Justice-Engaged Students
In July 2024, Colorado’s General Assembly passed HB24-1216. The bill defines a justice-engaged student as a student who is involved in the criminal justice system in any capacity, including, but not limited to, adjudication, probation, ticketing, detention, diversion, commitment, or community supervision.
Justice-Engaged Student’s Bill of Rights
C.R.S. 22-108-103: HB 24-1216 establishes the following bill of rights for justice engaged students.
With respect to education, a justice-engaged student has the right to:
Provision of alternative solutions to a general education, including, but not limited to, appropriate available alternate education programs.
Prompt enrollment or re-enrollment no later than 10 business days after the first request to the local education provider, so long as the student is eligible for enrollment, as determined by the local education provider.
Appropriate credit for coursework completed while justice-engaged, and for that coursework to be applied toward graduation or school continuation.
A plan for graduation, developed with the justice-engaged student, the student's family, caregiver or advocate and clarify requirements to allow the student to complete the high school graduation requirements at the earliest possible date. A clearly defined and documented plan for graduation upon re-entry, reenrollment, or continuation with a local education provider.
Privacy, including privacy when related to diversion, probation or questioning about a crime at a local education provider and not in view of the student’s peers.
Protection by the federal "Individuals with Disabilities Act", section 504 of the federal "Rehabilitation Act of 1973", applicable foster care regulations, and the federal "McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act".
Create evidence of and be evaluated for giftedness.
Participation in school activities or career readiness pathways in accordance with rules promulgated by the State Board.
If you are aware of or are a Justice-Engaged Student, please contact:
Jennifer Duarte, Director for Special Populations