DDC14EF1618D73C287258AEE00727929 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee resumed.

Senator Zenzinger
and Michaelson Jenet, primary bill sponsors, introduced House Bill 24-1017
which establishes statutory rights for foster care youth, requires county
human service departments to provide written notice to foster youth about
their rights, and clarifies the authority of courts to enforce these rights.



The rights of
foster care youth include:



·        freedom from discrimination or harassment;

·        freedom of thought, cultural and ethnic practice,
and religion;

·        freedom to express gender identity;


·        freedom from threats, punishment, retaliation
for asking questions, stating concerns, or making complaints about violations
of their rights;

·        access to services, placements, and programs
they are eligible for;

·        notification of the benefits they are eligible
for;

·        the ability to request information on how
payments were used by individuals who accepted payments for the youth;

·        the right to receive appropriate placement
and care including being placed in a safe environment that is free of abuse,
having their preferences regarding placement considered, and having providers
who are aware of their history;

·        the right to timely court proceedings and
effective case management;

·        the right to a timely notification to the
Social Security Administration to initiate the transfer of benefits from
providers to youth who are leaving the custody of the department;

·        the right to access and communicate privately
with caseworkers, legal representatives, advocates, probation officers,
and other professionals;

·        the right to confidentiality and privacy;

·        access to education, basic essentials, and
health care;

·        ability to participate in legal proceedings
and case planning; and

·        access to certain necessities and support
that will allow them to be self-sufficient in their transition to adulthood.




Committee members asked the sponsors questions.

Chris Henderson, representing Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.

Maddie Noyce Lang, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Maya Chandler, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Tori Shuler, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members provided comments and questions to the panel.

Adriana Cuva, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Jearell Kelley, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Nicole Hunt, representing Focus on the Family, testified in opposition to the bill.

Shelby Costello, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Dominique Mallard, representing C.A.R.E.S, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Ms. Stacey Sanders, representing Elevating Connections, testified in support of the bill.

Mary Lang, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Brittany Vessely, representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified to amend the bill.

Shannon Johnson, representing themself, testified to amend the bill.

Bree Lennon, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Karen Silverman, representing Colorado CASA and Child Advocates - Denver CASA, testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Mullenbach, representing Jefferson County Commissioners, testified in support of the bill.

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

Meghan Jackson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Dawn Fritz, representing Colorado Parent Teacher Association, testified in support of the bill.

Tori Shuler read Elizabeth Arrieta's testimony in support of the bill for the record.

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

Katie Wilberding Cross, representing Mile High United Way - Bridging the Gap, testified in support of the bill.

Beth Osland, representing Mile High United Way - Bridging the Gap, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Celia Brand, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Sheri Danz, representing Office of the Child's Representative, was available to answer committee questions.

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

Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment D).

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.