29A7A28D7B73A7E9872587F1007646A3 Hearing Summary

Representative Van Beber and Representative Kipp, co-prime bill sponsors, presented House Bill 22-1113, concerning amending the appeals procedures in dependency and neglect cases to minimize delay in achieving permanency for children. The bill requires the Judicial Department’s Child Welfare Appeals Workgroup to monitor and report on the implementation of recommendations from its 2021 final report. It also requires district courts to issue written orders within 35 days after hearings concerning termination of the parent-child legal relationship.

Representative Van Beber responded to questions from the committee.

Renee Bernhard, representing Foster Source, testified in support of the bill.

Kaci Nice, representing self, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Nice provided a written copy of her testimony to the committee (Attachment B).

Heather Williamson, representing self, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Williamson provided a written copy of her testimony to the committee (Attachment C).

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Jody Britton, representing Foster Source/Social Workers/Kinship Parents, testified in support of the bill. 

Lauren Langan, representing Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center, testified in support of the bill.

Benjamin Teevan, representing Fostering Colorado and Colorado Association of Family and Children's Agencies, testified in support of the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Jennifer Mullenbach, representing Colorado Counties, Inc. and Jefferson County, testified in support of the bill.

Ashley Chase, representing Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.

Heather Gonzales, representing Colorado State Foster Parent Association, testified in support of the bill.

Melanie Jordan, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Korey Elger, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Nathan Hoag, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Chaz Tedesco, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Representative Kipp and Representative Van Beber provided concluding remarks on the bill. Committee members commented on the bill.