Opinion ID: 2632199
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Dependency and Neglect Proceedings

Text: Article 3 of the Colorado Children's Code, titled Dependency and Neglect, provides specific provisions whereby the state can intercede to protect the health, safety, and welfare of minors from abuse, neglect, or abandonment. In particular, Article 3 governs child abuse and neglect proceedings, temporary custody and shelter of minors, and termination of the parent-child legal relationship. See § 19-3-100.5 to 703, 6 C.R.S. (1999). The Article states in its legislative declaration that the stability and preservation of the families of this state and the safety and protection of children are matters of statewide concern, and to that end, that the state shall make a commitment to make `reasonable efforts' to prevent the placement of abused and neglected children out of the home and to reunify the family whenever appropriate. § 19-3-100.5(1). To that end, the Children's Code encompasses a number of procedures aimed at protecting children from emotional and physical harm while at the same time seeking to repair and maintain family ties. Often, the process begins with a report of abuse or neglect. [3] The state may file a petition alleging that a child is dependent or neglected under section 19-3-501. [4] An adjudicatory hearing is then held, where the state must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that a child is dependent or neglected. See § 19-3-505(1). Once the court determines a child is dependent or neglected, the court has the authority to order a variety of dispositions, including: placement of legal custody in the parents or guardian, with or without protective supervision; placement of legal custody in a relative, with or without protective supervision; placement of legal custody in the county department of social services, a foster home, or other child care facility; and mental and physical examinations of a child. See § 19-3-508. In addition, the court must approve a treatment plan that seeks to resolve family difficulties and preserve the family unit. See § 19-3-508(1)(e)(I). However, when a court determines that the goal of maintaining the family unit is not feasible, for any of the reasons listed in section 19-3-604, the court may order termination of the parent-child relationship after the filing of a motion for termination. [5]