Colorado Revised Statute § 19-2-303

(1) In order to more fully implement the stated objectives of this title, the general assembly declares its intent to establish a juvenile diversion program that, when possible, integrates restorative justice practices to provide community-based alternatives to the formal court system that will reduce juvenile crime and recidivism, change juvenile offenders' behavior and attitudes, promote juvenile offenders' accountability, recognize and support the rights of victims, heal the harm to relationships and the community caused by juvenile crime, and reduce the costs within the juvenile justice system.

(2) The division of criminal justice of the department of public safety is authorized to establish and administer a juvenile diversion program that, when possible, integrates restorative justice practices. In order to effectuate the program, the division may contract with governmental units and nongovernmental agencies to provide services for eligible youth through community based projects providing an alternative to a petition filed pursuant to section 19-2-512, an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to section 19-3-505, or dispositions of a juvenile delinquent pursuant to section 19-2-907.