WhyForge Evolution?
Because we recognize that every child has a choice and a voice and one mistake should not define you. Our Colorado Springs Teen Court program has served over 10,000 youth from the Pikes Peak region since 1994. Since then, we have expanded into surrounding Colorado Springs areas, made our preventative classes available to all youth, and incorporated behavioral health services.
We know that it is important for youth to have a place to be seen fully and be supported to make healthy life choices; we are that place.
Because the youth are our future.
Onemission.
Forge Evolution currently offers Teen Court Program and Behavioral Health Services. Both programs provide teens with opportunities to grow, learn new skills, and safe space. Teen Court is offered to participants who have been referred to us for a misdemeanor incident in lieu of a ticket. Behavioral Health Services is offered to Teen Court youth involved and is available to youth in the community needing a safe space to express themselves.
Teen Court
Since 1994, the Teen Court Program has addressed first-time misdemeanor offenses among our Colorado Springs youth. Referred to us by either School Resource Officers or the City Attorney's office, the Teen Court Program is offered in lieu of formal criminal charges.
- If you complete our program, your record is EXPUNGED and off your record for life.
- Teen Court offers youth the chance to participate in alternative solutions tailored to an individual, like boxing classes, art therapy, & community service.
- Upon completion of the program, graduates are able to volunteer with Forge Evolution and support fellow youth the way they were supported.
- Prevention classes are now available!
Behavioral Health Services
Our Behavioral Health Services allows us to reach more youth in the community. Our mental health professional tailor therapeutic techniques to equip participants with healthy coping mechanisms, safe forms of self-expression, and a stronger self-esteem.
- Services are covered by Medicaid and CHP. We also are able to set up individual payment plans.
- Sessions are available both in-person and telehealth
- Each one-on-one session is tailored to the individual specifically.
- Case management is available for all teens.
Meet Bayleigh
Big sister and honor roll student.
Bayleigh came through the Teen Court Program for a shoplifting charge. As it was Bayleigh’s first time getting into trouble, the officer decided that the Teen Court Program would be a good fit for her. After working through our Community Impact Panel, Bayleigh came to ralize that her actions do not only affect herself, but that even minor thefts can take away jobs, increase prices, and impact corners of the community that Bayleigh didn’t even know existed.
Join theevolution.
We are working everyday to create exciting new ways to reach the youth of our community, but we could not do this work without help from all of you! Forge Evolution is so thankful for our community, our long-time supporters, and those who are just discovering our program. There are so many ways for you to get involved!
Get Involved
Volunteering with Forge Evolution programs allow you to work closely with our participants and increase your involvement within our community.
- Act as a case manager for Peer Panels.
- Be a mentor for the student attorneys at Trials.
- Be a positive power of peer influence to stop criminal behavior before it happens.
- Watch our youth grow into confident and competent young people throughout your time volunteering.
- Work closely with youth and other community members to expand your professional horizon.
- Act as a Peer Panelist and make your voice heard in another kid's life.
Donate
Your donation grants Forge Evolution the ability to ensure that youth are receiving our services at a price that is manageable for them.
$50 can provide...
programming at a manageable rate for our low-income families
$100 can provide...
five sessions of our Forge program
$500 can provide...
best practice training to our 180+ volunteers