We work proactively to prevent youth encounters with law enforcement.

Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network’s Child & Family Services, in conjunction with our Criminal Justice Services, works with school districts and community agencies to decrease the likelihood of encounters with law enforcement. 

We currently have staff on site at both the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) and at the Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center in Arapahoe County:

Juvenile Assessment Center

Located inside the Arapahoe County Jail, the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) identifies at-risk youth in the community who are in need of intervention. The JAC serves as a resource to the community concerning youth-related issues and services and provides a single point of entry for law enforcement. The JAC contributes to the safety of youth, families, and the community through early intervention, comprehensive assessment and improved access to appropriate services. 

A mental health professional and a substance abuse treatment specialist from Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network provide services to youth at the facility. They serve youth who are there as a result of a flare-up of mental health issues and who need stabilization; juveniles who are there on a 23-hour mental health hold for observation; and youth who have been arrested. 

Our Emergency Services team is also available to evaluate youth. Assessments are shared with parents or legal guardians, and referrals and community resources are provided as well. Approximately half of the youth who come to the JAC are transferred to the Foote Detention Center. 

Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center

We provide two Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network, therapists and a part-time psychiatrist at the Foote Detention Center. Residents include detention, sentence and committed youth and represent 11 Colorado counties. Teens and adolescents are separated by committed-youth and non-committed youth group and can spend a couple weeks to a couple months at the Foote Detention Center. While there, youth receive onsite educational services through Cherry Creek Schools. 

Cross-Systems Change Program

In our “Cross-Systems Change” program, we work with probation officers and the Department of Human Services. We work with families who are involved with the criminal justice system for the first time. We support them with comprehensive “wrap-around” services including therapy, appropriate classes, case management, and other needed services.