"Special" Municipal Court program provides options to at-risk youth

Nov. 14, 2025 - A free Lakewood Municipal Court program designed to present justice-involved young people with resources and connections has been making a major impact with the help of regional partners.

The Youth Educational Tour, or YET, has been in existence in varying forms for roughly 20 years, but in recent years it has moved away from a “scared straight” approach to one that proactively connects teens with productive ways out of a potentially dangerous lifestyle.

“We aim to connect with youth 14-17 years old, youth that are struggling with school, (who) may want to start looking into college, and need more community support,” said DeAnna Gunther, a probation and diversion officer with Lakewood Municipal Court. “We want our youth and their families to be aware of the great resources that Jefferson County has to offer.”

Current partners include Jefferson County Public Schools, Red Rocks Community College, the American Job Center and the Jefferson Center for Mental Health. Held quarterly, YET allows these and other agencies to present overviews of their programs and services to teens. Breakout sessions follow, and attendees or their parents are required to have their participation verified via a “passport’”’ handout system.

Lucas Garcia, a student engagement advocate with Jeffco Public Schools, said that he has worked with students who have experienced major positive changes after attending the YET program.

“The YET program is very special to me,” he said. Students should “know they are not the first or the last one to make a mistake, but it’s what (they) do at that crossroads that can change the path they take now. We have an opportunity every time we are in front of them to inspire and motivate. YET is giving families hope.”

Students tell him that they value the connections the program gives them, Garcia said.

“Every child is one adult away from being a success story,” he said.

While the cost of attending this program is free for young people who have had interactions with Municipal Court, Gunther said that it is open for any young person who might be interested for just $5. 

For Gunther, the primary value of the program is highlighting the many resources that at-risk students have available to them.

“I receive a lot of feedback from youth that they were not considering college, but after hearing from Red Rocks (Community College), they see that it is a possibility,” she said. “Many parents express their surprise with how many resources are available. We also hear that parents are going to share the information with others who could benefit from the information.”

For more information on the Youth Educational Tour, visit the program’s online page.

YET events occur on the first Wednesday of March, June, September and December, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Municipal Court, 445 S. Allison Parkway.