Posted on: February 12, 2020
In 2019, Adams County became the first county to host a foster parent panel in Colorado, leading the way for other counties to provide similar panels. The purpose of the panel was to help foster parents better understand the court system.
The event was spearheaded by Renee Bernhard, Founder and Executive Director, FosterSource—an Adams County Community Partner—and Simone Jones, Deputy Court Executive, 17th Judicial District. Bernhard approached Adams County leadership with the idea, and Jones was instrumental in organizing and recruiting the panel members and providing her insights into the judicial system.
“When Renee approached me about providing Adams County foster parents with this resource, I was immediately on board,” says Charles “Chaz” Tedesco, Adams County Board of Commissioners. “Growing up in the foster care system, I have a deep appreciation for what these families do. It’s incredibly rewarding to give back and help new foster families navigate the system.”
Adams County is committed to continuing this program to help guide foster parents through the process. Two panels were held at the Adams County Human Services Center in Westminster, and a third panel is planned later this year. That panel will address the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
“Community enrichment is a core goal of the Board of County Commissioners,” said Board Chair Emma Pinter. “Engaging our community and stakeholders in these educational opportunities will help these families navigate the court system and, ultimately, lead to better outcomes for Adams County kids.”
Foster parent Craig Wellington attended the most recent panel in late January 2020 and found it to be a valuable resource.
“I have an amazing sense of pride in the work the professionals, panel members, and dedicated volunteers do each day to serve the most vulnerable children in our community,” says Wellington. “The leadership in Adams County—from Commissioner Tedesco to the volunteers from FosterSource—is simply not matched anywhere else in Colorado. I know our system can improve, and, with the continued dedication of those who attended the panel, it will.”
Panels like this are frequently held at the state level but, until last year, have not been conducted at the county level. They’re designed to help guide foster families through the process and provide resources, guidance, and help with rules of engagement.
Examples of the issues addressed include:
- Emotional effects on children spending time with their biological family and then returning to the foster home.
- Avenues foster parents have to provide information and feedback on what’s best for the child.
To learn more about foster care in Adams County, visit adcogov.org.
Posted on: April 19, 2017
County Wins Government Innovation Award for Training Program
The Adams County Training and Development department has received the Outstanding Achievement in Local Government Innovation Award from the Alliance for Innovation for the Impact Adams program. County representatives accepted the award today at the 2017 Transforming Local Government Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Impact Adams has three distinct programs dedicated to helping county employees learn, grow, and contribute to the community—Evolve U, Develop Us, and We Care.
Posted on: April 18, 2017
Clear Creek Corridor Master Plan Community Events
Clear Creek runs approximately seven miles through southwest Adams County from Sheridan Blvd. to the South Platte River Confluence. Adams County currently owns approximately 178 acres of open space adjacent to Clear Creek. A regional trail and several trail access points have been developed through this corridor, but currently few other amenities are located along the corridor.
Posted on: April 18, 2017
Suncor to Conduct Live Fire Training
NOTICE: Suncor ERT will conduct live fire training on Thursday, April 20, from approximately 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The live fire training will be conducted at the Plant 1 Fire Training grounds. During the training, there will likely be large flames and thick smoke produced. In the event of an actual emergency, all ERT training will cease and proper alarms will be sounded. For more information, contact Jeffrey Osetek, Suncor Security and Emergency Response Coordinator, at [email protected].
Posted on: April 17, 2017
Have Yard or Garden Questions? Ask a Master Gardener
The Colorado State University (CSU) Extension Master Gardeners in Adams County are ready to answer your home yard and garden questions. Master Gardeners are in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from April through October, and can be found at community gardens and garden centers throughout the season. Master Gardeners can answer questions on lawns, vegetable gardens, trees, houseplants, etc. Specially trained Master Gardeners from our Tree Team are also available for home visits to assess tree health for a small fee.
Posted on: April 17, 2017
CDOT Announces Lane and Ramp Closures on Westbound I-76 near US Highway 85
On Monday night, April 17, motorists should expect lane and ramp closures on westbound Interstate 76 near US Highway 85 while crews shift travel lanes onto new permanent pavement placed during Phase 1 of the I-76 at US 85 reconstruction project. The southbound US 85 direct access to westbound I-76 will be closed at 104th Avenue from 9 p.m. on Monday, April 17, until 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 18. A temporary full closure is necessary to move traffic onto the new alignment. Crews will also install an overhead sign structure over southbound US 85 during the full closure.
Posted on: April 11, 2017
Community Needs Assessment
Adams County Human Services has partnered with Joining Vision and Action to gather feedback from Adams County residents to help us better serve our communities. Joining Vision and Action will be in our communities and at various locations collecting feedback, in addition to conducting a series of focus groups. We would like to hear from as many residents as possible.
Posted on: April 11, 2017
Board of Commissioners Accepts County Manager’s Resignation
The Adams County Board of Commissioners accepted the resignation of County Manager Todd Leopold on Tuesday, April 11. Leopold was originally hired in 2012 as a deputy county administrator before accepting the county manager position in 2013.
Posted on: April 6, 2017
Gov. Hickenlooper Orders Flags Lowered to Honor John Glenn
Gov. John Hickenlooper today ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings statewide beginning immediately until sunset, on the day of interment, in honor of John Glenn, and as proclaimed by President Donald J Trump.
Posted on: April 6, 2017
Suncor to Conduct Live Fire Training
Notice: Suncor will conduct live fire training at the Commerce City refinery on Thursday, April 6, from approximately 9 a.m .until 4 p.m. The live fire training will be conducted at the Plant 1 Fire Training grounds located on the west side of Brighton Blvd. (towards Burlington Ditch). During the training there will likely be large flames and thick smoke produced. In the event of an actual emergency, Suncor will cease all ERT training and proper alarms will be sounded.
Posted on: April 5, 2017
County Sets Seven Town Hall Meetings for 2017
The Adams County Board of Commissioners has set dates for seven town hall meetings, including two telephone town halls, in 2017. The meetings are open to all county residents.
The first of the meetings will be a telephone town hall on Tuesday, April 11, at 7 p.m. Visit www.adcogov.org/townhall to sign up to receive a call to join the town hall meeting when it begins. During the call, participants can engage commissioners with questions or simply listen to the conversation while taking part in poll questions.
