This year, OCR commemorates its 25th anniversary and all of the advocacy, resources, and perseverance that has gone into providing effective representation for Colorado’s children and youth.
OCR’s enabling legislation, HB 00-1371, recognized that legal advocacy is a “critical element of giving children a voice in the Colorado court system,” and noted that bolstering representation required expertise and investment (both in time and fiscal resources).
25 years after opening its doors, OCR has much to celebrate.
First, OCR recognizes the incredible power of youth voice, as well as the struggles, tenacity, and perseverance of the children and youth it has had the privilege of representing over the past 25 years. These children and youth are the reason OCR exists, they deserve effective legal advocacy, and their interests and voices must be elevated and heard.
Second, OCR celebrates the amazing advocacy of its attorneys and the multidisciplinary members of their legal teams. These attorneys and case consultants stand up for children and youth day in and day out.
Third, OCR expresses gratitude for the investment of resources Colorado’s General Assembly has dedicated to the legal representation of children and youth. This investment has allowed OCR to develop a cadre of specialized, independent, and effective attorneys who can dedicate their time and expertise to the honorable endeavor of representing Colorado’s most vulnerable children and youth during some of the most difficult moments of their young lives.
Finally, OCR recognizes the many contributions of its staff and board members—both past and present—in cultivating and sustaining an organization that supports effective legal advocacy across Colorado.
OCR’s 25th anniversary comes at a time of many challenges: cuts to budgets, services, placements, and programs; resistance to youth rights, attempts to portray children and youth as at fault for their circumstances, and attacks on their rights. This is a time where the OCR community and its supporters must stand together to ensure the focus of cases, policy, and practice remains of children and youth.
A plenary session at OCR’s fall conference featuring OCR’s three Executive Directors over the life of the agency will launch OCR’s 25th anniversary commemoration. From there, OCR will continue to engage with its staff, board, contractors, and Lived Experts Action Panel to find opportunities to continue to advance its mission. Stay tuned for additional updates throughout the year.
