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Our Story Our Vision Advocates for Change encourages and promotes educated, positive and judicious changes which benefit our community and society. AFC assists, informs, and educates, those constrained within the justice system, affected families, communities, the legal system, the legislature and others. Our Mission AFC supports those in the criminal justice system, including those with a sexual offense and their families by: Advocating for change in excessively punitive laws and policies, and for the adherence to constitutional rights; Educating the public, lawmakers, and the judiciary; Promoting the successful treatment and reintegration of those with an offense into the community, thus reducing victimization and enhancing the safety of all.

Contact Us advocates4changeafc@gmail.com Advocates for Change PO Box 103392 Denver CO 80250

Advocates for Change Affecting Change in Colorado's Laws, Policies, and Attitudes Our Story Advocates for Change is dedicated to supporting individuals in the criminal justice system and their families. Our mission encompasses advocating for legislative change, public education, successful rehabilitation, and community reintegration. Through our meetings, resources, and membership options, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected. Learn More Resource Guide for Families of Adults Are you or a loved one facing accusations or a conviction for a sexual offense in Colorado? You’re not alone. In response to concerns from families, a diverse workgroup—including family members, advocates, therapists, and justice professionals—created this essential guide to help you navigate every stage of the legal process. Click here to access the helpful document. Our Current Initiatives Driving Positive Change Legislative Advocacy Policy Reform Our legislative advocacy efforts focus on reforming punitive laws to ensure fair treatment and rehabilitation opportunities for individuals in the criminal justice system. Public Education Awareness Campaigns Through awareness campaigns, we educate the public and lawmakers on the challenges faced by individuals with sexual offenses, promoting understanding, support, and acceptance. Community Engagement Building Relationships Community engagement initiatives aim to facilitate successful treatment, reintegration, and acceptance of individuals in the wider community, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Publications Facing accusations or a conviction for a sexual offense—whether you or a loved one? Don't navigate this alone. Click the button below for the ultimate guide that provides crucial support and expert insights at every stage of the process Click here for the resource guide Books AN UNACCEPTABLY HIGH COST - b y Mark T. Walker Caught in the Web of the Criminal Justice System: Autism, Developmental Disabilities, and Sex Offenses - by Lawrence A. Dubin & Emily Horowitz YOUR LIFE ON “THE LIST” 4th Edition - by Derek W. Logue, OnceFallen.com Flyers Informational flyers on impacts and unintended consequences of Colorado's laws for those convicted of sex offences Lie Detector (2015) Peeing on the Grass (2015) Scarlet Letter (2015) Soft on Crime (2015) Recidivism (2014) Can Do/Can’t Do Barriers Costs (2014) Comparative Costs (2014) Could You Rebuild Your Life (2014) How do We Piece It All Together (2014) Legislative Quiz (2014) Listen to One Who Knows (2014) More than 96% Never Reoffend (2014) Sex Offender Facts (2014) Unintended Consequences (2014) Newsletters The Advocate Past issues of The Advocates for Change newsletters Humanizing Language Chart Click here for full chart Myth of No Known Cure Note from AFC: While the No Cure Language has been removed from the Colorado State Statutes and the words No Known Cure have been removed from the SOMB Standards and Guidelines, the Standards and Guidelines continue to convey this false and destructive underlying message. Clearly, our work is not yet finished. Learn More

Membership Annual Membership is $30, or lifetime membership is 100$ We have additional options for membership for those who are currently incarcerated, on parole, or on probation. Contact AFC for more information. To become a Member of AFC, please download, complete, and return the membership application provided below: Application You can mail in your payment with your membership application or pay online with a credit card or your PayPal account Heading 6 Interested in Taking a More Active Role? We are looking for members who are willing to help! We are looking for members who are willing to help with: meeting with legislators and/or DOC officials attending SOMB meetings and SOMB sub-committee meetings (open to the public) preparing comments for the upcoming DORA sunset review of the SOMB helping with the newsletter keeping us informed about loved-ones experiences (challenges and successes) researching the web for information on housing availability, job leads, and local residency restrictions Meeting Information The best support comes from individuals and family members who have been through similar struggles. When we hold general meetings, we have informative speakers to keep us current on major topics of interest. Learn More Need Assistance? We can put you in touch with individuals or groups who can help. If you or a loved one have been accused of and/or convicted of a sex offense and need assistance with jobs or other services, please click for Resources, or contact AFC. Resources Contact Us

