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Improving Intensive Behavioral Health Services for Medicaid (IBHS)

The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is working toward 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. This will support Colorado Medicaid beneficiaries under the age of 21 who have been diagnosed with a mental health or behavioral disorder and for whom these services are medically necessary. The improved services will be culturally relevant, family-centered, and child-driven so that these services are provided in the most integrated and least restrictive setting.

The department is dedicated to improving Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) for children and youth across Colorado. The department will host three committees focused on enhancing the effectiveness of these vital services.

Colorado System of Care Implementation Plan v 1.0 May 2025

Colorado System of Care Potential Provider Forums:

CO-SOC is looking to expand and grow the provider network! This initiative focuses on CO-SOC Enhanced High Fidelity Wraparound (EHFW) using the National Wraparound Implementation Center (NWIC) Model, Enhanced Multisystemic Therapy (EMST) and Enhanced Functional Family Therapy (EFFT). 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. While specifically targeting agencies/providers who are wanting to join the Colorado System of Care, these forums are open to anyone! No registration is needed.

CO-SOC National Wraparound Implementation Center Enhanced High Fidelity Wraparound Potential Provider Forums:

HCPF is excited to host national experts from the National Wraparound Implementation Center (NWIC) to talk about the model. HCPF will present on the CO-SOC philosophy, the partnership with the Regional Accountability Entities (RAEs) and the opportunities for funds to support expansion through the Workforce Capacity Center (WCC). There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers.

CO-SOC Multisystemic Therapy and Functional Family Therapy Potential Provider Forums:

HCPF is excited to host experts from FFT, LLC  and MST Services Affiliate Rocky Mountain MST Network at the Kempt Center to talk about their respective models. HCPF will present on the CO-SOC philosophy, the partnership with the Regional Accountability Entities (RAEs) and the opportunities for funds to support expansion through the Workforce Capacity Center (WCC). There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers.

Why NWIC for Enhanced High Fidelity Wraparound?

NWIC supports states, communities, and organizations, to implement Enhanced High Fidelity Wraparound (EHFW). The work is tailored to build sustainable local capacity to provide model-adherent EHFW, thereby increasing positive outcomes for children and their families. NWIC’s training and coaching support is designed to build sustainability in a state or community for the local wraparound workforce.

The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse was established by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct an objective and transparent review of research on programs and services intended to provide enhanced support to children and families and prevent foster care placements. The Clearinghouse lists Intensive Care Coordination Using High Fidelity Wraparound/HFW as a promising practice specific to the NWIC Model.

EHFW is a team-based, evidence-informed, structured approach to intensive care coordination that adheres to required procedures for child and family engagement, individualized care planning, identifying and leveraging strengths and natural supports while monitoring progress and fidelity to the required process. EHFW consists of a clinical supervisor over a team of EHFW Facilitators. Each EHFW site is overseen for fidelity by a EHFW Coach, which will be housed at the WCC.

What is Multisystemic Therapy?

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an intensive, evidence-based intervention designed to address the complex factors contributing to behavioral barriers in youth aged 12-17. It operates within the youth’s natural environments – home, school and community – to promote positive behavioral change and prevent out-of-home placements.

MST employs a team of 2-4 therapeutic staff and a supervisor, who are available 24/7 to provide individualized treatment. The therapy focuses on improving parenting practices, enhancing family relationships, and addressing systemic issues such as peer influence, school performance and neighborhood dynamics. The approach is grounded in strategic family therapy, structural family therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. MST aims to empower families by leveraging existing strengths and resources to create lasting positive changes in the youth’s behavior and overall well-being. (www.mstservices.com; Title IV-E Prevention Services)

What is Functional Family Therapy?

Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is an evidence-based, short-term family counseling intervention aimed at youth aged 11-18 who exhibit behavioral or emotional challenges. FFT is an intensive home-based treatment model. FFT follows a structured, five-phase model focusing on engagement, motivation, relational assessment, behavior change and generalization.

Research shows FFT can support reduction in recidivism, improve family functioning, and prevent siblings from entering the justice system. FFT is recognized for its adaptability and effectiveness in addressing the unique needs of an at-risk youth and their families, promoting positive changes and family cohesion.  (www.fftllc.com; Title IV-E Prevention Services)

Colorado System of Care (CO-SOC) Implementation Advisory Committee

The Colorado System of Care (CO-SOC) Implementation Advisory Committee serves in an advisory capacity to HCPF 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.

