Colorado: Mandatory Reporting Task Force

“Housed in the Office of the Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman (CPO), the Mandatory Reporting Task Force was created by the Colorado General Assembly with the passage of House Bill 22-1240.

The task force analyzed the effectiveness of and issues with the law requiring individuals from specific professions to report suspected child abuse to authorities, including:

• Effectiveness of mandatory reporting laws in keeping children safe
• Disproportionate impacts of mandatory reporting on under-resourced communities, communities of color and persons with disabilities
• Alternative processes and services for families who do not present child safety concerns but may benefit from other supports
• Sufficiency of training and infrastructure to support mandated reporters in fulfilling their legal duties
• Areas of the current law that require clarification regarding the role and duties of mandated reporters

Meeting over two years, the task force reviewed national best practices and consulted with numerous experts, researchers and people with lived experience. In January 2025, a final report of findings and recommendations was submitted to the General Assembly, Governor’s Office and Colorado Department of Human Services.”