HB17-1329 Summary

• Renames "Division of Youth Corrections" to "Division of Youth Services" and establishes rehabilitative purpose focused on therapeutic treatment, trauma-responsive care, and preparing youth for community reintegration.

• Creates a pilot program at one or more facilities to test therapeutic, group-based treatment approach without use of seclusion and mechanical restraints (other than handcuffs), requiring at least 20 youth participants, specialized staff training, and de-escalation techniques.

• Establishes community boards in each division region with six members to promote transparency, provide youth mentorship opportunities, and facilitate community engagement, with quarterly meetings and facility access.

• Requires independent assessment of division safety practices and an evaluation contractor to measure pilot program effectiveness by comparing outcomes on violence, assaults, injuries, restraint use, and educational achievement.

• Expands restraint and seclusion reporting requirements to include comprehensive incident data, physical management techniques used, and isolation incidents; adds state auditor audits of recidivism and educational outcome reports.