The People of the State of Colorado, in the Interest of Minor Children: J.w. and N.w. v. C.o.

Summary

The court held that a juvenile court retains jurisdiction to terminate parental rights when it accepts a parent's knowing and voluntary admission establishing that the children are dependent or neglected, even if the court does not timely enter a formal written adjudication order. Because the admission fulfilled the purpose of adjudication and the proceedings were fundamentally fair, the omission did not deprive the mother of due process. The court reversed and remanded for consideration of the mother's remaining appellate claims.