C.R.S. § 19-1-131 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-131
19-1-131. Children of parents who are incarcerated - rules
Status: in_force

19-1-131. Children of parents who are incarcerated - rules. The department shall promulgate rules that facilitate communication and family time between children and their parents who are incarcerated in a department of corrections facility, a private correctional facility under contract with the department of corrections, or a jail. The purpose of the rules is to normalize, to the extent possible, the child and parent relationship, to aid and encourage healthy child development, and reduce recidivism and intergenerational incarceration. The rules must consider the benefits to the child through maintaining contact with the child's parent and the parent's willingness and desire to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child, and assist in the reunification of the child and parent when appropriate. The rules must consider the impact of rules promulgated pursuant to this section on department of corrections facilities, private correctional facilities under contract with the department of corrections, jails, and county departments that must implement the rules. The department shall consider opportunities to assess the efficacy of the rules promulgated pursuant to this section.
C.R.S. § 19-3-502 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 5 / Section 19-3-502
19-3-502. Petition form and content - limitations on claims in dependency or neglect actio
Status: in_force

19-3-502. Petition form and content - limitations on claims in dependency or neglect actions. (1) The petition and all subsequent court documents in any proceedings brought under this article shall be entitled "The People of the State of Colorado, in the Interest of , a child (or children) and Concerning , Respondent." The petition shall be verified, and the statements in the petition may be made upon information and belief.

(2) The petition shall set forth plainly the facts which bring the child within the court's jurisdiction. The petition shall also state the name, age, and residence of the child and the names and residences of his parents, guardian, custodian, legal custodian, stepparent, or spousal equivalent or of his nearest known relative if no parent, guardian, custodian, legal custodian, stepparent, or spousal equivalent is known.

(2.5) The petition in each case where removal of a child from the home is sought shall either state that reasonable efforts to prevent out-of-home placement were made and shall summarize such efforts or, if no services to prevent out-of-home placement were provided, the petition shall contain an explanation of why such services were not provided or a description of the emergency which precluded the use of services to prevent out-of-home placement of the child. The petition shall be verified.

(2.7) (a) Pursuant to the provisions of section 19-1-126, the petition must:

(I) Include a statement indicating what continuing inquiries the county department of human or social services has made in determining whether the child who is the subject of the proceeding is an Indian child;

(II) Identify whether the child is an Indian child; and

(III) Include the identity of the Indian child's tribe, if the child is identified as an Indian child.

(b) If notices were sent to the parent or Indian custodian of the child and to the Indian child's tribe, pursuant to section 19-1-126, the postal receipts shall be attached to the petition and filed with the court or filed within ten days after the filing of the petition, as specified in section 19-1-126 (1)(c).

(3) All petitions filed alleging the dependency or neglect of a child shall include the following statements:

(a) "Termination of the parent-child legal relationship is a possible remedy available if this petition alleging that a child is dependent or neglected is sustained. A separate hearing must be held before such termination is ordered. Termination of the parent-child legal relationship means that the child who is the subject of this petition would be eligible for adoption."

(b) "If the child is placed out of the home for a period of twelve months or longer, the court shall hold a permanency hearing within said twelve months to determine a permanent placement for the child."

(c) "The review of any decree of placement of a child subsequent to the three-month review required by section 19-1-115 (4)(a) may be conducted as an administrative review by the department of human services, as appropriate. If you are a party to the action, you have a right to object to an administrative review, and if you object, the review shall be conducted by the court."

(4) No counterclaim, cross claim, or other claim for damages may be asserted by a respondent in an action alleging the dependency or neglect of a child, but nothing in this subsection (4) shall be construed to prohibit a respondent from asserting a claim for damages in an action independent of an action alleging the dependency or neglect of a child.

(4.5) A child named in the petition shall be a party to the proceedings and have the right to attend and fully participate in all hearings related to the child's case. The child's guardian ad litem or counsel for youth shall provide developmentally appropriate notice to the child of all hearings related to the child's case.

(5) Any parent, guardian, or legal custodian alleged to have abused or neglected a child shall be named as a respondent in the petition concerning such child. The county attorney, city attorney of a city and county, or special county attorney may name any other parent, guardian, custodian, legal custodian, stepparent, or spousal equivalent as a respondent in the petition if he determines that it is in the best interests of the child to do so.

(5.5) (a) A person named a respondent is a party to the proceedings and has the right and responsibility to attend and fully participate in all proceedings related to the respondent. A respondent's failure to appear for a hearing does not constitute a violation of the respondent's due process rights and nothing in this section prohibits the court from proceeding if a respondent fails to appear.

(b) (I) If the court becomes aware that a respondent is incarcerated in a department of corrections facility, a private correctional facility under contract with the department of corrections, or a jail, the court shall issue a writ for the respondent's personal attendance or attendance through audio-visual communication technology at all hearings, unless the court finds it necessary to hold separate hearings pursuant to section 19-1-106. If the respondent is represented by counsel, counsel shall file a motion for the respondent's personal attendance or attendance through audio-visual communication technology at the hearing if counsel knows the respondent is incarcerated and wants to personally attend a contested hearing or attend any hearing through audio-visual communication technology. If the respondent is not represented by counsel, the court shall file a writ for the respondent's personal appearance or appearance through audio-visual communication technology. If a writ for appearance through audio-visual communication technology is issued, the court shall include information on the writ concerning the manner by which the respondent may appear and shall ensure the writ is provided to the litigation coordinator at the facility or jail where the respondent is incarcerated. If the respondent is represented by counsel, the court may order the counsel to inform the litigation coordinator.

(II) If the personal attendance writ issued by the court pursuant to subsection (5.5)(b)(I) of this section is not honored, the court must permit the respondent to attend and participate in a hearing through audio-visual communication technology.

(c) (I) A court, the county department of human or social services, the sheriff, or the executive director of the department of corrections may develop and implement procedures to facilitate the notification of proceedings and personal appearance of a respondent who is incarcerated.

(II) A representative of the facility or jail where the respondent is incarcerated shall, when possible, inform the court not less than seventy-two hours prior to the proceeding if it cannot facilitate transportation of the respondent to a proceeding.

(III) A representative of the facility or jail where the respondent is incarcerated shall inform the court if the respondent refuses transportation, and the circumstances of the refusal, as soon as practicable.

(IV) If the facility where the respondent is incarcerated cannot facilitate transportation of the respondent to a hearing pursuant to this subsection (5.5), the facility shall make every reasonable effort to facilitate the respondent's participation at the hearing through audio-visual communication technology, so long as the requirements pursuant to subsection (5.5)(b)(I) of this section are satisfied.

(6) A person may be named as a special respondent on the grounds that he resides with, has assumed a parenting role toward, has participated in whole or in part in the neglect or abuse of, or maintains a significant relationship with the child. Personal jurisdiction shall be obtained over a special respondent once he is given notice by a service of summons and a copy of the petition or motion describing the reasons for his joinder. A special respondent shall be afforded an opportunity for a hearing to contest his joinder and the appropriateness of any orders that affect him and shall have the right to be represented by counsel at such hearing. At any other stage of the proceedings, a special respondent may be represented by counsel at his own expense.

(7) In addition to notice to all parties, the court shall ensure that notice is provided of all hearings and reviews held regarding a child to the following persons with whom a child is placed: Foster parents, pre-adoptive parents, or relatives. Such persons have the right to be heard at such hearings and reviews. The foster parent, pre-adoptive parent, or relative providing care to a child shall not be made a party to the action for purposes of any hearings or reviews solely on the basis of such notice and right to be heard. Notice of hearings and reviews must not reveal to the respondent parent or other relative the address, last name, or other such identifying information regarding any person providing care to the child.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1105 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 11 / Section 19-2.5-1105
19-2.5-1105. Sentencing - fines
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1105. Sentencing - fines. Except as otherwise set forth in section 19-2.5-1127 for an aggravated juvenile offender, the court may, as the sole punishment or in addition to any other sentence or commitment specified in section 19-2.5-1103, impose on the juvenile a fine of not more than three hundred dollars.
C.R.S. § 19-6-107 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 6 / Section 19-6-107
19-6-107. Orders for allocation of parental responsibilities in support actions
Status: in_force

19-6-107. Orders for allocation of parental responsibilities in support actions. Upon the filing of any proceeding under this article 6 or under article 13.5 of title 26, the court shall, as soon as practicable, enter a temporary or permanent order allocating parental responsibilities that allocates decision-making responsibility and parenting time for the child until further order of the court. This section does not apply to any parentage determination made pursuant to section 14-5-402.
C.R.S. § 19-7-202 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 7 / Part 2 / Section 19-7-202
19-7-202. Legislative declaration
Status: in_force

19-7-202. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that it is beneficial for a youth placed in foster care to be able to continue relationships with the youth's siblings, regardless of age, so that siblings may share their strengths and association in their everyday and often common experiences.

(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that it is the responsibility of all adults involved in a youth's life, including but not limited to county departments, parents, foster parents, guardians ad litem, counsel for youth, court-appointed special advocates, next of kin, treatment providers, and others, to seek opportunities to foster those sibling relationships to promote continuity and help to sustain family relationships.

(3) Because the number of family foster homes in Colorado is often insufficient to meet the needs of youth, including sibling groups, it is, therefore, Colorado's goal to continue to recruit foster families and build resources sufficient to meet this need.
C.R.S. § 19-4-106 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4 / Section 19-4-106
19-4-106. Assisted reproductive procedures
Status: in_force

19-4-106. Assisted reproductive procedures. (1) If, with the consent of another intended parent, an intended parent consents to become pregnant through an assisted reproductive procedure, the intended parent who does not give birth is treated in law as the natural parent of the child conceived. The consent of both the intended parent who will give birth and the other intended parent must be in writing and signed by each such party, except as provided in subsection (5) of this section. This subsection (1) does not apply to a child conceived pursuant to a surrogacy agreement pursuant to article 4.5 of this title 19.

(2) A donor is not a parent of a child conceived by means of an assisted reproductive procedure.

(3) and (4) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2022.)

(5) Failure of the intended parent to sign a consent required by subsection (1) of this section before or after the birth of the child does not preclude a finding that the intended parent is the parent if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that, prior to the conception of the child, the parent who gave birth and the intended parent had an oral agreement that both would be parents of the child and that the child was conceived through an assisted reproductive procedure.

(6) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2022.)

(6.5) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, genetic tests may not be ordered and are not admissible to establish a donor as a parent, to challenge the recognition of an intended parent who consented to the assisted reproductive procedure as a parent, or to challenge a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage that complies with section 19-4-105 where the child was conceived through an assisted reproductive procedure, except to resolve a dispute regarding whether the child was conceived through an assisted reproductive procedure.

(7) (a) If a marriage or civil union is dissolved before placement of eggs, sperm, or embryos, the former spouse or civil union partner is not a parent of the resulting child unless the former spouse or civil union partner consented in a record that if the assisted reproductive procedure were to occur after a dissolution of marriage or civil union, the former spouse or civil union partner would be a parent of the child.

(b) The consent of a former spouse or civil union partner to assisted reproduction may be withdrawn by that individual in a record given to the parent who agreed to give birth to a child conceived by an assisted reproductive procedure at any time before placement of eggs, sperm, or embryos.

(8) If a spouse or civil union partner dies before placement of eggs, sperm, or embryos, the deceased spouse or civil union partner is not a parent of the resulting child unless the deceased spouse or civil union partner consented in a record that if assisted reproduction were to occur after death, the deceased spouse or civil union partner would be a parent of the child.

(9) This section does not apply to the birth of a child conceived by means of sexual intercourse.

(10) For purposes of this section, "donor" is defined in section 19-1-103.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-905 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 9 / Section 19-2.5-905
19-2.5-905. Evidentiary considerations
Status: in_force

19-2.5-905. Evidentiary considerations. (1) All statutes and rules of this state that apply to evidentiary considerations in adult criminal proceedings apply to proceedings pursuant to this title 19 except as otherwise specifically provided.

(2) In any case brought pursuant to this title 19, the credibility of any witness may be challenged because of the witness's prior adult felony convictions and juvenile felony adjudications. The fact of such conviction or adjudication may be proved either by the witness through testimony or by other competent evidence.

(3) Prior to the juvenile resting the juvenile's case, the trial court shall advise the juvenile outside the presence of the jury that:

(a) The juvenile has a right to testify in the juvenile's own behalf;

(b) If the juvenile wants to testify, no one, including the juvenile's attorney, can prevent the juvenile from doing so;

(c) If the juvenile testifies, the prosecutor will be allowed to cross-examine the juvenile;

(d) If the juvenile has been convicted or adjudicated for a felony, the prosecutor is entitled to ask the juvenile about it and thereby disclose it to the jury;

(e) If a felony conviction or adjudication is disclosed to the jury, the jury can be instructed to consider it only as it bears upon the juvenile's credibility;

(f) The juvenile has a right not to testify and that, if the juvenile does not testify, the jury must be instructed about such right.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1113 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 11 / Section 19-2.5-1113
19-2.5-1113. Sentencing - alternative services - detention
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1113. Sentencing - alternative services - detention. Except as otherwise required by section 19-2.5-1127 for an aggravated juvenile offender and except as required by section 19-2.5-1123, the court may sentence the juvenile to alternative services funded through section 19-2.5-1404 or other alternative services programs. If a juvenile who is thirteen years of age or older fails to make satisfactory progress in the alternative services to which the juvenile is sentenced or if the court finds that a sentence to alternative services would be contrary to the community interest, the court may sentence a juvenile adjudicated for an offense that would constitute a class 3, class 4, class 5, or class 6 felony or a misdemeanor weapons charge if committed by an adult to detention for a period not to exceed forty-five days. Release for purposes of work, therapy, education, or other good cause may be granted by the court. The court may not sentence to detention a juvenile adjudicated for an offense that would constitute a class 1 or class 2 felony if committed by an adult.
C.R.S. § 19-3-301 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 3 / Section 19-3-301
19-3-301. Short title
Status: in_force

19-3-301. Short title. This part 3 shall be known and may be cited as the "Child Protection Act of 1987".
C.R.S. § 19-3-306 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 3 / Section 19-3-306
19-3-306. Evidence of abuse - color photographs and X rays
Status: in_force

19-3-306. Evidence of abuse - color photographs and X rays. (1) Any child health associate, person licensed to practice medicine in this state, registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, hospital personnel engaged in the admission, examination, care, or treatment of patients, medical examiner, coroner, social worker, psychologist, or local law enforcement officer who has before him a child he reasonably believes has been abused or neglected may take or cause to be taken color photographs of the areas of trauma visible on the child. If medically indicated, such person may take or cause to be taken X rays of the child.

(2) Copies or duplicate originals of any color photographs which show evidence of child abuse shall be immediately forwarded to the county department or to the local law enforcement agency. Original photographs shall be made available upon the request of such department or agency. X rays which show evidence of child abuse or copies of the X-ray report, or both, shall be made available upon request to the county department or the local law enforcement agency. Any person who forwards original photographs or X rays pursuant to this section shall maintain copies or duplicate originals thereof.
C.R.S. § 19-4-121 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4 / Section 19-4-121
19-4-121. Hearings and records - confidentiality
Status: repealed

19-4-121. Hearings and records - confidentiality. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-901 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 9 / Section 19-2.5-901
19-2.5-901. Informal adjustment
Status: in_force

19-2.5-901. Informal adjustment. (1) The district attorney may request of the court at any time, either before, during, or after the filing of a petition, that the matter be handled as an informal adjustment if:

(a) The juvenile and the juvenile's parents, guardian, or legal custodian have been informed of their constitutional and legal rights, including the right to have counsel at every stage of the proceedings;

(b) There are sufficient facts to establish the court's jurisdiction; and

(c) The juvenile and the juvenile's parents, guardian, or legal custodian have waived the right to a speedy trial.

(2) An informal adjustment must be for an initial period of no longer than six months. One additional extension of up to six months may be ordered by the court upon showing of good cause.

(3) During any informal adjustment, the court may place the juvenile under the supervision of the probation department or other designated agency. The court may require further conditions of conduct, as requested by the district attorney, probation department, or designated agency.

(4) A juvenile shall not be granted an informal adjustment if the juvenile has been adjudicated a juvenile delinquent within the preceding twelve months, has had a prior deferred adjudication, or has had an informal adjustment granted within the preceding twelve months.
C.R.S. § 19-3-213 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 2 / Section 19-3-213
19-3-213. Placement criteria
Status: in_force

19-3-213. Placement criteria. (1) In any case in which the county department recommends placement out of the home for a child or in which a child is in out-of-home placement, the court, the guardian ad litem, the county department, any CASA volunteer, and other parties shall consider the best interests of the child and shall comply with the following placement criteria:

(a) Prior to the change of placement of a child, the county department shall, to the extent possible, notify the guardian ad litem or counsel for youth, any CASA volunteer, and other parties. If any party disagrees with the change of placement, the party may seek an emergency hearing concerning the appropriate placement for a child. In an emergency, the county department may proceed to make the change of placement prior to any requested hearing.

(b) Except in exceptional circumstances, no child shall remain in an emergency, short-term, or shelter facility for more than sixty days, nor shall a child be moved from one such facility to another, unless all reasonable efforts to return the child to the child's home or to place the child in a more permanent setting have been exhausted.

(c) (I) If the child is part of a sibling group, as defined in section 19-1-103, and the sibling group is being placed in foster care, the county department shall make thorough efforts to locate a joint placement for all of the children in the sibling group. If the county department locates an appropriate, capable, willing, and available joint placement for all of the children in the sibling group, it is presumed that placement of the entire sibling group in the joint placement is in the best interests of the children. The presumption may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence that placement of the entire sibling group in the joint placement is not in the best interests of a child or of the children.

(II) Consideration of the placement of children together as a sibling group in foster care shall not be construed as requiring the removal of a child from his or her home and placement into foster care if that is not in the best interests of the child.

(III) In any proceeding under this article involving a sibling group, the judge shall review the family services plan document regarding placement of siblings.

(d) Prior to the change of placement of a child, all parties shall attempt to promote educational stability for the child by taking into account the child's existing educational situation and, to the extent possible and in accordance with the child's best interests, selecting a change of placement that enables the child to remain in the existing educational situation or to transfer to a new educational situation that is comparable to the existing situation.

