Decision-Making for the Permanent Placement of Children Colorado
Statute: § 19-3-702
Permanency hearings shall be held:
No later than 12 months after the child enters foster care
Every 12 months thereafter while the child remains in care
Within 30 days after a finding that reasonable efforts are not required
In counties with expedited permanency planning for children under age 6, within 3 months
Persons Entitled to Attend Hearings
Statute: § 19-3-702
The parents of the child
The child
Foster parents or adoptive parents, if any
Determinations Made at Hearings
Statute: § 19-3-702
Whether the child should be returned to the parent or guardian
Whether reasonable efforts have been made to find a safe and permanent placement
If the child is not returned to the parent, the probability of return within 6 months
Whether the child's safety is protected in placement
The continuing necessity for and appropriateness of the placement
The extent of compliance with the case plan and progress made toward alleviating the causes necessitating placement
Permanency Options
Statute: §§ 19-3-702; 19-3-703
Return to the parent
Adoption
Legal guardianship or custody
Placement with a fit and willing relative
Another permanent living arrangement
For a child under age 6 in counties with
expedited permanency planning:
Return to the parent
Placement with a relative
Permanent custody granted to another
If the child cannot be returned home, placement
in the least restrictive level of care
