CO SB136

Expands Division of Youth Services pilot program from one to two therapeutic rehabilitation programs, increasing participant capacity from 20 to 35 youths divided into groups of no more than 15.

Requires elimination of seclusion and mechanical restraints (except handcuffs) within the first year of each pilot program, with staff trained as youth specialists in de-escalation, trauma-responsive care, and relationship-based treatment.

First pilot program must begin serving youths no later than July 1, 2018; second pilot program must begin no later than July 1, 2020, each with contracted independent third-party facilitators for staff training and cultural transformation.

Mandates independent contractor evaluations of both pilot programs by October 1, 2021, measuring effectiveness through data on incidents, assaults, injuries, restraints, and mechanical restraints compared to comparable youth populations.

Appropriates $259,562 for 2019-20 fiscal year ($89,712 for personnel requiring 0.5 FTE and $169,850 for operating expenses) and sunsets the pilot program provisions on July 1, 2022.