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Volume 30, Supplement - Infectious Diseases and Carceral Health

SUPPLEMENT ISSUE
COVID-19

Lessons Learned from Cross-Systems Approach to COVID-19 Pandemic Response in Juvenile Justice System, Colorado, USA

Ashley M. TunstallComments to Author , Shannon C. O’Brien, Deborah M. Monaghan, Alexis Burakoff, and Renée K. Marquardt
Author affiliations: Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA (A.M. Tunstall); Colorado Department of Human Services, Denver, Colorado, USA (A.M. Tunstall, D.M. Monaghan, R.K. Marquardt); Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver (S.C. OʼBrien, A. Burakoff); University of Colorado, Denver (R.K. Marquardt)

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Table 1

Descriptive characteristics of juvenile justice system and youth populations during fiscal year 2021–2022 in case study of cross-systems approach to COVID-19 pandemic response in Colorado, USA*

Characteristics Juvenile justice system population†
 Statewide youth population‡
Detained Committed Paroled
Facilities in operation§ 8 9 NA NA
Total youth population¶ 1,751 622 326 829,175
Average age, y (range)
 16 (10–18)
 17 (13–20)
 18 (14–20)
 NA
Sex
F 521 (20.6) 19 (11.4) 32 (15.9) 402,260 (48.5)
M
 2,009 (79.4)
 148 (88.6)
 169 (84.1)
 426,682 (51.5)
Race/ethnicity
Anglo American 1,007 (39.8) 58 (34.7) 74 (36.8) 467,963 (56.4)
Hispanic/Latinx 886 (35.0) 67 (40.1) 80 (39.8) 259,991 (31.4)
African American
 534 (21.1)
 37 (22.2)
 42 (20.9)
 33,920 (4.1)
Admission statistics
New youths 2,530 167 201 NA
Average daily population 158.5 284.4 110.3 NA
Average length of stay 22.3 d 18.5 mo 6.7 mo NA

*Values are no. (%) except as indicated. Descriptive terminology, including racial/ethnic categories, reflect official language of the Department of Youth Services (DYS) as of 2023. Specific definitions can be reviewed in the Terms and Definitions section of the DYS Statistical Report. NA, not applicable. †Juvenile justice system data were retrieved from the Colorado DYS Statistical Report for fiscal year 2021–2022 (3). ‡Colorado statewide population estimates for 2021 were retrieved from the Colorado State Demography Office (4). §Two facilities are multipurpose and are included in both detained and committed facility counts. ¶Youth populations were 10–20 years of age.

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References
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Page created: November 21, 2023
Page updated: March 31, 2024
Page reviewed: March 31, 2024
The conclusions, findings, and opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by any of the groups named above.
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