Who We Are
The New Beginnings Youth Development Center (NBYDC) is a secure and structured 60-bed residential facility for DYRS-committed youth. Its staff consists of dedicated professionals with extensive therapeutic experience and training in implementing evidence-based practices.
What We Do
Focus on preparing young people for a productive and successful re-entry into the community. Employ interventions that improve our youth’s academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and vocational functioning.
The Horizons Program
The Horizons Program Level System is a graduated system that provides committed youth at DYRS an opportunity to progress through a series of self-exploratory interventions with guidance and support from staff. DYRS youth must successfully meet the criteria and expectations of a six-phase level system based upon the six domains of Positive Youth Justice.
These Phases are Safety and Structure, Self-Awareness, Independence and Autonomy, Mastery and Competency, Belonging, Membership, and Self-Knowledge.
Education
The Maya Angelou Academy (MAA) provides onsite educational programming at the New Beginnings Youth Development Center and the Youth Services Center. MAA is operated by the See Forever Foundation, a nonprofit organization that manages the Maya Angelou Public Charter schools in the District.
Many MAA students come with a history of challenges that have hindered their prior academic progress. Upon their enrollment, the average MAA student tests at the fourth- to fifth-grade level in English and math, and has earned only a few credits toward graduation. At least half of all MAA students have special needs, and most have experienced multiple failures in traditional schools.
The school’s curriculum is designed to help students overcome challenges to learning, acquire credits toward graduation, and build the academic skills necessary for long-term success.
As part of its nationally-recognized program, MAA offers GED and SAT prep classes, computer skills courses, college tours, and innovative Saturday enrichment programs in areas ranging from law to yoga. Students receive assistance with academic placement before leaving our facilities, and the school provides follow-up services once youth return to their home schools.
MAA has full accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Elementary and Secondary School.
Therapeutic Services
- Behavioral health services (individual and group)
- Positive Youth Justice group interventions
- Educational curriculum and supportive services
- Vocational training and workforce development
- Family engagement, and civic and community engagement
- Restorative Justice
- Credible Messengers
- Health and wellness initiatives
- Environmental services
- Rehabilitation through art programming
- Token economy re-entry services
- Unit Group Sessions
- External vendors and service providers
Contacts
DYRS encourages family involvement for all youth held at the facility and offers regular family visitation opportunities.
For more information, please contact Mark Hamlett, Correctional Institutional Administrator, at (202) 299-3205 or [email protected]
Contact Phone: (202) 299-3200 Contact Fax: (240) 456-4648 Contact TTY: 711 Address: 8400 River Rd, Laurel, MD 20724