NCJ Number
199681
Date Published
September 2002
Length
96 pages
Annotation
This document discusses an assessment of dependency and neglect cases in Colorado in 1995.
Abstract
This report looks at 10 counties evaluated in the original assessment. In 1996, the majority of dependency and neglect (D&N) cases were processed in a way that resulted in delay and not timely resolution. The reassessment shows that this has changed and stakeholders now feel that D&N cases are handled in a timely manner. Statistical information from the court’s data management system supports this perception. There was improvement in courts meeting statutory timeframes from 1996 to 2000. This includes reducing the number of days from petition to adjudication; improvement in meeting the statutory timeframe for disposition; obtaining timely permanency hearings; and waiting for a termination of parental rights hearing. Three districts with a significant caseload reduced the number of continuances granted. Since 1996 seven major jurisdictions used mediation to improve outcomes in D&N cases. Respect for juvenile law as a whole is increasing. Issues remain concerning the quality of representation of children by Guardians Ad Litem (GAL). Fifty-eight percent of parents involved in the D&N court process reported that they were better off for the department’s and the court’s involvement in their lives. Over 88 percent of GALs, county attorneys, and respondent parents’ counsel felt that the way D&N cases were handled had improved since 1996. Over 66 percent of judicial officers felt the quality of representation, support/training for judges, and performance of agencies had improved since 1996. Appendix