EBB706B76C6E24708725823200727990 Hearing Summary

Senator Fields, sponsor, explained SB18-154 concerning a requirement for a local juvenile services planning committee to devise a plan to manage dually identified crossover youth.  She further extrapolated that the bill will assist in better identifying and managing dually identified youth in the criminal justice and child welfare systems. 

Minna Castillo-Cohen, Director of the Office of Children, Youth, and Families in the Colorado Department of Human Services, spoke in support of the bill. She reported that the bill streamlines communication as well as assists with timely responses and continuity of care for crossover youth.  She further noted that the bill helps to facilitate collaboration, case management plans, and placement decisions. 

Gretchen Russo, representing the Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in favor of the bill.

Senator Fields made closing remarks.  She emphasized the bill is the result of a collaborative effort between many state and local agencies and other involved parties.