[Research Report] Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Safety and Juvenile Justice Reform in the District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Safety and Juvenile Justice Reform was established by Mayor Anthony Williams on August 18, 2000 through Mayoral Order No. 2000-130. Commission members were charged with the responsibility to offer policy recommendations to address youth safety and the juvenile justice system. Major themes in the Commission’s charge included: an assessment of youth crime prevention strategies and model programs; the identification of strengths and weaknesses in rehabilitative and supportive services and programs; an exploration of research related to the impact of youth violence and substance abuse among youth; an examination of the strengths and weaknesses of current institutional systems; and the development of strategies for serving children and youth in their communities and neighborhoods. In addition, Mayor Williams issued an explicit call for a vision and seamless network of youth service ideals that “treat children as children.” The recommendations made by the Blue Ribbon Commission served to guide the establishment of the current Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services as a cabinet-level agency.
Also see: History of DYRS