DENVER (Aug. 15, 2023) — The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) is pleased to announce that the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators (CJJA) has named Division of Youth Services (DYS) Director Anders Jacobson the 2023 Juvenile Justice Administrators President’s Award recipient.
This distinguished accolade, established in 2013, serves as a testament to individuals who have made a significant contribution to CJJA and demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the well-being of young people under their care. Their leadership style prioritizes valuing their staff and inspiring them to make positive changes.
"Anders' commitment to youth always shines through,” said Brett Peterson, board president for CJJA. “He is a trusted voice nationally, and his knowledge and experience positively impact his fellow juvenile justice administrators across the nation.”
The CJJA President's Award is a recognition of Jacobson's unwavering commitment to juvenile justice reform and his extraordinary leadership within the organization. Jacobson has actively engaged with the CJJA and shown a deep understanding of the challenges today's youth face. He has worked closely with his team to develop innovative solutions that prioritize trauma-responsive care and treatment, education and reintegration. The award ceremony took place on Aug. 12 in Philadelphia.
“CJJA is incredibly grateful for Anders’ dedication and commitment to the organization and, more importantly, to improving the lives and outcomes for all youth through building positive youth development outcomes,” said Mike Dempsey, CJJA executive director.
CDHS is immensely proud of Jacobson's well-deserved recognition. His passion for improving the lives of young individuals is truly inspiring. This award serves as a testament to his remarkable leadership and his ongoing contributions to meaningful juvenile justice reform in Colorado. As CDHS celebrates this achievement, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering an environment where the potential of every young person can be realized.
“It is truly an honor to receive an award from a distinguished organization that brings together some of the best minds in juvenile justice systems,” said Jacobson. “Our collaborative work across all states and local jurisdictions is a testament to our ongoing commitment to youth development.”
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About the Colorado Division of Youth Services:
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) provides for the care and supervision of youth committed by the District Court to the custody of the Colorado Department of Human Services. DYS operates 15 secure youth centers that serve youth between the ages of 10-21 who are pre-adjudicated or committed. In addition to residential programming, DYS administers juvenile parole services throughout Colorado.
About the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators:
The Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators (CJJA) represents the youth correction chief executive officers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and major metropolitan counties. Since 1994, CJJA has worked to improve youth correctional services and practices by uniting the nation’s youth correctional chief executives and by providing a source of positive support for these leaders. CJJA was founded with two overarching objectives: to influence the development of juvenile justice policy nationally; and to support administrators locally.
CJJA is committed to moving youth corrections forward and fulfills its mission to improve systems and practices so young offenders’ lives are improved by their contact with the juvenile justice system and future crime is prevented.
Media contact:
Mark Techmeyer, Director of Communications
303.870.7142
mark.techmeyer@state.co.us