HB 22-1056 Summary

• Establishes a temporary shelter program for juveniles in Colorado, allowing up to five days of voluntary, non-restrictive care in licensed facilities while awaiting return home or alternative placement.

• Requires the General Assembly to annually appropriate funds to the Department of Human Services for temporary shelter services, allocated to judicial districts based on a formula created by the working group.

• Mandates that temporary shelter placements be voluntary with children able to leave at any time, and requires facilities to provide assessments, treatment planning, and ongoing educational services.

• Allows judicial districts to use allocated funds for shelter care costs, support to kinship caregivers during emergencies, services and evaluations, and establishment of licensed temporary shelter facilities.

• Appropriates $137,308 to the Department of Human Services for fiscal year 2022-23, with the provision set to expire June 30, 2026, unless legislative committees determine working group recommendations warrant continuation.