From a personal and professional level I know that YouthZone really makes doing the probation pre-sentence investigation reports a lot easier. The YouthZone case managers have soooooooo made a better level of accountabilty for kids during the district court level pre-sentence phase. Thanks so much to you and to your staff !! -Betty Collins (Probation officer)

All the YouthZone case managers are doing an excellent job in all Courts (Carbondale, Basalt, Glenwood - sometimes Rifle). You can be assured to have my continuing support as prosecutor and judge with respect to YouthZone referrals. It makes it real easy for me when your case managers are so prompt, accessible and communicate well with both myself and the Courts. Most importantly, these superb case managers provide such great, individual services to kids and their families that it is a pleasure and a privilege for me to be able to refer them to your program. I look forward to working with YouthZone again this year. -John Collins, prosecutor Glenwood Municipal Court, Judge Carbondale Municipal Court and Basalt Municipal Court

A middle school student named “Karen” stole cosmetics from City Market. She was caught, charged with petty theft, and referred to YouthZone by the judge. After Karen and her mom met with a YouthZone case manager, they decided together that YouthZone’s Restorative Justice process would be a good way for Karen to take responsibility for her actions, apologize, and repair the harm done.
In the Restorative Justice circle for Karen’s theft, a high school senior “Jennifer” volunteered as the community member. Jennifer herself had stolen from City Market two years prior, and had also participated in YouthZone’s Restorative Justice Program. In addition to the Restorative Justice process and the resulting community service being a turning point in her life, Jennifer also shared with Karen and other participants that she was glad that they had gotten caught. Jennifer stated, “Petty theft is a gateway crime,” and added that had they not been stopped, they could have gone on to other, more serious crimes. Jennifer also explained that community services was a meaningful way to contribute to the community in order to regain trust. - March 2010

At YouthZone you get quick service and no bureaucracy. - client

The services that YouthZone provides to the youth and families in this valley are invaluable. We would be lost without YouthZone. - Tony Hershey, Juvenile Deputy District Attorney, 9th Judicial District

YouthZone plays a critical role in the collaborative effort to raise safe, healthy and responsible kids in our community. - Christian Kingsbury, Principal Basalt Middle School


Read about YouthZone's success in one young life: http://www.aspentimes.com/article/2009910219980