Resources While we do not provide direct services, we can try to connect you with individuals or groups who may be able to help. If you or a loved one has been accused of, charged with, or convicted of a sex offense and need assistance with jobs or other services, please check these resources or contact AFC via our email address: advocates4changeafc@gmail.com Family Resource Guide : NOTE: This guide is provided on this website as a public service only. Advocates For Change is not the author of this guide. This resource guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is not intended to create, and receipt or use of this guide does not establish, an attorney-client relationship. Laws and regulations may vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Individuals should not rely solely on the information provided in this guide when making legal decisions. For legal advice specific to your situation, you should consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. The authors, contributors, and distributors of this guide assume no liability for errors, omissions, or any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. This resource guide was developed to answer common questions, provide valuable resources, and acknowledge the emotional challenges families face when a loved one becomes involved in the justice system. The working group behind this guide sought to present information from a family-centered perspective, using clear and accessible language while ensuring accuracy. Download Housing Learn More Jobs Learn More Re-Entry Learn More Treatment Learn More Registered Citizens Learn More Helpful Acronyms Learn More Collateral Consequences Learn More Other Organizations Learn More

Meetings We're excited to host a free in-person meeting to connect, support, collaborate, and share ideas. Become informed, build a community, advocate, and make a difference! Join Us for Our Upcoming In-Person Advocates for Change Meeting! General Meeting 📅 Tuesday, February 25, 2025 🕒7:00 - 8:30 pm 📍Rocky Mountain Miracle Center 1939 South Monroe Street Denver CO 80201 The best support comes from individuals and family members who have been through similar struggles! When we hold meetings, we try to have informative speakers to keep us current on major topics of interest. Quarterly Meetings Other Meetings of Interest Family Voices is an Advocates for Change support group. We meet in Colorado Springs on a Sunday toward the middle of each month at 1:30 p.m. We host guest speakers from various agencies – probation, parole, Department of Corrections (DOC), housing, treatment providers from within DOC and community providers, etc. The meeting date is dependent upon the guest’s availability. If you are interested in attending, contact mbrewer2440@gmail.com for the exact date and location. The Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) In June 2015, the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) established the Family Education, Engagement, and Support Committee , later renamed the Family Education, Engagement, and Support Working Group , in response to concerns from family members of individuals accused or convicted of a sex offense. For over six years, the Working Group met on the first Friday of each month to develop this guide, aiming to support and inform families navigating this complex system. Families expressed a need for clear information about the legal process and the specific provisions and requirements affecting their loved ones. SOMB conducts regular monthly meetings as w ell as several different sub-committee meetings. All meetings are open to the public, but some require an RSVP. Many meetings can be attended virtually. For dates, times and locations of SOMB meetings you can check the SOMB calendar here . You can also find minutes from past meetings on that page. The Colorado Department of Corrections holds Citizen Advocate Meetings at regularly scheduled intervals as a forum for communication and information sharing between the Department of Corrections and its stakeholders. Citizen Advocate Meetings are typically held twice yearly. For more information on these meetings click here . The National Association for Rational Sexual Offense Laws (NARSOL) holds an annual conference. NARSOL’s 2025 conference is slated to be held in Grand Rapids, MI on June 26-29. For more information click here .

Supporting Positive Change Imagine making a difference with every dollar you give. When you donate, 100% of your contribution goes directly to the cause—not to administrative fees, or salaries. Why? Because our team is made up entirely of dedicated volunteers who believe in creating real change. Your support fuels every initiative, and every life we touch . This is your chance to ensure that your generosity has the maximum impact. Together, we can make a meaningful difference. Donate today, and be part of a movement where every dollar counts! Or send check or money order to: Advocates for Change PO Box 103392 Denver CO 80250 AFC is an organization that relies solely on membership fees and donations fo r our funding. We sincerely welcome donations to: support our legislative initiatives provide re-entry assistance for our community help with various other projects. If you have any questions, please contact AFC advocates4changeafc@gmail.com

