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1. At what age is it appropriate to leave my child at home alone?

The Colorado Department of Human Services provides helpful guidance for parents related to this topic on their website.

The answer to this question depends upon the situation and the maturity of the child. Colorado in general has accepted the age of 12 as a guideline for when it may be appropriate for a child to be left at home alone for short periods of time.

2. What constitutes child abuse and/or neglect?

"Abuse" or "child abuse or neglect" is defined in Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S) § 19-1-103. Child abuse or neglect means an act or omission in one of the following categories that threatens the health or welfare of a child:

• Any case in which a child exhibits evidence of skin bruising, bleeding, malnutrition, failure to thrive, burns, fracture of any bone, subdural hematoma, soft tissue swelling or death and either:
  
  
  
  
  • Such condition or death is not justifiably explained; the history given concerning such condition is at variance with the degree or type of such condition or death
  
  
  • Circumstances indicate that such condition may not be the product of an accidental occurrence
  
  
  
  


• Any case in which a child is subjected to unlawful sexual behavior as defined in section 16-22-102 (9), C.R.S.


• Any case in which a child is a child in need of services because the child's parents, legal guardian or custodian fails to take the same actions to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision that a prudent parent would take


• Any case in which a child is subjected to emotional abuse. Emotional abuse in this section means identifiable and substantial impairment of the child's intellectual or psychological functioning or development or a substantial risk of impairment of the child's intellectual or psychological functioning or development


• Any case in which, in the presence of a child, or on the premises where a child is found, or where a child resides, a controlled substance (defined in C.R.S. 18-18-102 (5)) is manufactured or attempted to be manufactured


• Any case in which a child tests positive at birth for either a schedule-I controlled substance, as defined in section 18-18-204, C.R.S., unless the child tests positive for a schedule-II controlled substance as a result of the mother's lawful intake of such substance as prescribed

For additional information about how to identify child abuse, please visit the Child Welfare Information Gateway website, a service of U.S. Department of Human Services, Administration for Children and Families' Children's Bureau.



If you suspect that a child is being harmed, you should report your concerns by calling the Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 720.887.2271.

3. Is homelessness a reason to remove a child from his or her parents?

Homelessness, in and of itself, does not constitute child abuse and is therefore not a basis for child protection intervention as long as the parent continues to provide the necessary shelter, food, clothing, medical care and educational attention the child needs.

4. If I make a report of suspected child abuse or neglect, will my identity be protected?

Those who report suspected abuse and neglect of children remain anonymous and are immune from any civil or criminal liability if the report is made in good faith. Colorado Revised Statute §19-3-307, requires the identity of the reporter to be protected.

5. Can I make an anonymous report of child abuse or neglect?

Anonymous calls are accepted and regarded as credible unless further investigation proves otherwise; however, the identity of the caller, even if known, will not be revealed to the family who may be the subject of the allegation. It is critical that the person making the report provide as much information as possible; however, to enable the department to assess the situation thoroughly.

6. What persons are mandated by the state to report suspected child abuse or neglect and what are the penalties for failure to report?

Colorado Revised Statute §19-3-304 requires the following persons (based on profession) to report suspected child abuse or neglect:

• Physicians, surgeons, physicians in training, child health associates, medical examiners, coroners, dentists, osteopaths, optometrists, chiropractors, podiatrists, nurses, hospital personnel, dental hygienists, physical therapists, pharmacists and registered dieticians


• Public or private school officials or employees


• Social workers, Christian Science practitioners, mental health professionals, psychologists, professional counselors and marriage and family therapists


• Veterinarians, peace officers, firefighters or victim's advocates


• Commercial film and photographic print processors


• Counselors, marriage and family therapists and psychotherapists


• Clergy members, including:
  
  
  
  
  • Priests
  
  
  • Rabbis
  
  
  • Duly ordained, commissioned, or licensed ministers of a church
  
  
  • Members of religious orders
  
  
  • Recognized leaders of any religious bodies
  
  
  
  


• Workers in the state department of human services


• Commercial film and photographic print processors when they have knowledge of or observe any film, photograph, videotape, negative or slide depicting a child engaged in an act of sexual conduct.

These persons are required to make a report:

• When they have reasonable cause to know or suspect child abuse or neglect


• When they have observed a child being subjected to circumstances or conditions that would reasonably result in abuse or neglect

Any mandatory reporter who willfully fails to report as required by § 19-3-304(1): Commits a Class 3 misdemeanor, shall be punished as provided by law, and shall be liable for damages proximately caused.

7. When would it be necessary to remove a child from his or her home?

The Department's goal is to maintain children safely in their own homes; however, the safety of the child is our primary goal. The Department provides protective services to families to help prevent abuse and neglect and links them to resources to help them become nurturing caregivers to their children. However, if the department determines through thorough assessments and investigations that the safety of the child is in danger if the child remains in his / her own home, the child will be placed in another home. There are a number of options for placement of a child, including with another relative or into foster care.

8. What is a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)?

Court-Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers who are trained and supervised by the non-profit organization, CASA, to represent the best interests of children who are the victims of physical, sexual or emotional abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to be a voice for these children in court.



The desired result is that children are placed into safe, loving homes where they can thrive. These volunteers are sworn in as officers of the court, and provide pertinent information to the judge so that important decisions can be made regarding the child's educational and health related needs, therapy, visitation and ultimately permanency.



These advocates:

• Review the child's records


• Interview parents, foster parents, teachers and relatives


• Meet with the child regularly


• Prepare reports


• Make recommendations


• Ensure that the child's educational needs are met

9. What is a guardian ad litem?

A guardian ad litem is an attorney who is appointed by the court to represent the interests of a child or children in a family that is under court-ordered protective services. This attorney will be present at each court hearing and makes recommendations to the court regarding the case plan and progress in each case. The attorney is paid by the court and is independent and autonomous from the parent and the Health and Human Services Department.