We work to create positive, lasting outcomes for at-risk children, youth, and families in Boulder County by combining the resources and strengths of public and non-profit agencies in a seamless, deeply collaborative partnership.
We value shared responsibility to foster the success of community’s youth by providing individualized services and preventative strategies that produce measurable results. Our partner agencies are confident that sharing risk, responsibility and resources is essential to achieving the most effective outcomes for our youth and our community.
Outcomes
Our approach focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying needs of individual youth and their families, and matching youth to the most effective, least restrictive services while working to keep them safely in the community.
Boulder County IMPACT works collaboratively with families to coordinate effective service delivery while supporting them in navigating complex systems.
We recognize that earlier intervention is not only more cost-effective but also leads to significantly better outcomes compared to institutional settings. IMPACT focuses on reducing recidivism, reducing detention and commitment rates, reducing out of home placements, and improving individual and family functioning for long-term success.
Keep youth out of institutional settings
Identify and address the core needs of youth and families
Help families navigate complex systems
Our framework has produced the following results:
- Increased early identification of mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders.
- Decreased time spent in out-of-home placement, detention, commitment or hospital settings.
- Expedited access to appropriate services for youth and families.
- Connected youth and families with the right services at the right time.
- Improved supports, functioning, and long-term success for youth and families.
- Build on existing strengths and attend to the unique needs and goals of individuals.
- Leverage flexible funding to reduce barriers for youth and families.
A Collaborative Model
Our mission centers on collaboration to support at-risk youth and their families. We partner with schools, mental health and behavioral health providers, the judicial system, domestic violence shelters, human services, and government agencies. Together, we aim to prevent youth from becoming involved in high-acuity systems by addressing their unique needs through a united effort.
Our network of partners contributes distinct skills and resources, creating a comprehensive support system for vulnerable young people. By joining forces, we can pinpoint and address the root causes of issues faced by youth in our community, such as mental health needs, substance abuse, family supports, juvenile justice involvement, and access community resources.
Our collaborative strategy allows for earlier intervention, personalized support, and preventive actions that guide youth away from negative outcomes. This approach not only protects at-risk youth but also fosters their resilience, empowerment, and positive growth, benefiting the entire community.
A Collaborative Model
Our mission centers on collaboration to support at-risk youth and their families. We partner with schools, mental health and behavioral health providers, the judicial system, domestic violence shelters, human services, and government agencies. Together, we aim to prevent youth from becoming involved in high-acuity systems by addressing their unique needs through a united effort.
Our network of partners contributes distinct skills and resources, creating a comprehensive support system for vulnerable young people. By joining forces, we can pinpoint and address the root causes of issues faced by youth in our community, such as mental health needs, substance abuse, family supports, juvenile justice involvement, and access community resources.
Our collaborative strategy allows for earlier intervention, personalized support, and preventive actions that guide youth away from negative outcomes. This approach not only protects at-risk youth but also fosters their resilience, empowerment, and positive growth, benefiting the entire community.
Our Partners
Our Story
In July of 1997, a dedicated group of leaders from various Boulder County sectors – including Social Services, Community Services, Public Health, the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, the 20th Judicial District Probation, and the Mental Health Center – started working together on a united mission. Meeting every Monday morning, they laid the groundwork for what would become a pioneering initiative in Colorado: The Boulder County Integrated Managed Partnership for Adolescent and Child Community Treatment (IMPACT).
IMPACT was conceived as an inter-agency partnership with the goal of transforming how services are provided to the county’s most at-risk youth and their families. The primary aim was to create a system where families could seek help through any service entry point and still receive the correct assistance. This strategy led to a cohesive service delivery model focused on preventing unnecessary out-of-home placements and detentions for children and youth, contributing to a community that is both safer and more supportive.
The results were immediate and compelling. Within its first year, IMPACT was able to redirect savings into community-based programs, effectively reducing the need for out-of-home placements. The initiative developed key strategies such as interagency case staffings, service utilization management, and resource gatekeeping, setting the stage for sustained success.
Since its inception, the demonstrated value of IMPACT has been profound. Each year has seen an increase in the number of youth staying safely in their homes and a consistent decrease in juvenile criminal filings in Boulder County. These outcomes not only underscore the efficacy of our approach but also highlight the increased safety and well-being of Boulder County overall.
Over the past two decades, IMPACT has not only maintained its foundational goals but also expanded its reach and scope. Today, with 14 partnering organizations and a diverse program array, IMPACT continues to serve the evolving needs of the Boulder County community. This ongoing journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, shared vision, and unwavering commitment to our youth and families.
