|
|
January 2026 Newsletter
Good Morning,
I am proud of how our agency has started the year strong with our theme of a "Future that Fits in '26!" Our dedicated team of juvenile justice professionals continue to impress me every day, and we have a lot of impactful work to share.
Here at DYS in January, we had a lot of focus on Human Trafficking Prevention Month where you can find those efforts highlighted below. Many of our staff shared with us their thoughts on MLK Jr. Day and what it means to them in a highlight video. Additionally, we had a former OSU football player pay a visit to one of our facilities to inspire the youth. I'd be remiss if I did not mention all the staff success stories that you can find near the bottom of the newsletter.
With those initiatives and many others, thank you again for subscribing to "DYS Updates." If you have any immediate questions about our agency, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at (614) 466-4314.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
Human Trafficking Prevention Month |
|
|
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and at DYS, we recognize that youth in the juvenile justice system are uniquely vulnerable to exploitation. We aren't just part of the conversation; we are leading with solutions.
Our 2025 impact:
- 612 comprehensive screenings conducted.
- 21 survivors identified and connected to specialized care.
- 1,024 staff trained in advanced identification protocols.
- National Leadership: Provided technical assistance to juvenile systems from Ohio to Hawaii and South Dakota.
We also launched a specialized curriculum to better identify male survivors and those facing forced criminality. We are proud to partner with organizations like Gracehaven and others to ensure every survivor has a path to healing.
Together, we can ensure no victim goes unnoticed.
Be more informed by learning about the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force by clicking below.
Within Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we celebrated its awareness day with the national Wear Blue Day campaign.
Across the agency, our team wore blue to stand in solidarity with survivors and to raise awareness. Human trafficking is a critical issue, and every person deserves freedom and dignity. Let's continue to spread the word and be part of the change.
|
|
|
As part of our month-long awareness initiative, youth at all DYS facilities attended an education session on human trafficking. This program was provided by Gracehaven, who tailored these educational discussions with our youth. The nonprofit community partner specifically provided our youth with foundational information on the state and federal laws of human trafficking.
Gracehaven also took the time to talk about what some of the common myths are about human trafficking, and youth engaged in conversation about what myths they have heard before along with what the reality of trafficking actually looks like. Additionally, youth learned about what safe vs. unsafe relationships may look like.
Youth were provided with information on how to protect themselves online and in person, signs of trafficking, and also how to receive support while at DYS if they have experienced trafficking before their time with us.
|
We also made it a point to directly support those who serve human trafficking survivors. Our entire agency participated in the Human Trafficking Donation Drive. At Central Office, we donated hundreds of items to our partners at Salvation Army of Central Ohio. More items from our other sites will be donated in the coming weeks.
They included winter clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable foods. Our partnership with the Salvation Army benefits the Central Ohio Reach and Restore Coalition. The initiative is part of a collaborative community response to human trafficking through education, services, advocacy, and prosecution.
Thank you to our staff, especially Human Trafficking Liaison Chelsea Gaffey, for showing how our internal efforts can have positive ripples throughout our communities.
|
|
|
 There were so many graduates and special moments to share from our most recent graduating classes that we had to extend that coverage.
Below are the video highlight recaps and animated slideshows for our three high schools.
Cuyahoga Hills
|
|
 Click or tap here to watch the ceremony highlights!
|
 Click or tap here to see more photos!
|
|
 Click or tap here to watch the ceremony highlights!
|
 Click or tap here to see more photos!
|
|
 Click or tap here to watch the ceremony highlights!
|
 Click or tap here to see more photos!
|
|
 Martin Luther King's legacy of unwavering dedication and service is something we collectively strive for as an agency. That especially includes our team members working across our sites, embodying our theme this year of Building Community one interaction at a time.
Thank you all for following Dr. King’s legacy to improve the lives of youths, families, and communities, or as he once said, “The time is always right to do what is right.”
 Click or tap above to hear from our staff on the legacy of Dr. King.
|
|
Reentry Resource Job Fair, Field Visits, and Ohio Guidestone Partnership |
|
 Click or tap the image above to watch the video!
Circleville recently held its latest reentry fair where nearly 20 vendors from a variety of services came to discuss with youth the opportunities and assistance they can provide.
"A lot of us really don't have a lot of people out that's got our best interests at heart," said a DYS youth. "Sometimes all it takes is just to know somebody, just to open up and keep an open mind."
|
|
|
Among the provider resources were behavioral health, career preparation and trade schools, employment, and housing. There were also multiple organizations and agencies to assist with reentry planning so youth have a clearer idea of what they can expect when they're released, how they achieve things, and who to ask for help.
"I get so much joy when I attend these things because I get to see these kids in a way of bringing them just a level of hope and letting them know that 'I see you, kid. What you did is done and over with. Let’s move on from that,'" Lakisa Dukes, a social work assistant with the Office of the Ohio Public Defender.
Thank you to Reentry Administrator Larry Simpson for coordinating with our partners. Of course, we couldn't have done it without our staff at the facility and others from across the state who made it all happen.
|
|
|
Our Reentry and Parole teams were also busy in the northern part of the state.