(2) If a child runs away from an out-of-home placement facility, the person in charge of the placement facility, foster parent, relative, or other placement provider shall notify the county department as soon as possible after discovering that the child has run away. The county department shall notify the court and other parties within ten days after the county department has received notice and take appropriate steps to locate the child.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1002 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 10 / Section 19-2.5-1002
19-2.5-1002. Definitions
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1002. Definitions. As used in this part 10, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Minor offense" means any offense denominated a misdemeanor in title 18 or violation of a municipal ordinance where the maximum penalty authorized does not exceed imprisonment for more than six months.

(2) "Supervising court" means the juvenile court for the city and county of Denver, the district courts of the state other than that of Denver, and any municipal court that establishes a teen court program pursuant to this part 10.

(3) "Teen" means any person thirteen years of age or older and under nineteen years of age who is enrolled in school.

(4) "Teen court judge" means a volunteer, licensed to practice law in the state of Colorado, approved by and serving at the pleasure of the chief judge of the supervising court.

(5) "Teen defendant" means a teen ordered to participate in a teen court program pursuant to this part 10.

(6) "Teen defense attorney" means a teen who is chosen by a teen court judge to speak on behalf of a teen defendant.

(7) "Teen jury" means not less than three teens who have been chosen by a teen court judge to decide what sentence should be imposed against a teen defendant.

(8) "Teen prosecutor" means a teen who has been chosen by a teen court judge to advocate on behalf of a school or community for any sentence to be imposed.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-610 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 6 / Section 19-2.5-610
19-2.5-610. Right to jury trial
Status: in_force

19-2.5-610. Right to jury trial. (1) In any action in delinquency in which a juvenile is alleged to be an aggravated juvenile offender, as described in section 19-2.5-1125, or is alleged to have committed an act that would constitute a crime of violence, as defined in section 18-1.3-406, if committed by an adult, the juvenile or the district attorney may demand a trial by a jury of not more than six persons, except as provided in section 19-2.5-503 (3)(a), or the court, on its own motion, may order the jury to try any case brought pursuant to this title 19, except as provided in subsection (2) of this section.

(2) The juvenile is not entitled to a trial by jury when the petition alleges a delinquent act that is a misdemeanor, a petty offense, a violation of a municipal or county ordinance, or a violation of a court order.

(3) Unless a jury is demanded pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, it is deemed waived.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article 2.5, in any action in delinquency in which a juvenile requests a jury pursuant to this section, the juvenile is deemed to have waived the sixty-day requirement for holding the adjudicatory trial established in section 19-2.5-902. In such a case, the juvenile's right to a speedy trial is governed by section 18-1-405 and rule 48 (b) of the Colorado rules of criminal procedure.
C.R.S. § 19-3-901 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 9 / Section 19-3-901
19-3-901. Legislative declaration
Status: in_force

19-3-901. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that:

(a) Colorado has a strong interest in preserving and strengthening family ties and reducing separation trauma to children who are removed from their birth parents;

(b) The removal and subsequent continued separation between child and birth parent makes sustaining primary relationships difficult and reunification more problematic, and the loss a child experiences when separated from his or her birth parent or parents is profound, sometimes lasting into adulthood;

(c) For these reasons, it is important to establish clear standards to achieve consistent practices relating to the availability of high-quality parenting time for children who have been removed from a birth parent by government action; and

(d) Clear standards and consistent practices will help ensure that all parents and children have a fair process for determining a parenting time plan that is in the best interests of children and that promotes positive outcomes for families.

(2) Therefore, the general assembly declares that it is valuable to create a task force of persons with experience in or knowledge of the child welfare policy system to examine the current policies and statutes governing parenting time, to study best practices for the provision of and determination of individualized plans for parenting time, and to make recommendations to the executive branch and to the general assembly on administrative and legislative changes to support high-quality parenting time in Colorado.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1104 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 11 / Section 19-2.5-1104
19-2.5-1104. Sentencing - restitution by juvenile
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1104. Sentencing - restitution by juvenile. (1) If the court finds that a juvenile who receives a deferral of adjudication or who is adjudicated a juvenile delinquent has damaged a victim's personal or real property, that the victim's personal property has been lost, or that personal injury has been caused to a victim as a result of the juvenile's delinquent act, the court, in addition to any other sentence or commitment that it may impose on the juvenile pursuant to section 19-2.5-1103, shall enter a sentencing order requiring the juvenile to make restitution as required by article 18.5 of title 16 and part 6 of article 1.3 of title 18.

(2) Restitution must be ordered to be paid in a reasonable manner, as determined by the court and in accordance with article 18.5 of title 16 and part 6 of article 1.3 of title 18.

(3) Notwithstanding section 18-1.3-602 (4)(a)(III) or any other provision of law, a court shall not order a juvenile to pay restitution to an insurance company. A court may order a juvenile to pay restitution to a victim for the portion of a victim's pecuniary loss for which the victim cannot be compensated under a policy of insurance, self-insurance, an indemnity agreement, or a risk management fund.

(4) As used in this section, "victim" does not mean an insurance company, as defined in section 38-13-102 (13), for purposes of restitution in juvenile cases.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-603 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 6 / Section 19-2.5-603
19-2.5-603. Notification
Status: repealed

19-2.5-603. Notification. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 19-4.5-101 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4.5 / Section 19-4.5-101
19-4.5-101. Short title
Status: in_force

19-4.5-101. Short title. The short title of this article 4.5 is the "Colorado Surrogacy Agreement Act".
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-401 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 4 / Section 19-2.5-401
19-2.5-401. Diversion
Status: in_force

19-2.5-401. Diversion. As an alternative to a petition filed pursuant to section 19-2.5-502, an adjudicatory trial pursuant to part 9 of this article 2.5, or disposition of a juvenile delinquent pursuant to section 19-2.5-1103, the district attorney may agree to allow a juvenile to participate in a diversion program established in accordance with section 19-2.5-402.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1510 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 15 / Section 19-2.5-1510
19-2.5-1510. Facility publications
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1510. Facility publications. Publications of any of the facilities established pursuant to section 19-2.5-1502 and sections 19-2.5-1527 to 19-2.5-1529 intended for circulation in quantity outside such facility is subject to the "Information Coordination Act", section 24-1-136.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1531 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 15 / Section 19-2.5-1531
19-2.5-1531. Juveniles committed to the department of human services - prohibition against th
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1531. Juveniles committed to the department of human services - prohibition against the use of restraints on pregnant juveniles. (1) The staff of the department of human services, in restraining a female juvenile committed to the department of human services or detained in a juvenile facility, shall use the least restrictive restraints necessary to ensure safety if the staff have actual knowledge or a reasonable belief that the juvenile is pregnant. The requirement that staff use the least restrictive restraints necessary to ensure safety must continue during postpartum recovery and transport to or from a juvenile facility.

(2) (a) (I) Staff of the department of human services or medical facility staff shall not use restraints of any kind on a pregnant juvenile during labor and delivery of the child; except that staff may use restraints if:

(A) The medical staff determine that restraints are medically necessary for safe childbirth;

(B) The staff of the department of human services or medical staff determine that the juvenile presents an immediate and serious risk of harm to herself, to other patients, or to medical staff; or

(C) The staff of the department of human services determine that the juvenile poses a substantial risk of escape that cannot reasonably be reduced by the use of other existing means.

(II) Notwithstanding subsection (2)(a)(I) of this section to the contrary, under no circumstances shall staff use leg shackles or waist restraints on a juvenile during labor and delivery of the child, postpartum recovery while in a medical facility, or transport to or from a medical facility for childbirth.

(b) The staff of the department of human services or medical facility authorizing the use of restraints on a pregnant juvenile during labor or delivery of the child shall make a written record of the use of restraints. The record must include, at a minimum, the type of restraint used, the circumstances that necessitated the use of the restraint, and the length of time the restraint was used. The department of human services staff shall retain the record for a minimum of five years and shall make the record available for public inspection with individually identifying information redacted from the record unless the juvenile who is the subject of the record gives prior written consent for the public release of the record. The written record of the use of restraint does not constitute a medical record under state or federal law.

(3) Upon return to a department of human services facility after childbirth, the juvenile is entitled to have a member of the department of human services' medical staff present during any strip search.

(4) When a juvenile's pregnancy is determined, the staff of the department of human services shall inform a pregnant juvenile committed to the department of human services in writing in a language and in a manner understandable to the juvenile of the provisions of this section concerning the use of restraints and the presence of medical staff during a strip search.

(5) The executive director of the department of human services shall ensure that the staff of the department of human services receive adequate training concerning the provisions of this section.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-904 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 9 / Section 19-2.5-904
19-2.5-904. Speedy trial - procedural schedule
Status: in_force

19-2.5-904. Speedy trial - procedural schedule. (1) The juvenile's right to a speedy trial is governed by section 18-1-405 and rule 48(b) of the Colorado rules of criminal procedure.

(2) In bringing an adjudicatory action against a juvenile pursuant to this article 2.5, the district attorney and the court shall comply with the deadlines for:

(a) Holding the detention hearing, as specified in section 19-2.5-305 (3)(a)(I);

(b) Filing the petition, as specified in section 19-2.5-305 (3)(a)(IX);

(c) Setting the first appearance, as specified in section 19-2.5-501 (4); and

(d) Holding the adjudicatory trial, as specified in section 19-2.5-902 (1).

(3) The court may grant a continuance with regard to any of the deadlines specified in subsection (2) of this section upon making a finding of good cause.
C.R.S. § 19-3-304.4 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 3 / Section 19-3-304.4
19-3-304.4. Pre-adolescent services task force - duties - report - repeal
Status: repealed

19-3-304.4. Pre-adolescent services task force - duties - report - repeal. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-206 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 2 / Section 19-2.5-206
19-2.5-206. Search warrants - application
Status: in_force

19-2.5-206. Search warrants - application. (1) A search warrant shall issue only on affidavit sworn to or affirmed before the judge or juvenile magistrate and relating facts sufficient to:

(a) Identify or describe, as nearly as may be, the premises, person, place, or thing to be searched;

(b) Identify or describe, as nearly as may be, the property to be searched for, seized, or inspected;

(c) Establish the grounds for issuance of the warrant or probable cause to believe that such grounds exist; and

(d) Establish probable cause to believe that the property to be searched for, seized, or inspected is located at, in, or upon the premises, person, place, or thing to be searched.

(2) The affidavit required by this section may include sworn testimony reduced to writing and signed under oath by the witness giving the testimony before issuance of the warrant. A copy of the affidavit and a copy of the transcript of testimony taken in support of the request for a search warrant must be attached to the search warrant filed with the court.

(3) The supreme court may establish rules for procedures governing application for and issuance of search warrants consistent with this section.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1111 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 11 / Section 19-2.5-1111
19-2.5-1111. Sentencing - community accountability program
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1111. Sentencing - community accountability program. Except as otherwise required by section 19-2.5-1127, the court may sentence the juvenile to participate in the community accountability program as set forth in section 19-2.5-1410. Such a sentence is a condition of probation for higher-risk juveniles who would have otherwise been sentenced to detention or out-of-home placement or committed to the department of human services. A sentence pursuant to this section is conditioned on the availability of space in the community accountability program and on a determination by the division of youth services that the juvenile's participation in the program is appropriate. In the event that the division of youth services determines the program is at maximum capacity or that a juvenile's participation is not appropriate, the juvenile must be ordered to return to the sentencing court for another sentencing hearing.
C.R.S. § 19-5-210 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 2 / Section 19-5-210
19-5-210. Hearing on petition
Status: in_force

19-5-210. Hearing on petition. (1) A hearing on the petition for adoption shall be held on the date set or the date to which the matter has been regularly continued.

(1.5) Except in stepparent, second parent, custodial, or kinship adoptions, the court shall issue a certificate of approval of placement, placing the child's custodial care with prospective adoptive parents pending final hearing on the petition for adoption, if it appears to the court that the placement for adoption is in the best interest of the child.

(2) In stepparent, custodial, or kinship adoptions, the court shall hold a hearing on the petition as soon as possible. In all other adoptions, the court shall hold a hearing on the petition no sooner than one hundred eighty-two days after the date the child begins to live in the prospective adoptive parent's home, unless for good cause shown that time is extended or shortened by the court. At the hearing held on the petition, the court shall enter a decree setting forth its findings and grant to the petitioner a final decree of adoption if it is satisfied as to:

(a) The availability of the child for adoption;

(b) The good moral character, the ability to support and educate the child, and the suitableness of the home of the person adopting such child;

(b.5) The fingerprint-based criminal history record checks of the prospective adoptive parent as reported to the court by the county department of human or social services or the child placement agency pursuant to section 19-5-207 (2.5) or the information provided to the court pursuant to section 19-5-208 (5) does not reveal a criminal history described in section 19-5-207 (2.5)(a);

(c) The mental and physical condition of the child as a proper subject for adoption in said home;

(d) The fact that the best interests of the child will be served by the adoption; and

(e) If the child is part of a sibling group, whether it is in the best interests of the child to remain in an intact sibling group. If the county department or child placement agency locates an appropriate, capable, willing, and available joint placement for all of the children in the sibling group, it shall be presumed that placement of the entire sibling group in the joint placement is in the best interests of the children. Such presumption may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence that placement of the entire sibling group in the joint placement is not in the best interests of a child or of the children. The judge shall review the family services plan document regarding placement of siblings.

(3) The former name of the child shall not be stated in the final decree of adoption.

(4) If, after the hearing, the court is not satisfied as to the matters listed in subsection (2) of this section, the petition for adoption may be either continued or dismissed in the discretion of the court. The court shall not grant the decree of final adoption if it determines that the prospective adoptive parent was convicted at any time by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony in one of the following areas: Child abuse or neglect; spousal abuse; any crime against a child; or any crime involving violence, rape, sexual assault, or homicide, excluding other physical assault or battery. For stepparent, kinship, or custodial adoptions, in addition to not granting a decree of final adoption in circumstances involving the felony convictions listed in this subsection (4), the court shall not grant the decree of final adoption if it determines that the prospective adoptive parent was convicted of a felony for physical assault or battery that was committed within the past five years.

(5) (a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection (5), all hearings with reference to adoption shall be closed to the public and, in the discretion of the court, to any child who is the subject of adoption and who is under twelve years of age, but the court may interview the child whenever it deems it proper.

(b) Upon motion by any party to an adoption or upon the court's own motion, the court may order that an adoption hearing be opened to the public or to the child who is, or the children who are, the subject of the adoption if the court finds that opening the hearing is in the best interests of the child who is, or the children who are, the subject of the adoption hearing and the court finds that the potential adoptive parents have consented to an open hearing.

(6) In a stepparent adoption, in addition to issuing a final decree of adoption, the court shall enter an order terminating the other parent's parental rights. In a custodial or kinship adoption, in addition to issuing a final decree of adoption, the court shall enter an order terminating the parental rights of the child's parents.

(7) In cases involving the adoption of a child or youth who is part of a sibling group but who is not being adopted with the child's siblings, in addition to issuing a final decree of adoption, if the adoptive parents are willing, the court may encourage reasonable family time among the siblings when family time is in the best interests of the child, youth, or children. The court shall review the record and inquire as to whether the adoptive parents have received counseling regarding children or youth in sibling groups maintaining or developing ties with each other.
C.R.S. § 19-5-109 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 1 / Section 19-5-109
19-5-109. Birth parent access to records related to relinquishment of parental rights
Status: in_force

19-5-109. Birth parent access to records related to relinquishment of parental rights. (1) (a) Except for relinquishments ordered pursuant to section 19-5-105.5 (6.6) or 19-5-105.7 (9) or when the subsequent termination of the parent-child legal relationship is the result of a dependency and neglect action, in those cases in which a parent consents to the relinquishment of his or her child, the custodian of records shall provide to the relinquishing birth parent to whom the document pertains a copy of the relinquishment records, in the possession of the custodian of records, that are signed by the relinquishing birth parent or by a parent, guardian, custodian, or legal representative on behalf of the relinquishing birth parent and any of the following records listed in this paragraph (a) in which the relinquishing birth parent is named, including:

(I) The original birth certificate of the child who is being relinquished;

(II) The petition to relinquish;

(III) The final order of relinquishment;

(IV) The affidavit of counseling, excluding any attachments and excluding any notes or prerelinquishment counseling documents;

(V) The temporary waiver of custody;

(VI) Expedited relinquishment documents, if applicable;

(VII) A relinquishment interrogatory from a birth parent;

(VIII) The order for publication of relinquishment;

(IX) The notice to terminate the parent-child legal relationship; and

(X) The medical records of a birth mother related to the pregnancy and birth, which records may only be released by the health-care provider, hospital, or maternity home that created the record.

(b) The custodian of records shall provide the records described in paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) to the relinquishing birth parent at the time of relinquishment of the child or at the time the document is created.

(2) If the records described in subsection (1) of this section were not provided to a birth parent at the time of the relinquishment of the child or at the time the document was created and if the subsequent termination of the parent-child legal relationship was not the result of a dependency or neglect action, then upon written request and proof of identification of the birth parent, the custodian of records shall provide access to and copies of the records described in subsection (1) of this section to the birth parent. Nothing in this section prevents the release of the records described in subsection (1) of this section to a birth parent who was a minor at the time of the relinquishment of a child in circumstances where the record was signed by a parent, guardian, legal custodian, or legal representative on behalf of the relinquishing birth parent.

(3) A licensed child placement agency is not liable to any person for the failure of a birth parent to request copies of the records described in subsection (1) of this section pursuant to the provisions of subsection (1) or subsection (2) of this section. A licensed child placement agency or succeeding custodian of records is not liable to any person for failure to produce a copy of a record that did not exist pursuant to the provisions of the Colorado Revised Statutes or rules at the time of the relinquishment of the child.
C.R.S. § 19-5-215 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 2 / Section 19-5-215
19-5-215. Records
Status: repealed

19-5-215. Records. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 19-4-118 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4 / Section 19-4-118
19-4-118. Enforcement of judgment or order
Status: in_force

19-4-118. Enforcement of judgment or order. (1) If existence of the father and child relationship is declared, or paternity or a duty of support has been acknowledged or adjudicated under this article or under prior law, the obligation of the father may be enforced in the same or other proceedings by the mother, the child, or the public authority that has furnished or may furnish the reasonable expenses of pregnancy, confinement, education, support, or funeral, or by any other person, including a private agency, to the extent he has furnished or is furnishing these expenses.

