CO SB203

Creates the Office of the Respondent Parents' Counsel within the State Judicial Department, effective January 1, 2016, to provide uniform, high-quality legal representation for parents in child dependency and neglect proceedings.

Office duties include ensuring high-quality legal representation, establishing minimum practice standards for respondent parent counsel, setting fair state compensation rates that attract experienced attorneys, and establishing pilot programs with judicial districts.

Requires the Office to submit annual performance reports beginning January 1, 2017, to the General Assembly and State Court Administrator evaluating effectiveness in improving child and family well-being.

Funding for Office establishment and operations transfers from the State Judicial Department's mandated costs line item, with appropriations allocated for fiscal year 2015-16 and thereafter to cover all respondent parents' counsel services.

Amends existing law to require courts to advise respondent parents of their right to seek counsel appointment through the Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel and repeals provisions of section 19-3-312(3).