In Extremis

In Extremis is a way of saying something is dire. 
Many of you that follow this ministry know that we minister to kids in the Juvenile Justice System. I wanted to share some recent data about the status of this system in Colorado. The report below is for the entire State. Our area of ministry is from Monument to the Southern and Eastern borders of Colorado along the front range, including Teller County.  

The data below directly relates to our area:
Detention: Youth that are in a facility waiting for adjudication.
Commitment: Youth that have been sentenced to serve - up to seven years - in a facility.

We have two detention facilities and one commitment facility in our region, housing around 100 kids.

Statistics  are according to the Colorado Division of Youth Services (DYS) annual report 23-24:

• Population Served (Fiscal Year 2023–2024):
  • 2,892 new detention admissions
  • Average daily detention population - 193.2 increase of 7.8%
  • 16.5% of detained youth tried as adults
  • Over 1,200 youth were committed to DYS custody.
  • 200 new commitments - up 8%
  • Commitments with violent offenses - increased 20.7%
  • Youth ages ranged from 10 to 21, with the majority between 15–18 years old.
  • Male youth made up approximately 85% of the committed population.
  • Ethnic diversity remained consistent, with Hispanic/Latino youth representing nearly 40%, followed by White (30%) and Black/African American (25%).
  • Mental Health & Trauma: More than 90% of youth had experienced significant trauma or adverse childhood experiences.
  • Behavioral health screenings were completed for nearly all youth upon intake
  • Education & Vocational Stats: 
  • In 2024, 15% of youth earned a GED or diploma while in custody.

The above numbers do not account for youth that are out in the community serving on probation or parole (293 - 2022-2023).  We also serve these youth through our after-care ministry.

 The number of young people in the system continues to grow, and their need for hope and a new direction in their lives is greater than ever. Bringing them the Good News of Salvation and Restoration through Jesus Christ accomplishes this.
The Lord is at work and uses us, the body of Christ to serve and help these kids. We need those called by the Lord to serve in this ministry. This is a dire need in our community. Please consider how you can be a part of serving the Lord in this ministry.
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Some ways you can help: 

• Become a monthly donor at socoyfc.org
• Pray
• Become a volunteer

Many Blessings,

​Andy