Colorado Human Services chief under fire

Nearly 90 of Colorado’s 100 lawmakers have asked Gov. John Hickenlooper to oust leaders at the state’s Department of Human Services. That’s the agency that oversees child welfare, youth prisons and mental institutions.

The lawmakers cited “disturbing issues” at the facilities in a letter obtained by The Denver Post. The letter cites alleged abuse of people with disabilities and overmedication of foster children. Lawmakers also cite a 2014 riot at a Colorado Springs youth facility.

The legislators say there is a “culture of fear, retaliation, secrecy and self-protectionism” at the agency. They do not name the executive director, Reggie Bicha. But they ask the governor to correct or replace leadership.

A spokeswoman for the governor tells the newspaper that the governor is taking the letter seriously and reviewing it.