D.  Hearing


C.R.S. § 27-10-103(3.3)
At the hearing, the court should determine if the placement is necessary, and also if it is in the best interests of the child and community. Preponderance of the evidence standard applies.

The court may approve a disabled child’s voluntary placement. The child’s disability may be physical, intellectual or emotional. Documentation must show the disability necessitates care and treatment for more than ninety days.

A voluntary mental health commitment review may be held instead. If a child age fifteen or older consents to a mental health facility placement, the two month review by an independent professional meets the court review requirements for voluntary placement. The court may not handle the review as an informal adjustment.