Justice Engaged Youth

A justice-engaged student for purposes of this policy is defined 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. 

A justice-engaged student will be enrolled in PCS, so long as the student is eligible for enrollment, as determined by PCS in accordance with applicable law. The student and/or their guardian will meet to discuss the possible education options and work to create the education plan with the Chief Academic Officer (“CAO”) or their designee. The CAO or designee must respond to within three business days after a justice-engaged student contacts PCS. The following process will include discussion of and/or a plan for:

• Providing the justice-engaged student with alternative solutions to a general education, when appropriate;
• Prompt enrollment or re-enrollment no later than 10 business days after the first request to the local education provider and initial contact by the CAO or designee, 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, in accordance with state board rules;
• Providing the justice-engaged student with a clearly defined and documented graduation plan, developed in consultation with the justice-engaged student, the student's family, caregiver or advocate and enabling the justice-engaged student to complete his or her high school graduation requirements at the earliest possible date;
• Privacy will be provided as it would be to any other student, including privacy when related to diversion, probation, or questioning about a crime, which must occur in a private area, not in view of the student’s peers, to the extent practicable;
• 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";
• Creating evidence of and being evaluated for giftedness and available programs for talented and gifted students at PCS; and
• Allowing the justice-engaged student to participate in school activities or career readiness pathways in accordance with rules promulgated by the state board of education (board), when appropriate. 

Upon notification or request PCS will work with a team of professionals, including the Mutli-tiered System of Supports and appropriate intervention teams, families, and the justice-engaged student to ensure a pathway to graduation that is consistent with state law, including workforce development opportunities, access to alternative educational programming, and mental health and other supports as and if appropriate and available. The team shall develop a plan to guide implementation of the needed supports. 

The PCS designated point of contact must actively engage with justice-engaged students and their families or caregivers to explore alternative solutions for educational attainment before a denial of access to education pursuant to state law occurs. If a denial to education occurs the point of contact will refer the justice-engaged youth to the CDE hotline for justice-engaged youth. 

The program options are varied and are dependent from student to student. Here are the following options that may be considered;

• Virtual learning through Subject AI or Colorado Digital Learning Solutions
• Individualized in-person schedules
• A counselor assigned to graduation plan
• An opt-in counselor for social emotional needs