dyrs: Harvard University-Page 1 of 2

News Release

April 15, 2008

Harvard University Lists DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services Among “Top 50 Programs” In Nation

Juvenile justice agency moves from brink of receivership to top honor

The Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government announced that the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), the District’s juvenile justice agency, was among the Top 50 Programs of the 2008 Innovations in American Government Awards competition. Selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants, DYRS represents one of the best in government innovation from local, county, city, tribal, state and federal levels. DYRS has also made it to the semifinals as one of eight programs for the 2008 Harvard Kennedy School and Annie E. Casey Foundation Innovations Award in Children and Family System Reform.

Established in 1985 at Harvard Kennedy School by the Ford Foundation, the Innovations in American Government Awards Program is designed to improve government practice by honoring effective government initiatives and encouraging the dissemination of such best practices across the country. Over its 20 year history, the Innovations in American Government Program has honored 181 federal, state, and local government agencies. The Annie E. Casey Innovations Award in Children and Family System Reform was created in 2004 to highlight successful innovations in public systems affecting children and families, and to encourage other systems to adopt these reforms.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty reacted to the selection by stating, “The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services has gone from being on the brink of receivership to becoming a system that other states are increasingly viewing as engaged in cutting-edge reforms. This award, coming from the nation’s premier governance institute, is proof positive that the reform efforts are transforming this long-troubled agency into a world-class department of which we can all be proud.”

DYRS Director Vincent Schiraldi stated, “I am particularly proud of the dedication and professionalism of our DYRS staff, especially those who serve on the front lines of the reform effort. Making the “Top 50” after being in the basement for so long is a clear sign that we are making a difference in the lives of our youth, which should result in safer communities for all DC residents.”