Weld County Human Services on Aug. 13 accepted a 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for staff-led work to craft and support state legislation related to the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICPC).

A county human services staff member told commissioners the effort began after staff attended a national conference and coordinated with the Colorado delegation to pursue legislation that would improve the county's ability to place children with kinship providers in other states. The staff member described the work as "staff generated" and said employees testified, worked with sponsors and stakeholders, and followed the legislative process to passage.

County materials read at the meeting summarized the ICPC as a mechanism that "ensures the safety and timely placement of children across state lines," preserves a state's legal jurisdiction and responsibility for a child placed out of state, facilitates supervision and service delivery between states, mandates uniform data collection and information sharing, and encourages collaboration with Indian tribes where federal law permits.

Commissioners praised the staff effort, saying the legislation helped keep children connected to relatives and reduced trauma associated with out-of-home placements. Commissioner Lynette Peppler said she was "so proud that the staff at Weld County have worked so diligent to keep children connected with their families." Commissioner Jason Maxey commended the staff for raising their hand to lead the effort. The board accepted the award at the Aug. 13 meeting.

The presentation emphasized the dual benefit to children and to county staff, who gained legislative experience by participating in testimony and stakeholder engagement. The award recognition was framed as a county-forward initiative that the presenters said will improve kinship placement options under the ICPC.