Children and Family Services Awarded Seals of Recognition

The Adams County Children and Family Services Division, under the Human Services Department, was awarded two seals from the Human Rights Campaign. These are the You Are Welcome Here seal, which certifies the division as an LGBTQ welcoming and affirming agency, and the Recognized Innovator in Supporting and Serving LGBTQ Youth & Families seal, the highest level of recognition available in 2019.

In 2017, Children and Family Services began the process to seek this recognition, and their efforts will now be lauded as a success nationwide. The team is the first child welfare agency in Colorado to seek and earn this recognition.

“These seals serve as an important affirmation of our commitment to providing culturally responsible services that support LGBTQ youth, families, and foster families,” says Jan James, Division Director, Children and Family Services. “It’s fitting and appropriate that this award comes so close to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, which began the movement to affirm the LGBTQ population.”

Benchmarks to earn these seals include: non-discrimination (both client and employment), staff training, rolling out the welcome mat (LGBTQ-inclusive forms and visual cues), parent best practices, youth best practices, and sustainability and capacity building.

“It’s an honor to have such a hardworking team recognized nationally,” says Steve O’Dorisio, Chair, Board of County Commissioners. “These seals are in perfect alignment with Adams County’s vision—to be the most innovative and inclusive county in America for all families and businesses.”

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer civil rights organization, and they envision a world where LGTBQ people are ensured of their basic equal rights and can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community. Learn more at hrc.org.