Colorado Office of the Child's Representative

OCR Resource Guide in Response to COVID-19

This page provides a quick reference to many resources regarding the novel coronavirus’ effect on the OCR and our contract attorneys. You can search for a keyword on this page by typing Ctrl and F at the same time (Windows) or Command and F (Mac), then type the keyword in the find field and click the arrows to view the keyword throughout this page.

Topics	Links to Resources & Info
OCR Communications & Guidance	OCR Letter: Colorado’s Stay at Home Order OCR Letter to the Mayor OCR ORPC Joint Letter to Judges Letter to State Officials: Requesting Immediate Action to Address COVID-19 in Colorado’s Juvenile Detention Facilities (OCR is cosignatory) Request to Suspend Judicial Fines, Fees, and Costs
Colorado Department of Human Services – Child Welfare	CDHS/OBH: Resources for Counties on Emergency Preparedness in response to COVID-19. (Updated on an ongoing basis) CDHS: Policy Updates relating to Certification Requirements during COVID-19 Pandemmic Survey: New Placements CDHS: COVID-19 Data Dashboard
Colorado Department of Human Services – Division of Youth Services	DYS COVID 19 Dashboard Secure Detention Criteria DYS Stakeholder Pandemic Information Guide: Contains links to Governor’s Executive Order and each facility’s pandemic guide. Statewide Juvenile Facilities: Visitation Policies and Procedures SB 94 Coordinators Contact List
Federal and Interstate Guidance	Children’s Bureau Letter: Federal Funds Use of Cell Phones and PPE Interstate Commission on Juveniles Response to COVID – 19 Children’s Bureau Guidance Letter Children’s Bureau: Termination of Parental Rights & Adoptive Assistance Children’s Bureau & CDC COVID – 19 Presentation: Webinar PDF Children’s Bureau & CDC COVID – 19 Presentation: Select Resources
Court Appearances, Orders, and Announcements	Colorado Judicial Branch: COVID-19 Important Announcements Colorado Office of Alternate Defense Counsel: COVID-19 Resources by Judicial District Statewide Court Announcements and Call-In Information (Updated on an ongoing basis) Statewide Orders Regarding Family Time and Visits Motion for Second Reset: For Timely Hearing OCR Tips for Effective Advocacy During Telephone/Video Hearings Capacity Center Building for the Courts: Guidance on Conducting Effective Remote Hearings NJDC Juvenile Court Guidance for Remote Hearings
Attorney Visits/Contact with Children and Youth	Motion for Contact Between Child or Youth and GAL Guidelines for Video Placement Visits Delayed Visit Documentation Instructions ABA: Privacy Considerations for Remote Conversations
GAL Investigation & Advocacy Ideas	GAL Investigation and Advocacy Ideas for Responding to COVID-19 Ideas for Facility Placement Visits The Neglected Ones: Time at Home During COVID-19 and Child Maltreatment Reports of Child Abuse Seem to Be Falling: How Can We Know What’s Really Happening?
Statewide Policies Regarding Family Time & Sibling Contact	Motion For Family Time Motion for Sibling Contact/Placement Elevating Connections: Ideas for Supporting the Sibling Relationship El Paso County DHS: Video Visit Tips Virtual Visit Recommendations Statewide Orders Regarding Family Time and Visits Stipulated Family Time Order
Educational Resources	Executive Order: School Closure Extension Online Checklist for GALs Guidance for GALs of Students with Special Needs Special Education Student Tracker 504 Student Tracker COVID-19 Educational Resources for GALs Making Students in Foster Care a Priority During the COVID-19 Crisis Courtroom Questions to Address Education During COVID-19 Education During COVID-19: How Child Welfare Agencies Can Help Colorado Dept. of Education: Improving Educational Outcomes for Children and Youth
Reasonable Efforts	Reasonable Efforts Checklist Example Motion for Findings on Reasonable Efforts
Return Home, Placement Advocacy	COVID-19 and Return Home M.D. Letter: COVID-19 and Incarcerated Populations Dr. Levy COVID-19 Affidavit: Outlining the Dangers of Congregate Care
Transition Age – Youth	Youth Law Center Emergency Plan: Transition Age Youth in Foster Care – A Checklist for Dependency Attorneys, Youth Providers, and Advocates Florida Youth SHINE: Fast Facts Florida Children First: Tips for Professionals 2021 Older Youth Pandemic Resources – Guidance for Youth 2021 Older Youth Pandemic Resources for GALs
Talking to Children about COVID-19	OCR Strategies for Talking to Kids about COVID-19 CDC Facts about COVID-19 NPR Comic on COVID-19 Arizona DCS: Top Ten Tips to Engage With Young Children When Video Calling Supporting Teenagers and Young Adults During the Coronavirus Crisis: Tips for Parents with Older Children at Home
Other Colorado Resources on COVID-19	Human Services Network of Colorado: A Tenant’s Guide to COVID-19
Other Resources on COVID-19	National Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges: COVID-19 Resources National Center for State Courts: Coronavirus and the Courts National Association of Counsel for Children: COVID-19 Resource Hub Center for Disease Control: Coronavirus Information Center Prevent Child Abuse America: Coronavirus Tips & Resources for Parents, Children, and Others The Chronicle for Social Change: Ongoing Coverage of COVID-19 Think of Us: COVID-19 Resources National Indian Child Welfare Association COVID-19 Resource Hub Arizona DCS: Virtual Visitation Guidelines Iowa DHS: Tips for Foster Parents to Support Remote Interactions PBS: 13 Activities to Make the Most Out of Video Chats With Kids Fostering Connections for Families: Parenting to Support Virtual Visits Quality Parenting Initiative: Using Media Effectively with Young Children and Virtual Visitation
Technology Resources	Useful Tech Services FCC Broadband (Internet Connectivity) COVID-19 Relief Discounts
Self-Care Resources	Self Care resources Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook

COVID-19 Resources

OCR Resource Guide in Response to COVID-19

Office of the Child’s Representative