5FD194F094214846872588320076D5EE Hearing Summary

Senator Gonzales, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 22-1319 concerning dependency orders for an unaccompanied child in federal custody in Colorado. 

Ms Ashley Harrington, representing Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, testified in support of the bill. She discussed family separation and streamlining the dependency process.  She answered questions about family reunification. 

Georgina Olazcon Mozo, representing Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, testified in support of the bill. She answered questions about juvenile court access and jurisdiction.

Mrs. Zarah Levy, representing Colorado Latino Leadership Advocacy and Research Organization, testified in support of the bill. She discussed unaccompanied minors.

Ms. Rachel Kelley, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She explained the child dependency process for unaccompanied youth.

Child Protection Ombudsman Stephanie Villafuerte, representing The Office of Colorado's Child Protection Ombudsman, testified in support of the bill. She explained how the bill allows for the Child Protection Ombudsman to more easily take responsibility for unaccompanied minors.

Ashley Chase, representing Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed access to necessary court orders.

Senator Gonzales made closing remarks.