Pre-Adolescent Services Task Force

The Office of Children, Youth and Families is seeking applications from individuals interested in becoming an appointed member of the Pre-Adolescent Services Task Force, which was established by House Bill 22-1131. HB 22-1131 requires the Colorado Department of Human Services to create a 32-member task force to examine potential gaps in services for juveniles who are 10-12 years of age, should the minimum age of prosecution of juveniles increase from 10 to 13. The task force will identify how the identified services can be delivered outside the juvenile justice system and make recommendations for funding those services. The task force is to complete a report with its findings and recommendations by Dec. 30 to four legislative committees.

All task force meetings will have a virtual participation option to allow for the greatest flexibility, participation from across the state, and consideration of peak COVID-19 transmission periods. The first meeting will be on Aug. 1 from noon to 1 p.m. Task force meetings will be held at least twice every month from August through December 2022 or more frequently to perform its required duties. Per diem compensation will be available to members denoted by an asterisk below.

Please complete this application if you are interested in being considered for appointment as one of these statutorily required task force members:

• One representative with experience providing treatment to youth who have participated in problematic sexual behavior;
• One representative from a community-based organization that provides victim services to children who are victims of crimes;
• One representative from a community-based organization that serves victims of sexual assault;
• One representative with experience providing pediatric mental and behavioral health services;
• One pediatrician or pediatric clinician;
• One representative of a nonprofit organization that provides legal services to children who are 10 or older but under 13 years of age;
• *Two representatives from community organizations or nonprofit organizations that provide evidence-based or promising practices that are culturally responsive and trauma-informed to juveniles; and
• *Three representatives who experienced incarceration, homelessness, or out-of-home placement as a juvenile or who are the parent or legal guardian of a juvenile who is experiencing or experienced incarceration, homelessness, or out-of-home placement as a juvenile.

The application deadline is July 1. If you have any questions, email Gretchen Russo at gretchen.russo@state.co.us.