In Colorado, a judge must be convinced the child is endangered either emotionally or physically before they will award emergency custody to the other parent through an emergency custody hearing. Here are a few examples of situations where endangerment exists:
Domestic violence
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Severe mental health concerns
Drug or alcohol abuse
The judge will consider the type of emergency, including physical and emotional endangerment. They will also take severe forms of neglect into consideration such as:
Leaving the child unattended for long periods of time
Failing to pick the child up from school or daycare on a consistent basis
Neglecting basic needs including food and sanitation