Any child aged 10-17 years old is appropriate to be transported or referred to the Jeffco JAC to access services. If you know you are interested in bringing your child, or are a professional referring a child, please contact the Jeffco JAC at (720) 497-7770 prior to transport.

All youth transported to the Jeffco JAC can remain at the Jeffco JAC for a maximum of six hours. The Jeffco JAC also understands that parents have work, children, and other obligations that may prevent them from arriving within this time frame. As long as the parent or guardians check in with the Jeffco JAC to explain if they are unable to arrive to pick up their child within this timeframe, an extension may be provided.

Any parent or legal guardian that refuses to pick of their child from the Jeffco JAC will be referred to the County Department of Human Services.

The Jeffco JAC is open 24 hours a day - seven days a week. The Jeffco JAC is located at 11011 W. 6th Ave Lakewood, CO 80215. We are located within the Remington Building in Suite 120.

The Jeffco JAC will complete an assessment for any child whose parents approve of/request one be complete. The assessment consists of a one-on-one interview between a Juvenile Assessment Specialist (JAS) and the youth. JAS ask questions using a Motivational Interviewing approach where they touch on family background, education, substance use, criminal history, social and mental status, and discuss presenting problems. Depending on where JAS believe the child and family may benefit from services, referrals will be recommended to agencies outside in the community to address the child’s needs.

The Jeffco JAC offers an array of resources related to schools and education, mental health, mentoring, gang prevention, substance abuse, youth employment, and pro-social activities just to name a few.

Youth who are already receiving appropriate services, but are still experiencing issues may still be referred to the Jeffco JAC to receive what is called a “Cool Off” period. This cool off period is an opportunity for the youth to be placed in a safe environment to de-escalate or talk to someone about their behaviors. JAS will complete a short interview with the youth to discuss any additional recommendations or changes in referrals or services.

If your son or daughter has run away from home, the first and best thing to do is to immediately report your child as a runaway to your local police agency. Parents can also request their child be transported to the Jeffco JAC upon pick up. By being transported to the JAC, the youth will have an opportunity to complete an assessment to discuss the parent/guardians concerns. Running away is not considered a criminal act.

The Jeffco JAC does not complete any drug or alcohol screens on youth at the center. If you are interested in getting your child drug tested, contact Wiz Quiz or visit www.wiz-quiz.com

The complexity of suicidal behaviors warrants consultation with appropriate partners. Whenever possible, suicidal behavior should be treated as a medical concern rather than a legal concern.

If your child is feeling unsafe and is expressing safety concerns, the first and best option would be to transport your son/daughter to the nearest hospital. The family can also choose to transport their child to the Jefferson Center for Mental Health Walk-In Crisis Center located at 12055 W 2nd Pl, Lakewood, CO 80401 or visit their website.

The Jeffco JAC is not a detention facility nor is it a means of “punishment” to send a “message” to an at-risk youth. The Jeffco JAC does not provide tours nor do they house youth for an extended amount of time.

Your child is being asked to complete a Risk Assessment at the request of your child’s school due to risks, threats, or concerns they expressed while at school. Prior to the youth being transported to the Jeffco JAC, the Threat Management Form must be completed by the school and faxed to the Jeffco JAC at (720) 497-7791 and addressed to the Education Liaison.

The Jeffco JAC assesses youth for threats utilizing several different assessment tools. The Jeffco JAC will also investigate whether the youth has juvenile justice or other system involvement. The youth and family will typically be referred to community resources related to issues that are indicated through the assessment. A detailed report from the Jeffco JAC will be available that indicates concerns, systems involvement, and resources.

Parents or legal guardians can contact the Jeffco JAC at (720) 497-7770 or MVYSC at the phone number and address listed below.

If your child was issued a summons from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, they most likely received what is called a Juvenile Promise to Appear (JPTA). These summonses do not have a court date listed on them because the youth will most likely never attend court. The youth will most likely be referred to the Low Risk Offender Program (LROP) offered at the Jeffco JAC.

The LROP is offered to youth who are considered first time offenders. The LROP provides the youth and family an opportunity to have the charges dismissed from their child’s record. if they agree to participate in the program voluntarily.