DYS residential youth centers

DYS is responsible for state-operated secure detention. Five state-owned and operated youth centers serve only detention youth: Gilliam Youth Services Center in Denver, Adams Youth Services Center in Brighton, Pueblo Youth Services Center in Pueblo, Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center in Colorado Springs and Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center in Englewood. Three secure state-operated youth centers are multi-purpose, serving detained and committed youth. These three youth centers include Platte Valley Youth Services Center in Greeley, Grand Mesa Youth Services Center in Grand Junction, and Mount View Youth Services Center in Denver.

Four of the DYS secure youth centers — Aspire Youth Services Center, Golden Peak Youth Services Center, Summit Youth Services Center and Spring Creek Youth Services Center — serve committed youth exclusively. These programs are designed to treat the highest-risk, highest-need committed males and females. DYS also operates three multi-purpose youth centers that, in addition to acting as juvenile detention centers, provide longer-term treatment to committed youth.

Colorado contracts with a private provider to operate a state-owned youth center, the Ridge View Youth Services Center. Ridge View is a 500-bed open campus designed to operate with an academic/vocational focus.

DYS contracts with a variety of private providers for community programs that range from staff-secure treatment programs to foster homes licensed through the state. Placement alternatives include residential child care facilities (RCCF), group homes and foster homes. The programs act both as initial treatment programs and as community transition placements for youth moving from more secure settings. In addition, these programs may also focus on specific populations or the provision of specific services, such as treating youth with high mental health needs, or youth transitioning to independent living.

Download a directory of private contract programs.