9/13/24 Update re: Notice of Closure of Conejos County Courthouse

Family Law Programs

Family Law Programs

Parental Responsibility Evaluators

Courts may appoint Parental Responsibility Evaluators (PREs) in cases involving parental responsibilities, including parenting time and decision-making. Parental Responsibility Evaluators are appointed to perform an evaluation and file a written report concerning disputed issues pertaining to the allocation of parental responsibilities for a child or children. The purpose of the evaluation and report is to assist in determining the best interests of the child, with the child’s safety always paramount. Effective January 1, 2022, the Office of the State Court Administrator oversees all PREs. Acceptance of appointments after January 1, 2022 without the required training documentation and without being on the Statewide Roster is strictly prohibited.

PRE forms page

Filing a Complaint against a PRE

If you believe a PRE has violated the Standards of Practice in Chief Justice Directive 21-02, you may click the button below to file a complaint. You must have a prima facie finding from the Judicial Officer in your case in order to file your complaint. The only complaints that do not require a prima facie finding by the Judicial Officer are complaints regarding the PRE’s failure to make mandatory notification of grievances and the PRE violation of CJD 21-02 Standard 6: The PRE shall establish and maintain competence through training. The PRE complaint process will not result in changes to court orders. Complaints must be brought within one year after termination of the PRE appointment.

JDF 1339 Form to request prima facie findings

Prima Facie Finding:
Parties or their counsel of record shall file a complaint only after the court has made prima facie findings on the record that the PRE failed to comply with the court’s order of appointment or has violated a practice standard set forth in this CJD. (Black's Law Dictionary definition of prima facie: ... (18c) Sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless disproved or rebutted; based on what seems to be true on first examination, even though it may later be proved to be untrue).

If you believe a PRE is in violation of their mental health license, click here to search the PRE on the DORA website and file a complaint.

Statewide PRE Roster

PRE Statewide Roster
Click on the PRE Statewide Roster link to access the list of potential PREs for your case.

The Judicial Branch does not certify or endorse PREs. Parties should independently investigate PRE qualifications and suitability. Those listed on Statewide PRE Roster submitted a PRE affidavit, proof of mental health licensure, passed a background check, as determined by the Office of the State Court Administrator, and submitted proof of mandatory training pursuant to CJD 21-02. The SCAO determines final eligibility for appointment of PREs. PREs should have no expectation of appointment.

Definition of Mental Health Provider as Defined by CJD 21-02

"Licensed Mental Health Professional” refers to the following:

a) psychologists licensed pursuant to §12-245-301, C.R.S., et. seq.;
b) social workers licensed pursuant to §12-245-401, C.R.S., et. seq.;
c) marriage and family therapists licensed pursuant to §12-245-501, C.R.S., et. seq.;
d) licensed professional counselors, licensed pursuant to §12-245-601, C.R.S., et. seq.; and
e) licensed addiction counselors, defined by §12-245-801(10), C.R.S., with a scope of work defined by §12-245-803(4), C.R.S., and pursuant to §12-245-804(1), C.R.S.

Becoming a PRE

A PRE must be a mental health professional, as defined by CJD 21-02, and must have the appropriate training and qualifications pursuant to §14-10-127, C.R.S. Prospective PREs should review Chief Justice Directive 21-02 and §14-10-127, C.R.S., to learn more about the PRE role and responsibilities.

Step 1: Complete the mandatory training: Effective January 1, 2024, training requirements are 20 initial clock hours of training focused on domestic violence and child abuse topics in compliance with §14-10-127.5, C.R.S. and §14-10-127, C.R.S. You will be required to submit proof of all completed training and a Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Training Affidavit. See below in the renewal section for this document. 

Step 2: PRE Affidavit. PRE affidavits are currently accepted on rolling basis (processing of PRE affidavits can take approximately 14 days). Starting Jan 1, 2025, PRE affidavits will only be accepted annually, during the month of January each year. Please click here to complete the online Affidavit. (<-Form Required)

*The Affidavit will include a release of information for background check, and you will need to upload your DV and Child Abuse training certificates and Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Training Affidavit. Please list your contact information on your Affidavit as you wish to have it appear on the public roster.

 

Renewal of PRE Eligibility

The renewal period is now closed for the Jan 1, 2024 renewal.

After completion of the initial twenty hours of DV and CA training pursuant to §14-10-127.5, C.R.S. and §14-10-127, C.R.S, fifteen subsequent clock hours of training every five years on domestic violence and child abuse are required. The renewal affidavit must include proof of completion of the fifteen hours of training and the Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Training Affidavit. Please do not email your training certificates separately. 

Review §14-10-127.5, C.R.S. and §14-10-127, C.R.S. carefully for professional trainer requirements and course topic requirements.

Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Training Affidavit (printable version)

Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Training Affidavit (fillable form)

 Please reach out to PREprogram@judicial.state.co.us directly if you need assistance completing the Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Training Affidavit.

Authorities

Complaint Log

Pursuant to CJD 21-02, the judicial district and the SCAO may publicly disclose only the existence of a founded complaint, the date of the finding, the standard or section of the CJD violated, and the sanction imposed.  

PRE Complaint Log

For more information or for questions about PRE appointments, please email Jaime Watman at PREprogram@judicial.state.co.us

Letter to CFIs and PREs from the SCAO - click here to download PDF