About Gilliam Youth Services Center
Gilliam Youth Services Center, which opened in April 1903, is the oldest state-operated detention center in Colorado. It is located in central Denver.
Gilliam personnel are committed to modeling excellence. Through restorative principles, staff teach youth to become responsible, productive citizens while keeping the community safe. Youth receive a minimum of 14 hours of programming per day Monday through Friday and 12 hours of programming per day on weekends and holidays. All youth are given the opportunity to attend weekly religious services and are granted one hour of recreation daily.
There are four levels in Gilliam's behavioral management program; these levels are a way of marking achievement and responsibility. As youth advance through the levels, their responsibilities and privileges increase. If rules are followed, youth will advance through the level system. With positive behavior, youth may gain expanded privileges.
- Continue reading about Gilliam's approach to serving youth
Education
Gilliam is a Denver Public Schools site. Monday-Friday students attend classes promoting progress in the academic areas of reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, computer technology and physical education. In addition to the academic progress that students will make while placed at Gilliam Youth Services Center, students will progress in their ability to handle a wide variety of social/emotional issues and situations in a healthy way. Qualifying students are able to participate in the school's GED program.
Collaborative Partnership
Gilliam hosts Denver Collaborative Partnership meetings, which allows professionals from the various community agencies and disciplines the opportunity to come together and discuss interventions and services that could be implemented in lieu of placement in the Division of Youth Services.
Gilliam Youth Services Center is certified by the Sanctuary Institute. Learn more about certified sites.
More information
- Youth served
Gilliam Youth Services Center serves up to 36 youth, both male and female, from the 2nd Judicial District located in the city and county of Denver. Gilliam is secure detention holding for youth from ages 10 to their 18th birthday.
- Family information
The family is an integral part of the team working with youth involved in the Division of Youth Services. DYS strives to honor family experience and culture, empower all family members, utilize family strengths and instill hope for a safe and successful future.
- Youth information
- Visitation
Visitation is an avenue to build and maintain healthy family and community relationships. Families of youth in the care of the Colorado Division of Youth Services are encouraged to visit the youth center. All visits require a scheduled appointment. You can request visitation by contacting the Gilliam YSC Control Center at 303.291.8951.
- Educational testing
- Voting rights
- Contact information
Contact information
Main phone: (303) 291-8951
Vera Dominguez, Director (303) 291-8901 Vera.Dominguez@state.co.us Lindsey Miller, Assistant Director
(303) 291-8902
Lindsey.Miller@state.co.us Kelley O'Brien, Program Assistant (303) 291-8917
Kelley.OBrien@state.co.us Scott Hays, Clinical Director (720) 879-7587 scott.hays@state.co.us Philip Haberman, Iterim, Denver Public School District Principal (303) 291-8928 phillip_haberman@dpsk12.org Control (303) 291-8951 Fax (303) 291-8955 - Directions
Gilliam Youth Services Center is located at 2844 Downing St. in Denver. For bus route information, please visit the RTD website.
Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman
The Office of Colorado’s Child Protection Ombudsman helps youth and families address concerns about youth experiences and treatment while living in the Division of Youth Services (DYS) youth centers. The CPO is an independent state agency that investigates complaints and grievances about DYS and provides free and confidential assistance to anyone who calls.
Phone: 720.625.8640 or 866.276.8646 (toll free)