DYRS parents and caregivers, we are here to support you every step of the way. Caring for loved ones can be challenging, and we want to ensure you have access to any assistance you need. Resources are available to help you navigate the challenges you may be facing. Whether you have questions about your young person’s education, behavior, or well-being, we are here to help. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. You are strong and resilient, and we're here cheering you on every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate any obstacles you may encounter. Stay strong, take care of yourself, and know that we are here to lend a helping hand however we can. You've got this!
If you are not sure of the location of your youth, contact your Care Coordinator or the DYRS Care Coordination Team at [email protected]
The DYRS Parents Employment Readiness Program is an opportunity for parents to develop employability skills to gain meaningful employment. This 3-week workshop series will help identify marketable skills, learn to navigate technology, acquire successful interview techniques and provide job placement. Parents will work exclusively with the DYRS Workforce Development team for employment placement opportunities. Ages 21 and up |10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
The DYRS Anchored in Strength Parents/ Guardians/ Care Givers Support Group provides an emotionally safe venue for participants to draw on the strength of each other as they share thoughts, feelings, challenges, and triumphs about their youth’s involvement in the justice system.
The innate strength and resilience of each family are reignited as they learn how to access and navigate available agency and community resources. Endurance and perseverance prevail through ongoing empowering and transformative opportunities that raise consciousness and increase civic responsibility. Self - care as related to physical health, social-emotional health, financial literacy, time management, and spiritual enlightenment, are intentional points of unceasing focus.
The support group convenes every Monday at one of the agency's Achievement Centers. Times and locations rotate to accommodate the work-life balance of all participants (12:30 - 2:00 pm or 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm)
450 Achievement Center, 450 H Street NW, Washington DC 20001
MLK Achievement Center, 2101 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Washington DC 20002
The Anchored in Strength Conversation Teleconference Line is open each Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
AIS monthly calendar flyers are distributed agency-wide and the mass texting alert system is utilized to announce the date and times of each group opportunity. Nourishing food for the body and unconditional love for the soul is always present.
NOTE: The AIS Group Facilitator does respond to crisis intervention and requests for individual and family coaching.
For more information, please contact [email protected]
DC Area Family Resources
Often families are looking for help with their youth before they are in the juvenile justice system. While DYRS provides services only for youth who are in our custody and care, there are resources in the District for families of youth who show defiant behavior at home, are truant, violate curfew rules, or run away from home. Check the full list of the available resources here.