(2) The court may order support payments to be made to the obligee, the clerk of the court, in those cases in which the executive director of the department of human services has notified the state court administrator pursuant to section 26-13-114 (5), C.R.S., that the judicial district in which the court is situated is ready to participate in the family support registry, through the family support registry, or a person, corporation, or agency designated to administer them for the benefit of the child under the supervision of the court. The court may not order payments to be made to the clerk of the court once payments may be made through the family support registry.

(3) Willful failure to obey the judgment or order of the court is a civil contempt of the court. All remedies for the enforcement of judgments apply.

(4) In making any order for support pursuant to this section, the court shall take into consideration the capability of both parents to provide support.
C.R.S. § 19-3-904 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 9 / Section 19-3-904
19-3-904. Task force - purposes - issues to study - written reports
Status: in_force

19-3-904. Task force - purposes - issues to study - written reports. (1) The purpose of the task force is to:

(a) Study current laws, rules, and practices followed in the state including current capacity for supervised parenting time in dependency and neglect cases where children have been removed from a parent;

(b) Study and review research and best practices for parenting time in dependency and neglect cases while ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants;

(c) Study best practices for judicial review of family time and parenting time plans;

(d) Evaluate the rights and remedies for parents and children or youth pertaining to parenting time, including sibling family time;

(e) Consider whether the statutes and legal standards for ordering parenting time are consistent with best practices;

(f) Consider whether current language in the "Colorado Children's Code" and rules should be updated or modernized, including replacing the term "visitation" with "parenting time" or "family time";

(g) Study best practices to meet the developmental needs of youth through parenting time in a trauma-informed manner;

(h) Study best practices for parenting time with incarcerated parents;

(i) Study best practices for use of levels of supervised parenting time and consistency in the availability and definitions of different levels of supervised parenting time;

(j) Recommend necessary changes to statute and rule to effectuate the recommended practices; and

(k) Recommend best practices to ensure that families across the state have consistent access to high-quality parenting time where children are in out-of-home care.

(2) In carrying out the purposes set forth in subsection (1) of this section, the task force shall consider:

(a) The United States constitution and state constitution, case law, statutes, rules, practices, and standards that govern family parenting time or family time in Colorado;

(b) Best practices followed in other states or recommended by national child welfare experts to provide and determine parenting time plans that are in the best interests of children and which promote positive outcomes for families;

(c) Federal guidance from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families regarding best practices in parenting time and visitation for children and youth in out-of-home care; and

(d) Juvenile codes and rules from other states implementing best practices in parenting time.

(3) The task force shall consider and recommend:

(a) The best practices in parenting time for children placed in out-of-home care;

(b) Changes to statute, rule, and practice necessary to implement the recommendations;

(c) Considerations to ensure fair and equal access to high-quality parenting time for all families, including recommendations to ensure that culturally appropriate and inclusive services are equally available across the state; and

(d) Identification of barriers to implementing best practices across the state and recommendations for addressing the barriers.

(4) On or before October 1, 2022, the task force shall submit a written report to the governor; the state department; the child welfare training academy; the joint budget committee; and the house of representatives public and behavioral health and human services committee and the senate health and human services committee, or any successor committees. The report must include, but is not limited to, the task force's findings concerning best practices to improve high-quality parenting time services and practices in dependency and neglect cases and recommendations concerning necessary changes in state statute and administrative rules to implement those best practices and recommendations.

(5) On or before December 1, 2024, the task force shall commission and evaluate a statewide study to:

(a) Identify the current strengths and needs for providing high-quality supervised family time services across the state;

(b) Identify necessary measures to build capacity to provide high-quality supervised family time services across the state;

(c) Inventory current funding sources and allowable costs for providing such services; and

(d) Make recommendations regarding best practices for funding high-quality parenting time. The task force shall provide the study and recommendations of the task force to the governor; the state department; the child welfare training academy; the joint budget committee; and the house of representatives public and behavioral health and human services committee and the senate health and human services committee, or any successor committees.
C.R.S. § 19-3-201 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 2 / Section 19-3-201
19-3-201. Venue
Status: in_force

19-3-201. Venue. (1) (a) Except as provided in subsection (1)(b) of this section, all proceedings brought pursuant to this article 3 must be commenced in the county in which the child resides or is present.

(b) A county department, guardian ad litem or counsel for youth, or other person filing a petition for reinstatement of the parent-child legal relationship as set forth in section 19-3-612 must file the petition for the reinstatement of the parent-child legal relationship in the county or city and county that has legal custody of the child.

(1.5) For purposes of determining proper venue, a child who is placed in the legal custody of a county department shall be deemed for the entire period of placement to reside in the county in which the child's legal parent or guardian resides or is located, even if the child is physically residing in a foster care or residential facility located in another county. In such circumstance, if a child is placed out of the home, the court shall not transfer venue pursuant to subsection (2) of this section during the period of out-of-home placement to any county other than the county in which the child's legal parent or guardian resides or is located.

(2) When proceedings are commenced pursuant to this article 3 in a county other than that of the child's residence, the court in which proceedings were initiated may, on its own motion or on the motion of any interested party, transfer the case to the court in the county where the child's legal parent or guardian resides or is located unless any of the following circumstances exist:

(a) The transfer would be detrimental to the best interests of the child;

(b) Adjudication has not taken place and the case has not been continued pursuant to section 19-3-505 (5);

(c) The legal parent or guardian has a history of frequent moves unless there is evidence of stability in the most recent move indicating an intent to remain in the new residence for six or more months, such as the legal parent or guardian has signed a lease whose term is six or more months;

(d) The case is likely to be closed within three to six months;

(e) The transfer will disrupt continuity or provisions of services; or

(f) The case is an expedited permanency planning case, unless the requirements of subsection (3) of this section have been met. Pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, the presumption that a transfer of the proceedings is not in the child's best interest has been rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.

(2.5) The county attorney of a county that files a motion to change venue pursuant to this section shall immediately provide notice of the motion to the proposed receiving county. Upon receipt of a motion to change venue, the court shall set a hearing to rule on the motion. The requesting county attorney shall provide fourteen days written notice of the hearing to the office of the county attorney in the proposed receiving county, who shall have a right to file responsive pleadings and appear at the hearing.

(3) In a county designated pursuant to section 19-1-123, if the child is under six years of age at the time a petition is filed in accordance with section 19-3-501 (2), it shall be presumed that any transfer of proceedings pursuant to subsection (2) of this section without good cause shown that results in a delay in the judicial proceedings would be detrimental to the child's best interests. Such presumption may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence.

(4) (a) An order granting a change of venue and transferring jurisdiction to the court in the county in which the child resides shall be effective fifteen days after the transferring court signs the order. Within thirty days after signing the order, the transferring court shall forward the court file, including originals or certified copies of all documents and reports, to the receiving court.

(b) The order granting a change of venue and transferring jurisdiction must include:

(I) Notice to the receiving court of whether a respondent parent's counsel and the guardian ad litem or counsel for youth appointed for the child will remain on the case. If a respondent parent's counsel or the guardian ad litem or counsel for youth for the child will not remain on the case, the order must inform the receiving court that the receiving court shall make a new appointment of counsel or guardian ad litem or counsel for youth.

(II) Notice that the transferring court shall vacate any existing hearing date after the effective date of the order.

(5) When venue is transferred, as set forth in subsection (2) of this section, the receiving court shall proceed with the case as if the petition had been originally filed or adjudication had been originally made in that court. The receiving court shall hold an initial hearing in the case within thirty days after the effective date of the order granting a change of venue and transferring jurisdiction to the receiving court.

(6) A motion for change of venue shall be made in writing and shall include a certification by the moving party that the moving party has complied with all statutory requirements. The motion for change of venue shall be mailed to all parties and attorneys of record in the case and to the county attorney in the receiving county.
C.R.S. § 19-7-104 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 7 / Part 1 / Section 19-7-104
19-7-104. Subjects included within training for certified foster parents and kinship foste
Status: in_force

19-7-104. Subjects included within training for certified foster parents and kinship foster care - rules. (1) Rules promulgated by the state department of human services that prescribe training for foster care parents prior to placement of a child or youth must include training on the following subjects:

(a) The effects of child abuse and neglect on child development;

(b) Health issues in foster care, including health services available to children and youth in foster care;

(c) The right of a child or youth in foster care to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived disability, race, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, or any communicable disease, including HIV, of the child or youth;

(d) The rights of siblings in foster care, as set forth in section 19-7-203; and

(e) Understanding the role of a child welfare education liaison, as described in section 22-32-138 (2).

(2) Rules promulgated by the state department of human services that prescribe post-placement annual training for foster care parents must include training on the following subjects:

(a) Health issues in foster care;

(b) The importance of child and youth self-esteem;

(c) Emancipation and independent living skills, as appropriate;

(d) The rights of siblings in foster care, as set forth in section 19-7-203; and

(e) The right of a child or youth in foster care to have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived disability, race, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, or any communicable disease, including HIV, of the child or youth.

(3) Nothing in this section precludes the state department of human services or a county department of human or social services from requiring foster parent training in excess of the requirements in this section.

(4) The state department of human services may promulgate rules to modify the requirements of this section for kinship foster care homes, including training topics for kinship foster care certification.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1520 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 15 / Section 19-2.5-1520
19-2.5-1520. Private facilities for juvenile offenders - requests for proposals - rules
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1520. Private facilities for juvenile offenders - requests for proposals - rules. The executive director of the department of human services shall adopt rules and implement a process to issue requests for proposals with respect to contracts for designing, financing, acquiring, constructing, and operating private facilities for juvenile offenders. The process to issue requests for proposals and privatization contracts must meet the requirements set forth in part 2 of article 1 of title 17 with respect to private adult correctional facilities.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-205 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 2 / Section 19-2.5-205
19-2.5-205. Search warrants - issuance - grounds
Status: in_force

19-2.5-205. Search warrants - issuance - grounds. (1) A search warrant authorized by this section may be issued by any judge of a court of record or by a juvenile magistrate.

(2) A search warrant may be issued pursuant to this section to search for and seize any property:

(a) That is stolen or embezzled; or

(b) That is designed or intended for use as a means of committing a delinquent act; or

(c) That is or has been used as a means of committing a delinquent act; or

(d) The possession of which is illegal; or

(e) That would be material evidence in a subsequent criminal prosecution or delinquency adjudication in this state or in another state; or

(f) The seizure of which is expressly required, authorized, or permitted by any statute of this state; or

(g) That is kept, stored, maintained, transported, sold, dispensed, or possessed in violation of a statute of this state, under circumstances involving a serious threat to public safety or order or to public health.
C.R.S. § 19-4-130 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4 / Section 19-4-130
19-4-130. Temporary orders for allocation of parental responsibilities
Status: in_force

19-4-130. Temporary orders for allocation of parental responsibilities. (1) Upon the filing of any proceeding under this article 4 or under article 13.5 of title 26, the court shall, upon motion of a party, enter a temporary or permanent order allocating parental responsibilities that allocates the decision-making responsibility and parenting time of the child until further order of the court.

(2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to any parentage determination made pursuant to section 14-5-402.
C.R.S. § 19-3-503 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 5 / Section 19-3-503
19-3-503. Summons - issuance - contents - service
Status: in_force

19-3-503. Summons - issuance - contents - service. (1) After a petition has been filed, the court shall promptly issue a summons reciting briefly the substance of the petition. The summons shall also contain a statement, when appropriate, that the termination of the parent-child legal relationship is a possible remedy under the proceedings and shall set forth the constitutional and legal rights of the child, his parents, guardian, or legal custodian, or any other respondent or special respondent, including the right to have an attorney present at the hearing on the petition.

(2) No summons shall issue to any respondent who appears voluntarily or who waives service, but any such person shall be provided with a copy of the petition and summons upon appearance or request.

(3) The summons shall require the person or persons having the physical custody of the child to appear, and it may order the child to appear before the court at a time and place stated. If the person or persons so summoned are not the parents or guardian of the child, then a summons shall also be issued to the parents or guardian, or both, notifying them of the pendency of the case and of the time and place set for hearing.

(4) The court on its own motion or on the motion of any party may join as a respondent or special respondent or require the appearance of any person it deems necessary to the action and authorize the issuance of a summons directed to such person. Any party to the action may request the issuance of compulsory process by the court requiring the attendance of witnesses on his own behalf or on behalf of the child.

(5) If it appears that the welfare of the child or of the public requires that the child be taken into custody, the court may, by endorsement upon the summons, direct that the person serving the summons take the child into custody at once.

(6) The court may authorize the payment of necessary travel expenses incurred by persons summoned or otherwise required to appear, which payments shall not exceed the amount allowed to witnesses for travel by the district court.

(7) Summonses shall be served personally, pursuant to the Colorado rules of civil procedure. If personal service is used, it shall be sufficient to confer jurisdiction if service is effected not less than two days before the time fixed in the summons for the appearance of the person served; except that personal service shall be effected not less than five days prior to the time set for a hearing concerning a dependent or neglected child.

(8) If the respondent required to be summoned under subsection (3) of this section cannot be found within the state, the fact of the child's presence in the state shall confer jurisdiction on the court as to any absent respondent if due notice has been given in the following manner:

(a) When the residence of the person to be served outside the state is known, a copy of the summons and petition shall be sent by certified mail with postage prepaid to such person at his place of residence with a return receipt requested. Service of summons shall be deemed complete within five days after return of the requested receipt.

(b) When the person to be served has no residence within Colorado and his place of residence is not known or when he cannot be found within the state after due diligence, service may be by publication pursuant to rule 4 (g) of the Colorado rules of civil procedure; except that service may be by a single publication and must be completed not less than five days prior to the time set for a hearing concerning a dependent or neglected child.
C.R.S. § 19-5.5-203 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5.5 / Part 2 / Section 19-5.5-203
19-5.5-203. Prohibited custody transfer
Status: in_force

19-5.5-203. Prohibited custody transfer. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a parent, guardian, or custodian of a child or an individual with whom a child has been placed for adoption may not transfer custody of the child to another person with the intent, at the time of the transfer, to abandon the rights and responsibilities concerning the child.

(2) A parent, guardian, or custodian of a child, or an individual with whom a child has been placed for adoption, may transfer custody of the child to another person with the intent, at the time of the transfer, to permanently abandon the rights and responsibilities concerning the child only through:

(a) A legal adoption or guardianship proceeding;

(b) Judicial award of custody;

(c) Other judicial or tribal action; or

(d) Colorado's safe haven law as described in section 19-3-304.5.

(3) A person may not receive permanent custody of a child, or act as an intermediary if permitted under other law of this state, in a transfer of custody of a child if the person knows or reasonably should know the transfer violates subsection (1) of this section. This prohibition does not apply if the person, as soon as practicable after the transfer, notifies the state department of the transfer or takes appropriate action to establish custody under subsection (2) of this section.

(4) Violation of this section is a class 2 misdemeanor.

(5) Violation of subsection (1) of this section is not established solely because a parent, guardian, or custodian who transfers custody of a child does not regain custody.
C.R.S. § 19-1-117.6 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-117.6
19-1-117.6. Definitions
Status: repealed

19-1-117.6. Definitions. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 19-1-207 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 2 / Section 19-1-207
19-1-207. Restrictions
Status: in_force

19-1-207. Restrictions. (1) A CASA volunteer shall not:

(a) Accept any compensation for the duties and responsibilities of his or her appointment;

(b) Have any association that creates a conflict of interest with his or her duties;

(c) Be related to any party or attorney involved in a case;

(d) Be employed in a position that could result in a conflict of interest or give rise to the appearance of a conflict;

(e) Use the CASA volunteer position to seek or accept gifts or special privileges.
C.R.S. § 19-7-203 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 7 / Part 2 / Section 19-7-203
19-7-203. Foster care sibling rights
Status: in_force

19-7-203. Foster care sibling rights. (1) Sibling youth in foster care, except youth in the custody of the division of youth services created pursuant to section 19-2.5-1501 or a state hospital for persons with behavioral or mental health disorders, have the following rights, unless they are not in the best interests of each sibling, regardless of whether the parental rights of one or more of the foster youth's parents have been terminated:

(a) To be placed in foster care homes with the youth's siblings, when it is in the best interests of each sibling and when the county department locates an appropriate, capable, willing, and available joint placement for the youth siblings, in order to sustain family relationships, pursuant to sections 19-3-213 (1)(c), 19-3-500.2, 19-3-507 (1)(b), 19-3-508 (1)(c), 19-3-605 (2), and 19-5-207.3 (2);

(b) To be placed in close geographical distance to the youth's siblings in order to promote continuity in the siblings' relationship;

(c) To obtain temporary respite placements together, when possible;

(d) To be placed with foster parents, placed with potential adoptive parents, and assigned to child welfare caseworkers who have been provided with training on the importance of sibling relationships;

(e) To be promptly notified, as permitted pursuant to state or federal law, about changes in sibling placement, catastrophic events, or other circumstances, including but not limited to new placements, significant life events, and discharge from foster care;

(f) To be included in permanency planning discussions or meetings for siblings, if appropriate;

(g) To maintain frequent and meaningful contact with the youth's siblings pursuant to section 19-7-204 (2), if placement together is not possible;

(h) To be actively involved in each other's lives and share celebrations, if the siblings choose to do so, including but not limited to birthdays, graduations, holidays, school and extracurricular activities, cultural customs in the siblings' native language, and other milestones;

(i) To annually receive contact information for all siblings in foster care, which may include a telephone number, address, social media accounts, and e-mail address, unless a foster parent has requested the foster parent's identifiable information not be disclosed pursuant to section 19-1-303 (2.7)(a), and to receive updated photos of siblings regularly by mail or e-mail, as appropriate;

(j) To have more private or less restrictive communication with siblings as compared to communication with others who are not siblings;

(k) To be provided with an explanation if contact with a sibling is restricted or denied, as permitted pursuant to state or federal law;

(l) To expect that the youth's guardian ad litem advocate on behalf of the youth for frequent family time with siblings, unless the guardian ad litem determines through the guardian ad litem's independent investigation that the contact is not in the best interests of the youth;

(m) To have family time with siblings encouraged in any adoptive or guardianship placement; and

(n) To receive an age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate document from the department of human services setting forth the rights described in this section:

(I) Within thirty days of the date of any placement or any change in placement;

(II) On each occasion that a youth's case plan is modified;

(III) At each placement where the youth resides; and

(IV) On at least an annual basis.

