The Adams Youth Services Center (AYSC) in Brighton, CO, is one of 10 residential detention centers for juveniles run by the state of Colorado. This is a 30-bed, co-ed detention facility housing youth who have been charged with crimes or convicted in the 17th Judicial District (covering Adams County and Broomfield County). Minors aged 10-17 are held in this facility, awaiting case outcomes or serving short sentences (45 days or less) for Colorado juvenile offenses.
In 2017, Colorado instituted broad reforms of their youth corrections system (sometimes called “juvenile hall” or “juvenile detention center“). The existing facilities were renamed “youth services” centers, with increased emphasis on therapeutic rehabilitation. Since that time, fewer incidences of violence are reported in these institutions.
The address and phone number of the Adams Youth Services Center is:
1933 East Bridge
Brighton, CO 80601
(303) 659-4450
The Adams Juvenile Hall is located about 24 miles northeast of Denver, off of I-76E.
For the benefit of parents and other family members who may be concerned about a minor incarcerated in Adams County, helpful information is provided below. Our Colorado juvenile crimes defense lawyers address:
- 1. Intake
- 2. How to Contact a Juvenile Detainee
- 3. Visitation
- 4. Program Information
- 5. Legal Advocacy
1. About Intake in Adams County
Arrested juveniles taken to the Adams Youth Services Center will be assessed to determine if the facility is the appropriate place for them. There should be a detention hearing within 48 hours of admission (excluding weekends/holidays). Depending upon the age, offense, and criminal history of your child, he or she may be released to your custody, held for a period of time, or transferred elsewhere. In the case of serious felony charges, there may be a transfer to adult court.
2. Contact With Your Loved One
Incoming Brighton detainees are allowed to call a parent or guardian, and are also free to contact a criminal attorney. Parents and guardians can call the facility directly to speak to their child. If the AYSC detainee becomes a full-time resident, he or she is allowed time to make local phone calls or collect calls long distance.
You can also send mail to a juvenile at the Adams County detention center, and he or she is provided postage to send out two letters per week. Note that incoming and outgoing mail is not read by AYSC staff members unless there is believed to be a safety/security concern or inappropriate content.
3. Visiting Your Child at Adams Youth Services Center
Visitation is encouraged, and juveniles are allowed a minimum of one 30-minute visit per week. For family members traveling more than 50 miles to the facility, the visit may be extended to an hour. Once a juvenile has progressed within the AYSC system, he or she may be allowed an additional number of visits.
All visitors must make a pre-scheduled appointment, and photo identification must be presented at the visitation. To request a visit, call (303) 659-4450 extension 10.
In Brighton, juvenile detention visiting hours are as follows:
Monday-Friday: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 9:00 a.m. to Noon, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Rules for visiting an AYSC resident include restrictions on items brought into visitation. You may not bring:
- Food or beverages
- Phones
- Other electronics
Generally, inessential personal items should be left at home or in the car. The Adams Juvenile Detention Center provides lockers to temporarily store small items during your visit.
Note that vending machines are available onsite and food/beverages can be purchased to bring into visitation.
4. Life and Health at AYSC
Juveniles at the detention facility are evaluated and tested to determine their needs, and are assigned a “client manager.” For healthcare needs, medical staff are located onsite at all times, and access to a physician is available, if needed. Mental health services are provided at the Community Reach Center.
If your child needs a special diet for a medical or other reason, the facility needs to be notified within 24 hours of admission.
Residents of this juvenile facility are provided education services onsite, and can earn school credits in language arts, science, health, social studies, math, and P.E. Academic classes are taught between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Minor offenders at AYSC also have access to other benefits, including:
- Non-denominational religious services
- Life skills programming
- Therapeutic, cognitive behavior-based activities
- Skill-streaming through the BRIDGE program
The AYSC BRIDGE program is designed to help youth identify useful skills to utilize in post-detention life. Further, detailed information for youth held at the Adams Youth Services Center is provided in this downloadable handbook.
5. Criminal Defense Representation
Our Adams County criminal defense attorneys assist families and children accused of all types of juvenile crimes in Colorado. We can help ensure your child’s rights and well-being are protected and keep his or her record untarnished. (See expunging a juvenile record in Colorado.) For a free consultation regarding your child or teen’s criminal case, please contact our Colorado juvenile crimes defense lawyers today. Also see our A to Z listing of youth services centers in Colorado.