Courts may appoint Child and Family Investigators (CFIs) in cases involving parental responsibilities, including parenting time and decision-making. The court order appointing a CFI states the CFI’s duties, or the scope of the CFI appointment. The CFI’s role is to investigate, report and make recommendations to the court, as directed in the order of appointment, regarding the best interests of the children. The CFI usually prepares a written report for the court and may testify during court hearings. Effective January 1, 2016, the Office of the State Court Administrator oversees all CFIs.
| Filing a Complaint against a CFI |
If you believe a CFI has violated the Standards of Practice in Chief Justice Directive 04-08, you may click the button below to file a complaint. If your case is still pending, the investigation of your complaint may be deferred or you may be asked to refile after your court case is resolved . The CFI complaint process will not result in changes to court orders. Complaints must be brought within one year after termination of the CFI appointment. This complaint process does not apply to Parental Responsibility Evaluators (PRE), as they have a separate complaint process on the PRE page.
If the CFI is a licensed mental health professional, and you believe they are in violation of their mental health license, click here to search that CFI on the DORA website and file a complaint. (In the search box you only need to enter the CFI's first and last name)
If the CFI is an attorney and you believe they violated the Colorado Rules of Professional Conduct, click here if you wish to file a complaint with the Office of Attorney Regulation.
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Judicial District CFI Rosters
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Current Judicial District CFI Rosters
Click on the above link to access the list of potential CFIs for your court.
The Judicial Branch does not certify or endorse CFIs. Parties should independently investigate CFI qualifications and suitability. Those listed on District CFI Rosters submitted a CFI affidavit, attended a mandatory CFI training, and passed a background check, as determined by the Office of the State Court Administrator. Judicial districts determine final eligibility for appointment of CFIs. CFIs should have no expectation of appointment.
The 18th JD and 14th JD manage their own CFI rosters. Once is CFI is approved for the Statewide Roster, they may apply to be added to the Roster for the 18th JD and 14th JD. See the instructions below.
- 18th JD Roster: To be added to the CFI Roster for the 18th JD, please email Jenni Turnidge at jenni.turnidge@judicial.state.co.us
- 14th JD Roster: To be added to the CFI Roster for the 14th JD, please email Peggy Gentles at peggy.gentles@judicial.state.co.us
Any changes to a CFI listing on a District Roster should be sent to CFIProgram@judicial.state.co.us
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| Becoming a CFI |
The CFI Affidavit is now closed. Check back later for information on the next open Affidavit period, which occurs approximately every 2 years. Next open Affidavit period will be in 2025.
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
How many CFIs are on the Statewide Eligibility Roster? More than 150.
How many CFIs are listed on each District Roster? The number of CFIs on District Rosters ranges from 9 to more than 100.
What districts most need CFIs? Many rural districts have a CFI shortage.
What special skills are most needed? Few CFIs can communicate with families who speak languages other than English. This skill is helpful.
Will I receive enough appointments to do CFI work full time? Probably not. CFIs should have no expectation of appointment. Most CFIs desire more appointments than they receive and also work as mediators, lawyers, mental health practitioners, parenting coordinators, decision-makers, etc. Some CFIs do not receive any appointments
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| Renewal of CFI Eligibility |
The renewal period has closed. Every two years the CFI shall complete 10 hours of continuing education in relevant areas, consistent with Standard 6. The 10 hours of training must include 4 hours of training on domestic violence, including coercive control, child abuse, and child sexual abuse, and the traumatic effects on children, adults and families.
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| CAC Billing Info |
For information on setting up a CAC system user profile and CAC system training info click here and scroll to the very bottom of the page.
For billing system log-in, CAC system training, and additional resources, click here.
Please email CACpayments@judicial.state.co.us with any questions.
The division clerk is responsible for setting up each individual case in the internal system. This includes assigning the CFI to the case for CAC payments. Please contact the clerk directly if you have not been added to a case.
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| Authorities |
Statute and Chief Justice Directives (CJDs):
§14-10-116.5, C.R.S. (governs the appointment of CFIs)
CLICK HERE to Search for a Chief Justice Directive:
CJD 04-08 (CFI appointment, practice standards and complaint procedures)
CJD 04-05 (state paid CFIs)
Practice Guidelines:
Practice Guideline Standard 8 - Use of Support Staff
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| For More Information |
For questions about CFI appointments, please email Jaime Watman at CFIProgram@judicial.state.co.us
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