Youth Detention Center in Colorado Emptied Amid Safety Crisis
URGENT UPDATE: All 36 youth from the Lookout Mountain Youth Services Center in Golden, Colorado, have been evacuated amid alarming safety concerns. The Colorado Division of Youth Services (DYS) confirmed the move, stating that the youth were transferred to other state-run facilities to ensure their safety and well-being.
In a memo dated August 28, 2023, Dave Lee, DYS interim director, informed juvenile justice stakeholders of the immediate changes, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to providing a supportive environment. However, he did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind this sudden evacuation, which advocates claim stem from deteriorating conditions at the facility.
Advocates and officials have raised serious concerns over reports of escalating violence, discrimination, and improper use of physical restraints at Lookout Mountain. Dana Walters Flores, Colorado campaign coordinator at the National Center for Youth Law, revealed that her organization received a surge of calls from parents and advocates expressing fears about the facility’s conditions. “The conditions of confinement deteriorated rapidly in ways that felt unmanageable to staff and kids living there,” she stated.
The situation escalated to a point where some staff felt compelled to report dangerous rumors to the state child abuse hotline, reflecting the urgency of the circumstances. Following these alarming reports, the DYS took swift action to relocate both youth and staff, a decision praised by advocates as a courageous step to prevent potential injuries or worse.
While DYS officials have remained vague about safety issues at the facility, spokesperson Alex Urbach reiterated the division’s mission of providing a secure environment for youth. “After careful consideration and an assessment of staffing capacity, the division transferred youth to other facilities to provide them with increased supports,” he stated.
The Lookout Mountain facility has a troubling history, marked by violence and serious incidents. In February 2023, five staff members were injured during violent outbreaks on campus. Previous years have seen high-profile security breaches, including arrests related to child pornography and gang-related riots.
As the DYS looks to restore normal operations, officials anticipate returning to standard protocols “at some point this calendar year.” Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for ongoing reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of all youth in the system.
The decision to empty the facility is unprecedented in recent history, marking a significant response to long-standing issues within Colorado’s juvenile detention centers. Advocates are hopeful that these actions will lead to more substantial reforms in how youth are treated in the system.
As this situation develops, the community remains vigilant, advocating for the safety and rights of vulnerable youth. The urgency of the matter underscores the critical need for reform and oversight in juvenile justice facilities across the state.
Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking story as officials continue to assess the situation and implement necessary changes.
