It appears we have been heard, now we need to press the State Court Administrator's Office (SCAO) DORA & our Legislators for implementation to avoid the same fate of the 2002 Report which wasn't, causing more children to be harmed.
http://www.courts.state.co.us/
Recommendation #1: Limit the Scope of the Order of Appointment, change the Chief Justice Directives by:
- Establishing a cap either on number of hours or total cost, without further order;
- Limiting psychological testing to a qualified professional who is not the CFI and upon court order; and
- Establishing decision points to consider prior to an appointment or establishing a requirement for the court to enter a finding prior to an appointment.
Recommendation #2: Centralize and Clarify Complaint Process, change the Chief Justice Directives by:
- Establishing a statewide complaint investigation protocol for districts that includes timeframes and outcomes reporting;
- Establishing a standard information form for parties as to their rights and responsibilities, responsibilities of the CFI, and complaint process;
- Establishing centralized complaint form and submission;
- Setting forth contents of CFI file and requirements/timeframes for disclosure of file;
- Standardizing CFI billing protocol and format;
- Standardizing CFI report format;
- Providing graduated sanctions for CFI misconduct or violation of standards; and
- Establishing timeframes for filing CFI reports, objections and/or supplemental information.
Change the Statutes by:
- Provide clarification to DORA's authority to review complaints pertaining to the CO Mental Health Practice Act. [Need all families support with their Legislators, SCAO, & DORA contacts below to push for elimination of the quasi-judicial immunity Statute 12-43-215-(7)]
Recommendation #3: Standardize the Qualification Process, change the Chief Justice Directives by:
- Requiring that SCAO performs criminal background checks for all CFIs except for CO licensed attorney-CFIs and identifies associated disqualifying factors;
- Establishing that a CFI has an affirmative duty to report any violations related to the disqualifying factors;
- Requiring that CFI attends SCAO approved/provided training;
- Establishing that SCAO verifies training completion and continuing education requirements; and
- Establishing a CFI mentoring program.
Recommendation #4: Maintain a List of Qualified CFIs, change the Chief Justice Directives by:
- Establishing a statewide list of qualified CFIs for districts to appoint CFIs.
Recommendation #5: Formal Adoption of PC Standards
Committee recommends adoption of the Standards set forth in the Standing Committee White Paper titled Court Appointments of Parenting Coordinators: A Resource for Courts and Professionals, in addition to the identification and implementation of a statewide policy that addresses such things as qualifications, fees, training and complaint process.
Recommendation #6: Modify Chief Justice Directives consistent with Recommendations. The Standing Committee on Family Issues will establish task groups to implement recommendations. The subcommitee should be multi-disciplinary and include rural and urban representatives. [This is our chance to get directly on the committees and press the State Court Administrator's Office to ensure the Recommendations are implemented]
Legislators - http://www.leg.state.co.us, click on Contact Information. Tips for maximum impact on legislators: Be brief, be polite, include a few reasons, and contact info. If you don't know who your legislator is - http://www.votesmart.org/
Chad Edinger, Court Auxiliary Services Coordinator
Colorado State Court Administrator's Office
Ph: 303-837-3605
Bill DeLisio, Family Law Program Manager
Colorado State Court Administrator's Office
Ph: 303-837-3623
Bryan Jameson, Policy Analyst
DORA - Executive Director's Office, Office of Policy, Research & Regulatory Reform
Ph: 303.894.7833
Ph: 303.894.7833
Saul Larsen, Policy Analyst
DORA - Executive Director's Office. Office of Policy, Research & Regulatory Reform
Ph: 303.894.7833
Ph: 303.894.7833
We need to begin work with our legislators as the session begins 1/12, including thoroughly scrutinizing any family court or court appointed expert related bills introduced. http://www.leg.state.co.us/, click on Status and Calendar. Legislative season ends May 2011.
We need your support please to push these Recommendations through and close the gaps that led to the abuses of the system that so many of us have experienced, resulting in harm to our children. Please distribute widely.
United for Change,
