Secure Program 

 

The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) provides assessment, service planning, therapeutic programming, and supervision to more than 400 youth at any given time.  Among the committed youth served by DYRS, there are males and females, blacks and Latinos, District and non-District residents, and youth ranging from those barely in their teenage years, to those approaching their 21st birthdays.  The typical committed youth served by DYRS is an African-American male, 17-18 years of age, who resides in Southeast or Northeast DC.  Youth are most frequently committed for Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, assault, and drug charges. DYRS operates two secure facilities and a Pre-Release House. These facilities provide the following services:

 

Oak Hill Youth Center
The Oak Hill Youth Center is a secure facility for both committed and securely detained youth.  The center is located in Laurel, Maryland, on the grounds of the former Forest Haven facility.  The District of Columbia Public School system operates Oak Hill Academy, which provides a variety of academic and experiential programs for youth residing at Oak Hill. The University of the District of Columbia provides pre-vocational and vocational training programs. DYRS also provides complimentary 24-hour onsite health and medical services and contracted medical staff.  The DC Department of Mental Health (DMH), Child and Family Services Administration (CFSA), provides mental health services.  The medical and mental health staff administers screenings and diagnostic assessments after youth are first admitted to Oak Hill and participates in monthly treatment team meetings, assisting in the development and implementation of individual service plans for youth.