Using Evaluation to Improve System Responses to the Behavioral Health Needs of Justice-Involved Youth

In 2010, the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) began an in-depth effort to evaluate the Statewide Juvenile Diversion Program. The Program provides funding to multiple community-based programs and District Attorneys’ Office-based programs across the state that are focused on preventing further justice system involvement for youth with first-time, low level offenses. Youth who participate in juvenile diversion receive a range of services targeted at risk and protective factors with the aim of increasing accountability and reducing likelihood of future delinquency.