The Gilliam Youth Services Center (GYSC) is a juvenile detention center in Denver, Colorado. GYSC houses both boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 17 who are awaiting trial or placement. The center plays a role in Colorado’s juvenile justice system.
This article provides an overview of the Gilliam Youth Detention Center, including its procedures, resources for families, and information relevant to legal professionals.
GYSC is part of a larger statewide reform movement aimed at improving outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system. However, the center has also faced controversy, raising questions about the effectiveness and ethics of youth detention.
Intake and Adjudication at GYSC
When a young person is brought to Gilliam Youth Services Center, there’s a process for determining whether they’ll be detained.
Initial Detention
A young person may be detained after being arrested for something that would be a Colorado crime if they were an adult. They may also be held for evaluation.
Youth in detention have a right to a hearing within 48 hours, not counting weekends or holidays.
The Detention Hearing
The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether there’s enough evidence to continue holding the young person.
At the hearing, it’s important for the young person to have legal representation. A lawyer can make sure their rights are protected and help them navigate the legal process.
Staying in touch with a detainee
If you want to contact someone at the Gilliam Youth Detention Center, here are the available options:
- Initial Phone Calls: Detainees are allowed to make two initial phone calls after they are admitted.
- Receiving Calls: Detainees are allowed to receive phone calls. You’ll have to work with the center to make sure you’re on their approved contact list.
- Written Correspondence: Detainees can send and receive letters. The center usually provides postage.
What are the visitation policies at Gilliam Youth Services Center?
If you’re planning a visit to a resident at Gilliam Youth Services Center, here’s what you need to know:
Initial visitation
The initial visit can be made without an appointment, and it should occur within the first 48 hours of the resident’s stay.
Scheduled visits
All subsequent visits require an appointment, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Here’s the visitation schedule:
- Monday through Wednesday: 4:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Visitation rules
Visits are limited to 45 minutes, and you’ll need to be aware of the strict rules about what items you can and can’t bring into the facility.
It’s also important to be on time, as there may be consequences for tardiness.
What’s daily life like inside GYSC?
The daily life of a youth at Gilliam Youth Services Center is highly structured and regimented, with a focus on rehabilitation and education.
Structure and Routine
Each day includes educational programs, recreational activities, medical care, mental health services, and meals. A behavioral management program dictates the privileges a youth can earn or lose based on their conduct.
Services and Programs
GYSC provides a variety of services and programs intended to help its residents grow and learn.
Educational programs are available to help the youth continue their schooling. Medical and mental health services are also available to address the physical and emotional needs of the youth at the center.
Legal Advocacy and Resources
Navigating the juvenile justice system can be confusing and overwhelming, especially when you’re worried about a child’s welfare. It’s important to understand your rights and the resources available to you.
Accessing Legal Assistance
If you have concerns about a child at Gilliam Youth Detention Center, seeking legal counsel can be beneficial. A lawyer can help you understand the situation, advise you on your rights, and represent your interests.
There are resources that offer legal assistance to families of detained youth, so be sure to explore those options.
Understanding Juvenile Records
Juvenile records can have long-term consequences, but it may be possible to expunge or seal those records. This process can help limit access to the records, which can be a big help when applying for jobs or educational opportunities later in life.
The Bottom Line
The Gilliam Youth Services Center (GYSC) is a short-term detention facility for youth awaiting court hearings. It has specific rules for intake, visitation, and daily life.
Navigating the juvenile justice system can be confusing and overwhelming. It’s vital to understand the system and, most importantly, to know the rights of detained youth.
If you or a family member are involved with the GYSC or the juvenile justice system, seek legal counsel and the support of advocacy organizations. Understanding your rights and options is critical.