(2) Adult siblings of youth in foster care have the right to be considered as foster care providers, adoptive parents, and relative custodians for their siblings, if they choose to do so.
C.R.S. § 19-1-101 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-101
19-1-101. Short title
Status: in_force

19-1-101. Short title. This title shall be known and may be cited as the "Colorado Children's Code".
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-108 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 1 / Section 19-2.5-108
19-2.5-108. Effect of proceedings - definition
Status: in_force

19-2.5-108. Effect of proceedings - definition. (1) An adjudication or proceeding pursuant to this article 2.5 is not equivalent to an adult conviction of a criminal offense and must not impose any civil disability upon a juvenile or disqualify or prejudice the juvenile from holding any position under the state personnel system or submitting any governmental or military service application or receiving any governmental or military service appointment or from holding public office.

(2) (a) An employer, whether a public entity or private individual or entity, shall not ask an applicant for employment of any age to disclose information related to an arrest, detention, processing, diversion, supervision, adjudication, or court disposition that occurred while the applicant was subject to the process and jurisdiction of the juvenile court and an applicant of any age is not required to disclose such information in response to any employer inquiry.

(b) Nothing in this section limits public access to information as set forth in section 19-1-304 (1)(b.5) or (5).

(c) The provisions of this subsection (2) do not apply to the screening of applicants who have direct contact with vulnerable persons pursuant to section 27-90-111 or the screening of applicants required by licensed child care centers pursuant to section 26-6-905 or 26.5-5-309.

(d) The provisions of this subsection (2) do not apply to any law enforcement agency of the state or to any political subdivision.

(e) As used in this subsection (2), a "condition of employment" means hiring, promotion, termination, participating in an apprenticeship training program, or a training program that leads to employment.
C.R.S. § 19-5-204 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 2 / Section 19-5-204
19-5-204. Venue
Status: in_force

19-5-204. Venue. A petition for adoption shall be filed in the county of residence of the petitioner or in the county in which the placement agency is located.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1503 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 15 / Section 19-2.5-1503
19-2.5-1503. Eminent domain - detention facility site
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1503. Eminent domain - detention facility site. (1) (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection (2) of this section, the department of human services has the right to acquire by eminent domain any real property that is located within the Denver metropolitan area that is necessary for the establishment of one or more juvenile detention facilities. Such real property must be acquired in accordance with articles 1 to 7 of title 38.

(b) Any real property specified in subsection (1)(a) of this section that is already devoted to a public use may be acquired by the department of human services pursuant to this section; except that property owned by the federal government may not be acquired without the consent of the federal government.

(2) Prior to the acquisition of any real property pursuant to subsection (1) of this section, the joint budget committee, established pursuant to section 2-3-201, must review and approve the proposed acquisition.
C.R.S. § 19-3-315 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 3 / Section 19-3-315
19-3-315. Federal funds
Status: in_force

19-3-315. Federal funds. The department of human services is authorized to accept federal funds such as child abuse and neglect state grants which are available for the implementation of programs which would further the purposes of this part 3.
C.R.S. § 19-7-306 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 7 / Part 3 / Section 19-7-306
19-7-306. Voluntary services agreement
Status: in_force

19-7-306. Voluntary services agreement. (1) A voluntary services agreement entered into pursuant to this part 3 is a binding standardized agreement, written in a client-driven and developmentally appropriate manner, between the county department and a participating youth. The agreement specifies the terms of the youth's participation in the transition program, including, at a minimum:

(a) The participating youth's retention of all rights and responsibilities the youth would otherwise have, as described in section 19-7-304 (5);

(a.5) Establishing the legal authority for placement with the county department;

(b) The participating youth's rights and obligations while the agreement is in effect, including the right to counsel. Upon entering into a voluntary services agreement with an eligible youth, the county department shall make a referral in writing to the office of the child's representative and provide the youth with the contact information for the office of the child's representative. Nothing in this section limits the power of the court to appoint counsel or the power of the office of the child's representative to assign counsel prior to the filing of a petition.

(c) A statement concerning the voluntary nature of the transition program and the participating youth's right to terminate the agreement at any time and the procedures for such termination and the right to begin receiving services again, if needed, up to the youth's twenty-first birthday, or such greater age of foster care eligibility as required by federal law;

(d) The county department's rights and obligations while the agreement is in effect;

(e) The services that will be available to the participating youth through the transition program, as specified in the roadmap to success; and

(f) The circumstances under which a county department may request that the court terminate the agreement and the court's jurisdiction over the objection of the participating youth.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1110 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 11 / Section 19-2.5-1110
19-2.5-1110. Sentencing - requirements imposed on parents - definition
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1110. Sentencing - requirements imposed on parents - definition. (1) In addition to any requirements specified in sections 19-2.5-1103 to 19-2.5-1106, 19-2.5-1111 to 19-2.5-1115, 19-2.5-1117, 19-2.5-1118, 19-2.5-1123, and 19-2.5-1126, any sentence imposed pursuant to section 19-2.5-1103 may require:

(a) The juvenile or both the juvenile and the juvenile's parent or guardian to perform volunteer service in the community designed to contribute to the juvenile's rehabilitation or to the ability of the parent or guardian to provide proper parental care and supervision of the juvenile;

(b) The juvenile's parent or guardian or both the parent or guardian and the juvenile to attend the parental responsibility training program described in section 19-2.5-1411. The court may make reasonable orders requiring proof of completion of the training course within a certain time period and may provide that any violation of such orders subjects the parent or guardian to the contempt sanctions of the court.

(c) The juvenile or both the juvenile and the juvenile's custodial parent or parent with parental responsibilities or guardian to perform services for the victim pursuant to section 19-2.5-1106, designed to contribute to the juvenile's rehabilitation, if the victim consents in writing to such services. However, the value of the services required to be rendered by the parent, guardian, legal custodian of, or parent with parental responsibilities with respect to the juvenile pursuant to this subsection (1)(c) must not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars for any one delinquent act.

(2) In addition to any sentence imposed pursuant to section 19-2.5-1103 or subsection (1) of this section and regardless of whether the court orders the juvenile to pay restitution pursuant to section 19-2.5-1104, the court may order:

(a) The juvenile's guardian or legal custodian or the parent allocated parental responsibilities with respect to the juvenile to make restitution to one or more victims pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this subsection (2); except that the liability of the juvenile's guardian or legal custodian or parent allocated parental responsibilities with respect to the juvenile pursuant to this subsection (2) must not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars for any one delinquent act. If the court finds, after a hearing, that the juvenile's guardian or legal custodian or the parent allocated parental responsibilities with respect to the juvenile has made diligent, good-faith efforts to prevent or discourage the juvenile from engaging in delinquent activity, the court shall absolve the guardian or legal custodian or parent allocated parental responsibilities with respect to the juvenile of liability for restitution pursuant to this subsection (2).

(b) The juvenile's parent, so long as the parent is a party to the delinquency proceedings, to make restitution to one or more victims pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this subsection (2)(b); except that the liability of the juvenile's parent pursuant to this subsection (2)(b) must not exceed the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars for any one delinquent act. Notwithstanding the requirements of this subsection (2), the court may not enter an order of restitution against a juvenile's parent unless the court, prior to entering the order of restitution, holds a restitution hearing at which the juvenile's parent is present. If the court finds, after the hearing, that the juvenile's parent has made diligent, good-faith efforts to prevent or discourage the juvenile from engaging in delinquent activity, the court shall absolve the parent of liability for restitution pursuant to this subsection (2)(b). For purposes of this subsection (2)(b), "parent" is defined in section 19-1-103.

(3) An order of restitution entered pursuant to this section may be collected pursuant to article 18.5 of title 16.
C.R.S. § 19-1-110 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-110
19-1-110. Previous orders and decrees - force and effect
Status: in_force

19-1-110. Previous orders and decrees - force and effect. All orders and decrees in proceedings concerning dependency and neglect, delinquency, relinquishment, adoption, paternity, or contributing to dependency or delinquency entered by the court prior to October 1, 1987, shall remain in full force and effect until modified or terminated by the court, as provided in this title.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1505 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 15 / Section 19-2.5-1505
19-2.5-1505. Juvenile facility employees - rules
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1505. Juvenile facility employees - rules. (1) On and after April 1, 2004, the department of human services shall not hire a person who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the "Colorado Sex Offender Registration Act", article 22 of title 16, to work at a juvenile facility.

(2) The department of human services shall ensure that any person who is employed to work at a juvenile facility as of April 1, 2004, and who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the "Colorado Sex Offender Registration Act", article 22 of title 16, does not have unsupervised contact with a juvenile in the facility on and after April 1, 2004.

(3) If a person, while employed by the department of human services, is convicted of an offense that requires the employee to register as a sex offender pursuant to the "Colorado Sex Offender Registration Act", article 22 of title 16, the employee shall immediately notify the department of human services of the conviction and the registration requirement. The department of human services shall ensure that the employee does not have unsupervised contact with a juvenile in the facility on and after the date it receives notice pursuant to this subsection (3).

(4) The executive director of the department of human services shall adopt such rules as may be necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of this section.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1519 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 15 / Section 19-2.5-1519
19-2.5-1519. Contracts and agreements with public and private agencies
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1519. Contracts and agreements with public and private agencies. (1) The executive director of the department of human services shall, subject to available appropriations, enter into agreements or contracts deemed necessary and appropriate with any governmental unit or agency or private facility or provider cooperating or willing to cooperate in a program to carry out the purposes of this article 2.5. The contracts or agreements may provide, among other things, for the type of work to be performed at a camp or other facility, the rate of payment for such work, and other matters relating to the care and treatment of juveniles.

(2) Placement of juveniles by the department of human services in any public or private facility not under the jurisdiction of the department shall not terminate the legal custody of the department.

(3) The department of human services has the right to inspect all facilities used by it and to examine and consult with persons in its legal custody who have been placed in any such facility.

(4) (a) On and after April 1, 2004, an entity that contracts with the department of human services for the operation of a private juvenile facility shall not employ a person who is required to register pursuant to the "Colorado Sex Offender Registration Act", article 22 of title 16, to work in the private juvenile facility.

(b) For the purposes of a contract in existence as of April 1, 2004, if a contractor employs a person in a private juvenile facility who is required to register as a sex offender pursuant to the "Colorado Sex Offender Registration Act", article 22 of title 16, the contractor shall ensure that the person does not have unsupervised contact with a juvenile in the facility on and after April 1, 2004. Failure to comply with this subsection (4) constitutes a breach and grounds for termination of the contract.
C.R.S. § 19-3-608 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 6 / Section 19-3-608
19-3-608. Effect of decree
Status: in_force

19-3-608. Effect of decree. (1) An order for the termination of the parent-child legal relationship divests the child and the parent of all legal rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties, and obligations with respect to each other, but it shall not modify the child's status as an heir at law which shall cease only upon a final decree of adoption.

(2) No order or decree entered pursuant to this part 6 shall disentitle a child to any benefit due him from any third person, including, but not limited to, any Indian tribe, any agency, any state, or the United States.

(3) After the termination of a parent-child legal relationship, the former parent is not entitled to any notice of proceedings for the adoption of the child by another, nor has he any right to object to the adoption or to otherwise participate in such proceedings.
C.R.S. § 19-5-214 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 2 / Section 19-5-214
19-5-214. Limitation on annulment of adoption - best interests standard
Status: in_force

19-5-214. Limitation on annulment of adoption - best interests standard. (1) No final decree of adoption shall be attacked by reason of any jurisdictional or procedural defect after the expiration of ninety-one days following the entry of the final decree; except that, in cases of stepparent adoption, no final decree of adoption shall be attacked by reason of fraud upon the court or fraud upon a party, whether or not there is a jurisdictional or procedural defect, after the expiration of one year following the entry of the final decree of adoption.

(2) When a final decree of adoption is attacked on any basis at any time, the court shall consider the best interests of the child, taking into account the factors set forth in section 14-10-124, C.R.S. The court shall sustain the decree unless there is clear and convincing evidence that the decree is not in the best interests of the child.
C.R.S. § 19-5-403 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 4 / Section 19-5-403
19-5-403. Authority for department to select agencies
Status: in_force

19-5-403. Authority for department to select agencies. The department is authorized to select private, licensed child placement agencies authorized to handle adoptions for the disclosure of nonidentifying information pursuant to this part 4. The department shall, by rule, establish qualifying criteria by which the licensed child placement agencies authorized to handle adoptions shall be selected, which criteria shall include, but shall not be limited to, a requirement that the agencies maintain all information which identifies members of the birth family strictly confidential.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-906 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 9 / Section 19-2.5-906
19-2.5-906. Admissibility of evidence - legislative declaration - definitions
Status: in_force

19-2.5-906. Admissibility of evidence - legislative declaration - definitions. (1) It is the intent of the general assembly that, when evidence is sought to be excluded from the trier of fact in a delinquency proceeding because of the conduct of a peace officer leading to its discovery, such evidence should not be suppressed if otherwise admissible when the proponent of the evidence can show that the conduct in question was taken in a reasonable, good-faith belief that it was proper. It is further declared to be the general assembly's intent to identify the characteristics of admissible evidence and not to address or attempt to prescribe court procedure.

(2) For purposes of this section:

(a) "Good-faith mistake" means a reasonable error of judgment concerning the existence of facts or law that, if true, would be sufficient to constitute probable cause.

(b) "Peace officer" has the meaning set forth in section 16-2.5-101.

(c) "Technical violation" means a reasonable, good-faith reliance upon a statute that is later ruled unconstitutional, a warrant that is later invalidated due to a good-faith mistake, or a court precedent that is later overruled.

(3) The court shall not suppress evidence sought to be excluded in a delinquency proceeding because of the conduct of the peace officer leading to its discovery if the court finds that the evidence was seized by the peace officer as a result of a good-faith mistake or a technical violation and the evidence is otherwise admissible.

(4) The court shall not supress in a delinquency proceeding evidence that is obtained as a result of a confession voluntarily made in a noncustodial setting if the evidence is otherwise admissible.

(5) It is prima facie evidence that the conduct of the peace officer was taken in the reasonable good-faith belief that it was proper if there is a showing that the evidence was obtained pursuant to and within the scope of a warrant, unless the warrant was obtained through intentional and material misrepresentation.
C.R.S. § 19-1-310 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 3 / Section 19-1-310
19-1-310. Information related to intervention and prevention programs - review and evaluat
Status: repealed

19-1-310. Information related to intervention and prevention programs - review and evaluation of programs. (Repealed)
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1527 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 15 / Section 19-2.5-1527
19-2.5-1527. Lookout Mountain school
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1527. Lookout Mountain school. (1) There is established at Golden, Jefferson county, a training school known as the Lookout Mountain school, under the supervision and control of the department of human services.

(2) The school shall provide care, education, training, and rehabilitation for juveniles ten years of age or older who have been committed to the custody of the department of human services pursuant to section 19-2.5-1127 or 19-2.5-1103. In addition, the school may provide care, education, training, and rehabilitation for any juvenile who has been sentenced to the department of corrections and is being housed in a facility operated by the department of human services pursuant to a contract with the department of corrections pursuant to section 19-2.5-1502 (4).
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1507 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 15 / Section 19-2.5-1507
19-2.5-1507. Facilities - control and restraint - liability - duty to pursue runaways
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1507. Facilities - control and restraint - liability - duty to pursue runaways. (1) Any facility that houses or provides nonresidential services to adjudicated juveniles pursuant to this article 2.5, whether publicly or privately operated, for short-term or long-term commitment or detention is authorized to respond in a reasonable manner to issues of control and restraint of adjudicated juveniles when necessary. Each facility or program shall establish clearly defined policies and procedures for the short-term restraint and control of adjudicated juveniles housed within the facility or receiving services in the nonresidential program.

(2) Any facility that houses or provides nonresidential services to adjudicated juveniles pursuant to this article 2.5 and any person employed by the facility or program is not liable for damages arising from acts committed in the good-faith implementation of this section; except that the facility or program and any person employed by the facility or program may be liable for acts that are committed in a willful and wanton manner.

(3) Any facility that houses adjudicated juveniles pursuant to this article 2.5 has a duty to notify the court and the local law enforcement agency as soon as possible after discovering that an adjudicated juvenile housed at the facility has run away.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1408 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 14 / Section 19-2.5-1408
19-2.5-1408. Victim-offender conferences - pilot program
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1408. Victim-offender conferences - pilot program. The division of youth services is authorized to establish a pilot program, when funds become available, in its facilities to facilitate victim-initiated victim-offender conferences whereby a victim of a crime may request a facilitated conference with the juvenile who committed the crime, if the juvenile is in the custody of the division of youth services. After such a pilot program is established, the division of youth services may establish policies and procedures for the victim-offender conferences using volunteers to facilitate the conferences. The volunteers shall complete the division of youth services' volunteer and facility-specific training programs and complete high-risk victim-offender training and victim-advocacy training. The division of youth services shall not compensate or reimburse a volunteer or victim for any expenses. If a pilot program is available, and subsequent to the victim's or the victim representative's request, the division of youth services shall arrange a conference only after determining that the conference would be safe and only if the juvenile agrees to participate. The purposes of the conference are to enable the victim to meet the juvenile, to obtain answers to questions only the juvenile can answer, to assist the victim in healing from the impact of the crime, and to promote a sense of remorse and acceptance of responsibility by the juvenile that may contribute to the juvenile's rehabilitation.
C.R.S. § 19-3-104 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 1 / Section 19-3-104
19-3-104. Hearings - procedure
Status: in_force

19-3-104. Hearings - procedure. Any hearing conducted pursuant to this article 3 in a county designated pursuant to section 19-1-123 regarding a child who is under six years of age at the time a petition is filed in accordance with section 19-3-501 (2) must not be delayed or continued unless good cause is shown and unless the court finds that the best interests of the child will be served by granting a delay or continuance. Whenever any such delay or continuance is granted, the court shall set forth the specific reasons necessitating the delay or continuance and shall schedule the matter within thirty days after the date of granting the delay or continuance. If appropriate, in any hearing conducted pursuant to this article 3 in a county designated pursuant to section 19-1-123 regarding a child who is under six years of age at the time a petition is filed in accordance with section 19-3-501 (2), the court shall include all other children residing in the same household whose placement is subject to determination pursuant to this article 3.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-909 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 9 / Section 19-2.5-909
19-2.5-909. Motion for new trial
Status: in_force

19-2.5-909. Motion for new trial. (1) All motions for a new trial must be made pursuant to rule 33 of the Colorado rules of criminal procedure.

