The Youth Services Center (YSC) is the District of Columbia’s detention center for male and female youth, responsible for the care and custody of young people placed in secure detention by court order from the DC Superior Court Family Court Division.
The YSC population consists of youth who are:
• Part of the Adult Transition Unit, housing Title 16 youth (adjudicated as adult offenders);
• Awaiting court proceedings (pre-adjudicated) or hearings (overnight);
• Adjudicated and pending court action; and
• Committed to DYRS.
The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) opened YSC in 2004. An 88-bed secure facility, YSC provides 24-hour care, custody, and supervision in a safe and secure environment for youth ordered detained by the DC Superior Court Family Court Division.
Staff at YSC consists of Youth Development Representatives (YDRs) who provide direct and continuous observation, supervision, and on-the-spot counseling to young people in each housing unit.
Two YDRs are assigned to each housing unit at all times, with at least one assigned manager per floor to assist with oversight and assistance. Also located at YSC are a myriad of medical and behavioral health professionals, treatment specialists, Juvenile Justice Institutional Counselors, and administrative staff.
The Youth Services Center focuses primarily on meeting the basic needs of the residents, including diagnostic assessments, medical and behavioral health services, and educational services.
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.
Contacts
YSC also provides other services consistent with Positive Youth Justice, including physical fitness, mentoring opportunities, and creative arts programs. DYRS encourages family involvement for all youth held at the facility and offers regular family visitation opportunities.
For youth who are likely to be committed, DYRS facilitates Team Decision-Making meetings and makes placement recommendations.
Contact Phone: (202) 576-8418 - (202) 576-8460 Contact Fax: (202) 576-8457 Contact TTY: 711 Address: 1000 Mount Olivet Road, NE, Washington, DC 20002