DYS residential youth centers

CDHS's Division of Youth Services (DYS) operates 10 secure youth centers that serve youth between the ages of 10-21 who are pre-adjudicated or committed. Visit the individual youth centers' pages for contact information.

State-operated detention and multi-purpose youth centers

DYS is responsible for state-operated secure detention. Five state-owned and operated youth centers serve only detention youth: Gilliam Youth Services Center in Denver, Prairie Vista Youth Services Center in Brighton, Pueblo Youth Services Center in Pueblo, Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center in Colorado Springs, and Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center in Englewood. Three secure state-operated youth centers are multi-purpose, serving detained and committed youth. These three youth centers include Platte Valley Youth Services Center in Greeley, Grand Mesa Youth Services Center in Grand Junction, and Mount View Youth Services Center in Denver.

State-operated secure treatment programs

Two of the DYS secure youth centers — Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center in Golden, Spring Creek Youth Services Center in Colorado Springs — serve committed youth exclusively. These programs are designed to treat the highest-risk, highest-need committed youth.

Private contract programs

DYS contracts with a variety of private providers for community programs that range from staff-secure treatment programs to foster homes licensed through the state. Placement alternatives include residential child care facilities (RCCF), group homes and foster homes. The programs act both as initial treatment programs and as community transition placements for youth moving from more secure settings. In addition, these programs may also focus on specific populations or the provision of specific services, such as treating youth with high mental health needs, or youth transitioning to independent living.