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DHS reports positive funding signals after CCI conference; voice council and client supports expanded
Summary
County DHS officials said state budget shifts and underspending in some pots (notably TANF) increase the likelihood the county will be held whole this year. Staff described a client 'voice council', awards for child-support work, and planned FIBArk outreach kits for eligible clients.
County Department of Human Services staff summarized takeaways from the recent Colorado Counties, Inc. conference and reported cautious optimism about near‑term funding. "There is a much greater likelihood of us being held whole this year," a DHS presenter said, referring to county/state allocation mechanics and underspending in some state pots.
Staff warned that next-year funding remains uncertain and emphasized preparing front‑line eligibility staff for changes such as increased work requirements. "We want our staff that are working directly with the programs that are changing to be comfortable and knowledgeable about the changes," the presenter said, adding that DHS has been sharing director-level information with supervisors for months.
DHS also described client‑engagement efforts. Staff said a 'voice council' of clients (dozen participants across eligibility, child support, child welfare and other programs) has offered feedback that supervisors are using to change communication and program delivery. The presenter offered to share a fuller presentation with commissioners and noted that Buena Vista and Salida groups produced actionable feedback.
Other DHS updates included three awards for the county child-support team, and a collaboration with the FIBArk event to distribute wristbands, vendor food vouchers and carnival tickets to qualifying clients. "This is the third year in a row that we are doing that," the presenter said, and staff plan to have distribution kits available for eligible families ahead of the event.
Commissioners asked how the county will measure program effectiveness; staff said client off‑roll numbers, targeted surveys and voice-council input are used, though the presenter acknowledged they are not yet doing systematic outcome measurement across all programs.
Next steps: DHS will share detailed CCI conference materials and allocation summaries with commissioners and continue to prepare staff for policy changes.
