SB 17-177

Senate Bill 17-177, also known as the Children's Code Definition of Special Respondent, changes how certain people can be involved in child welfare cases. Currently, only specific parties can be forced to join a case about a child’s safety or well-being against their will. This bill updates the law to allow these parties to join such cases voluntarily if they wish to participate and support the child's needs. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official and enforceable in Colorado.

Official Summary

The current definition of 'special respondent' in the Children's Code only allows a party to be involuntarily joined in a dependency or neglect proceeding. The bill amends that definition to allow a party to be voluntarily joined in a dependency or neglect proceeding. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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