DC Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services

The District of Columbia Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services, formerly the Youth Services Administration, has historically been a troubled agency. It is responsible for all youth held in custody in the District, both pre-adjudication (detention) and post-adjudication (commitment). The District's Oak Hill Youth Center has been the subject of a 20-year-old lawsuit over conditions of confinement, and previous agency directors have failed to provide effective leadership.

With support from the Public Welfare Foundation, CCLP has trained DYRS staff on the legal and professional standards governing conditions of confinement in the District's secure juvenile facilities. CCLP staff have held more than half a dozen trainings for groups of staff. CCLP staff are currently helping DYRS revise and develop key policies for its secure facilities; train direct care staff on sexual misconduct prevention, identification, and response; and implement a system of graduated sanctions and incentives to support youth in community-based placements without jeopardizing public safety.