Decision-Making for the Permanent Placement of Children Colorado

Schedule of Hearings

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