In Re the People of the State of Colorado, Petitioner: In the Interest of Minor Child: R.M.P., and Concerning R.P…

Summary

The court held that Colorado is the exclusive party with standing to prosecute a dependency-and-neglect proceeding under the Children's Code and parens patriae doctrine. A child represented by counsel for youth therefore may not continue the proceeding over the State's motion to dismiss, and the court overruled the contrary exception recognized by an earlier court of appeals decision. The court made its order to show cause absolute and remanded with instructions to dismiss the petition.