Improving the criminal justice system and protecting public safety is a top priority for the Colorado Attorney General’s Office. One crucial element of that mission is reducing what is sometimes referred to as the “school-to-prison pipeline.” The Department of Law announced several grants awarded this year to support programs promoting positive school justice partnerships. Funds will support entities in starting and developing innovative programming to achieve any or all of the following objectives:

1. 1. Reduce the level of youth incarceration in Colorado;
   2. Develop sound and effective alternatives to practices that lead to criminal records and incarceration, which could include restorative practices, restorative justice, and diversion programs;
   3. Develop programming that ensures a safe learning environment but also, when possible, supports practices alternative to the severe exclusionary consequences of suspension or expulsion; and
   4. Ensure the equitable application of school discipline practices across economic, gender, racial, and ethnic groups.

School Justice Innovation Grant awardees

Collaborative Healing Initiative within Communities—Denver

Full Circle Restorative Justice—Salida

Generation Schools Network—Denver

Impact Empowerment Group—Denver

La Plata Youth Services—La Plata County