Montezuma County » Social Services » Child Protective Services
The purpose of Child Protective service is to keep children safe, provide support so children may remain in their homes, and provide services to families and children that have been placed out of the home. MCDSS strives to offer support, therapeutic services, case management, and core services when it is assessed that there are concerns and the family would benefit from services so the child(ren) can live in a safe and permanent home. Early prevention and intervention have led to a decrease in foster care placement and a decrease in days that children and youth spend in out of home placement.
Montezuma County Social Services Child Welfare Department is responsible for the investigation and assessment of allegations of child neglect and abuse of children from birth to the age of 18. The department provides intake and ongoing services to families and children. Services include Child Protection, Foster Care, and Intensive Individual and Family Counseling. In addition, Intensive Home-based Intervention services and a Day Treatment Program in partnership with RE-1 School District and BOCES are offered.
Colorado has a toll-free phone number to report child abuse and neglect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Please call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1-844-264-5437 to report concerns about a child’s safety and well-being. All calls are confidential and will be routed to the county where the child resides.
For further information: PLEASE view the Colorado State Division of Child Welfare website
1-844-CO-4-KIDS
Toll-free 1-844-264-5437
Social Services Policy for Grievances
The Montezuma County Department of Social Services (MCDSS) currently has a Citizen Review Panel which is currently active. There are 3 community members who serve on this panel. The panel reviews concerns regarding child welfare cases. Currently, there is a panel member opening and if you are interested in being a panel member, you can contact the county administrator, Shak Powers, at 970 -565-8317. Please contact MCDSS Director, Gina Montoya, at 970-564-4105 if you need to request a grievance or need further information.
Conflict of Interest: In making decisions, all employees of Montezuma County must exercise independent judgment for the best interest of the County. Personal or outside interests or relationships must not influence employees to the detriment of the County.
Employees of Montezuma County must not engage in any activities or relationships, including personal investment, which might directly or indirectly result in a conflict of interest, or impair their independence of judgment. They must not accept gifts, favors, or benefits that might tend in any way, to influence them in the performance of their duties.
If employees have any questions about whether a situation is a conflict of interest, discuss the matter with your manager. If there is disagreement, refer the matter to the County Administrator for a final determination.
Phone: 303-866-4300
Phone: 970-564-4128
Phone: 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437)