In July 2024, Colorado’s General Assembly passed HB24-1216. The bill defines a justice-engaged student as a student who is involved in the criminal justice system in any capacity, including, but not limited to, adjudication, probation, ticketing, detention, diversion, commitment, or community supervision.

Justice Engaged Student’s Bill of Rights

C.R.S. 22-108-103: HB 24-1216 establishes the following bill of rights for justice engaged students.

With respect to education, a justice engaged student has the right to:

• Provision of alternative solutions to a general education, including, but not limited to, appropriate available alternate education programs.
• Prompt enrollment or re-enrollment no later than 10 business days after the first request to the local education provider, so long as the student is eligible for enrollment, as determined by the local education provider.
• Appropriate credit for coursework completed while justice-engaged, and for that coursework to be applied toward graduation or school continuation.
• A plan for graduation, developed with the justice-engaged student, the student's family, caregiver or advocate and clarify requirements to allow the student to complete the high school graduation requirements at the earliest possible date. A clearly defined and documented plan for graduation upon re-entry, reenrollment, or continuation with a local education provider.
• Privacy, including privacy when related to diversion, probation or questioning about a crime at a local education provider and not in view of the student’s peers.
• Protection by the federal "Individuals with Disabilities Act", section 504 of the federal "Rehabilitation Act of 1973", applicable foster care regulations, and the federal "McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act".
• Create evidence of and be evaluated for giftedness.
• Participation in school activities or career readiness pathways in accordance with rules promulgated by the State Board.

Support Resources  

• Colorado Department of Education -- offers support for Justice Engaged Youth
• North Range Behavioral Health (NRBH) -- NRBH therapists help children, teens, and families strengthen their wellbeing
• Youth and Family Intensive Services (YFIS) -- YFIS weaves age-appropriate and culturally sensitive supports together helping families adapt well in the face of adversity
• Graduation Consultations -- meet with school counselors for guidance on credits, enrollment, and graduation planning

At the district level, if you require further support, please contact Shannon Elliott (our Justice Engaged Youth Liaison and Student Safety Coordinator: 970-686-8098 or shannon.elliott@weldre4.com.