Colorado detains hundreds of youths deemed releasable because state has nowhere to place them, lawsuit alleges

A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Denver alleges that Colorado is illegally detaining hundreds of young people in detention facilities even after judges have determined they are eligible for release. The complaint states that children as young as 10 are being held in “prison-like conditions” for weeks or months because the state lacks adequate foster placements and therapeutic services. In fiscal year 2024-2025, over 140 youths were held for more than 30 days after being deemed releasable, many with disabilities requiring specialized care.

The lawsuit highlights the cases of Isaac N., a 17-year-old with PTSD and ADHD, and Tony S., a 12-year-old with autism, both of whom remain detained despite judicial orders for release. Advocates argue that this practice sends a harmful message to these youths, treating them as problems to be contained rather than individuals deserving support. The number of releasable youths detained has increased from 540 in 2022-2023 to 693 the following year, with 177 still detained in December 2025.

The complaint also points to serious concerns about the conditions within these detention facilities, citing prior reports of excessive force, fights, drug use, and staff misconduct, including allegations of sexual relationships with youths. Advocates emphasize the urgent need for the state to invest in community-based programs and services to provide these young people with the care and opportunities they deserve, rather than continuing to hold them in inappropriate and potentially harmful settings.

(Source：The Denver Post)