(2) If the juvenile was not represented by counsel, the court shall inform the juvenile and the juvenile's parent, guardian, or legal custodian at the conclusion of the trial that they have the right to file a motion for a new trial and that, if such motion is denied, they have the right to appeal.
C.R.S. § 19-6-103 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 6 / Section 19-6-103
19-6-103. Summons
Status: in_force

19-6-103. Summons. (1) Upon filing of the petition, the clerk of the court, the attorney or licensed legal paraprofessional for the petitioner, or the delegate child support enforcement unit shall issue a summons stating the substance of the petition and requiring the respondent to appear at the time and place set for hearing on the petition.

(2) Service of the summons shall be by personal service as provided in the Colorado rules of civil procedure. In addition to any other method provided by rule or statute, including rule 4(e) of the Colorado rules of civil procedure, when there is a basis for personal jurisdiction over an individual living outside this state pursuant to section 14-5-201, C.R.S., service may be accomplished by delivering a copy of the summons, together with a copy of the petition upon which it was issued, to the individual served. Such service may be by private process server or by sending such copies to such individual by certified mail with proof of actual receipt by such individual.

(3) The hearing shall be set for a day not less than ten days after service is completed or on such later date as the court may order.
C.R.S. § 19-5.5-308 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5.5 / Part 3 / Section 19-5.5-308
19-5.5-308. Rulemaking authority
Status: in_force

19-5.5-308. Rulemaking authority. The state board of human services may adopt rules to implement sections 19-5.5-303 to 19-5.5-306.
C.R.S. § 19-5.5-205 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5.5 / Part 2 / Section 19-5.5-205
19-5.5-205. Prohibited soliciting or advertising
Status: in_force

19-5.5-205. Prohibited soliciting or advertising. (1) Except as provided in section 19-5-213.5, a person may not solicit or advertise to:

(a) Identify a person to whom to make a transfer of custody in violation of section 19-5.5-203 (1);

(b) Identify a child for a transfer of custody in violation of section 19-5.5-203 (3); or

(c) Act as an intermediary or facilitator, if permitted under other law of this state, in a transfer of custody in violation of section 19-5.5-203 (3).

(2) A violation of this section is a class 6 felony.

(3) Nothing in this section prohibits the application of section 19-5-213.5.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1409 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 14 / Section 19-2.5-1409
19-2.5-1409. Juvenile intensive supervision program - creation - elements - role of judicial
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1409. Juvenile intensive supervision program - creation - elements - role of judicial department. (1) The judicial department may establish and operate, either directly or by contracting with one or more private organizations, a juvenile intensive supervision program, which may be utilized by any judge in sentencing any juvenile who has been placed on probation and who presents a high risk of future placement within juvenile correctional facilities according to assessment criteria developed pursuant to this section.

(2) The juvenile intensive supervision program created pursuant to subsection (1) of this section must include, but is not limited to, utilization of any or all of the following elements:

(a) Increased supervision of the juvenile by probation officers;

(b) Utilization of specific youth case management approaches;

(c) Community service work assignments;

(d) Restitution programs;

(e) Structured group training regarding problem solving, social skills, negotiation skills, emotion management, creative thinking, value enhancement, and critical reasoning;

(f) Use of electronic or global position monitoring and substance abuse testing to monitor the juvenile's compliance with the program and providing sanctions for failure to comply with the program; and

(g) Individual and family treatment.

(3) The judicial department, with the assistance of a juvenile intensive supervision advisory committee, shall develop assessment criteria for placement in the juvenile intensive supervision program, including the results of a validated risk and needs assessment tool, and judicial department guidelines for implementation of the program and measurement of the outcome of the program. The advisory committee is appointed by the state court administrator and includes, but is not limited to, representatives of the division of youth services in the department of human services and the division of criminal justice of the department of public safety.
C.R.S. § 19-4-113 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4 / Section 19-4-113
19-4-113. Evidence relating to paternity
Status: in_force

19-4-113. Evidence relating to paternity. (1) Evidence relating to paternity may include:

(a) Evidence of sexual intercourse between the mother and alleged father at any possible time of conception;

(b) An expert's opinion concerning the statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity based upon the duration of the mother's pregnancy;

(c) Genetic test results, weighted in accordance with evidence, if available, of the statistical probability of the alleged father's paternity;

(d) Medical or anthropological evidence relating to the alleged father's paternity of the child based on tests performed by experts. If a man has been identified as a possible father of the child, the court may, and upon request of a party shall, require the child, the mother, and the man to submit to appropriate tests; and

(e) All other evidence relevant to the issue of paternity of the child.

(2) In any action brought pursuant to article 13 or 13.5 of title 26, C.R.S., the parties shall be required to use the laboratory designated by the delegate child support enforcement unit for genetic tests or other tests of inherited characteristics. Any subsequent test or other tests shall be determined by the court as provided in section 13-25-126, C.R.S.
C.R.S. § 19-4-117 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4 / Section 19-4-117
19-4-117. Costs
Status: in_force

19-4-117. Costs. The court shall order reasonable fees of counsel, experts, and the child's guardian ad litem and other costs of the action and pretrial proceedings, including genetic tests, to be paid by the parties in proportions and at times determined by the court. In any action brought pursuant to article 13 or 13.5 of title 26, C.R.S., the final costs of any genetic tests or other tests of inherited characteristics shall be assessed against the nonprevailing party on the parentage issue.
C.R.S. § 19-3.3-101 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3.3 / Section 19-3.3-101
19-3.3-101. Legislative declaration
Status: in_force

19-3.3-101. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that:

(a) Child abuse and neglect is a serious and reprehensible problem in society;

(b) The protection of children from abuse and neglect by applying prevention measures and observing best practices in treating children who are abused and neglected must be one of Colorado's highest public policy priorities;

(c) The child protection system must protect and serve Colorado's children in a manner that keeps them safe and healthy and promotes their well-being;

(d) The children and families served by the child protection system, as well as the public, must have a high level of confidence that the system will act in a child's best interests and will respond to the child's needs in a timely and professional manner;

(e) To engender this high level of confidence in the child protection system, it is important that children and families who become involved in the system, mandatory reporters, and the general public have a well-publicized, easily accessible, and transparent grievance process for voicing concerns regarding the child protection system along with the expectation that those concerns, once voiced, will be heard and addressed in a timely and appropriate manner; and

(f) To improve child protection outcomes and to foster best practices, there must be effective accountability mechanisms, including the review and evaluation of concerns voiced by children and families, mandatory reporters, persons involved in the child protection system, and members of the general public, that provide policymakers with the information necessary to formulate systemic changes, where appropriate.

(2) The general assembly further finds and declares that the establishment of the office of the child protection ombudsman will:

(a) Improve accountability and transparency in the child protection system and promote better outcomes for children and families involved in the child protection system; and

(b) Allow families, concerned citizens, mandatory reporters, employees of the state department and county departments, and other professionals who work with children and families to voice their concerns, without fear of reprisal, about the response by the child protection system to children experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, child maltreatment.
C.R.S. § 19-4.5-111 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4.5 / Section 19-4.5-111
19-4.5-111. Court order of parentage under surrogacy agreement
Status: in_force

19-4.5-111. Court order of parentage under surrogacy agreement. (1) Except as otherwise provided in section 19-4.5-110 (2) or 19-4.5-112, before, on, or after the birth of a child conceived by assisted reproduction pursuant to a surrogacy agreement, a party to the agreement may commence a proceeding in a juvenile court in this state by filing a petition for determination of parent-child relationship with admissions of parentage, as applicable by the intended parents, and admissions of nonparentage by the gestational surrogate or genetic surrogate and their spouse, if any, as applicable and for an order or judgment:

(a) Declaring that each intended parent is a parent of the child and ordering that parental rights and duties vest immediately on the birth of the child exclusively in each intended parent;

(b) Declaring that the gestational surrogate or genetic surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or former spouse, if any, are not the parents of the child;

(c) Designating the content of the birth record in accordance with article 2 of title 25 and directing the Colorado department of public health and environment or state registrar to designate each intended parent as a parent of the child;

(d) To protect the privacy of the child and the parties, declaring that the court record is not open to inspection;

(e) If necessary, that the child be surrendered to the intended parent or parents; and

(f) For other relief the court determines necessary and proper.

(2) The court may issue an order or judgment under subsection (1) of this section before the birth of the child. The court shall stay enforcement of the order or judgment until the birth of the child.

(3) Neither this state nor the Colorado department of public health and environment is a necessary party to a proceeding under subsection (1) of this section.

(4) The petition described in subsection (1) of this section must set forth the facts of the surrogacy arrangement.

(5) If a court order of parentage is issued in another state, the order must be registered with a Colorado court of competent jurisdiction before being valid in this state.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1005 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 10 / Section 19-2.5-1005
19-2.5-1005. Alternative procedures
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1005. Alternative procedures. Nothing contained in this part 10 impairs the authority of courts to adopt different or alternative procedures for the establishment and operation of teen court programs within their respective jurisdictions.
C.R.S. § 19-3-704 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 7 / Section 19-3-704
19-3-704. Youth with disabilities - incapacitated persons
Status: in_force

19-3-704. Youth with disabilities - incapacitated persons. (1) A party may request the court to determine whether a youth is an incapacitated person, as defined in section 15-14-102. The motion must be filed with the court prior to the youth's eighteenth birthday.

(2) If there has been a determination, or if a determination is pending, that a youth is an incapacitated person, as defined in section 15-14-102, then jurisdiction continues as provided in section 19-3-205.
C.R.S. § 19-1-102 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-102
19-1-102. Legislative declaration
Status: in_force

19-1-102. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly declares that the purposes of this title are:

(a) To secure for each child subject to these provisions such care and guidance, preferably in his own home, as will best serve his welfare and the interests of society;

(b) To preserve and strengthen family ties whenever possible, including improvement of home environment;

(c) To remove a child from the custody of his parents only when his welfare and safety or the protection of the public would otherwise be endangered and, in either instance, for the courts to proceed with all possible speed to a legal determination that will serve the best interests of the child; and

(d) To secure for any child removed from the custody of his parents the necessary care, guidance, and discipline to assist him in becoming a responsible and productive member of society.

(1.5) (a) The general assembly declares that it is in the best interests of the child who has been removed from his own home to have the following guarantees:

(I) To be placed in a secure and stable environment;

(II) To not be indiscriminately moved from foster home to foster home; and

(III) To have assurance of long-term permanency planning.

(b) (Deleted by amendment, L. 92, p. 220, § 1, effective July 1, 1992.)

(1.6) The general assembly recognizes the numerous studies establishing that children undergo a critical bonding and attachment process prior to the time they reach six years of age. Such studies further disclose that a child who has not bonded with a primary adult during this critical stage will suffer significant emotional damage which frequently leads to chronic psychological problems and antisocial behavior when the child reaches adolescence and adulthood. Accordingly, the general assembly finds and declares that it is appropriate to provide for an expedited placement procedure to ensure that children under the age of six years who have been removed from their homes are placed in permanent homes as expeditiously as possible.

(1.7) The general assembly further declares that it is the intent of the general assembly to have the media and the courts refrain from causing undue hardship, discomfort, and distress to any juvenile victims of sexual assault, child abuse, incest, or any offenses listed in wrongs to children pursuant to part 4 of article 6 of title 18, C.R.S., by not disseminating or publishing the names of such victims.

(1.9) The federal "Family First Prevention Services Act" was enacted on February 9, 2018. In order to comply with the provisions of the federal "Family First Prevention Services Act", the general assembly finds that it is necessary to update current statutes to enable Colorado to provide enhanced support to children, juveniles, or youth, and their families in order to prevent foster care placements. The state department of human services shall implement the updated provisions in this title 19 utilizing prevention services and qualified residential treatment programs when the federal government approves Colorado's five-year Title IV-E prevention plan, and subject to available general fund appropriations or federal funding.

(2) To carry out these purposes, the provisions of this title shall be liberally construed to serve the welfare of children and the best interests of society.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1109 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 11 / Section 19-2.5-1109
19-2.5-1109. Juvenile probation standards - development
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1109. Juvenile probation standards - development. (1) Before July 1, 2021, the state court administrator, in consultation with judges, the judicial branch, district attorneys, defense counsel, the delivery of child welfare services task force created in section 26-5-105.8, and other interested parties shall establish statewide standards for juvenile probation supervision and services that are aligned with research-based practices and based on the juvenile's risk of reoffending, as determined by a validated risk and needs assessment tool adopted pursuant to section 24-33.5-2402, as it existed prior to its repeal in 2022. The state court administrator shall at least annually provide training to juvenile probation on the adoption and implementation of these standards. Juvenile standards must include, but need not be limited to:

(a) Guidelines to support juvenile probation in adopting the most effective staffing and workloads in order to allocate probation resources most appropriately;

(b) Standards for minimum case contacts, including contacts with juveniles as well as their family members;

(c) (I) Common elements for written individualized case plans for each juvenile placed under the supervision of a probation officer. In developing such a case plan, juvenile probation shall use, but need not be limited to:

(A) The results of a validated risk and needs assessment;

(B) The results of a validated mental health screening, and full assessment if conducted;

(C) The trauma, if any, experienced by the juvenile;

(D) The juvenile's education level and any intellectual and developmental disability;

(E) The seriousness of the offense committed by the juvenile; and

(F) Any relevant information provided by the juvenile's family, including the juvenile's pro-social interests.

(II) A case plan developed pursuant to this section must:

(A) Address the risks the juvenile presents and the juvenile's service needs based on the results of the validated risk and needs assessment, including specific treatment goals;

(B) Specify the level of supervision and intensity of services that the juvenile must receive;

(C) Provide referrals to treatment providers that may address the juvenile's risks and needs;

(D) Be developed in consultation with the juvenile and the juvenile's family or guardian;

(E) Specify the responsibilities of each person or agency involved with the juvenile; and

(F) Provide for the full reentry of the juvenile into the community.

(d) (I) Criteria and policies for the early termination of the juvenile's supervised probation.

(II) Juvenile probation and the juvenile court shall consider the following factors, among others, in determining the early termination of supervision:

(A) The seriousness of the offense committed by the juvenile resulting in placement under the supervision of a probation officer;

(B) The results of a validated risk and needs assessment, which must be conducted at least every six months to determine whether the juvenile's risk of reoffending or risk scores in key domains have been reduced;

(C) The juvenile's progress in meeting the goals of the juvenile's individualized case plan; and

(D) The juvenile's offense history, if any, during the juvenile's probation term.

(e) Common criteria for when juvenile probation officers may recommend the use of out-of-home placements and commitment to the division of youth services. The court shall consider the results of a validated risk and needs assessment, a validated mental health screening, and, if applicable, a full mental health assessment to make decisions concerning the juvenile's placement.
C.R.S. § 19-1-201 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 2 / Section 19-1-201
19-1-201. Legislative intent
Status: in_force

19-1-201. Legislative intent. (1) (a) The general assembly hereby finds and declares that quality representation for children requires legal expertise and thorough case monitoring.

(b) The work of community volunteers has been proven to be effective in addressing the needs of children. Partnerships between guardians ad litem and community volunteers can enhance the quality of representation for children.

(c) The general assembly further finds and declares that the state should promote volunteerism and the exercise of responsible citizenship to enable members of local communities to become advocates for children.

(2) Therefore, the general assembly hereby authorizes the creation of volunteer court-appointed special advocate (CASA) programs in order to enhance the quality of representation of children.
C.R.S. § 19-5-207.3 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 2 / Section 19-5-207.3
19-5-207.3. Placement of sibling groups
Status: in_force

19-5-207.3. Placement of sibling groups. (1) When a child is placed for adoption by the county department, if the child is part of a sibling group, as defined in section 19-1-103, the county department shall include in the adoption report prepared for the court the names and current physical custody and location of any siblings of the child who are also available for adoption; except that the names of children, parents, caretakers, and adoptive parents and any means of identifying such persons must not be made available to any party to the adoption proceeding except upon order of the court or as otherwise permitted by law.

(2) If the child is part of a sibling group, the county department shall make thorough efforts to locate a joint placement for all of the children in the sibling group who are available for adoption. If the county department locates an appropriate, capable, willing, and available joint placement for all of the children in the sibling group, it shall be presumed that placement of the entire sibling group in the joint placement is in the best interests of the children. Such presumption may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence that placement of the entire sibling group in the joint placement is not in the best interests of a child or of the children.

(3) If the child is part of a sibling group, as defined in section 19-1-103, and is being placed for adoption by a child placement agency in either a circumstance involving siblings who are the result of a multiple birth or a circumstance in which a parent has relinquished parental rights to the children to a child placement agency, the child placement agency shall make thorough efforts to locate a joint placement for all of the children in the sibling group who are available for adoption. If the child placement agency locates an appropriate, capable, willing, and available joint placement for all of the children in the sibling group, it is presumed that placement of the entire sibling group in the joint placement is in the best interests of the children. Such presumption may be rebutted by a preponderance of the evidence that placement of the entire sibling group in the joint placement is not in the best interests of a child or of the children. If an entire sibling group is not placed together in an adoptive placement, the child placement agency shall place as many siblings of the group together as possible, considering their relationship and the best interests of each child.

