Lived Experience Committee: A Long-Awaited Milestone Achieved
It seems like forever ago when the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) first opened the application process for the Lived Experience Committee. Since then, it has been a journey filled with thoughtful consideration, and collaboration. After reviewing more than 55 applications from individuals with invaluable lived experiences, we formed two distinct teams made up of multiple employees to assess and select the most qualified candidates.
Following an in-depth review process, acceptance letters were sent out, and committee meetings were scheduled. We are now proud to announce that the Lived Experience Committee is officially up and running!
This committee, composed of individuals who have direct, personal experience with the Children and Youth Behavioral Health System, will serve as an essential part of the decision-making process, offering insights and perspectives that are critical to shaping the future of the Colorado System of Care.
We are excited to embark on this new chapter, working alongside the Lived Experience Committee to ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are heard and considered in the policy-making process. Stay tuned for future updates as we continue to move forward together.
-Why am I excited to be a part of the Lived Experience Advisory Committee?
“As a parent of two children who face behavioral and mental health challenges, I have experienced first-hand the obstacles that neurodivergent children and their families encounter in rural areas. It is essential to advocate for their unique and complex needs and ensure their voices are acknowledged. With over a decade of experience working with children and youth, coupled with my own journey, I have learned how crucial it is to have the right services and supports in place. This can empower individuals to pursue a hopeful and healthy future. I am committed to bringing insights from our communities to help foster a more inclusive system for children and youth throughout Colorado.”
-JT, Member of the Lived Experience Committee
This committee is designed to help amplify the voices of youth, and families who have navigated complex behavioral health challenges in their lives. Our mission is to inform and enhance the development of an effective system of care that truly meets the needs of youth and families in Colorado. The next meeting is April 9, 5:00pm - 6:00pm.
Advisory Committees
The Implementation Advisory Committee
The Implementation Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing and makes recommendations regarding expanding and improving implementation of Intensive Behavioral Health Services that include intensive in-home and community-based mental health services, intensive care coordination, mobile crisis intervention, and stabilization services. The next meeting is May 15, 11:00am - 12:30pm.
The Statewide Leadership Committee
The 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 not yet scheduled.
Colorado Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths tool training
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), in partnership with the University of Kentucky Foundation, will offer two virtual training series for the Colorado Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) assessment:
- April 22 and 24 | 9:00am – 12:30pm
- May 6 and 8 | 9:00pm - 12:30pm
Please see the link below to sign up for one of the training sessions. Interested providers must complete the registration form linked below by Friday, April 11, at 5:00pm.
Due to limited training spots, providers who are new to the CANS and are not certified will be prioritized.
You will receive confirmation via email regarding your training session. If you have questions, please contact Lesley Gallacher at lesley.gallacher@state.co.us.
CANS Registration form link for new assessors not certified in CANS
If you are already certified in the CANS, there is no need to retake this training session. You can recertify independently as needed.
Please keep this link for future CANS training and certification needs: Standard CANS Comprehensive Training.
Workforce Capacity Center update
The BHA and HCPF have collaborated together to launch a Workforce Capacity Center (WCC). The WCC will train both existing and new providers in evidence-based or evidence-supported models to ensure the effective delivery for services that benefit children and their families. The workforce capacity center will oversee training development and delivery, cover costs for providers to complete the training, and offer ongoing technical assistance for providers across Colorado. Additionally, the WCC will ensure that providers implement treatment models with fidelity, maintaining consistency and high quality service across all regions of Colorado.
This initiative focuses on training facilitators for High Fidelity Wraparound (HFW), Muti-systemic Therapy (MST) and Functional Family Therapy (FFT). By strengthening the workforce and ensuring program fidelity, this collaboration aims to enhance services to our most vulnerable children and youth, empowering them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. HCPF and BHA are in discussions with a state university to partner in operating the WCC. HCPF submitted a supplemental request to the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) to assess the ability to finance a WCC. A hearing was held in March and the JBC approved the supplemental, which will be included in the LongBill. The final step before beginning the process of signing an interagency agreement is the finalization of the LongBill for Colorado’s budget. The LongBill is expected to be signed by late April or early May. Once finalized, an interagency agreement can be signed to establish a contract and officially begin WCC operations.
What is High Fidelity Wraparound?
High Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) is a youth and family-centered care model that coordinates services for children and adolescents with complex behavioral health needs. By focusing on individualized care, HFW brings together family members, caregivers, service providers, and community members to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that is individualized and provides the needed services for the youth and family. This approach has proven to improve outcomes by offering customized support, reducing out-of-home placements, and enhancing overall wellbeing. The Medicaid System of Care, in partnership with the BHA, will be adopting the National Wraparound Implementation Center (NWIC) model for HFW training and fidelity guidelines. This strategic investment in NWIC and the WCC is about building a sustainable system that can support Colorado’s most vulnerable children and youth while ensuring statewide consistency.
BHA will be utilizing its System of Care grant to begin training the HFW workforce in April 2025 with a limited number of 45 individuals available. If the need arises, a second training session can be added in May. Once the WCC is established, HFW trainings will be accessible through the WCC. These trainings are reserved for providers who plan on offering HFW services within the Medicaid System of Care, including Colorado's Trauma Informed System of Care (COACT) HFW providers.
If you are interested in the HFW Workforce Trainings please complete the HFW Workforce Trainings form.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Kelli Reidford at kelli.reidford@state.co.us or Crystal Soto at crystal.soto@state.co.us.
Want to Know More?
We encourage stakeholders, families, and community partners to stay informed. Sign up for the Medicaid System of Care for Children and Youth newsletter, visit the website for meeting links, agendas, updates and resources, or email us HCPF_MSOC@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 this transformative Medicaid System of Care model.
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