8498BD1FF3506D4187258528006E382E Hearing Summary

Senators Rankin and Moreno, co-prime sponsors, explained Senate Bill 20-162, concerning updating Colorado's statutory provisions related to foster care prevention services in the context of the federal "Family First Prevention Services Act".  

The senators discussed Families First provisions and how the bill aligns state practices with it. 

Amendments L.001 and L. 002 were distributed by Senators Rankin and Moreno (Attachments B and C).

Michelle Barnes, representing the Department of Human Services (DHS), spoke in favor of the bill. She discussed child welfare system reforms, placement decisions, prevention and intervention efforts, inter-agency collaboration, and least restrictive settings for out-of-home placements,

Minna Castillo Cohen, representing DHS, testified in favor of the measure. She discussed the work over the past couple of years in Colorado to implement Families First and improve child welfare outcomes.     

Gretchen Russo, representing DHS, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the stakeholder process. 

The committee asked questions about and discussed implemention of Families First, congregate care, prevention services, and juvenile justice placements. 

Ashley Chase, representing the Office of the Child's Representative, testified from a neutral position on the bill.   She discussed changes she would like to see in the bill, including clarification of the court's role in the process and  eligibility to receive services as a "qualified individual" as defined in the bill. 

Shari Danz, representing the Office of the Child's Representative, made herself available for technical questions about the bill.

Ruchi Kapoor, representing the Office of Respondents Parents' Council, testified from a neutral position on the bill. 

Katie Smith, representing Denver Human Services, testified in support of the bill if amended. She raised concerns about its impact on counties. 

Barbara Kirkmeyer, representing Weld County and Colorado Counties Inc, testified in opposition of the measure.  She discussed the bill's impact on counties and funding splits.  

Becky Miller Updike, representing the Colorado Association of Family and Children's Agencies, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed collaboration and serving youth in different ways.

Senator Rankin explained Amendment L.001.

Senator Moreno explained Amendment L.002.

Senators Moreno and Rankin made closing remarks and expressed their willingness to work with stakeholders on further changes in the bill.