DENVER (AP) — State figures show the number of assaults in Colorado youth detention centers has dropped as efforts to reform the system are taking hold.
The Denver Post reports the state Division of Youth Services has seen a decrease in assaults per month on staff members by the youths, dropping from 22 in December 2015 to 12 in January.
The division has also decreased the number of times youths are isolated, dropping seclusion stays from more than 300 per month two years ago to more than 90 in January.
The state Legislature ordered reform to the youth corrections system last year, leading to sweeping changes.
Youth services director Anders Jacobson says the division has increased staffing and sought changes to system's culture, like giving its officers a new title and job description.
___
Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com
