The Colorado Judicial Department faced increasing retention and recruitment issues as more employees—especially younger staff and those in probation and court services—struggled with child care access and costs.

Surveys revealed that nearly 600 employees had children under 13 and many more planned to start families, with average annual child care costs of ~$15,000 consuming about 15% of household income—double the federal affordability benchmark.

Without intervention, employees reported considering leaving their jobs or reducing hours, directly affecting workforce stability and the Department’s ability to serve the public.

The Department partnered with EPIC to conduct a two-phase feasibility study. In Year 1 (2023–24), they surveyed employees, engaged district leadership and explored two main approaches:

• • Department-wide financial stipends (~$5,000 annually per child)
• • On-/near-site care solutions in selected districts

In Year 2 (2024–25), they deepened this work:

• • Supporting districts (1st, 2nd/DDJC, 4th, 9th) in exploring facility and partnership opportunities
• • Delivering leadership education through webinars for 40+ district leaders
• • Preparing a legislative budget request for financial support

Year 1 produced detailed pathways for both stipends and facility-based solutions, leading to a budget request for child care financial support. By the end of Year 2, several partnership opportunities had been identified with local child care facilities, though some options stalled due to financial and facility constraints.

The financial support proposal was not funded in the 2025 session, but lessons learned are shaping a refined request and leadership remains committed to advancing child care supports in Year 3.