Juvenile Parole Officers Tiffany Poole and Jamie Kovacsiss and Juvenile Parole Services Supervisor Ella Banks-Fuggs led members of our leadership team on field visits and ride-alongs over three days.
The ventures around the Northern Parole Region were a way for Community-Based Innovations and Solutions Deputy Director Mike Garrett and Community Engagement and Reentry Bureau Chief Yolonda Frierson to strengthen ties with frontline staff and community partners.
|
|
|
One of the site visits was to our partners at OhioGuidestone – a nonprofit that specializes in behavioral health, reentry, and other services. A program they offer is YouthBuild, a pre-apprenticeship that involves construction job training and education that when possible includes DYS youth.
OhioGuidestone is a regular at our Cuyahoga Hills and Indian River facilities conducting "Getting Ahead While Getting Out." The 13-week pre-release program is designed to reduce recidivism by focusing on resource building, personal accountability, and collaborative learning.
Arguably the highlight of the three-day trip was administrators experiencing up close the connections our officers are able to make with the young men they serve in the community. It's a daily dedication by our team members out in the field, who aren't stopped by the elements like our recent cold spell and winter storm.
Thank you for your commitment, resilience, and heart in all conditions!
|
|
|
Former Ohio State football player Rory Nicol is using his life in recovery to help DYS youth learn from his mistakes.
Nicol recently spoke to young men at Cuyahoga Hills about his journey from the spotlight of being a Buckeye, the darkness of addiction, and how hope restored his life. He credits then-coach and current Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel for many of his life lessons and values. Before Cuyahoga Hills, Nicol has worked with DYS youth through our partnerships with The Trades Institute and Emerge Trade & Recovery Initiative.
At Circleville, Human Capital Management Senior Analyst Janice Oriakhi and Human Services Program Administrator Karen Goggins kicked off a program aimed at helping young men tap into their spirituality.
The goals include developing inner peace, building positive relationships, and enhancing empathy. The program will include monthly visits to each facility.
|
And over at Indian River, community partners are pairing a similar pursuit of purpose with basketball.
Unit Manager Tori Fontes collaborated with Learning Abilities for Victory and Achievement (LAVA) Athletics to develop "Above the Rim." The program is based on faith and mentorship, and basketball. The exercises on and off the court strive to develop principles through mentoring, teamwork, and reflection. The mission is to inspire participants to rise above negative influences and live with integrity.
Thank you all for showing our youth there's a community of people who care and want them to achieve their full potential.
|
|
|
 A new year and more episodes of The Future in Focus Podcast. In this installation, we sat down with members of the Training Academy.
The staff there provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for hundreds of new employees each year. They also help seasoned staff grow by providing professional development and other various trainings through the evolution of evidence-based practices.
To discuss how it all comes together, Public Information Officer Csaba Sukosd spoke with Superintendent Dr. Anna Wise, Technology-Based Training Developer Sara Bowling, and Academy Training Developer Sheila Fryson.
If you don't already, be sure to subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, or the DYS YouTube channel.
Town Halls
 DYS leadership made their rounds to all the facilities to meet with staff and give them updates about the latest happenings across the agency.
Their message largely focused on additional security measures to enhance safety for staff and youth, and a collective effort to reinforce that members of the DYS family are our most valuable resource. Leadership stressed the significance of providing whatever means they can to support frontline staff in their work and making sure their commitment is acknowledged and appreciated.
|
|
Honoring Decades of Service |
|
 We commend our human resources guru Linda Pettiford on her retirement as she has been so much more for us across her 31 years at DYS.
She has taken the worry out of work for countless people so they can take needed time off to take care of themselves or their loved ones. We are going to miss Linda dearly, but we’re so happy for her well-deserved retirement and the next chapter!
|
Like Linda, we are incredibly honored to have so many people at our agency who have served Ohio and its people for decades.
Another one of our team members who has dedicated her career to serving others is Community Facility Manager Karla Evans. She recently reached 40 years of service to the state. In addition to six years with the Ohio National Guard, we’ve been lucky to have her for 34 years. Congratulations, Karla, and thank you for all that you do to transform and save lives!
|
December Preservice Highlight Video
We're hopeful that our December preservice graduation class will become the next wave of DYS staffers who dedicate their careers to improving the lives of young people, their families, and our communities.
In case you weren't at the ceremony or couldn't watch online, we've got the recap for you. Please click to watch below!
|
|
|
Any person at any moment can be the most important person in the agency. Multiple staff demonstrated that in how they responded to a recent emergency at Indian River.
Director Amy Ast showed her appreciation to five people at the facility through the highest honor she can give to staff – a director's coin. She commended each of them for their alertness, urgency, and care throughout the matter.
Many thanks go to English Teacher Destiny Copenhaver, Youth Specialist Charles Cordes, Operations Manager Brian Jeter, and Nurses Amber Black and Tamira Robinson.
|
|
America 250
America 250-Ohio is a multi-year commemoration where Ohioans from all 88 counties will be in the spotlight of the impact of Ohio’s unique role in our nation’s story.
|
|
|
Youth Resources
Columbus:
Cincinnati:
Cleveland:
Local Resources:
|
|
|
|
|
|
