Mesa County’s leadership in kinship care recognized on a national stage
We are proud to share that the commitment shown by Mesa County Department of Human Services (MCDHS) in supporting kinship families was represented at the 2025 Kin-First Culture Convening in Seattle. Child Welfare Supervisor Laura Kinson was invited as part of the six-person Colorado team invited to attend this national gathering. Part of the Colorado team includes kinship families with lived experience to help guide the work needed going forward.
Mesa County has been at the forefront of Colorado’s kinship care efforts for years. As one of the original pilot counties for Colorado Kinnected back in 2020, we helped lay the groundwork for building a stronger kin-first culture statewide. Today, Colorado Kinnected is rated as a supported practice in the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse, a federal designation that reflects the program’s effectiveness in strengthening families and improving outcomes for children.
By participating in this convening, our team shared lessons learned in Mesa County and Colorado with leaders from across the country, highlighting how collaboration, innovation, and local leadership can help families thrive.
“This is an exciting opportunity to see the work started in our community recognized on a national platform,” says MCDHS Child Welfare Director Joe Kellerby. “We are grateful for Laura’s leadership in carrying this work forward.”