Back Housing Housing programs that may assist a person convicted of a sex offense in Colorado.Affordable Rental Housing is in short supply across Colorado and the Denver Metropolitan area. Housing is even more of a challenge for those who are justice involved. The organizations below may or may not assist a person convicted of a sex offense or who are on the sex offender registry. The following information is not guaranteed to be up to date or 100% accurate. But it may be a place to start. Reshape Mobarez Solutions ChristLife Ministries Connections Prison Ministry My Father's House CMRC Housing List 2018 His House Ministries (303)-525-0660 Cheryl Sartain cherylandassociates@yahoo.com A Future and a Hope Colorado Affordable Housing Search Pets Welcome Extended Stay Green Valley Ranch Transitional Housing Harvard House Denver (480) 433-3532 Mesa House mesahousesocialmedia@gmail.com Coalition for Sexual Offense Restoration (CSOR) Hope Homes Housing Resource List Redtail Ponds Permanent Authentic Recovery Homes Supportive Housing Songbird Nest Housing (720)-877-1373 Note: information is subject to change at any time.

Back Human Services Offers applications for Quest food stamp card, energy assistance, cash assistance, disability assistance, and employment services Colorado Human Services https://cdhs.colorado.gov/ The Colorado Department of Human Services helps ensure Coloradans have what they need to live a stable life now and in the future. We can help your family consistently put food on the table, heat your home, find livable-wage work, and afford basic necessities like rent, utilities, milk and diapers.

Back Other Organizations Support services for individuals with a criminal record can be vital for successful reintegration into society. Access to resources such as job training programs, counseling, and legal assistance can make a significant difference. The organizations listed below may offer support to those who are justice involved, though their eligibility criteria may vary. Please note that the information provided may not be current or entirely accurate, but it can serve as a useful starting point. Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Resources : Criminal Matters Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offense Laws Registrant Travel Action Group (RTAG) (OUTDATED) Sex Offender International Travel Matrix (CURRENT) Safer Society Foundation Colorado Parole; Parole FAQs page NARSOL PARSOL Women Against the Registry Remerg Alliance for Constitutional Sex Offense Laws United Voices for Sex Offense Reform DDD - Decriminalizing Developmental Disabilities Sex Offender One Stop Resource Colorado-Cure Once Fallen Rick & Tami ODVSOM Resources Page DOC Resources Page Association for the Treatment & Prevention of Sexual Abuse (ATSA) Note: information is subject to change at any time.

Legal & Legislative This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained throughout this website is not intended to create, and receipt or use of any information provided does not establish, an attorney-client relationship. Laws and regulations may vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Individuals should not rely solely on the information provided on this website when making legal decisions. For legal advice specific to your situation, you should consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. The authors, contributors, and distributors of this guide assume no liability for errors, omissions, or any outcomes resulting from the use of this information. Contact your Colorado State Legislators One of the most powerful ways we can impact the legislative process is through contacting our legislators. . . in person, by email, with a letter. We know that personal stories move people to action and lawmakers have told us that they are interested in hearing our stories. Let’s take them up on their invitation . . . For up-to-date information in Colorado, visit the Colorado General Assembly Website To find your own state legislators, go to OpenStates.org and enter your address Legal Resources Strict Liability Click here to for information on strict liability cases Brief Summary of Relevant Cases Click here to view a brief list and description of relevant case law How a Bill Becomes a Law in Colorado Click here to learn how a bill becomes a law 2018 Colorado Ruling on Additional Conditions of Supervision for Adult Probation Click here to view the ruling Laws Governing Persons Conficted of Sex Offenses in Colorado Click here to view the PDF DOCCA - Family Members of Persons Convicted of Sex Offenses Organize Lawsuit Against Colorado's Indeterminate Sentences Click here to read the Denver Post article on the DOCCA Lawsuit Click here to get answers to DOCCA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Unconstitutionality of International Megan's Law Click here to read about Megan's Law Post Conviction Relief Post-conviction relief in Colorado is a legal process that allows a defendant to challenge a criminal conviction or sentence. This can include appealing a judge's ruling, requesting a new trial, or sealing records. Common post-conviction relief options: Appealing a judge or jury's ruling, Requesting a new trial, Reducing a sentence, Sealing or expunging records, and Removing a sex offender registry designation. Click here to read about post conviction relief Colorado Public Defenders Office Note: We cannot recommend specific attorneys. However, we can offer some strategies for finding legal assistance by contacting us. Click here to view the public defenders website