The United States juvenile justice system was established almost 125 years ago to better manage delinquency and other perceived and actual social problems related to kids. Since its implementation, the juvenile justice system has provided a platform for landmark legal changes concerning juvenile constitutional rights, as well as substantive changes to improve upon weaknesses within the system. Today, the juvenile justice system strives to divert youth offenders from formal processes and encourages needs-based rehabilitation that emphasizes diversion, treatment, and deterrence while maintaining victim and community safety. While the philosophies of the juvenile justice system are different from the adult criminal justice system, the two institutions share some challenges (e.g., over-use of institutionalization; purpose and identity; race, ethnicity, and other forms of discrimination, etc.). That said, the juvenile justice system is experiencing a decline in incarceration, and juvenile justice reform is active, relevant, and beneficial. Join us for a conversation on the State of Colorado juvenile justice system as we explore this system from the perspective of multiple practitioners in this field.

Please join us—in person or virtually.

In person:

Terrace Room (2nd floor), Lawrence Street Center
1380 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80204

Virtually:

Zoom

Programming:

5 p.m. Check-in and refreshments for in-person attendees
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Programming for in-person and virtual attendees

Panelists:

Charles S. Gilford III 
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Talent Professional
Amazon

Andrew Martinez 
Juvenile Probation Officer
Adams County

Samantha Wilson
Director 
Rocky Mountain Youth Services Center

Moderator:

Raya Kate Castronovo
Alpha Phi Sigma Vice President and Graduate Assistant
University of Colorado Denver School of Public Affairs