(4) Consideration of the placement of children together as a sibling group shall not delay the efforts for expedited permanency planning or permanency planning in order to achieve permanency for each child in the sibling group.
C.R.S. § 19-3-702.5 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 7 / Section 19-3-702.5
19-3-702.5. Periodic reviews
Status: in_force

19-3-702.5. Periodic reviews. (1) The court shall conduct a periodic review at least every six months and, at the periodic review, shall determine the following:

(a) Whether the child's or youth's safety is protected in the placement;

(b) Whether reasonable efforts have been made to find safe and permanent placement for the child or youth;

(c) The continuing necessity for and the appropriateness of the child's or youth's placement;

(d) The extent of compliance with the individual case plan pursuant to section 19-3-209, and the extent of progress that has been made toward alleviating or mitigating the causes necessitating placement out of the home;

(e) A likely time frame in which the child or youth will be returned to a parent or legal guardian or be in a safe and permanent home; and

(f) If the child or youth is not likely to be returned to a parent or legal guardian within six months, a finding about whether the child or youth is in a potential permanent placement and if not, a likely time frame when he or she will be in a safe and permanent home.
C.R.S. § 19-5-102 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 1 / Section 19-5-102
19-5-102. Venue
Status: in_force

19-5-102. Venue. (1) A petition for relinquishment of the parent-child relationship shall be filed in the county where the child resides or in the county where the petitioner resides. If a child placement agency is involved, the petition may be filed in the county where the child placement agency is located.

(2) A petition for termination of the parent-child legal relationship pursuant to section 19-5-105.5 or section 19-5-105.7 must be filed in the county where the child resides or in the county where the petitioner resides.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1118 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 11 / Section 19-2.5-1118
19-2.5-1118. Sentencing - persons eighteen years of age or older - county jail - community co
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1118. Sentencing - persons eighteen years of age or older - county jail - community corrections - definitions. (1) Except as otherwise required by section 19-2.5-1127 for an aggravated juvenile offender, the court may commit a person eighteen years of age or older but less than twenty-one years of age to the department of human services if the person is adjudicated a juvenile delinquent for an act committed prior to the person's eighteenth birthday or upon revocation of probation.

(2) Except as otherwise required by section 19-2.5-1127 for an aggravated juvenile offender, the court may sentence a person who is eighteen years of age or older on the date of a sentencing hearing to the county jail for a period not to exceed six months or to a community correctional facility or program for a period not to exceed one year, which may be served consecutively or in intervals, if the person is adjudicated a juvenile delinquent for an act committed prior to the person's eighteenth birthday.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-107 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 1 / Section 19-2.5-107
19-2.5-107. Parental accountability - legislative intent
Status: in_force

19-2.5-107. Parental accountability - legislative intent. (1) (a) The parent, guardian, or legal custodian of any juvenile subject to proceedings pursuant to this article 2.5 is required to attend all proceedings that may be brought pursuant to this article 2.5 concerning the juvenile. The court may impose contempt sanctions against the parent, guardian, or legal custodian for failure, without good cause, to attend any proceeding concerning the juvenile; except that, if the juvenile's legal custodian is a county department of human or social services or the state department of human services, the legal custodian need not attend any proceeding at which the juvenile's guardian ad litem is present.

(b) For any juvenile adjudicated pursuant to this article 2.5, the court may specify its expectations for the juvenile's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, so long as the parent, guardian, or legal custodian is a party to the delinquency proceedings.

(2) (a) The general assembly determines that families play a significant role in the cause and cure of delinquent behavior of children. It is therefore the intent of the general assembly that parents cooperate and participate significantly in the assessment and treatment planning for their children.

(b) Any treatment plan developed pursuant to this article 2.5 may include requirements to be imposed on the juvenile's parent, so long as the parent is a party to the delinquency proceedings. These requirements may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(I) Maximum parent involvement in the sentencing orders;

(II) Participation by the parent in parental responsibility training;

(III) Cooperation by the parent in treatment plans for the juvenile;

(IV) Performance of public service by the parent;

(V) Cost of care reimbursement by the parent;

(VI) Supervision of the juvenile; and

(VII) Any other provisions the court deems to be in the best interests of the juvenile, the parent's other children, or the community.

(c) Any parent who is a party to the delinquency proceedings and who fails to comply with any requirements imposed on the parent in a treatment plan may be subject to contempt sanctions.

(d) The court has discretion to exempt the parent from participation in the juvenile's treatment.
C.R.S. § 19-4.5-104 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4.5 / Section 19-4.5-104
19-4.5-104. Eligibility requirements
Status: in_force

19-4.5-104. Eligibility requirements. (1) To execute an agreement to act as a gestational surrogate or genetic surrogate, an individual must:

(a) Be at least twenty-one years of age;

(b) Previously have given birth to at least one child;

(c) Complete a medical evaluation related to the surrogacy arrangement by a licensed medical doctor;

(d) Complete a mental health consultation by a licensed mental health professional; and

(e) Have independent legal representation of their choice by an attorney licensed in this state throughout the surrogacy arrangement regarding the terms of the surrogacy agreement and the potential legal consequences of the agreement.

(2) To execute a surrogacy agreement, each intended parent, whether or not genetically related to the child, must:

(a) Be at least twenty-one years of age;

(b) Complete a medical evaluation related to the surrogacy arrangement by a licensed medical doctor; and

(c) Have independent legal representation of the intended parent's or parents' choice by an attorney licensed in this state throughout the surrogacy arrangement regarding the terms of the surrogacy agreement and the potential legal consequences of the agreement.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1514 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 15 / Section 19-2.5-1514
19-2.5-1514. Juvenile detention bed cap
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1514. Juvenile detention bed cap. For the fiscal year 2021-22 and each fiscal year thereafter, the number of available juvenile detention beds statewide is limited to two hundred fifteen.
C.R.S. § 19-3-304.3 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 3 / Section 19-3-304.3
19-3-304.3. Domestic abuse task force - creation - best practices and training for recogniti
Status: in_force

19-3-304.3. Domestic abuse task force - creation - best practices and training for recognition of domestic abuse as child abuse or neglect - policies and procedures - rules. (1) (a) The state department shall create a domestic abuse task force, referred to in this section as the "task force". The task force must be formed for no more than two years. The task force shall review recommendations from the state department's domestic violence program and child welfare workgroup to develop a statutory definition for this title 19 that defines domestic abuse and recognizes the impact domestic abuse may have on the emotional and developmental well-being of a child.

(b) The membership of the task force must represent the broad cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the state, including persons with lived experiences or professional expertise. The task force may include members from the state department's domestic violence program and child welfare workgroup.

(c) The state department shall report to the health and human services committee of the senate and the public and behavioral health and human services committee of the house of representatives, or any successor committees, with the recommended definition pursuant to subsection (1)(a) of this section no later than December 2022.

(2) On or before July 1, 2023, the state department shall promulgate rules based on recommendations from the domestic violence program and child welfare workgroup regarding the best practices and training for recognition of child abuse or neglect related to domestic abuse, including, but not limited to:

(a) Creating, implementing, and updating assessment policies and procedures for child welfare caseworkers to recognize, respond, and assess child abuse or neglect related to domestic abuse while appropriately considering the role of the non-abusive caregiver and cultural considerations;

(b) Creating, implementing, and updating training materials for mandatory reporters to recognize and report child abuse or neglect related to domestic abuse;

(c) Establishing training standards to implement updated assessment policies and procedures for child welfare caseworkers to recognize and respond to child abuse or neglect related to domestic abuse while appropriately considering the role of the non-abusive caregiver and cultural considerations; and

(d) Establishing training standards to implement updated assessment policies and procedures for child welfare caseworkers to recognize and respond to child abuse or neglect related to domestic abuse while appropriately considering the role of the abusive parent and cultural considerations.
C.R.S. § 19-5-201 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 2 / Section 19-5-201
19-5-201. Who may be adopted
Status: in_force

19-5-201. Who may be adopted. Any child legally available for adoption as provided in section 19-5-203, under eighteen years of age, and either present in the state at the time the petition for adoption is filed or under the jurisdiction of a court in Colorado for at least six months may be adopted. Upon approval of the court, a person eighteen years of age or older and under twenty-one years of age may be adopted as a child, and all provisions of this part 2 referring to the adoption of a child shall apply to such a person.
C.R.S. § 19-1-127 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-127
19-1-127. Responsibility for placement and care
Status: in_force

19-1-127. Responsibility for placement and care. (1) "Responsibility for placement and care", for purposes of compliance with federal requirements pursuant to the federal "Social Security Act", 42 U.S.C. sec. 672 (a)(2), means the specified entity is considered to have the responsibility for placement and care of a child if:

(a) A county department of human or social services has entered into a voluntary placement agreement with the parent or guardian of the child;

(b) A court, as a result of a petition for review of need of placement, has determined that a county department of human or social services shall have continuing placement and care responsibility of the child who entered care pursuant to a voluntary placement;

(c) A court has awarded legal custody of the child to a county department of human or social services, or has committed the child to the custody of the state department of human services; or

(d) An agency, such as a tribal agency, with which the state department of human services has a contract pursuant to the federal "Social Security Act", has placement and care responsibility of the child pursuant to a voluntary placement agreement or a court order awarding custody of the child to the agency.
C.R.S. § 19-4.5-106 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4.5 / Section 19-4.5-106
19-4.5-106. Required contents of surrogacy agreement
Status: in_force

19-4.5-106. Required contents of surrogacy agreement. (1) A surrogacy agreement must comply with the following requirements:

(a) A gestational surrogate or genetic surrogate agrees to attempt to become pregnant by means of assisted reproduction;

(b) Except as otherwise provided in section 19-4.5-111, the gestational surrogate or genetic surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or former spouse, if any, have no claim to parentage of a child conceived by assisted reproduction under the agreement;

(c) The gestational surrogate or genetic surrogate's spouse, if any, must acknowledge and agree to comply with the obligations imposed on the surrogate by the agreement;

(d) Except as otherwise provided in section 19-4.5-111, the intended parent, or, if there are two intended parents, each one jointly and severally, immediately on birth will be the exclusive parent or parents of the child, regardless of number of children born or gender or mental or physical condition of each child;

(e) Except as otherwise provided in section 19-4.5-111, the intended parent, or, if there are two intended parents, each parent jointly and severally, immediately on birth will assume responsibility for the financial support of the child, regardless of the number of children born or gender or mental or physical condition of each child;

(f) The agreement must include information disclosing how each intended parent will cover the agreed-upon expenses of the gestational surrogate or genetic surrogate, the assisted reproduction expenses, and the medical expenses for the surrogate and the child;

(g) The agreement must permit the gestational surrogate or genetic surrogate to make all health and welfare decisions regarding themselves and the pregnancy;

(h) The agreement must include information about each party's right under this article 4.5 to terminate the surrogacy agreement.

(2) A surrogacy agreement may provide for:

(a) Payment of compensation, support, and reasonable expenses; and

(b) Reimbursement of specific agreed-upon expenses if the agreement is terminated under this article 4.5.

(3) A right created under a surrogacy agreement is not assignable and there is no third-party beneficiary of the agreement other than the child.

(4) In the event that any of the requirements of this section are not met, a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine parentage based on the parties' intent.
C.R.S. § 19-4-115 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4 / Section 19-4-115
19-4-115. Civil action
Status: in_force

19-4-115. Civil action. An action under this article is a civil action governed by the Colorado rules of civil procedure. The mother of the child and the alleged father are competent to testify and may be compelled to testify. Sections 19-4-111 (2) and (3), 19-4-112, and 19-4-113 apply.
C.R.S. § 19-3-201.5 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 2 / Section 19-3-201.5
19-3-201.5. Change of venue - county department and county attorney responsibilities - rules
Status: in_force

19-3-201.5. Change of venue - county department and county attorney responsibilities - rules. (1) Each county department shall designate a change of venue coordinator to facilitate the transfer of jurisdiction of a case between county departments.

(2) Within fifteen days after a court signs an order pursuant to section 19-3-201 granting a change of venue and transferring jurisdiction, the transferring county department shall:

(a) Provide written case information to the designated change of venue coordinator in the receiving county, which information shall include, but need not be limited to, permanency goals, target dates relating to the case, evaluations, a current family services plan, court reports, dates of placement moves, the progress of the child in placement, all Title IV-E eligibility determinations pursuant to the federal "Social Security Act", as amended, and recommendations for continuing progress in the case;

(b) Update all documentation in the case file, including the record in the state automated system;

(c) Provide information concerning, to the extent known, the physical location of the child's parents, guardians, legal custodians, and relatives; and

(d) (I) Schedule a family engagement meeting involving all parties, county department caseworkers and supervisors, and community providers; or

(II) Conduct a case staffing between county caseworkers and supervisors in the transferring and receiving county departments; or

(III) Submit a written case transfer summary.

(3) Within fifteen days after a court signs an order pursuant to section 19-3-201 granting a change of venue and transferring jurisdiction, the transferring county attorney's office shall forward a complete copy of the case file, excluding any confidential attorney-client communications, to the county attorney's office in the receiving county.

(4) The state department shall promulgate, in accordance with the "State Administrative Procedure Act", article 4 of title 24, C.R.S., any rules necessary for the effective transfer of case responsibilities between county departments resulting from a change of venue pursuant to section 19-3-201.
C.R.S. § 19-6-101 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 6 / Section 19-6-101
19-6-101. Initiation of proceedings - support - repayment of birth-related debt
Status: repealed

19-6-101. Initiation of proceedings - support - repayment of birth-related debt. (1) (a) Proceedings to compel parents, or other legally responsible persons, to support a child or children may be commenced by any person filing a verified petition in the court of the county where the child resides or is physically present, or in the county where the obligor parent resides, or in any county where public assistance is or was being paid on behalf of the child.

(b) Repealed.

(2) A petition under this article may be filed at any time prior to the twenty-first birthday of the child.

(3) Once the court has acquired jurisdiction, such jurisdiction shall be retained regardless of the child's place of residence or physical presence.

(4) The minority of the petitioner or of the respondent shall in no way affect the validity of the proceedings.

(5) Actions brought under this article shall be entitled, "The People of the State of Colorado in the Interest of .........., children, upon the Petition of .........., petitioner, and concerning .........., respondent."

(6) A petition filed pursuant to this article shall contain the following advisements:

(a) That a request for genetic tests shall not prejudice the requesting party in matters concerning allocation of parental responsibilities pursuant to section 14-10-124 (1.5), C.R.S.; and

(b) That, if genetic tests are not obtained prior to a legal establishment of paternity and submitted into evidence prior to the entry of the final order establishing paternity, the genetic tests may not be allowed into evidence at a later date.
C.R.S. § 19-3-308.3 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 3 / Section 19-3-308.3
19-3-308.3. Differential response program for child abuse or neglect cases of low or moderat
Status: in_force

19-3-308.3. Differential response program for child abuse or neglect cases of low or moderate risk - rules - evaluation. (1) (a) There is created the differential response program, referred to in this section as the "program". The program will allow county departments of human or social services that choose to participate to address known or suspected incidents of intrafamilial abuse or neglect that have been assessed as low or moderate risk, pursuant to rule of the state board. The executive director of the state department shall approve any county department of human or social services that chooses to participate in the program, referred to in this section as a "participating county department".

(b) The state department is authorized to solicit, accept, and expend gifts, grants, and donations for the implementation and administration of the program.

(2) Participation in the program by families who are referred to the program is voluntary.

(3) For each family referred to the program, neither the state department nor a county department of human or social services is required to make a finding concerning the alleged intrafamilial abuse or neglect in the family.

(4) The state department and the participating county departments shall administer the program in accordance with rules promulgated by the state board pursuant to subsection (6) of this section.

(5) To the extent permitted by law and by any rules promulgated by the state board pursuant to subsection (6) of this section, the participating county departments, in administering the program, shall cooperate with local community service organizations in addressing known or suspected incidents of intrafamilial abuse or neglect.

(6) The state board shall promulgate rules to define and implement differential response and for the administration of the program.

(7) to (9) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2015.)
C.R.S. § 19-5-306 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 3 / Section 19-5-306
19-5-306. Public information campaign
Status: in_force

19-5-306. Public information campaign. The executive directors of the department of human services and the department of public health and environment, or such executive directors' designees, shall work together to design and implement efforts within existing appropriations to assist in informing the public about the existence and availability of the confidential intermediary process established in this part 3 and the voluntary adoption registry established pursuant to section 25-2-113.5, C.R.S., to inform the public about the change in the availability of adoption records, including birth certificates, and other records related to the adoption process as set forth in section 19-5-305, and to inform birth parents about the opportunity to complete contact preference forms and submit updated medical history statements as set forth in section 19-5-305. Such efforts shall be implemented within existing appropriations on and after July 1, 2005, by disseminating information to the public through child placement agencies and through the use of public service announcements and such other additional means of communication as the executive directors or their designees determine appropriate. The public information campaign shall also provide referral information on community resources that may be available to the adoption triad to assist them in dealing with issues that arise in searches and reunifications with relatives or in deciding not to seek contact or information about relatives. Such resources shall include a variety of sources, including child placement agencies, social workers, therapists and faith-based counselors, and organizations designed to provide support to members of the adoption triad.
C.R.S. § 19-3.3-108 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3.3 / Section 19-3.3-108
19-3.3-108. Office of the child protection ombudsman - annual report
Status: in_force

19-3.3-108. Office of the child protection ombudsman - annual report. (1) On or before September 1 of each year, commencing with the September 1 following the first fiscal year in which the office was established, the ombudsman shall prepare a written report that must include, but need not be limited to, information from the preceding fiscal year and any recommendations concerning the following:

(a) Actions taken by the ombudsman relating to the duties of the office set forth in section 19-3.3-103;

(b) Statutory, regulatory, budgetary, or administrative changes relating to child protection, including systemic changes, to improve the safety of and promote better outcomes for children and families receiving child welfare services in Colorado;

(c) Results of the ombudsman's self-initiated investigation and ongoing review of the safety and well-being of an unaccompanied immigrant child who is housed in a state-licensed residential child care facility, as described in section 19-3.3-103.

(2) Notwithstanding section 24-1-136 (11)(a)(I), the ombudsman shall distribute the written report to the governor, the chief justice, the board, and the general assembly. The ombudsman shall present the report to the health and human services committees of the house of representatives and of the senate, or any successor committees.

(3) The ombudsman shall post the annual report on the office of the child protection ombudsman's website and the general assembly's website.

(4) The ombudsman shall present or communicate quarterly updates to the board on the activities of the office.
C.R.S. § 19-6-102 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 6 / Section 19-6-102
19-6-102. Venue
Status: in_force

19-6-102. Venue. A petition filed under this section shall be brought in the county in which the child resides or is physically present, or in any county where the obligor parent resides, or in any county where public assistance is or was being paid on behalf of the child.
C.R.S. § 19-1-105 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-105
19-1-105. Right to counsel and jury trial
Status: in_force

19-1-105. Right to counsel and jury trial. (1) All hearings, including adjudicatory hearings, shall be heard by a judge or magistrate without a jury, except as otherwise provided by this title.

