s_sa_2016a_2016-05-04t13:32:59z3 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/04/2016

02:09 PM -- HB16-1448



Senators Kefalas and Lundberg presented House Bill 16-1448 to the committee. The bill makes several changes to the Relative Guardian Assistance Program to comply with federal regulations and clarify the qualifying legal relationships and situations that are eligible for the program. Specifically, the bill clarifies that relatives, kin, and other persons with a family-like relationship, including foster parents, are eligible for relative guardianship assistance in certain situations when a child or children cannot be returned to the physical custody of parents or legal guardians and adoption or reunification is either unavailable or not appropriate. The bill also expands guardianship assistance in situations where a foster parent or relative is allocated parental responsibilities by the courts, in addition to assuming permanent legal guardianship.



02:13 PM -- Jenn Collins, representing the Denver Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.



02:15 PM -- Julie Thomerson, representing Adams County, testified in support of the bill.



02:18 PM -- Lauren Leeman, representing the Colorado Court Appointed Special Advocates, testified in support of the bill.



02:20 PM -- Linda Weinerman, representing the Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.





02:22 PM



Senators Kefalas and Lundberg wrapped up their presentation to the committee.