The Colorado Statewide Youth Development Plan presents a vision for a strong youth development network and strategies for improving an array of youth-focused policies, practices and programs. At the core of the vision and strategies is the incorporation of positive youth development principles into the services and programs for youth ages 9 to 25 in Colorado.
As directed by HB 13-1239, the plan must be updated biennially. The 2021 Statewide Youth Development Plan remains true to the spirit of the initial plan, incorporating current work, completed strategies and revisions based on new priorities developed with input from a diverse group of stakeholders.
The Colorado Statewide Youth Development Plan is a guide for:
- Using positive youth development as an approach for partnering with youth ages 9 to 25 to help them achieve their full potential
- Understanding the gaps in programs and services for youth and the recommended strategies for addressing these gaps
- Engaging a broad array of stakeholders, including youth, to improve supports for youth so that they are education-ready, career-ready, and ready for life
- Issues facing Colorado youth
Learn more about some of the main issues affecting youth in Colorado, including data information and identified gaps in services, and the priorities and proposed solution for addressing the issues and gaps:
- Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
- Juvenile Probation
- Motor Vehicle Safety and Youth
- School Behavioral Health
- School Safety
- Suicide and Youth
- Youth and Human Trafficking
- Youth and Suicide Prevention
- Youth Corrections
- Youth Experiencing Homelessness
- Youth In Foster Care
- Youth in Transition
- Youth Safety and Bystander
- Youth with Behavioral Health Conditions
- Youth with Disabilities-Readiness for Education and Employment
- Colorado Statewide Youth Development Plan
SYDP Dashboard
Check out our heat map tool, which provides an eye-opening snapshot of child and youth behavior and risk factors impacting children and youth across Colorado.