Good Afternoon,

Thank you for signing up to our public-facing e-newsletter, "DYS Updates." We're excited to have you as we continue to update you on the transformative journey of our youth and staff within the juvenile justce system in Ohio. 

This first edition is a reflection of all the amazing work that is happening both inside and outside of our facilities, which speaks to the accomplishments and success of our youth and staff alike. While our youth face many complex challenges, we have entered the new year ready to "Thrive in '25" as our staff are diligently working to habilitate the youth in our care, all while empowering families and communities.

I hope you take a brief moment to see all the latest hard work and heart work happening here at DYS as we continue to tranform and save lives.

Sincerely,

In January, all three facilities celebrated the graduation of 42 young men. Their hard work and dedication paid off in ceremonies celebrating their accomplishments and determination filled with family and DYS staff who supported them throughout their journey.

“Earning a diploma or GED today was not given. It was earned,” said DYS Director Amy Ast. “This accomplishment is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and most importantly, the desire and commitment for self-improvement.”

The graduate total highlights an agency-wide commitment to improve youth outcomes through education and helping youth overcome longstanding barriers.

“This marks a powerful moment of growth and achievement," said the Indian River High School graduate speaker during his ceremony.

"I would like to thank our loved ones and support systems for having our back through the darkest of times in our life,” he said. “Their belief in us and dedication has brought us to this moment, ready to thrive in 2025.”

Students in the Buckeye United School District, which covers all three DYS facilities, earned 30 diplomas and 12 GEDs during winter commencements. Additionally, DYS youth have also compiled distinctions in vocational and postsecondary education. For the 2023-2024 school year, youth received 1,307 skill certificates and 187 industry credentials, and college-earned credits through Stark State College and Sinclair Community College.

“I encourage the youth to figure out what makes them happy and multiply it,” said Buckeye United School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Jackson. “I want them to dare to live their lives with the purpose it was destined for."

Four youths, three programs, and one court were recognized at the recent Community Recognition Awards. The ceremony highlights each person and entity for their outstanding efforts in creating positive change.

"It is so meaningful when we can recognize youths and programs that are achieving their potential," said Director Ast. "The youth honored have faced serious challenges, and their ability to rise above those obstacles is inspiring."

Congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable work and to all our staff who helped coordinate this event with the Ohio Association of Juvenile Court Judges.

To learn more about the awards and who won, click here.

Throughout December, each facility held a Family Day event where parents and siblings could visit their loved one. The rooms were filled with holiday decorations and treats.

The Cuyahoga Hills facility included the opportunity to create “Build-a-Bear” stuffed animals and Indian River used family photos gathered during Family Day to create Christmas cards to send to the families. 

During this time, DYS reinstituted the CLOSE to Home program. The program is making transportation available for families to the facilities to visit their youth. The transportation comes at no cost to families. If you are interested, learn more here.

Fatherhood Day

This year, Cuyahoga Hills implemented an additional Family Day specifically for actively engaged fathers. The young men had the opportunity to select several gifts for their children and personally wrap them, which they would present during the Family Day event. For those children unable to attend, the administration ensured that the gifts are delivered to them.

Participants celebrated during a luncheon with their children where they presented the gifts.

Youth and staff at Cuyahoga Hills & Indian River participated in CrossFit programs during the holiday break. The emphasis was to bring staff and youth together in a different way during the intersession. 

The CrossFit program was created to give youth an outlet to deal with difficult emotions in a healthy way. The high intensity sessions consist of functional movements designed to improve physical fitness through varied and challenging routines. The workouts incorporate exercises from Olympic weightlifting, gymnastics, and endurance training.

Both events were coordinated by our partners at CrossFit Crave. 

Evolving With AI

Our IT Team recently provided an update to staff about the innovative work we're doing to develop artificial intelligence (AI). Several members of the IT and Executive Staff teams attended the presentation alongside our partners with Google.

Chief Information Officer Brian Hernandez and IT Architects/Consultants Alena Myers and Ben Arp presented an overview about the ways we can utilize AI to eliminate redundancies and inefficiencies with work at the agency.

The group started by explaining generative AI, which can create new ideas and content through its ability to learn languages and other complicated subject matter. They then went into detail about how we can utilize AI to help with daily tasks, best practices for safe usage, and state-approved resources.

January was also National Mentoring Month. The nationwide observance honors mentors and encourages communities to engage in mentoring activities to ensure positive outcomes for youth.

DYS invests heavily in mentoring services to young people who are at risk of becoming entangled in the juvenile justice system. This is why DYS is so dedicated to programs at the facilities and in communities to address the myriad of issues youth face in their lives.

This past year, DYS funded 19 mentor programs that included 824 youths with nearly 77% successfully completing those programs.  

For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, students focused on the amazing work he did to further the Civil Rights Movement and reflected on what goals they also want to accomplish.

At Indian River, paper clouds full of personal dreams of the youth filled the classroom walls. These dreams surrounded a walkthrough of MLK's extraordinary life, which the students learned about.

At Circleville, an English class reviewed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Students personalized sections of a Dr. King mural,  incorporating contemporary elements. The assignment challenged students to imagine a world of mutual respect and love across all backgrounds.

School Resource Fair

Indian River High School's Resource Fair welcomed 19 vendors that included colleges, trade programs, and employers attended the event. 

The event provided a chance for students to learn about career and educational opportunities upon their release and meet with individuals in the community who can help them achieve those goals. 

Developing Workforce

A variety of companies in Northeast Ohio supported the Workforce Development program at Cuyahoga Hills by participating in mock interviews. 

Participants were gifted full professional attire as they learned what it takes to successfully complete a job interview from knowing how to tie a necktie to answering questions from a hiring manager. Each youth received immediate feedback after their interviews.

The staff, volunteers, and community partners produced such a valuable experience for these young men as they prepare for their reentry journeys.

Growth Through Skilled Trades

Two DYS youth are making impressive strides toward their reentry through a skilled trades development program.

During a recent visit to the Emerge Center in Xenia, Chaplain Joshua Stone and Reentry Administrator Larry Simpson caught up with the young men and found out they've been exceptional students in their HVAC certification course. 

We are so proud of the growth these two young have demonstrated over the years. The Trades Institute and Miami Valley Juvenile Rehabilitation Center have been critical partners for the youth participating in this impactful program.