2018 Colorado Revised Statutes
Title 19 - Children's Code
Article 2 - the Colorado Juvenile Justice System
Part 9 - Postadjudicatory Process
§ 19-2-916. Sentencing - placement based on special needs of the juvenile
(1) Except as otherwise provided in section 19-2-601 for an aggravated juvenile offender, the court may order that the juvenile be examined or treated by a physician, surgeon, psychiatrist, or psychologist or that he or she receive other special care and may place the juvenile in a hospital or other suitable facility for such purposes; except that no juvenile may be placed in a mental health facility operated by the department of human services until the juvenile has received a mental health hospital placement prescreening resulting in a recommendation that the juvenile be placed in a facility for an evaluation pursuant to section 27-65-105 or 27-65-106, or a hearing has been held by the court after notice to all parties, including the department of human services. An order for a seventy-two-hour treatment and evaluation shall not be entered unless a hearing is held and evidence indicates that the prescreening report is inadequate, incomplete, or incorrect and that competent professional evidence is presented by a mental health professional that indicates that the juvenile has a behavioral or mental health disorder. The court shall make, prior to the hearing, such orders regarding temporary custody of the juvenile as are deemed appropriate.
(2) Placement in any mental health facility operated by the department of human services shall continue for such time as ordered by the court or until the professional person in charge of the juvenile's treatment concludes that the treatment or placement is no longer appropriate. If placement or treatment is no longer deemed appropriate, the court shall be notified and a hearing held for further disposition of the juvenile within five days excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. The court shall make, prior to the hearing, such orders regarding temporary custody of the juvenile as are deemed appropriate.
