Capital letters indicate new material to be added to existing statute.

Dashes through the words indicate deletions from existing statute.

First Regular Session

Sixty-first General Assembly

LLS NO. 97�0675.01D MN HOUSE BILL 97�1322

STATE OF COLORADO

BY REPRESENTATIVES Adkins, George, and Reeser;

also SENATORS Hopper and Wham.

REENGROSSED

JUDICIARY

A BILL FOR AN ACT

CONCERNING CHILD WELFARE, AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

Bill Summary

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not necessarily reflect any amendments which may be subsequently adopted.)

Abuse definition. Defines sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Provides that reasonable parental discipline includes reasonable corporal punishment.

Appeals. Establishes an appeals workgroup to consider rule and statutory changes to expedite appeals in court cases concerning relinquishment, adoption, and dependency and neglect.

Orders of protection. Provides that orders of protection concerning the care of the home may require that the home meet minimum standards of safety and sanitation.

Bases for finding a child dependent or neglected. Adds the following bases for finding a child dependent or neglected: That a child under age 10 committed an act that would be a delinquent act if the child were 12 years of age or older, and that the child will lack proper parental care as evidenced by previous incidents of abuse or neglect of another child or children (the "prospective harm" basis). Allows for an expedited adjudication and disposition schedule for "prospective harm" cases.

Venue. Requires written findings for a change in venue.

Conflict resolution process. Requires all counties to implement a conflict resolution process. Establishes the review process for grievances and the required features of the conflict resolution process.

Notice of rights. Requires that the notice of rights and remedies to parents contain disclosure of the conflict resolution process.

Placement criteria. Establishes placement criteria that shall govern in consideration of the placement of children out of the home.

Placement reporting. Requires the county department to report on the number of children who are placed out of the home, including those placed with relatives.

Evaluation forms. Requires the preparation and distribution of evaluation forms.

Damages for false reporting. Allows a court in any action under title 19 or title 14, Colorado Revised Statutes, to award damages for false reporting of cases of suspected

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