Advocating for Children

The following are the approved bills that Kempe supported and worked on.    HB25-1188 Mandatory Reporter Task Force Recommendations This House bill reformed child abuse reporting in Colorado; Dr. Kathi Wells and Professor Ida Drury served on the task force, and Professor Drury testified. HB25-1287 Social Media Tools for Minor Users & Parents This House […]

On Friday, May 9th, the Denver Art Museum filled up with over 300 attendees gathered for the Kempe Stories of Hope Gala. It was an inspiring evening, with heartfelt stories that emphasized the important work at the Kempe Center. Guests had the opportunity to hear directly from individuals whose lives have been touched by Kempe’s

On Monday, April 14th, The Kempe Foundation stood alongside lawmakers and advocates at a press conference, urging Governor Polis to sign SB25-086. This bill adds vital safeguards for children against the dangers of sex trafficking, illegal gun sales, and drug sales on social media platforms. With bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, we

We are pleased to announce the release of the first Farley-Kempe Policy Brief on Child Safety Online, focusing on the critical issue of Age Verification. Recognizing that all children possess the fundamental right to protection and safe, nurturing environments for growth and development, this brief addresses a significant gap in our modern world. Despite today’s

A major step forward for child protection in Colorado! On February 25th, the Colorado House Health and Human Services Committee passed HB25-1188, “Mandatory Reporter Task Force Recommendations,” with a strong 9-4 vote. This victory marks the culmination of years of dedicated work, particularly by Ida and Kathi, who served on the Colorado Mandatory Reporter Task

The Trauma Responsive Implementation and Practice (TRIP) Program at the Kempe Center has been awarded a four-year, $2.4 million contract from the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA). This funding will power the implementation of the School Mental Health Support Program (SMHSP) under House Bill (HB) 24-1406. Starting January 1, 2025,

The Kempe Center, the world’s first academic center dedicated to child abuse prevention and treatment, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of international children’s rights by signing the 2024 Geneva Declaration on Children’s Rights. The 2024 Declaration specifically recognizes the universal right of children to: The Declaration, a renewed commitment to children’s rights, was officially unveiled on

On September 19th, a standing-room-only crowd gathered in Washington, D.C., for a Congressional briefing that focused on the pressing issue of child abuse in the digital age. Experts from the Kempe Center, including Dr. Antonia Chiesa, Dr. Kathi Wells, Professor Warren Binford and Dr. Carmelle Wallace presented compelling insights and potential solutions. The briefing, co-sponsored

In October 2023, the Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse & Neglect convened an historic conference. A key focus was “21st Century Child Abuse.” Technology makes our lives easier, more enjoyable and more connected, but it also puts a child’s safety at greater risk than ever before. Child abuse has changed

The Kempe Foundation is committed to working with champions and partners at the state Capitol to prevent child abuse and neglect, increase access to evidence-based prevention services, and ensure state or voluntary intervention services serve families successfully. The legislative session concluded on May 8, 2024. Dozens of significant bills gained the necessary approval in the