Our Mission

Transformative Justice Project of Colorado (formerly Colorado Juvenile Defenders Center) is on a mission to abolish the school-to-prison pipeline by dismantling systemic racism embedded in the existing institutions of education, mental health, and criminal injustice, while helping young people to develop the tools to define their own story.

Our Vision

We build a world where we keep kids in school and out of prison.

Our Story

Founded in 2010, Colorado Juvenile Defender Center (CJDC) focused on ensuring excellence in juvenile defense. Over the years, it expanded its scope to include nonpartisan research, policy analysis, and robust defense for youth prosecuted as adults.

In 2023, thanks to the leadership and vision of Elie Zwiebel and in collaboration with Barbara Garza and Erin Pier, CJDC blossomed into Transformative Justice Project; the same team with a brand new vision for the future.
The change from CJDC to Transformative Justice Project (TJP)reflects a deeper commitment to confronting systemic oppression within legal systems and an evolution of traditional defense strategies. The team’s commitment to equity and justice for young people is evident at every level; even the organization’s name change was driven by a desire to shift away from language that perpetuates negative stereotypes associated with the term “juvenile.”

Our Programs

TJP provides comprehensive support services to system-impacted young people aged 10 to 25. Our services include culturally-responsive mental health support, legal advocacy and representation, and education assistance. We are dedicated to empowering young people with the tools and resources necessary to overcome challenges, advocate for their rights, and build a brighter future.

Education First is one of the cornerstone programs of TJP. Education First works to address and prevent the school-to-prison pipeline. This program provides legal representation and advocacy to youth facing school-related legal issues and disciplinary actions.

The Community Cares Program merges mental health support with other end-to-end services, offering a holistic approach to supporting the needs of system-impacted youth. This program is dedicated to addressing the multifaceted needs of young people, ensuring they receive comprehensive support.

Learn Your Rights in the Community (LYRIC) is a new program at TJP, entirely composed of passionate attorney and law student volunteers that donate their time to empower young people to exercise their constitutional rights. LYRIC’s curriculum brings constitutional law to life for young people in schools, juvenile justice facilities, and community workshops.

Testimonials