Supporting Youth with Developmental Disabilities Who Enter the Juvenile Criminal Justice System

Explore the ins and outs of the juvenile system, strategies to replace traditional approaches, and how to get help for youth with developmental disabilities who enter the criminal justice system.

We know that our work is never done when it comes to Transforming the Special Education School-to-Prison Pipeline. But, an important topic that we need to consider is what happens when youth with developmental disabilities enter the juvenile criminal justice system? This 1-hour and 15-minute course in partnership with special guests representing three District Attorney offices throughout Colorado will have you leave this course with a better understanding of:

  • The ins and outs of the Juvenile Justice System and what to expect;
  • Accommodations for youth with disabilities in the juvenile justice system;
  • How to get appropriate help for youth with disabilities; and
  • Strategies to replace traditional approaches.

What to expect

Who should take this course?

  • Parents and caregivers of children with developmental disabilities;
  • Professionals who work in the developmental disability system;
  • Justice professionals; and
  • Local law enforcement agency personnel.

This work is made possible through support from the Rocky Mountain Civitan Club, Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, Arc Thrift Stores, Developmental Pathways, and The Arc of Aurora.

CLE/CEU

Due to the varying requirements of different organizations and disciplines, THINK+change does not seek prior accreditation of educational courses for CLE/CEUs. Please consult the rules of your organization regarding the procedures for receiving continuing education credits. Each course may qualify for up to 1 hour and 15 minutes of CLE/CEU. You will also receive a digital certificate verifying your completion of the course to submit. If you require further verification or have other questions, please contact us.


Your Instructor


THINK+change Team
THINK+change Team

THINK+change offers solutions-focused training and education that change knowledge, attitude, and behavior to ultimately improve the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). THINK+change is a training and education program of The Arc of Aurora which was incorporated in 1975 as an advocacy organization for people with IDD. Since the inception of THINK+change in 2017, the education program has been a trailblazer in disability education and has trained and brought together thousands of people with IDD, their families, and the professionals in their lives who want to keep up with trends and developments in the disability field and grow professionally. All people with disabilities deserve respect and deserve better.



Course Curriculum


  Welcome!
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  Understanding the problem
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  What should a child and family expect in the justice system?
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.

Get started now!