Colorado § 26-5.7-104 - Taking youth into custody - transporting to residence or child care facility or homeless youth shelter.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 26-5.7-104 — Taking youth into custody - transporting to residence or child care facility or homeless youth shelter., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-5.7-104. Taking youth into custody - transporting to residence or child care facility or homeless youth shelter.
(1) A law enforcement officer may take a youth into temporary custody without an order of the court under the following circumstances:
(a) If a law enforcement agency has been contacted by the youth's parent and informed that the youth is absent from parental custody without consent; or
(b) If an officer has reasonable cause to believe, considering the youth's age, the youth's location, and the time of day, that the youth is in circumstances that constitute a danger to the youth's safety.
(2) Law enforcement custody pursuant to this section shall not extend beyond the amount of time reasonably necessary to transport the youth to a destination authorized pursuant to subsection (4) of this section.
(3) Nothing in this section shall affect the authority of a law enforcement officer to take a youth into custody and follow the procedures established pursuant to article 2.5 or 3 of title 19, C.R.S.
(4) A law enforcement officer taking a youth into custody pursuant to this section shall inform the youth of the reason for such custody and shall comply with either of the following:
(a) The officer shall transport the youth to the home of the youth's parent. The officer releasing the youth into the custody of the youth's parent shall inform the parent of the reason for taking the youth into custody and shall inform the youth and the parent of the nature and location of any family reconciliation services available in their community.
(b) The officer shall take the youth to a licensed child care facility or to a licensed homeless youth shelter if:
(I) The youth evinces fear or distress at the prospect of being returned to the home of the youth's parent;
(II) It is not practical to transport the youth to the home of the youth's parent; or
(III) There is no parent available to accept custody of the youth.
Source: L. 97: Entire article added, p. 978, § 2, effective May 22. L. 2022: (3) amended, (SB 22-212), ch. 421, p. 2981, § 67, effective August 10.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 26-5.7-104
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 26-5.7-104 cover?
Section 26-5.7-104 ("Taking youth into custody - transporting to residence or child care facility or homeless youth shelter.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 26-5.7-104?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 26-5.7-104" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 26-5.7-104 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.