Family First Transition Act Grant Program

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) strives to ensure every child, youth, and family across the state is safe and thriving. As part of its comprehensive plan to achieve this goal, CDHS is pleased to announce that Round 5 of its Family First Transition Act grant program is accepting applications through February 27th at 5:00 p.m.

The grant provides residential providers, county departments of human services, community-based services agencies, and child placement agencies funding to support the build-out of: 

• Trauma-informed placements for children and youth in need of out-of-home placement, and/or
• Prevention services to address the unmet needs of families while helping to keep children and youth in their homes when it’s safe to do so.

The funding is being awarded through the federal Family First Transition Act, passed in December 2019, which provides critical support and flexibility to ensure a smooth and successful rollout of Family First in Colorado.

Residential providers, county departments of human services, community-based services agencies, and child placement agencies are highly encouraged to submit applications. Application should align with at least one the following priorities:

• Priority Funding Area 1: Expand the prevention services continuum in a way that addresses locally identified needs, meets Family First requirements, addresses inequities across the state, and emphasizes cultural responsiveness.
• Priority Funding Area 2: Build a continuum of placement options that include high-quality Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs), as well as sufficient options for lower levels of family-based care.
• Priority Funding Area 3: Address known and potential barriers to Family First implementation.

To learn more about this grant opportunity and to submit an application, please visit Colorado Vendor Self Service (VSS). Please note that questions regarding the grant can be submitted via the VSS system and are due by February 6^th at 5:00 p.m. And if needed, an addendum answering commonly asked questions about the grant program will be published on February 13^th.