Colorado Youth

Detention Continuum

Welcome to the 1st Judicial District's Colorado Youth Detention Continuum Programs

Covering both urban and mountain communities in Jefferson and Gilpin counties, our team is dedicated to transforming lives. We offer a comprehensive range of youth justice services through the Colorado Youth Detention Continuum (CYDC).

Our mission? Simple. We’re all about creating a safer community, one child, one family, and one intervention at a time. Through teamwork, growth, accountability, and innovative solutions, we help youth and families navigate systems, restore relationships, and ensure public safety.

What We Offer

  • Detention Management & Assessment: Through contracting with the Jefferson County Juvenile Assessment center, the 1st Judicial CYDC program provides 24/7 detention screening and detention bed management, utilizing cutting-edge assessment tools to support youth at critical moments.

  • Pretrial Release Supervision: With multiple types of pretrial supervision, we work with youth, families and courts to create tailored case plans, monitor compliance, and support successful transitions.

  • Special Programs:

    • Fast Track: Voluntary pretrial case management to get youth back on track quickly.

    • Bond: Once released on bond, the Case Manager provides supervision, monitors court compliance, and connects the youth with needed services.

    • Community Safety Officer: Balancing public safety with specialized care for youth who are alleged to have committed sexual offenses.

Direct Services That Make a Difference: From education and treatment to mentoring, we focus on what works, providing personalized services to support youth and families on the road to success.

HELPFUL TERMS

Fast Track/Track:

The Fast Track Program is designed to divert youth who have a pending charge from being detained at a juvenile facility, allowing the youth to return home pending the court date. The Juvenile Assessment Center staff will provide the youth and family with a Promise to Appear that includes a court date as well as an appointment with a CYDC Pretrial Case Manager.

Pre-File vs. Pre-Trial:

  • Designed to divert (eligible) youth from entering the justice system through a filed court case. These youth would be referred to Diversion by the Juvenile Assessment Center and would have an appointment scheduled with the Jefferson County Diversion Program for the screening process. If it is determined by Jefferson County Diversion they are appropriate and accepted to the Pre-File Program, the criminal charges would not be filed. If the youth deemed to not be appropriate and are declined by Jefferson County Diversion or the youth fails out of the Pre-File program due to noncompliance, the family is referred back to the Juvenile Assessment Center and the steps of the Fast Track Program are then completed.

  • If the youth is deemed ineligible for Diversion, a CYDC Pretrial Case Manager will then meet with the family on the designated date to offer the youth and family the opportunity to voluntarily participate in a supervision contract. This supervision can also assist in providing the youth and family services which could help support them through the court process. CYDC Pretrial Case Managers attend court and provides updates regarding the youth’s progress and compliance.

What Does ‘Bond’ Mean?

A type of security required by the court before a youth is released from detention.

  • If a youth is released on Bond, they will be expected to comply with CYDC supervision services. This could include, but is not limited to:

    • Telephone communications

    • Office visits

    • Home visits

    • School visits

    • Random drug testing

    • Mental health or substance abuse evaluation and/or treatment

    • Counseling

    • Electronic Home Monitoring

  • Any violation of the terms of the supervision agreement could result in a warrant being issued and the youth being placed back in detention

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