From The Desk of Pamela Bisceglia

“Jane Doe” had charges brought against her January 2016 and June 2017.  She was released on bail.  A competency evaluation was ordered and in December 2017, it was determined she was not competent.  She was ordered to participate in a competency restoration program.  Competency restoration is the process used when an individual is found by a court to be incompetent to stand trial.  Simply put, “Jane Doe” must be restored to competency before the legal process can continue.  In November 2018, it was determined that competency could not be restored.  “Jane Doe” is labeled as having a dual diagnosis: an intellectual and developmental disability and mental health issues.  On July 9, 2019, “Jane Doe” was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.  On day three of her incarceration, “Jane Doe” was arraigned. The judge was privy to: her history, the list of her past charges, her competency evaluations and her return to the community. Now, because she is charged with aggravated assault, the court will no longer entertain her return to the community.  

From The Desk of Pamela Bisceglia

While some maintain Denver Public Schools (DPS) offers students “equitable” opportunities, others assert the school-to-prison pipeline is alive and well in DPS. The partnership between DPS, Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) and what was the Division of Youth Corrections (currently known as the Division of Youth Services) provides new meaning to the school-to-prison pipeline. DPS charter school Rite of Passage is housed in youth correction facility in Watkins, Colorado. Thirty-five percent (or more) of the youth assigned to the facility are identified as having a disability (eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Ridge View Academy is a boys’ correction facility located in a remote area surrounded by fields. Ridge View Academy does not have a barbed wire fence, rather the youth understand if they run they will be sent to a more secure correction facility. DPS’ Board of Education approved the Rite of Passage charter school in 2001.