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A non-family member can petition the court to adopt a child they are caring for if: 

• The birth parents have abandoned the child for one year or more, or 
• The birth parents have failed to provide reasonable support for the child, such as failing to pay child support, for one year or more. 
• The non-family member must have legal custody over the child established either through an Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (APR) or Guardianship case. The non-family member will petition the court for a “Custodial Adoption.” C.R.S. § 19-5-203(k)

The collection of restitution can take place over a length of time and depends on the amount owed and the offender’s financial status and ability to pay. As a practical matter, an offender who has no money or potential to make money may be less likely to make meaningful restitution payments.

Court-ordered restitution is due the day it is ordered and must be paid to the Clerk of Court. The offender is directed to meet with a Collections Investigator to establish a payment plan if they are unable to pay in full the day restitution is ordered. The payment plan will include details such as the amount of restitution and any interest owed, payment amounts, and payment due dates.

If an offender is eligible for a Colorado State income tax refund, or other monies disbursed by the state, the court will intercept the money and apply it to the balance owed.

• When a child is adopted, this ends all of the birth parents' rights and responsibilities. A birth parent cannot just reappear one day and try to reclaim the child.
• Guardianship does not sever the rights and responsibilities of the birth parents, but means that a caregiver is responsible for the care and custody of the child.
• Legal custody is different than guardianship in that it may be easier to receive government services from the state if you are a guardian rather than a legal custodian.