Northglenn praised as early partner as YouthLink outlines juvenile assessment center plan

YouthLink board chair Terrence Gordon told the City of Northglenn on May 11 that the nonprofit aims to open a juvenile assessment center to provide assessment, intake, referral and follow-up services for youth in crisis. Gordon said Northglenn was an early partner: "Northglenn stepped up as a partner and a contributor" and signed an intergovernmental agreement in February 2025, six months before other jurisdictions, he said.

Scott O'Harris, YouthLink's recently hired executive director (introduced by the board), said the center’s first-year hours will be limited — "open between 2 and 10PM" — with the goal of expanding to 24/7 as revenue is secured. O'Harris described YouthLink as a voluntary, prevention-focused alternative to deeper juvenile justice involvement: "We are a partner with the criminal justice system, but we do not get involved in cases… What we’d like to be is that middle ground before kids become deeply involved in the criminal justice system."

Council members pressed YouthLink on data, referral pathways and partnerships. When Council Member Kondo asked what happens to a youth who reaches a dashed line in the presentation flowchart, O'Harris said some youth are referred to the Department of Youth Corrections for district-level offenses while many in crisis are routed to medical and behavioral-health clinics; YouthLink is working to formalize data-sharing agreements with school districts and other partners to support follow-through. Gordon said YouthLink will not be a substitute for other providers but a hub to connect young people to services.

On funding, YouthLink said the former assessment center’s carryover funds will provide about two years of operating expenses and staff said they are not requesting additional city funds at this time. "We're not gonna ask for more money… Not at this time," Gordon told council, adding YouthLink is finalizing IGAs and hiring permanent staff.

Mayor Meredith Leidy and other council members welcomed the plan. Council members emphasized the need for clear performance metrics and updated slides on local data; Deputy Chief and other city staff offered to follow up on data sources. YouthLink encouraged the public and potential applicants to visit youthlinkco.org for updates.

The presentation included a request that Northglenn continue as a founding IGA and participate in orientation and onboarding as the nonprofit finalizes staffing and interjurisdictional agreements. Council thanked the board and staff and said they will monitor future funding requests if and when they arise.