We are rebranding! What was known as the Medicaid System of Care (M-SOC) is now the Colorado System of Care (CO-SOC). While the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing’s (HCPF) scope remains specific to the Medicaid population, CO-SOC allows for more inclusivity as the work moves forward and is more reflective of the cross-system and cross-agency collaboration.

Colorado System of Care Implementation Plan:

HCPF deeply appreciates the people of Colorado for their engagement, feedback and invaluable experiences shared throughout the process of the Colorado System of Care Implementation Plan. The voices of children, youth and family stakeholders have been instrumental in shaping this work and the impact will continue to be vital beyond today. HCPF is excited to continue collaborating with you and looks forward to sharing future opportunities together.

The Colorado System of Care Implementation Plan version 1.0 May 2025 is currently available.

Workforce Capacity Center and SB25-292

Senate Bill 25-292 requires HCPF, in collaboration with the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), to establish the Workforce Capacity Center (WCC) to train providers in evidence-based or supported models as part of the system of care for children and youth. This WCC initiative focuses on training to expand the CO-SOC provider network for the National Wraparound Implementation Center (NWIC) model of Enhanced High Fidelity Wraparound (EHFW), Enhanced Multi-systemic Therapy (EMST) and Enhanced Functional Family Therapy (EFFT).

What is Multi-Systemic Therapy?

Multi-systemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive, evidence-based intervention designed to address the complex factors contributing to behavioral barriers in youth aged 12-17. It operates within the youth’s natural environments – home, school and community – to promote positive behavioral change and prevent out-of-home placements.

MST employs a team of 2-4 therapeutic staff and a supervisor, who are available 24/7 to provide individualized treatment. The therapy focuses on improving parenting practices, enhancing family relationships, and addressing systemic issues such as peer influence, school performance and neighborhood dynamics. The approach is grounded in strategic family therapy, structural family therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. MST aims to empower families by leveraging existing strengths and resources to create lasting positive changes in the youth’s behavior and overall well-being. (www.mstservices.com; Title IV-E Prevention Services)

What is Functional Family Therapy?

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is an evidence-based, short-term family counseling intervention aimed at youth aged 11-18 who exhibit behavioral or emotional challenges. FFT is an intensive home-based treatment model. FFT follows a structured, five-phase model focusing on engagement, motivation, relational assessment, behavior change and generalization. 

Research shows FFT can support reduction in recidivism, improve family functioning, and prevent siblings from entering the justice system. FFT is recognized for its adaptability and effectiveness in addressing the unique needs of an at-risk youth and their families, promoting positive changes and family cohesion. (www.fftllc.com; Title IV-E Prevention Services)

Why NWIC for Enhanced High Fidelity Wraparound?

NWIC supports states, communities, and organizations, to implement Enhanced High Fidelity Wraparound (EHFW). The work is tailored to build sustainable local capacity to provide model-adherent EHFW, thereby increasing positive outcomes for children and their families. NWIC’s training and coaching support is designed to build sustainability in a state or community for the local wraparound workforce.

The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse was established by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct an objective and transparent review of research on programs and services intended to provide enhanced support to children and families and prevent foster care placements. The Clearinghouse lists Intensive Care Coordination Using High Fidelity Wraparound/HFW as a promising practice specific to the NWIC Model.

EHFW is a team-based, evidence-informed, structured approach to intensive care coordination that adheres to required procedures for child and family engagement, individualized care planning, identifying and leveraging strengths and natural supports while monitoring progress and fidelity to the required process. EHFW consists of a clinical supervisor over a team of EHFW Facilitators. Each EHFW site is overseen for fidelity by a EHFW Coach, which will be housed at the WCC.

Advisory Committees:

All interested stakeholders are welcome. Please visit the Improving Intensive Behavioral Health Services for Medicaid (IBHS) website for registration information. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

The Implementation Advisory Committee 

The Implementation Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to HCPF and makes recommendations regarding expanding and improving implementation of IBHS Is that include intensive in-home and community-based mental health services, intensive care coordination, mobile crisis intervention and stabilization services.

The next meeting is: July 17, 2025 from 11: a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Statewide Leadership Committee 

The Statewide Leadership Committee is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of care for children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. We strive to create an integrated system that promotes collaborative decision-making and oversight of the comprehensive system of care for children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. Our mission is to ensure that every child and family receives the highest standard of services to meet their high complex needs. We strive to empower stakeholders, foster innovation and promote evidence-based practices that prioritize the well-being and resilience of those we serve. 

The next meeting is: July 19, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The Lived Experience Committee

The Lived Experience Committee is dedicated to amplifying the voices of children, youth and families who have navigated complex behavioral health challenges. The Committee's mission is to inform and enhance the development of a responsive and effective system of care that truly meets the needs of the children, youth and families in Colorado.

The next meeting is: July 9, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Want to Know More?

We encourage stakeholders, families and community partners to stay informed. Sign up for the Colorado System of Care (CO-SOC) for Children and Youth Behavioral Health newsletter, visit the website for meeting links, agendas, updates and resources, or email us hcpf_co_soc@state.co.us.

We look forward to working together to ensure that children and youth receive the care and support they need to thrive. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to roll out the Colorado System of Care.