As a result of Colorado House Bill 21-1094, the Office of the Child’s Representative (OCR) now provides attorneys to youth who may or do qualify for the Foster Youth in Transition Program. HB21-1094 was signed into law by Governor Polis on June 25, 2021. The bill establishes a more youth-driven and empowering way to serve young people who are currently in the child welfare system and are 18 and older, or about to turn 18 as well youth who are over 18 and have exited the system. It establishes a new case type for youth receiving services after the age of 18 and provides them with client-directed legal representation rather than a GAL. It also allows eligible youth to re-enter child welfare after the age of 18 if needed.
This webinar will cover the legislative intent, requirements, eligibility, procedures and practice issues related to the Foster Youth in Transition Program, after the passage of HB21-1094.
Please note: The PowerPoint in the materials is not the PowerPoint that was used in the actual webinar. The PowerPoint in the materials has italicized updates due to Colorado House Bill 22-1245 (a cleanup bill to House Bill 21-1094) and Colorado House Bill 22-1038 (a bill that provides children/youth aged 12 and older direct-interests Counsel for Youth (CFY) and amends parts of the FYTP).
Presenters:
Ashley Chase, Office of the Child’s Representative | Staff Attorney & Legislative Liaison
Cara Nord, Office of the Child’s Representative | Youth Empowerment Attorney
