F.  Before Hearing


C.R.S. § 19-5-208(1)
The court should fix the hearing date as soon as the petition is filed. It should be held no sooner than six months after the child’s placement date. 

C.R.S. § 19-5-210(1) and (2)
The court can extend or shorten the period for good cause shown, or continue the hearing date if necessary.

C.R.S. § 19-5-210(1.5)
The court may approve a prospective adoption placement. The court should approve it pending the adoption hearing if it is in the child’s best interests. 

C.R.S. § 19-5-206(3)
The court may not deny or delay a child’s placement because of race. The only exception is the tribal placement preferences for an Indian child. 

C.R.S. § 19-5-209(2)

If DHS has custody and guardianship, it supervises the placement until the final adoption decree.

C.R.S. § 19-5-209(2)
The court may terminate a prospective adoptive placement at any time before the final adoption decree, if it is in the child’s best interests. To do so, the court terminates the placement for good cause after notice to all parties and a hearing.

C.R.S. § 19-1-111
People in the Interest of M.C.P., 768 P.2d 1253 (Colo. App. 1988)

The court may appoint the child a guardian ad litem. If the child was the subject of a dependency and neglect petition, the GAL continues until a final adoption decree. The GAL conducts an independent investigation, and is allowed access to information on the adoptive placement.