19-3-304.3. Domestic abuse task force - creation - best practices and training for recognition of domestic abuse as child abuse or neglect - policies and procedures - rules.

Statute text

(1) (a) The state department shall create a domestic abuse task force, referred to in this section as the "task force". The task force must be formed for no more than two years. The task force shall review recommendations from the state department's domestic violence program and child welfare workgroup to develop a statutory definition for this title 19 that defines domestic abuse and recognizes the impact domestic abuse may have on the emotional and developmental well-being of a child.

(b) The membership of the task force must represent the broad cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the state, including persons with lived experiences or professional expertise. The task force may include members from the state department's domestic violence program and child welfare workgroup.

(c) The state department shall report to the health and human services committee of the senate and the public and behavioral health and human services committee of the house of representatives, or any successor committees, with the recommended definition pursuant to subsection (1)(a) of this section no later than December 2022.

(2) On or before July 1, 2023, the state department shall promulgate rules based on recommendations from the domestic violence program and child welfare workgroup regarding the best practices and training for recognition of child abuse or neglect related to domestic abuse, including, but not limited to:

(a) Creating, implementing, and updating assessment policies and procedures for child welfare caseworkers to recognize, respond, and assess child abuse or neglect related to domestic abuse while appropriately considering the role of the non-abusive caregiver and cultural considerations;

(b) Creating, implementing, and updating training materials for mandatory reporters to recognize and report child abuse or neglect related to domestic abuse;

(c) Establishing training standards to implement updated assessment policies and procedures for child welfare caseworkers to recognize and respond to child abuse or neglect related to domestic abuse while appropriately considering the role of the non-abusive caregiver and cultural considerations; and

(d) Establishing training standards to implement updated assessment policies and procedures for child welfare caseworkers to recognize and respond to child abuse or neglect related to domestic abuse while appropriately considering the role of the abusive parent and cultural considerations.

History

Source: L. 2021: Entire section added, (HB 21-1099), ch. 179, p. 972, 2, effective September 7.

Annotations

Cross references: For the legislative declaration in HB 21-1099, see section 1 of chapter 179, Session Laws of Colorado 2021.