Thursday, September 18, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration is here

Thursday, November 20, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration is here

Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration is here

Thursday, March 19, 2026, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration is here

Thursday, May 21, 2026, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Registration is here

Past Meetings

Lived Experience Committee

The Lived Experience Committee is dedicated to amplifying the voices of children, youth, and families who have navigated complex behavioral health challenges. The committee's  mission is to inform and enhance the development of a responsive and effective system of care that truly meets the needs of the children, youth and families in Colorado.

Applications are being reviewed.  Check back soon information will be sent out and posted here.

Wednesday, October 8, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Registration is here

Wednesday, January 15, 2026, 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Registration is here

Past Meetings

Colorado System of Care (CO-SOC) Statewide Leadership Advisory Committee

The Leadership Committee is committed to ensuring the highest quality of care for children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. The committee will 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, and promote evidence-based practices that prioritize the well-being and resilience of those we serve.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Registration is here

Past Meetings

Meeting Accommodations and Language Access Notice

Auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities and language services for individuals whose first language is not English may be provided upon request. Please notify hcpf_webinar@state.co.us or the Civil Rights Officer at hcpf504ada@state.co.us at least one week prior to the meeting to make arrangements.

Las ayudas y servicios auxiliares para individuos con discapacidades y servicios de idiomas para individuos cuyo idioma materno no sea inglés pueden estar disponibles por solicitud. Comuníquese con hcpf_webinar@state.co.us o con el oficial de derechos civiles a hcpf504ada@state.co.us al menos una semana antes de la reunión para hacer los arreglos necesarios.

Increasing Access to Treatment Foster Care: 

House Bill 24-1038 requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) to develop and implement a plan to increase access to treatment foster care (TFC). The Treatment Foster Care Plan outlines strategies to expand services for children and youth with complex behavioral health needs. Key components of the plan involve improving access to respite care, exploring reimbursement options for TFC providers which might include training and certification programs. By addressing the critical shortage of TFC placements, the plan aims to provide children and youth with a family-like environment that promotes better emotional and behavioral outcomes while reducing reliance on residential treatment facilities. HCPF, the Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) and the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) will collaborate to fulfill the requirements of the bill.

HB 24-1038: High-Acuity Crisis for Children and Youth House Bill

Completed Stakeholder Sessions

Virtual and in-person sessions were held the month of August and September 2024. These sessions focused on different populations and locations, to create a more concentrated conversation.

Ad-hoc, Non-voting Advisory Committee Meeting Specific to the Implementation Plan

The Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) is excited to share the Implementation Plan under the G.A. et al v. Bimestefer (1:21‐cv‐02381) settlement agreement regarding Medicaid coverage for children in need of intensive behavioral health services (IBHS). This is a non-voting, ad hoc committee meeting and open to the public.

Friday June 20, 2025
Agenda
CO-Soc Implementation Plan Review Slides

Stakeholder “What We Heard” Sessions

We held virtual sessions on December 19, 2024 and January 15, 2025, to share what we heard in previous stakeholder meetings. If you were unable to attend one of the virtual session, you can review the meeting presentation. También puedes revisar la presentación en español.

The department is dedicated to improving Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) for children and youth across Colorado. The department will host three committees focused on enhancing the effectiveness of these vital services.

In-person Sessions

Session 1

DateLocations
August 12 - 15, 2024Frisco, Steamboat, Craig, Grand Junction, Ridgway, Durango, Alamosa
August 19 - 22, 2024Denver, Colorado Springs, Longmont, Greeley
August 26 - 28, 2024Pueblo, Lamar, Burlington, Sterling

General/Rural/Urban - Virtual Sessions

Session 2

  • Session 1: September 6, 2024, from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Session 2 (Rural Focus): September 13, 2024, from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Session 3 (Urban Focus): September 20, 2024, from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
  • Session 4: September 27, 2024, from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Children Under 8 Years of Age - Virtual Session

  • Session: September 17, 2024, from 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Lived Experience - In-person and Virtual Sessions

  • Grand Junction: 
    • When: Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 10:00 AM. 
    • Where: 128 N. 5th Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501
    • Contact: Renee Smith
  • Denver:
    • When: Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM
    • Where: 303 East 17th Avenue, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203, PhRMA East & West
  • Virtual:
    • Monday, September 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM
    • Monday, September 23, 2024, at 12:00 PM
    • Friday, September 27, 2024, at 3:30 PM

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