Tuesday, March 27, 2018

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Everyone can help prevent child abuse in Mesa County

Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) joins countless others across the nation to highlight the issues of child abuse & neglect during the month of April and the importance of everyone taking responsibility in preventing abuse and neglect in our community.

MCDHS hopes to raise awareness that effective child abuse prevention succeeds because of partnerships created among social service agencies, families, neighbors, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community.  Parents, families and community members can and must help reduce child abuse and neglect in Mesa County by promoting the benefits of seeking out groups, agencies and resources that can assist a parent in providing a loving, supportive and violence-free home.

Reporting: “If in doubt report it out” Mesa County Child Abuse or Neglect Hotline 970 242 1211;
Colorado Statewide Child Abuse or Neglect Hotline 1-844-CO-4-KIDS.

The Mesa County Human Services website has info to those resources. 

Preventing child abuse and neglect is a community effort.  Every citizen in Mesa County can play a part in prevention efforts whether it be getting to know the children in your neighborhood, encouraging a struggling parent you see in the store, volunteering your time as a mentor, or becoming a foster parent.  Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity for us to recognize that we all play a role in child safety. ” states Kari Daggett, Child Welfare Division Director.

Some events planned to recognize National Child Abuse Prevention month are:
County Proclamations Monday, April 2nd 9:00am Old Mesa County Courthouse.
Planting of Pinwheel Gardens in Mesa County in front of DHS & WFC Monday, April 2nd at 10:30am



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Monday, March 19, 2018

Mesa County Implementing Traverse® for Child Welfare

Software will help case managers spend more face-to-face time with families





Mesa County Department of Human Services

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Tuesday, March 6, 2018

March is National Social Worker Month

Mesa County celebrates and honors Social Workers in our community.


Mesa County, Co. - Mesa County Department of Human Services celebrates and honors Social Workers in our community.

National Social Worker month is celebrated each year during the month of March. National Professional Social Work Month is an opportunity to turn the spotlight on the profession of social work and highlight the important contributions they make to the community. 

At the Mesa County Department of Human Services we have some of the most dedicated, tenacious and talented social workers that care and protect children and the elderly.” says Child Welfare Division Director, Kari Daggett MSW.

Social workers stand up for millions of people every day. These include people who are experiencing devastating illnesses and mental health crises, our veterans, children, families and communities. Yet many people still misunderstand who social workers are and the invaluable contributions they bring to society.

The nation’s 650,000 social workers are champions for some of the most vulnerable people in our community. They comfort people who are experiencing devastating illnesses and mental health crises, ensuring the best possible care while on the road to recovery. Social workers support military personnel, veterans and their families, and people living with disabilities. Child, family and school social workers protect children who have been abused and neglected, helping children find new families through adoption, and ensure young people reach their full academic and personal potential. Additionally, social workers work in communities with national, state and local government to provide services, pass legislation to help people with the most needs. 

Human Services Sends Welfare Fraud Cases to DA for Prosecution


Mesa County, Co. — The Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) Fraud and Recovery Unit recently sent a case of suspected fraud to the Mesa County District Attorney’s office totaling over $34,000.00.  The subject Leilani Mae Bouchard was arraigned in court this morning on Mesa County case 2018CR252. The suspected fraud occurred from December 2011 to October 2016.  Mesa County Welfare Fraud Investigators uncovered enough evidence to allege the following:

Food Assistance: $27,313.00
Medicaid: $ 3,566.63
LEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program): $997.84
Investigation Costs: $ 2,380.00

The total recovery for the combination of the investigations is $34,257.47

Intentionally defrauding public assistance programs consists of falsely reporting information on an application including household composition, household resources or household income. Punishment includes: repayment of benefits issued and may result in a 1-year to a lifetime ban from receiving public assistance benefits and/or criminal prosecution.

“Our Fraud and Recovery team takes investigating false information on public assistance applications very seriously,” said Tracey Garchar, Executive Director for the Mesa County Department of Human Services. “Ensuring benefits go to families who are truly eligible and in need is our utmost priority” added Garchar.

If you or someone you know suspects welfare fraud, please call the Mesa County Department of Human Services Welfare Fraud Hotline at (970) 256-2421.


Services Closed in Observance of Independence Day 2020

In observance of Independence Day, all Mesa County Department of Human Services offices will be closed on Friday, July 3. All offices wi...