Colorado has launched a new hotline for K-12 students who were involved in the criminal justice system to help them navigate reentry into school.

The Justice Engaged Student Hotline is available in English and Spanish to students, parents, and educators and offers personalized support with school credit recovery, re-enrollment, legal referrals, and mental health resources. 

“Navigating re-entry into school can be overwhelming for students who have faced detention, probation, diversion, or any other form of justice system engagement,” said Generation Schools Network, a Denver-based education nonprofit. “This groundbreaking on-line hotline provides a safe, judgment-free space where students and their families can connect with knowledgeable, caring support staff—referred to as Hotline Heroes—to access the help they need.”

A bill passed by the General Assembly last year defines a justice-engaged student as “any student involved in the criminal justice system in any capacity, including adjudication, probation, ticketing, detention, diversion, commitment, or community supervision.”

“Education is a right, not a privilege. The Justice Engaged Student Hotline is here to make sure every student—regardless of past circumstances—has a clear, supported path to graduation and success,” said Dr. Jose Silva, Vice President at Generation Schools Network.