Colorado Juvenile Justice Systems (2013)

Juvenile justice systems were created in the late 19th century under the philosophy that juveniles are different than adults and may have different rehabilitation needs. Colorado has two separate systems for the detention or commitment of juveniles convicted of crimes. One system exists within the Department of Human Services (DHS), a department with the responsibility of addressing child welfare, while the other exists within the Department of Corrections (DOC), where adult offenders are sentenced. This issue brief describes each system in relation to detention and commitment; treatment services; sentencing requirements; and parole and release. For information regarding probation, see Issue Brief #12-38, Probation Services in Colorado.