Ohio Department of Youth Services

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Ohio Department of Youth Services The Ohio Department of Youth Services is the juvenile corrections system for the state of Ohio. DYS touches the lives of thousands of youth in Ohio.

DYS is statutorily mandated to confine felony offenders, ages 10 to 21, who have been adjudicated and committed by one of Ohio's 88 county juvenile courts. Beyond youth in DYS facilities and those on parole, DYS funds and supports 664 community programs throughout the state offering more than 88,000 youth (based on annual program admissions) opportunities and services to encourage positive change. These range from prevention and diversion programs to residential treatment and community treatment in areas such as mental health, s*x offending and substance abuse. PROVIDING FEEDBACK: Because of our limited ability to adequately monitor and respond to comments posted on Facebook, individuals who are interested in providing feedback to the Department of Youth Services are encouraged to contact us via telephone at 614-466-4314 or by emailing [email protected]. Our core values:
-All people can change.
-Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated.
-Every life matters.
-We strive to provide youth everything they need to succeed.
-We want the best for youth, and we believe in families.
-We believe in being good role models. DISCLAIMER: Posted comments, images and links do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Youth Services.

We go to great lengths to educate and empower youth in a variety of topics, including fatherhood. Our team at DYS has do...
10/11/2026

We go to great lengths to educate and empower youth in a variety of topics, including fatherhood. Our team at DYS has done this by bringing in national experts to work with our youth.

Recently, some of the young fathers at our Cuyahoga Hills facility were part of a pop-up fatherhood program with Terry Harrak from Youth Law Center. Through the nonprofit, she works with agencies across the country to help improve the juvenile justice system by finding ways to elevate youth engagement. She’s heavily involved with fatherhood programs because of the multi-generational impact it can have on keeping young fathers and their children away from the justice system.

Thank you, Terry, and to our Cuyahoga Hills team for putting this together. And reminding us about the importance of strong family bonds and the future they can help build.

We go to great lengths to educate and empower youth in a variety of topics, including fatherhood. Our team at DYS has do...
10/11/2026

We go to great lengths to educate and empower youth in a variety of topics, including fatherhood. Our team at DYS has done this by bringing in national experts to work with our youth.

Recently, some of the young fathers at our Cuyahoga Hills facility were part of a pop-up fatherhood program with Terry Harrak from Youth Law Center. Through the nonprofit, she works with agencies across the country to help improve the juvenile justice system by finding ways to elevate youth engagement. She’s heavily involved with fatherhood programs because of the multi-generational impact it can have on keeping young fathers and their children away from the justice system.

Thank you, Terry, and to our Cuyahoga Hills team for putting this together. And reminding us about the importance of strong family bonds and the future they can help build.

Today, we recognize and celebrate our staff on World Mental Health Day. We are committed to promoting our staff’s positi...
10/10/2026

Today, we recognize and celebrate our staff on World Mental Health Day. We are committed to promoting our staff’s positive mental health and wellbeing. Raising awareness is especially important due to the demanding nature of the field. Data shows more than one in five adults experience a mental health condition yearly.

We are incredibly thankful for our hard-working staff who continuously make sacrifices to support our youth. It is their exceptional effort and trauma-informed approach to habilitation that truly makes a difference in every youth’s life, as over 80% of the youth we serve are on the mental health caseload.

In our efforts to address wellbeing of our staff, our agency was awarded a second consecutive Platinum Bell Seal for workplace mental health this year, due to our proactive initiatives that highlight our continued dedication to wellness.

From Behavioral Health Services (BHS) to Human Resources and beyond, everyone makes a difference in helping one another and our youth as we highlight World Mental Health Day.

As Mental Illness Awareness Week continues, we celebrate the work of our amazing behavioral health professionals who cul...
10/09/2026

As Mental Illness Awareness Week continues, we celebrate the work of our amazing behavioral health professionals who cultivate a positive space that promotes mental wellbeing. Through our trauma-informed approach to mental health, our behavioral health and social work professionals help youth understand why addressing their own mental health is an essential life skill.

