September recognized as Kinship Appreciation Month

Published on September 05, 2025

Members of the Weld County Department of Human Services standing with the Weld County Board of Commissioners holding a signed proclamation.

In recognition of Weld County’s kin-first culture, meaning the efforts of the Child Welfare team to prioritize placements of children and youth with relatives or close family friends, the Weld County Board of Commissioners proclaimed September as Kinship Appreciation Month.

“The Colorado average in terms of kin placements is approximately 50%. Weld County exceeds that, with about 63% of child welfare placements going to kin,” said Jamie Ulrich, Weld County Department of Human Services Director.

Weld County remains committed to the safety, stability and well-being of children and youth by supporting kinship placements that offer nurturing, family-centered environments where they can heal and thrive.

Weld County’s response to finding kinship placements is immediate and ongoing.

“When we have families that are engaged in the child welfare system, we have a team that goes out and evaluates options for kinship homes within an hour,” Ulrich said. “This response time is a testament to our team’s efforts to ensuring that the child or youth has a sense of stability and is better set up for overall success.”

Kinship placements are proven to reduce trauma, maintain vital family and cultural connections, and promote stronger emotional, behavioral, and educational outcomes, with research showing children in kinship care are 57% more likely to reunify with their parents.

“This is our time to recognize staff, but every day you really are the unsung heroes as it relates to the families that we serve,” Ulrich said to the room full of Weld County Child Welfare and Colorado Department of Human Services employees.

“The support of community partners and county staff is critical to the well-being and success of these children,” said DHS Commissioner Coordinator Lynette Peppler. “Additionally, to the kinship caregivers who step up and welcome these children in their home when it is not possible for the actual parents to do so, you have my heartfelt gratitude.”

To learn more about kinship placements, visit the Weld County Kinship webpage.