(2) The right to counsel is provided in this title 19. Nothing in this title 19 prevents the court from appointing counsel in addition to a guardian ad litem for a child if it deems representation by counsel necessary to protect the interests of the child.

(3) In proceedings pursuant to the "School Attendance Law of 1963", article 33 of title 22, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the child, unless the child is already represented by counsel. If the court finds that it is in the best interest and welfare of the child, the court may appoint both counsel and a guardian ad litem. The court shall make information regarding the truancy process available to the child's parent or guardian ad litem.
C.R.S. § 19-4.5-109 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4.5 / Section 19-4.5-109
19-4.5-109. Establishment of parent-child relationship under surrogacy agreement
Status: in_force

19-4.5-109. Establishment of parent-child relationship under surrogacy agreement. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section or section 19-4.5-110 (2) or 19-4.5-112, on birth of a child conceived by assisted reproduction under a surrogacy agreement, each intended parent is, by operation of law, a parent of the child.

(2) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section or section 19-4.5-112, neither a gestational surrogate or genetic surrogate nor the surrogate's spouse or former spouse, if any, is a parent of the child.

(3) If a child is alleged to be a genetic child of the individual who agreed to be a gestational surrogate, the court shall order genetic testing of the child. If the child is a genetic child of the individual who agreed to be a gestational surrogate, parentage must be determined based on article 4 of this title 19.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (3) of this section or section 19-4.5-110 (2) or 19-4.5-112, if, due to a clinical or laboratory error, a child conceived by assisted reproduction under a surrogacy agreement is not genetically related to an intended parent or a donor who donated to the intended parent or parents, each intended parent, and not the gestational surrogate or genetic surrogate and the surrogate's spouse or former spouse, if any, is a parent of the child, subject to any other claim of parentage.

(5) A donor is not a parent of a child conceived by assisted reproduction.
C.R.S. § 19-4-126 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4 / Section 19-4-126
19-4-126. Uniformity of application and construction
Status: in_force

19-4-126. Uniformity of application and construction. This article shall be applied and construed to effectuate its general purpose to make uniform the law with respect to the subject of this article among states enacting it.
C.R.S. § 19-4-124 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4 / Section 19-4-124
19-4-124. Birth records
Status: in_force

19-4-124. Birth records. (1) Upon order of a court of this state or upon an order issued and filed pursuant to article 13.5 of title 26, C.R.S., or upon request of a court of another state, the state registrar of vital statistics shall prepare a new certificate of birth consistent with the findings of the court and shall substitute the new certificate for the original certificate of birth.

(2) The fact that the father and child relationship was declared after the child's birth shall not be ascertainable from the new certificate, but the actual place and date of birth shall be shown.

(3) The evidence upon which the new certificate was made and the original birth certificate shall be kept in a sealed and confidential file and be subject to inspection only upon consent of the court and all interested persons or, in exceptional cases only, upon an order of the court for good cause shown.
C.R.S. § 19-1-111 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-111
19-1-111. Appointment of guardian ad litem
Status: in_force

19-1-111. Appointment of guardian ad litem. (1) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for every child under twelve years of age in all dependency and neglect cases pursuant to this title 19.

(2) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem in the following cases:

(a) For a child in a delinquency proceeding where:

(I) No parent, guardian, legal custodian, custodian, person to whom parental responsibilities have been allocated, relative, stepparent, or spousal equivalent appears at the first or any subsequent hearing in the case;

(II) The court finds that a conflict of interest exists between the child and parent, guardian, legal custodian, custodian, person to whom parental responsibilities have been allocated, relative, stepparent, or spousal equivalent; or

(III) The court makes specific findings that the appointment of a guardian ad litem is necessary to serve the best interests of the child and such specific findings are included in the court's order of appointment.

(b) For a child in proceedings under the "School Attendance Law of 1963", article 33 of title 22, C.R.S., when the court finds that the appointment is necessary due to exceptional and extraordinary circumstances;

(c) For a parent, guardian, legal custodian, custodian, person to whom parental responsibilities have been allocated, stepparent, or spousal equivalent in dependency or neglect proceedings who has been determined to have a behavioral or mental health disorder or an intellectual and developmental disability by a court of competent jurisdiction; except that, if a conservator has been appointed, the conservator shall serve as the guardian ad litem. If the conservator does not serve as guardian ad litem, the conservator shall be informed that a guardian ad litem has been appointed.

(d) For an underage party seeking a marriage license, as provided in section 14-2-108 (2).

(e) For a youth who is twelve years of age or older in a dependency and neglect case when the court determines a guardian ad litem is necessary due to the youth's diminished capacity. The court shall not consider age or developmental maturity as the sole basis for a determination of diminished capacity. The court shall not deem a guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to this subsection (2)(e) to be a substitute for a counsel for youth appointed pursuant to this section.

(2.5) A court shall not deem a guardian ad litem who is appointed by the court for a juvenile in a delinquency proceeding pursuant to subsection (2) of this section to be a substitute for defense counsel for the juvenile.

(3) The guardian ad litem for the child shall have the right to participate in all proceedings as a party, except in delinquency cases.

(4) (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection (4), the appointment of a guardian ad litem pursuant to this section shall continue until such time as the court's jurisdiction is terminated.

(b) The appointment of the guardian ad litem terminates in a delinquency proceeding:

(I) At the time sentence is imposed, unless the court continues the appointment because the child is sentenced to residential or community out-of-home placement as a condition of probation; or

(II) When the child reaches eighteen years of age, unless the court continues the appointment because the court determines the appointment is necessary because of the youth's diminished capacity.

(c) The court may terminate the appointment of a guardian ad litem in a delinquency proceeding on its own motion or on the motion of the guardian ad litem when the appointment is no longer necessary due to any of the following reasons:

(I) The child's parent, guardian, legal custodian, custodian, person to whom parental responsibilities have been allocated, relative, stepparent, or spousal equivalent appears at a hearing in the case;

(II) The conflict of interest described in subparagraph (II) of paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of this section no longer exists; or

(III) The appointment no longer serves the best interests of the child.

(5) The guardian ad litem shall cooperate with any CASA volunteer appointed pursuant to section 19-1-206.

(6) Any person appointed to serve as a guardian ad litem pursuant to this section shall comply with any chief justice directive concerning the court appointment of guardians ad litem and other representatives and of counsel for youth and indigent persons in titles 14, 15, 22, and 27 and this title 19, and any subsequent chief justice directive or other practice standards established by rule or directive of the chief justice pursuant to section 13-91-105 concerning the duties or responsibilities of guardians ad litem in legal matters affecting children.
C.R.S. § 19-3-317 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 3 / Section 19-3-317
19-3-317. Screening tool - human trafficking
Status: in_force

19-3-317. Screening tool - human trafficking. On and after January 1, 2017, pursuant to the federal "Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act", Pub.L. 113-183, the department and each county department, as defined in section 19-1-103, shall implement a uniform screening tool that includes questions that are intended to identify children who are victims of human trafficking of a minor for sexual servitude, as described in section 18-3-504, or commercial sexual exploitation of a child, or who are at risk of being such victims.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1412 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 14 / Section 19-2.5-1412
19-2.5-1412. Youth corrections monetary incentives award program - designated monetary custod
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1412. Youth corrections monetary incentives award program - designated monetary custodian. (1) The division of youth services in the department of human services is authorized to establish, at its discretion, a youth corrections monetary incentives award program, referred to in this section as the "program". The purpose of the program is to provide monetary awards and incentives for academic, social, and psychological achievement to juveniles who were formerly committed to the division of youth services who are on parole, in community corrections, or now off of parole.

(2) If the division of youth services establishes a program, it shall devise, in collaboration with the nonprofit organization designated pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, appropriate participation criteria, application procedures, any necessary organizational structure, and criteria for awarding individual scholarships. Criteria may, but are not required to, include that the juvenile:

(a) Maintains the highest grades possible each academic term;

(b) Makes consistent progress in the juvenile's therapy or other assigned program, if applicable, during each academic term, as determined by the team of professionals who worked with the juvenile while committed to the division of youth services; and

(c) Uses the money earned only for expenses approved as necessary and valid by the division of youth services and the nonprofit organization designated pursuant to subsection (3) of this section.

(3) If the division of youth services establishes a program, it shall, in conjunction with the director of the legislative council, use a request for proposal process to contract with and designate a nonprofit organization, referred to in this section as the "designated nonprofit", to serve as the custodian of money donated to the program through the designated nonprofit. The designated nonprofit shall work with the division of youth services for the purpose of designing the program criteria, accepting funds for program scholarships, and providing a distribution mechanism for such scholarships.

(4) (a) The designated nonprofit and the division of youth services are authorized to solicit, accept, and expend monetary and in-kind gifts, grants, and donations on behalf of the program and for payment of scholarships to juveniles in the program. Any money donated or awarded to the designated nonprofit for the benefit of the program is not subject to appropriation by the general assembly. The designated nonprofit is not the custodian of any money appropriated by the state, which must be annually appropriated by the general assembly to the division of youth services in the department of human services. Any money obtained by the division of youth services or the designated nonprofit that is unexpended and unencumbered at such time the program is dissolved must be distributed according to appropriate federal and state laws governing nonprofit organizations.

(b) If a different nonprofit or private organization is subsequently designated as the custodian of donated money in accordance with this subsection (4), the former designated nonprofit shall promptly transfer to the newly designated nonprofit or private organization any money that is unexpended and unencumbered at the time of the change in designation.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-607 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 6 / Section 19-2.5-607
19-2.5-607. Mandatory protection order
Status: in_force

19-2.5-607. Mandatory protection order. (1) (a) A mandatory protection order is created against any juvenile charged with the commission of a delinquent act and the juvenile's parents or legal guardian. The order remains in effect from the time that the juvenile is advised of the juvenile's rights and informed of the order at the juvenile's first appearance before the court until final disposition of the action or, in the case of an appeal, until disposition of the appeal. The order restrains the juvenile and the juvenile's parents or legal guardian from harassing, molesting, intimidating, retaliating against, or tampering with any witness to or victim of the delinquent act charged.

(b) The protection order issued pursuant to this section must be on a standardized form prescribed by the judicial department, and a copy must be provided to the protected parties.

(2) At the time of the juvenile's first appearance before the court, the court shall inform the juvenile and the juvenile's parents or legal guardian of the protection order effective pursuant to this section and shall also inform the juvenile and the juvenile's parents or legal guardian that a violation of such order is punishable as contempt of court.

(3) Nothing in this section precludes the juvenile or the juvenile's parents or legal guardian from applying to the court at any time for modification or dismissal of the protection order issued pursuant to this section or the district attorney from applying to the court at any time for additional provisions under the protection order, modification of the order, or dismissal of the order. The trial court shall retain jurisdiction to enforce, modify, or dismiss the protection order during the pendency of any appeal that may be brought.

(4) The duties of peace officers enforcing orders issued pursuant to this section are in accordance with section 18-6-803.5 and any rules adopted by the Colorado supreme court pursuant to said section.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-908 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 9 / Section 19-2.5-908
19-2.5-908. Method of jury selection
Status: in_force

19-2.5-908. Method of jury selection. Examination and selection of jurors are governed by rule 47 of the Colorado rules of civil procedure; except that challenges for cause are governed by rule 24 of the Colorado rules of criminal procedure.
C.R.S. § 19-1-113 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-113
19-1-113. Emergency protection orders
Status: in_force

19-1-113. Emergency protection orders. (1) The juvenile court is authorized to issue an ex parte written or verbal emergency protection order for the protection of a child pursuant to this section. A judge or magistrate shall be available in the juvenile court in each judicial district to issue by telephone emergency protection orders at all times when the juvenile court is otherwise closed for judicial business.

(2) Any person who has the responsibility of supervising a child placed out of the home by court order may seek an emergency protection order, through a P.O.S.T.-certified peace officer, when such person asserts reasonable grounds to believe that the child is in immediate and present danger based on an allegation that the child is absent without permission from the court-ordered placement.

(3) An emergency protection order may include, but need not be limited to:

(a) Restraining a person from threatening, molesting, or injuring the child;

(b) Restraining a person from interfering with the supervision of the child;

(c) Restraining a person from having contact with the child or the child's court-ordered residence;

(d) Restraining a person from harboring a child who is absent without permission from a court-ordered placement.

(4) An emergency protection order shall expire not later than the close of judicial business on the next day of judicial business following the day of issue, unless otherwise continued by the court. With respect to any continuing order, on two days' notice to the person who obtained the emergency protection order or on such shorter notice to that person as the court may prescribe, the responding person may appear and move for its dissolution or modification. The motion to dissolve or modify the emergency protection order shall be set for hearing at the earliest possible time and shall take precedence over all matters except any emergency protection orders issued earlier, and the court shall determine such motion as expeditiously as the ends of justice require.

(5) (a) An emergency protection order may be issued only if the issuing judge or magistrate finds that an imminent danger exists to the welfare of a child based on an allegation that the child is absent without permission from the court-ordered placement. A verbal order shall be reduced to writing and signed by the peace officer through whom the emergency order was sought and shall include a statement of the grounds for the order asserted through the P.O.S.T.-certified peace officer. An order initially written shall meet the same requirement as an order issued verbally.

(b) The emergency protection order shall be served upon the respondent with a copy given to the person who sought the order and filed with the juvenile court as soon as practicable after issuance. If any person named as a respondent in an order issued pursuant to this section has not been served personally with the order but has received actual notice of the existence and substance of the order from any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or police officer, any act in violation of the order may be deemed by the juvenile court a violation of the order and as such may be sufficient to subject the respondent to the order to any penalty for such violation. If the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction to enforce the emergency protection order has cause to believe that a violation of the order has occurred, it shall enforce the order.

(6) The issuance of an emergency protection order shall not be considered evidence of any wrongdoing.

(7) A law enforcement officer who acts in good faith and without malice shall not be held civilly or criminally liable for acts performed pursuant to this section.
C.R.S. § 19-5-209 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 2 / Section 19-5-209
19-5-209. Petition - written home study reports
Status: in_force

19-5-209. Petition - written home study reports. (1) Except for stepparent adoptions, kinship adoptions, custodial adoptions, and those cases in which placement for adoption has been made by the court, if a petition for the adoption of a child is not accompanied by the written consent and home study report of the qualified county department of human or social services, individual, or a licensed child placement agency approved by the state department of human services pursuant to section 19-5-207.5 (2), the court shall order the county department of human or social services, individual, or licensed child placement agency to make an investigation and file a written home study report substantially in the form outlined in section 19-5-207 (2), including a recommendation as to whether the adoption should be decreed.

(2) In adoptions where a child placement agency or county department has legal guardianship during the interval between initial placement and the final order of adoption, the child placement agency or county department shall supervise the placement with prospective adoptive parents and the child. The court, after notice to all parties in interest and hearing thereon, may, for good cause, terminate said placement if, at any time prior to the final decree of adoption, it appears to the court that said adoption is not in the best interest of the child.
C.R.S. § 19-3-311 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 3 / Section 19-3-311
19-3-311. Evidence not privileged
Status: in_force

19-3-311. Evidence not privileged. (1) The incident of privileged communication between patient and physician, between patient and registered professional nurse, or between any person licensed pursuant to article 245 of title 12, or certified or licensed school psychologist and client, which is the basis for a report pursuant to section 19-3-304, shall not be a ground for excluding evidence in any judicial proceeding resulting from a report pursuant to this part 3. In addition, privileged communication shall not apply to any discussion of any future misconduct or of any other past misconduct that could be the basis for any other report under section 19-3-304.

(2) The privileged communication between husband and wife shall not be a ground for excluding evidence in any judicial proceeding resulting from a report pursuant to this part 3.
C.R.S. § 19-1-305 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 3 / Section 19-1-305
19-1-305. Operation of juvenile facilities
Status: repealed

19-1-305. Operation of juvenile facilities. (1) Except as otherwise authorized by section 19-1-303 or 19-1-304 (8), all records prepared or obtained by the department of human services in the course of carrying out its duties pursuant to article 2.5 of this title 19 are confidential and privileged. The records may be disclosed only:

(a) To the parents, legal guardian, legal custodian, attorney for the juvenile, district attorney, guardian ad litem, counsel for youth, law enforcement official, and probation officer;

(b) In communications between appropriate personnel in the course of providing services or in order to facilitate appropriate referrals for services;

(c) To the extent necessary to make application for or to make claims on behalf of the juvenile who is eligible to receive aid, insurance, federal or state assistance, or medical assistance;

(d) To the court as necessary for the administration of the provisions of article 2.5 of this title;

(e) To persons authorized by court order after notice and a hearing, to the juvenile, and to the custodian of the record; and

(f) For research or evaluation purposes pursuant to rules regarding research or evaluation promulgated by the department of human services. Any rules so promulgated shall require that persons receiving information for research or evaluation purposes are required to keep such information confidential.

(g) Repealed.

(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the effect of any other provision of this part 3 which requires the confidentiality of records under the control of the department of human services.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1107 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 11 / Section 19-2.5-1107
19-2.5-1107. Juvenile probation officers - powers and duties
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1107. Juvenile probation officers - powers and duties. (1) A juvenile probation officer appointed pursuant to section 19-2.5-1406 shall investigate and keep written records of such investigations as the court may direct.

(2) When a juvenile is placed on probation, the juvenile probation officer shall give the juvenile a written statement of the terms and conditions of the juvenile's probation and shall explain fully the terms and conditions to the juvenile, unless the court gave and explained the statement to the juvenile pursuant to section 19-2.5-1108.

(3) (a) Each juvenile probation officer shall keep informed as to the condition and conduct of each juvenile placed under the juvenile probation officer's supervision and shall report to the court as directed.

(b) Each juvenile probation officer shall use all suitable methods, including counseling, to aid each juvenile under the juvenile probation officer's supervision and shall perform such other duties in connection with the care and custody of juveniles as the court may direct.

(c) Each juvenile probation officer shall keep complete records of all work done, as well as complete accounts of all money collected from those under supervision.

