+ Which youth are eligible to access services at the JCJAC?

Any child aged 10-17 years old is appropriate to be transported or referred to the JCJAC to access services. If you know you are interested in bringing your child, or are a professional referring a child, please contact the JAC at (720) 497-7770 prior to transport.

+ How long can a child be at the JCJAC?

All youth transported to the JCJAC can remain at the JAC for a maximum of six hours. The JCJAC also understands that parents have work, children, and other obligations that may prevent them from arriving within this time frame. As long as the parent or guardians check in with the JAC to explain if they are unable to arrive to pick up their child within this timeframe, an extension may be provided.

+ What if I refuse to come and pick up my child after the six hour time limit?

Any parent or legal guardian that refuses to pick of their child from the JCJAC will be referred to the County Department of Human Services.

+ What are your hours and where are you located?

The JCJAC is open 24 hours a day - seven days a week. The JCJAC is located at 11011 W. 6th Ave Lakewood, CO 80215. The JCJAC is located within the Remington Building in Suite 120.

+ What does a JAC assessment consist of?

The JCJAC will complete an assessment for any child whose parents approve of/request one be complete. The assessment consists of a one-on-one interview between a Juvenile Assessment Specialist (JAS) and the youth. JAS ask questions using a Motivational Interviewing approach where they touch on family background, education, substance use, criminal history, social and mental status, and discuss presenting problems. Depending on where JAS believe the child and family may benefit from services, referrals will be recommended to agencies outside in the community to address the child’s needs.

+ What type of resources does the JCJAC offer?

The JCJAC offers an array of resources related to schools and education, mental health, mentoring, gang prevention, substance abuse, youth employment, and pro-social activities just to name a few.

+ What if my child is already involved in services?

Youth who are already receiving appropriate services, but are still experiencing issues may still be referred to the JCJAC to receive what is called a “Cool Off” period. This cool off period is an opportunity for the youth to be placed in a safe environment to de-escalate or talk to someone about their behaviors. JAS will complete a short interview with the youth to discuss any additional recommendations or changes in referrals or services.

+ My child won’t stay home, what do I do?

If your son or daughter has run away from home, the first and best thing to do is to immediately report your child as a runaway to your local police agency. Parents can also request their child be transported to the JCJAC upon pick up. By being transported to the JAC, the youth will have an opportunity to complete an assessment to discuss the parent/guardians concerns. Running away is not considered a criminal act.

+ Do you complete drug tests?

The JCJAC does not complete any drug or alcohol screens on youth at the center. If you are interested in getting your child drug tested, contact Wiz Quiz or visit www.wiz-quiz.com.

+ My child does not feel safe, and is suicidal, what should I do?

The complexity of suicidal behaviors warrants consultation with appropriate partners. Whenever possible, suicidal behavior should be treated as a medical concern rather than a legal concern. If your child is feeling unsafe and is expressing safety concerns, the first and best option would be to transport your son/daughter to the nearest hospital. The family can also choose to transport their child to the Jefferson Center for Mental Health Walk- In Crisis Center located at 12055 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO 80401 or visit their website at https://www.jcmh.org/in-times-of-crisis-trauma/.

+ I’m a parent looking for a scared-straight program for my son/daughter. They can benefit from somethings that can help “teach them a lesson.”

The JCJAC is not a detention facility nor is it a means of “punishment” to send a “message” to an at-risk youth. The JCJAC does not provide tours nor do they house youth for an extended amount of time.

+ We were told to complete an assessment by my son’s/daughter’s school?

Your child is being asked to complete a Risk Assessment at the request of your child’s school due to risks, threats, or concerns they expressed while at school. Prior to the youth being transported to the JCJAC, the Threat Management Form must be completed by the school and faxed to the JCJAC at (720) 497-7791 and addressed to the Education Liaison. The JCJAC assesses youth for threats utilizing several different assessment tools. The JCJAC will also investigate whether the youth has juvenile justice or other system involvement. The youth and family will typically be referred to community resources related to issues that are indicated through the assessment. A detailed report from the JCJAC will be available that indicates concerns, systems involvement, and resources.

+ Who can I speak to regarding my son/daughter who is detained at Mount View Youth Services Center?

Parents or legal guardians can contact the JCJAC at (720) 497-7770 or MVYSC at the phone number and address listed below.
Mount View Youth Services Center, 7862 West Mansfield Pkwy, Denver, CO 80235, 1(303)987-4525.

+ My son/daughter was issued summons from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and we were told to contact the JCJAC for more information regarding the charge?

If your son or daughter was issued a summons from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, they most likely received what is called a Juvenile Promise to Appear (JPTA). These summonses do not have a court date listed on them because the youth will most likely never attend court. The youth will most likely be referred to the Low Risk Offender Program (LROP) offered at the JCJAC. The LROP is offered to youth who are considered first time offenders. The LROP provides the youth and family an opportunity to have the charges dismissed from their child’s record. if they agree to participate in the program voluntarily.

+ What is the LROP Program?

Case management for Low Risk Offenders. The JCJAC offers case-management supervision for low-level offenders referred to the program by the District Attorney’s Office. The program was developed to decrease the number of juvenile filings at the District Court Level. This consists of:

• Assessment of needs;
• Community referrals;
• Monitoring or recommended therapy services;
• Work crew and community service hours completed;
• Monitoring school attendance and behaviors;
• Essay completion;
• Additional sanctions deemed appropriate by the supervising case manager.

+ How does my child get referred to the LROP program?

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) issues the youth a Juvenile Promise to Appear (JPTA). The JPTA is processed by JCSO and the District Attorney’s Office, and if appropriate, a referral is made to the JCJAC. The case is assigned to a case manager. The case manager is responsible for contacting the parents.

+ When does the program start?

The JCJAC will receive a referral from the District Attorney’s Office approximately 2 ½ months after the date of the violation. The family will be contacted on how to proceed.

+ Is participation in the program required?

No. The youth and family may choose to have the case sent back to the District Attorney’s Office to be filed in court.

+ What are the advantages of the program?

If the program is completed successfully, no charges will be filed and the juvenile will not have a criminal record.

+ Is participation in the program an admission of guilt?

No. It is simply an opportunity to avoid the filing of formal charges and the creation of a youth’s criminal record.

+ How many times can a juvenile be referred to this program?

One time.

+ How does the program work?

Once the family has agreed to participate in the program, they are asked to schedule a one-time meeting with their assigned case manager. The family will be asked to sign a contract. The contract consists of the child agreeing to complete:

• An appropriate class similar to the offense they committed;
• Community service hours;
• Write an essay.

Juvenile may also be asked to:

• Check in weekly by phone with their case manager;
• Attend school without issue;
• Obey curfew, and have no police contact.