Occupational Therapist Jenna Norris reinforces the importance of helping youth address their mental health on the way to self-actualization. It is through the team’s unwavering commitment to overall wellbeing that equips youth with the tools for success. 🤝

When determination meets wrap-around support, real success follows. One young man recently used trade certifications he ...
10/09/2026

When determination meets wrap-around support, real success follows.

One young man recently used trade certifications he earned through our Cuyahoga Valley Career Center partnership to begin work with The K Company, Inc. However, being self-sufficient on the job site requires more than technical skills. To work independently, he needed his own tools.

To make that request a reality, he utilized our Transitional Services Program (TSP), which provides funding to youth for essentials as part of their return to the community. Reentry Administrator Charles Ford submitted the TSP request and accompanied him to the store, while Business Operations Manager Laura Melnick helped complete the purchase and ensure he had the tools needed to put his skills to use. Now, he’s well equipped to continue advancing his craft.

Thank you, Charles and Laura, for showcasing the lengths DYS staff go to help youth overcome barriers and showcase their skills. And a well-deserved shoutout to this young man. Your focus and follow-through will continue to pay off!

Our behavioral health professionals show up every day with empathy, patience, and a deep belief in the potential of the ...
10/08/2026

Our behavioral health professionals show up every day with empathy, patience, and a deep belief in the potential of the youth we serve. This Mental Illness Awareness Week, we honor the teams whose connections and commitment empower youth to take gradual steps toward healing. 💙

Behavioral Health Provider Janetta Jones and her team’s commitment to consistent care empowers youth as they navigate complex life experiences and build the skills to regulate emotions and stress.

After 32 years of service to the State of Ohio, we celebrated the retirement of Behavioral Healthcare Provider, Henry Ro...
10/08/2026

After 32 years of service to the State of Ohio, we celebrated the retirement of Behavioral Healthcare Provider, Henry Robinson.

Henry’s connections with our youth to help in their transformations made him an invaluable part of our staff. His commitment to the juvenile justice field has not gone unnoticed.

Thank you, Henry, for decades of service and as a beacon for people in need of second chances. Wishing you a well-earned, happy retirement! 🎉

This Mental Illness Awareness Week, we honor the dedication of behavioral healthcare and social work professionals whose...
10/07/2026

This Mental Illness Awareness Week, we honor the dedication of behavioral healthcare and social work professionals whose trauma-responsive approach empowers the youth we serve to heal and thrive.

Behavioral Health Supervisor LuCynda Dunning embodies this commitment, staying steady beside the youth she serves through every high and low, never giving up no matter how challenging the road becomes.

As part of the gradual integration of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) throughout our facilities and programs,...
10/07/2026

As part of the gradual integration of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) throughout our facilities and programs, staff gathered for training on the game-changing approach to youth engagement and staff response. Building on lessons from our juvenile justice partners in Texas, participants gained insight into research- and relationship-based strategies that recognize trauma's impact on youth development and behavior. 🧠

Like any major transition, entering DYS requires adjustment, especially when past adversity has affected a young person's ability to develop a sense of security and trust. Proven to reduce incidents, TBRI provides principles that guide compassionate, consistent care while encouraging thoughtful decision-making, emotional regulation, and genuine connection between youth and staff. Ongoing training will help our teams create stable environments that reinforce positive interaction and accommodate the complex needs of the young people in our care.

Special thanks to our various partners across Texas, including the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU – Texas Christian University, Williamson County Juvenile Services, for their sustained collaboration in advancing best practices across state lines. And of course, to our staff and TBRI practitioner trainers for laying the groundwork for this heartening initiative.

This Mental Illness Awareness Week, the agency applauds our behavioral healthcare and social work professionals who guid...
10/06/2026

This Mental Illness Awareness Week, the agency applauds our behavioral healthcare and social work professionals who guide us toward a trauma-responsive approach focused on the healing and habilitation of our youth.

Victoria Timmons, an Occupational Therapy Supervisor, reflects on the team’s holistic approach to mental health and their drive to empower youth to take charge of their wellbeing.

Learn more about our Behavioral Health Services team ➡️ https://bit.ly/4ALchy1

Address

30 W. Spring Street
Columbus, OH
43215

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16144664314

Website

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