(d) Unless inconsistent with other conditions imposed by the court, in directing that a juvenile under the juvenile probation officer's supervision meet with the juvenile probation officer, the probation officer shall:

(I) Schedule, in good faith, meetings with the juvenile on probation at mutually agreeable times that do not conflict with the juvenile's essential obligations, including work, education, job training, dependent care, medical appointments, and other probation requirements; and

(II) Allow a juvenile to meet with the juvenile probation officer through a telephone call or audio-visual communication technology.

(4) A juvenile probation officer, for the purpose of performing the juvenile probation officer's duties, has all the powers of a peace officer, as described in sections 16-2.5-101 and 16-2.5-138.

(5) (a) When a juvenile probation officer learns that a juvenile under the juvenile probation officer's supervision has changed residence to another county, temporarily or permanently, the juvenile probation officer shall immediately notify the court.

(b) If, after the court is notified pursuant to subsection (5)(a) of this section, the court determines that it is in the best interest of the juvenile to transfer jurisdiction to the court in the county in which the juvenile resides or is to reside, the court shall immediately notify such court and shall enter an order transferring jurisdiction to such court. The court transferring jurisdiction pursuant to this subsection (5)(b) shall transmit all documents and legal and social records, or certified copies thereof, to the receiving court, together with the order transferring jurisdiction. The receiving court shall proceed with the case as if the petition had been originally filed in said court.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-104 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 1 / Section 19-2.5-104
19-2.5-104. Venue
Status: in_force

19-2.5-104. Venue. (1) (a) Proceedings in cases brought pursuant to this article 2.5 must be commenced in the county in which the alleged violation of the law, ordinance, or court order took place; except that the court may order a change of venue based upon written findings that a change of venue is necessary to ensure that the juvenile receives a fair trial, in which case venue must be transferred to an appropriate jurisdiction prior to the findings of fact. When the court in which the petition was filed is in a county other than where the juvenile resides, such court may transfer venue to the court of the county of the juvenile's residence for the purposes of supervision after sentencing and entry of any order for payment of restitution. A transfer of venue may not be rejected for any reason except where venue would be improper.

(b) For purposes of determining proper venue, a juvenile who is placed in the legal custody of a county department of human or social services is deemed for the entire period of placement to reside in the county in which the juvenile's legal custodian is located, even if the juvenile is physically residing in a residential facility located in another county. If a juvenile is placed in the legal custody of a county department of human or social services, the court shall not transfer venue during the period of placement to any county other than the county in which the juvenile's legal custodian is located.

(2) In determining proper venue, section 18-1-202 applies.

(3) A court transferring venue pursuant to this section shall transmit all documents and legal social records, or certified copies of such documents, to the receiving court. The receiving court shall then proceed with the case as if the petition had been originally filed or the adjudication had been originally made in such court.

(4) Upon transfer of venue, the receiving court shall set a date not more than thirty-five days following the date upon which the change of venue is ordered for the juvenile and the juvenile's parent or guardian to appear.
C.R.S. § 19-3-309 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 3 / Section 19-3-309
19-3-309. Immunity from liability - persons reporting
Status: in_force

19-3-309. Immunity from liability - persons reporting. Any person, other than the perpetrator, complicitor, coconspirator, or accessory, participating in good faith in the making of a report, in the facilitation of the investigation of such a report, or in a judicial proceeding held pursuant to this title, the taking of photographs or X rays, or the placing in temporary protective custody of a child pursuant to section 19-3-405 or otherwise performing his duties or acting pursuant to this part 3 shall be immune from any liability, civil or criminal, or termination of employment that otherwise might result by reason of such acts of participation, unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines that such person's behavior was willful, wanton, and malicious. For the purpose of any proceedings, civil or criminal, the good faith of any such person reporting child abuse, any such person taking photographs or X rays, and any such person who has legal authority to place a child in protective custody shall be presumed.
C.R.S. § 19-1-205 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 2 / Section 19-1-205
19-1-205. Selection of CASA volunteers
Status: in_force

19-1-205. Selection of CASA volunteers. (1) Each CASA program shall adopt regulations consistent with subsection (2) of this section and with the Colorado CASA association and national CASA association guidelines governing qualifications and selection of CASA volunteers. Each CASA program's regulations shall include provisions that qualified adults shall not be discriminated against based on gender, socioeconomic, religious, racial, ethnic, or age factors.

(2) The minimum qualifications for any prospective CASA volunteer are that he or she shall:

(a) Be at least twenty-one years of age or older and have demonstrated an interest in children and their welfare;

(b) Be willing to commit to the court for a minimum of one year of service to a child;

(c) Complete an application, including providing background information required pursuant to subsection (3) of this section;

(d) Participate in a screening interview;

(e) Participate in the training required pursuant to section 19-1-204; and

(f) Meet other qualifications as determined by the CASA program director and the chief judge of the judicial district.

(3) A prospective CASA volunteer's application shall include:

(a) A copy of any criminal history record and motor vehicle record;

(a.5) Written authorization for the CASA program to obtain information contained in any records or reports of child abuse or neglect concerning the prospective CASA volunteer;

(b) At least three references who can address his or her character, judgment, and suitability for the position; and

(c) Records from any other jurisdictions in which he or she resided during the one-year time period prior to the date of the application if the prospective CASA volunteer has resided in the state of Colorado for less than twelve months.
C.R.S. § 19-4-128 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4 / Section 19-4-128
19-4-128. Right to trial to court
Status: in_force

19-4-128. Right to trial to court. Any party may demand a trial to the court to determine the existence or nonexistence of the parent and child relationship. No party may demand a jury trial, and notwithstanding any demand which may have been made, trial shall be to the court and not to a jury.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-1123 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 11 / Section 19-2.5-1123
19-2.5-1123. Sentencing - mandatory detention - weapons and crimes of violence
Status: in_force

19-2.5-1123. Sentencing - mandatory detention - weapons and crimes of violence. (1) In the case of a juvenile who has been adjudicated a juvenile delinquent for the commission of one of the offenses described in section 19-2.5-305 (3)(a)(V), the court shall sentence the juvenile to a minimum mandatory period of detention of not fewer than five days.

(2) A juvenile who is less than thirteen years of age may not be sentenced to detention unless the juvenile has been adjudicated for a felony or weapons charge pursuant to section 18-12-102, 18-12-105, 18-12-106, or 18-12-108.5. As an alternative, the juvenile probation department may conduct a presentence investigation pursuant to section 19-2.5-1101. The investigation may result in the juvenile:

(a) Remaining in the custody of a parent, guardian, or legal custodian; or

(b) Being placed in the temporary legal custody of kin, for purposes of a kinship foster care home or noncertified kinship care placement, as defined in section 19-1-103, or other suitable person under such conditions as the court may impose; or

(c) Being placed in a shelter facility; or

(d) Being referred to a local county department of human or social services for assessment for placement.
C.R.S. § 19-4.5-114 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 4.5 / Section 19-4.5-114
19-4.5-114. Certain provisions of law not applicable to surrogacy agreements
Status: in_force

19-4.5-114. Certain provisions of law not applicable to surrogacy agreements. (1) A surrogacy agreement is not considered:

(a) An adoption pursuant to article 5 of this title 19; or

(b) A surrender of custody or termination of parental rights of the child by the donor in violation of the requirements of article 3 of this title 19.

(2) The payment of reasonable expenses and support in connection with a valid surrogacy agreement does not constitute a violation of section 19-5-213.
C.R.S. § 19-1-114 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-114
19-1-114. Order of protection
Status: repealed

19-1-114. Order of protection. (1) The court may make an order of protection in assistance of, or as a condition of, any decree authorized by this title. The order of protection may set forth reasonable conditions of behavior to be observed for a specified period by the parent, guardian, legal custodian, custodian, person to whom parental responsibilities have been allocated, stepparent, spousal equivalent, or any other person who is party to a proceeding brought under this title.

(2) The order of protection may require any such person:

(a) To stay away from a child or a child's residence;

(b) To comply with a family time schedule;

(c) To abstain from offensive conduct against a child, the child's parent or parents, the child's guardian or legal custodian, or any other person to whom legal custody of or parental responsibilities with respect to a child has been given;

(d) To give proper attention to the care of the home;

(e) To cooperate in good faith with an agency:

(I) Which has been given legal custody of a child;

(II) Which is providing protective supervision of a child by court order; or

(III) To which the child has been referred by the court;

(f) To refrain from acts of commission or omission that tend to make a home an improper place for a child;

(g) To perform any legal obligation of support; or

(h) To pay for damages recoverable under the provisions of section 13-21-107, C.R.S.

(3) (a) When such an order of protection is made applicable to a parent or guardian, it may specifically require his or her active participation in the rehabilitation process and may impose specific requirements upon such parent or guardian, subject to the penalty of contempt for failure to comply with such order without good cause, as provided in subsection (5) of this section.

(b) The court may, when the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child, make an order of protection that is applicable to a parent or guardian of a child and the person with whom the child resides, if other than the child's parent or guardian, subject to article 2.5 of this title 19. The order must require the parent or guardian and the person with whom the child resides, if other than the parent or guardian, to be present at any juvenile proceeding concerning the child.

(4) After notice and opportunity for a hearing is given to a person subject to an order of protection, the order may be terminated, modified, or extended for a specified period of time if the court finds that the best interests of the child and the public will be served thereby.

(5) (a) A person failing to comply with an order of protection without good cause may be found in contempt of court.

(b) The court shall issue a bench warrant for any parent or guardian or person with whom the child resides, if other than the parent or guardian, who, without good cause, fails to appear at any proceeding.

(c) For purposes of this subsection (5), good cause for failing to appear shall include, but shall not be limited to, a situation where a parent or guardian:

(I) Does not have physical custody of the child and resides outside of Colorado;

(II) Has physical custody of the child, but resides outside of Colorado and appearing in court will result in undue hardship to such parent or guardian; or

(III) Resides in Colorado, but is outside of the state at the time of the juvenile proceeding for reasons other than avoiding appearance before the court and appearing in court will result in undue hardship to such parent or guardian.

(d) The general assembly hereby declares that every parent or guardian whose child is the subject of a juvenile proceeding under this article should attend any such proceeding as often as is practicable.

(6) Repealed.

(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create a right for any juvenile to have his or her parent or guardian present at any proceeding at which such juvenile is present.
C.R.S. § 19-5.5-102 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5.5 / Part 1 / Section 19-5.5-102
19-5.5-102. Definitions
Status: in_force

19-5.5-102. Definitions. In this article 5.5:

(1) "Child" means an unemancipated individual under eighteen years of age.

(2) "Child placement agency" has the meaning set forth in section 26-6-903.

(3) "County department" has the meaning set forth in section 19-1-103.

(4) "Custody" means the exercise of physical care and supervision of a child.

(5) "Intercountry adoption" means an adoption or placement for adoption of a child who resides in a foreign country at the time of adoption or placement. The term includes an adoption finalized in the child's country of residence or in a state.

(6) "Parent" has the meaning set forth in section 19-1-103.

(7) "Person" means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or other legal entity.

(8) "Record" means information that is:

(a) Inscribed on a tangible medium; or

(b) Stored in an electronic or other medium and retrievable in perceivable form.

(9) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any other territory or possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes a federally recognized Indian tribe.

(10) "State department" means the state department of human services created in section 24-1-120.
C.R.S. § 19-5-102.5 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5 / Part 1 / Section 19-5-102.5
19-5-102.5. Relinquishment hearings - court docket priority
Status: in_force

19-5-102.5. Relinquishment hearings - court docket priority. (1) On and after July 1, 2002, any hearing concerning a petition for relinquishment filed in a district court, the Colorado court of appeals, or the Colorado supreme court shall be given a priority on the court's docket. On and after July 1, 2002, if there is no determination on a case concerning a petition for relinquishment by any such court within two months of the filing of the petition, it shall be given a priority on the court's docket that supersedes the priority of any other priority civil hearing on the court's docket.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, nothing in this section shall affect the priority of a hearing concerning the issuance of a temporary protection order pursuant to section 13-14-104.5, C.R.S.

(3) The provisions of this section shall be implemented within existing appropriations.
C.R.S. § 19-2.5-109 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 2.5 / Part 1 / Section 19-2.5-109
19-2.5-109. Saving clause
Status: in_force

19-2.5-109. Saving clause. The repeal of article 2 of this title 19 and the enactment of this article 2.5, effective October 1, 2021, do not affect the validity of any actions or proceedings initiated or in existence prior to such effective date and brought pursuant to the legislative provisions in place prior to such effective date.
C.R.S. § 19-1-115.7 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 1 / Part 1 / Section 19-1-115.7
19-1-115.7. Foster care prevention services - provision of services - rights and remedies -
Status: in_force

19-1-115.7. Foster care prevention services - provision of services - rights and remedies - exchange of information. (1) A county department of human or social services may provide both child welfare and prevention services, including but not limited to foster care prevention services, as defined in section 19-1-103, to families, kin caregivers, children, juveniles, and youth.

(2) Nothing in this section affects any existing rights of a child, juvenile, or youth or a parent or legal guardian.

(3) When prevention services information is exchanged between state agencies, county departments, and service providers to allow for the provision of prevention services, such information is confidential and not available to the public. Any entities providing prevention services shall ensure that all information obtained and exchanged is confidential as required pursuant to this section, sections 19-1-103 and 19-1-307, and any other applicable state or federal law.
C.R.S. § 19-3.1-101 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3.1 / Section 19-3.1-101
19-3.1-101. Petition for dependency order for unaccompanied children or youth in federal cus
Status: in_force

19-3.1-101. Petition for dependency order for unaccompanied children or youth in federal custody - definition. (1) When an unaccompanied child in the custody of the federal office of refugee resettlement housed in a facility in Colorado has been subjected to parental abuse or neglect as defined in section 19-1-103 (1)(a) or subjected to the parental actions and omissions listed in section 19-3-102, that child may file a petition for a dependency order pursuant to this section with the juvenile court in the judicial district where the child is housed.

(2) (a) The petition must:

(I) Set forth the facts that bring the child under the court's jurisdiction pursuant to subsection (1) of this section;

(II) State the child's name, age, and country of birth; and

(III) Identify the facility in Colorado where the child is housed in the custody of the federal office of refugee resettlement.

(b) The statements in the petition may be made upon information and belief.

(c) The petition must not name the child's parent as a respondent. The petition must state clearly that parental rights may not be terminated through proceedings under this section.

(3) (a) The court shall schedule a hearing within thirty-five days after the petition is filed, unless a motion is made for a forthwith hearing because the child is approaching eighteen years of age or other emergent circumstances, in which case the court shall schedule the hearing within seven days. If the court finds the statements in the petition are supported by a preponderance of the evidence, the court shall declare the child dependent on the court. A child declared dependent pursuant to this section may be eligible for oversight and services by the office of the child protection ombudsman pursuant to section 19-3.3-103 (1)(a.5). Upon request, the court may also issue an order establishing the child's eligibility for classification as a special immigrant juvenile under federal law, including:

(I) Declaring the child dependent;

(II) Determining that reunification of the child with one or both parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar basis found pursuant to state law. For purposes of this subsection (3)(a)(II), "abandonment" includes, but is not limited to, the death of one or both parents.

(III) Determining that it is not in the best interests of the child to be returned to the child's or parents' previous country of nationality or country of last habitual residence.

(b) The order may be entered at any time following the filing of the petition or at the hearing.

(4) The court shall not alter the child's custody status or placement unless the federal department of health and human services provides specific consent.

(5) The court may retain jurisdiction over the child until the child reaches eighteen years of age or until further order of the court.

(6) For purposes of this section, "dependent on the court" means a youth is under the juvenile court's jurisdiction; the youth was at any time adjudicated dependent or neglected, as described in section 19-3-102, or that the court has found sufficient evidence that the youth has been subjected to child abuse or neglect, as defined in section 19-1-103 (1)(a); and the youth is in need of oversight and supportive services as determined by the court.
C.R.S. § 19-5.5-401 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 5.5 / Part 4 / Section 19-5.5-401
19-5.5-401. Uniformity of application and construction
Status: in_force

19-5.5-401. Uniformity of application and construction. In applying and construing this uniform act, a court must consider the promotion of uniformity of the law among jurisdictions that enact it.
C.R.S. § 19-3-211 — CO Code / Title 19 / Article 3 / Part 2 / Section 19-3-211
19-3-211. Conflict resolution process - rules - definitions
Status: repealed

19-3-211. Conflict resolution process - rules - definitions. (1) (a) The state department, in conjunction with the attorney general, shall adopt rules concerning the statewide implementation of a conflict resolution process in each county and city and county pursuant to the provisions of this section. The purpose of such conflict resolution process is to provide a forum for grievances concerning the conduct of county department personnel in performing their duties pursuant to this article.

(b) Repealed.

(c) The conflict resolution process must provide for the resolution of grievances as follows:

(I) Transmittal of all grievances to the county child welfare director for internal resolution by the county department within ten working days after receipt of the grievance;

(II) Closure of the grievance and issuance of a written final decision within thirty-five days of receipt of the grievance if the county department has resolved the grievance to the complainant's satisfaction;

(III) Referral of the grievance to the office of the child protection ombudsman upon the request of the complainant if the county department has not resolved the grievance to the complainant's satisfaction;

(IV) Review by the office of the child protection ombudsman in accordance with section 19-3.3-103;

(V) to (VII) Repealed.

(d) to (h) Repealed.

(2) and (3) Repealed.

(4) Each county department shall post information about the grievance process on the county department's public-facing website or otherwise provide information concerning the grievance process to individuals involved in the county child welfare system. The state department shall promulgate rules governing the procedures for processing grievances, for determining if a grievance is within the scope of the conflict resolution process, and for receiving additional information from the complainant and the subject of the grievance.

(5) (a) Nothing in this section prevents a complainant from making a complaint directly to the office of the child protection ombudsman.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection (5), a county department shall not be precluded from presenting any relevant evidence in a pending civil or criminal investigation or proceeding that the county department has obtained in the course of fulfilling its duties in the conflict resolution process pursuant to the provisions of this section.

(c) A county department is not precluded from presenting any relevant evidence in a pending civil or criminal investigation or proceeding that the county department has obtained in the course of fulfilling its duties in the conflict resolution process pursuant to this section.