lab & CDEC Learning

State agency and research partners recently joined us for a workshop on simplifying language. Building on a wealth of experience working with immigrants and English learners to communicate clearly, Lee Shainis developed the workshop to help nonprofits, government, and others communicate in a way that is easier for people to quickly understand. He walked our […]

12 March 2024
February 12, 2024 by coloradolab

Plans of Safe Care Pilot Underway in San Luis Valley

Substance use during pregnancy is a growing issue that demands data-informed, family-centered solutions. Stigma about addiction and fears about child welfare involvement mean many pregnant individuals are reluctant to seek treatment and support. Plans of Safe Care (POSC) can be used to engage a network of known, trusted organizations and providers to reduce barriers to […]

12 February 2024
February 12, 2024 by coloradolab

Fostering Opportunities Final Report & Expansion 

The Fostering Opportunities Final Report on the Colorado Lab-led randomized controlled trial of Fostering Opportunities shows the groundbreaking program helped students in foster care to be successful in school and earn timely high school credentials. The program was piloted in Jefferson County (Jeffco) Public Schools.  Initial findings released last fall led to Fostering Opportunities becoming […]

12 February 2024
January 8, 2024 by coloradolab

Family First Evidence-Building Hub: Annual Evidence-Building Strategy Report

The newly-released Family First Annual Evidence-Building Strategy Report provides ongoing guidance to the Colorado Department of Human Services and Family First implementation partners to ensure strategic investments in evidence-building for programs/services positioned to meet the needs of children, youth, and families. The report includes: In coordinating rigorous evaluation efforts through the Family First Evidence-Building Hub, […]

08 January 2024
December 6, 2023 by coloradolab

Colorado Lab Presents on EBDM at NCSL National Conference

In October, Drs. Courtney Everson and Kristin Klopfenstein presented on the development and initial implementation of the Evidence-Based Decision-Making (EBDM) approach in Colorado to state legislators, budget officers, and impact officers from 10 states. The invitation from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) to present to their Governing for Results Network in Nashville, Tennessee, […]

06 December 2023
December 6, 2023 by coloradolab

CDEC Stimulus Funding Evidence-Building

The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) received over $700 million in federal and state stimulus funding in 2020-2021, with resources supporting 60+ activities that address pandemic recovery needs and advance the department’s strategic goals to strengthen and grow Colorado’s early childhood sector. Nearly half of the stimulus-funded activities are being evaluated, with the Colorado […]

06 December 2023
October 9, 2023 by coloradolab

Early Childhood Evaluation Hub: CCCAP Teacher Wage Increase Pilot and Spotlight on External Research Partner, MDRC

Between 2021 and 2022, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood received over $700 million in stimulus funding to strengthen Colorado’s early childhood sector. The Colorado Lab is coordinating the Early Childhood Evaluation Hub, contracting with multiple evaluation teams to conduct high-quality evaluations of more than a dozen prioritized stimulus-funded activities to ensure the goals of […]

09 October 2023
October 9, 2023 by coloradolab

Early Childhood Mental Health Testimonial Videos

The Colorado Lab provided guidance and support to the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) in creating two new videos about Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) Consultation. The videos aim to grow understanding about how ECMH Consultation helps early childhood professionals and families across the state promote the mental health and healthy social-emotional development of […]

09 October 2023
September 11, 2023 by coloradolab

Early Childhood Evaluation Hub: Learning Sessions and Spotlight on Butler Institute’s Dr. Meg Franko

Between 2021 and 2022, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood received over $700 million in stimulus funding to strengthen Colorado’s early childhood sector. The Colorado Lab is coordinating the Early Childhood Evaluation Hub, contracting with multiple evaluation teams to conduct high-quality evaluations of more than a dozen prioritized stimulus-funded activities to ensure the goals of […]

11 September 2023