Child Welfare
Child Welfare Services constitutes a specialized set of services that are intended to strengthen the ability of a family to protect and care for their own children, minimize harm to children and youth, and to ensure timely permanency planning.
Suspecting Child Abuse or Neglect
Everyone plays a role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
To report suspected child abuse or neglect:
Custer County Department of Social Services:
719-783-2371
Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline:
1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437)
If it is an emergency or you are witnessing a child in a life-threatening situation, call 911 immediately.
What We Do
Services are aimed at stabilizing the family's capacity to care for their children. When safety is not possible within the family, services are focused on the child's need for a stable, permanent home as quickly as possible.
Making a Report
All Colorado residents are encouraged to report suspected child abuse or neglect. When making a report to Child Protective Services (CPS), it is helpful to provide as much detailed information as possible about the children, parents, and situation.
Whenever possible, provide the following information:
- Names and dates of birth of the child(ren) in the household
- Home Address
- School the child(ren) attends
- Name and contact information for the parents and/or caregivers
- Place of employment (if applicable) for the parents/caregivers
- Current location, if different from the home address
- Reason for suspected abuse or neglect
- Names and contact information for other family members, friends, etc. (if known)
Contact Child Welfare Services
Dreama Ortivez
Child Welfare and Adult Protection Services Supervisor
Custer County Department of Human Services
205 S. 6th Street
Westcliffe, CO 81252
Office: 719-783-2371
Cell: 719-371-8690
Fax: 719-783-0163
Email: dreama.ortivez@state.co.us
Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline:
1-844-CO-4-KIDS
(1-844-264-5437)
Office Information
Hours:
Monday — Thursday
8:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Closed Fridays
Phone:
719-783-2371
Fax:
719-783-0163
Location:
Custer County Courthouse
205 S 6th Street
Westcliffe, CO 81252