Where can I find the court date for my case?
For the most updated information, court dates can be found on the Colorado Judicial website. Click on dockets and then fill in information requested.
Court dates will also be updated in OPTIMA after the prior hearing. Click on your assigned case and then select the tab at the bottom of the page labeled “Hearings”.
Occasionally, hearings will be continued or reset. Checking the judicial docket website will provide you with the most accurate information.
Will my court hearing be heard in person or virtually?
Hearing appearances are designated as in person or virtual at the prior hearing. If you have questions, you can check the court docket (see above) and it will have the designation in the details.
Where is the login information for my virtual hearing?
Virtual hearing log in information can also be found on the Colorado Judicial website.
I have a virtual hearing to attend. How do I prepare?
Ensure you have the Webex link prior to the hearing. If you can’t find it on your calendar invite or in your email from your Advocate Supervisor, reach out to them for the link or refer to the information above. Make sure to do this in advance of your hearing to allow your Advocate Supervisor enough advance notice. Do not log into the courtroom earlier than a minute or so prior to the scheduled court hearing, as other hearings will still be taking place.
Once you are ready to virtually enter the court room, please remember the following:
- Be prepared
- Come dressed in court attire/business casual
- Do not eat, drink, or chew gum on camera
- Turn your camera on when your case is called
- Do not interrupt the judge when speaking
I have a hearing to attend in person. How do I prepare?
Ensure you give yourself plenty of time for the commute, as the courthouse (for Adams County) is located in Brighton.
Remember certain items could be confiscated while going through security, such as:
- Water bottle/travel coffee mug (no liquids)
- Weapons of any kind (including a knife for a packed lunch)
- Drugs or alcohol (this includes a vape pen)
Dress should be business casual for the hearing. No hats are permitted to be worn inside the courtroom. Contact/connect with your Advocate Supervisor upon arrival.
How long will my court hearing last?
Please discuss the length of the hearing with your Advocate Supervisor. Depending on the posture (status) of the case and type of hearing; the length may vary.
I don’t know what __________ term means: (ex: Adjudication, Disposition, PPHR). Where can I learn what this means?
Most of these terms pertain to the type of hearing. We have an extensive Glossary of Terms document that will define common acronyms. Additionally, we have a Court Observation Reference Guide that explains what happens at certain types of hearings. For more information, see our Resources page.
I don’t remember my password to Optima. What do I do?
Reach out to your supervisor to ask for it to be reset. Do not attempt to reset the password yourself; it will not work.
Where can I find contact information for my professional team? (i.e., Caseworker and GAL)
On Optima. Go to the ‘Associated Parties’ tab at the bottom of the page.
What do I do if my Caseworker or GAL won’t respond to me?
Try calling in addition to email. Reach out to your Advocate Supervisor for additional support.
My case is headed to Termination. Does that mean it’s closing?
No. A case is never closed at the point of Termination of Parental Rights. A case only closes when a child achieves permanency. Some examples of permanency are 1. Adoption, 2. Guardianship, and 3. APR (Allocation of Parental Responsibilities). There are many other ways a case can be closed. Reach out to your Advocate Supervisor to learn more.
My case is closing. Will I be able to have contact with my CASA kid/family after?
It depends. The CASA may have a permanent connection with the minor child(ren)/family on their case if the family and the child would like to maintain such a connection. If contact after case closure is wanted by both the CASA and the child(ren) and family, then the CASA may maintain a relationship. However, it is important that everyone involved understands that the CASA is no longer acting in the Advocate capacity in any way. The Court Appointment order no longer allows the CASA any access to the child or any otherwise confidential information. The CASA must ensure that everyone involved understands this.