Ohio Department of Youth Services

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.

🌟 STAFF SUCCESS STORY 🌟 At our facilities, staff run into tough situations that require strength and calmness to assist ...
05/14/2026

🌟 STAFF SUCCESS STORY 🌟

At our facilities, staff run into tough situations that require strength and calmness to assist with our youth. Circleville Operations Manager Nicholas Swint recently helped a youth in distress where his strong verbal skills and calm demeanor were crucial in a challenging situation.

He provided clear directions to assist staff and care for the struggling youth. Thank you, Nicholas, for your composure and compassion as you help make Circleville a safe, trusted community.

Yesterday was a big day for us in our continuation of being national leaders in juvenile justice. We held our ceremonial...
05/13/2026

Yesterday was a big day for us in our continuation of being national leaders in juvenile justice. We held our ceremonial groundbreaking at the first of our "smaller is safer" facilities in Grafton.

We were fortunate to be joined by Governor Mike DeWine for the unveiling of our site and some of the designs of the four downsized facilities that will replace our Cuyahoga Hills site.

The modernized locations include smaller housing units that support trauma-focused treatment alongside a state-of-the-art security infrastructure. And each site will feature improved classrooms, vocational training spaces, mental health treatment suites, and both indoor and outdoor recreational areas.

Thank you to the governor and the legislature for their investment in Ohio's youth. We sincerely appreciate all our partners at Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, The Village of Grafton, Gilbane Building, HDR, Bowen, Ozanne Construction Company, and Adrian Maldonado & Associates in helping us work to create these transformative spaces.

We were so excited and grateful to host Governor DeWine today for the groundbreaking of our new, smaller facilities in G...
05/12/2026

We were so excited and grateful to host Governor DeWine today for the groundbreaking of our new, smaller facilities in Grafton and Bedford.

Thank you to all our partners for the collaboration and efforts to make these new environments for staff and youth come to fruition!

☀️ REENTRY REDEMPTION ☀️For any of us to be successful and reach our potential, a lot of things must go well. And those ...
05/12/2026

☀️ REENTRY REDEMPTION ☀️

For any of us to be successful and reach our potential, a lot of things must go well. And those successes usually require people helping us along the way.

Here is the latest example of positive transformations that happen when a justice-involved youth is given a second chance. After some missteps in DYS care, a young man has been recognized by our parole and reentry teams after he recently completed his parole.

His achievements include:

1️⃣ Earned his high school diploma.
2️⃣ Received his driver’s license.
3️⃣ Working multiple jobs.
4️⃣ Actively engaged father to his one-year-old daughter.
5️⃣ Starts classes soon at Cuyahoga Community College where he’ll also play football.

And the list goes on. Thanks to our staff and others like our partners at The Trades Institute and Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative who have poured into this young man and is blossoming before our eyes.

Join us in congratulating our employees of the month! 🎉Your commitment to serve, help transform the lives of young peopl...
05/11/2026

Join us in congratulating our employees of the month! 🎉
Your commitment to serve, help transform the lives of young people, and support your teammates is inspirational.

🌟 Public service is about more than just keeping things running—it’s about changing the trajectory of lives here at DYS....
05/09/2026

🌟 Public service is about more than just keeping things running—it’s about changing the trajectory of lives here at DYS.

This Public Service Recognition Week, we are shining a light on the incredible team at DYS. From our dedicated Youth Specialists and Teachers to our Case Managers and all of our staff, you are the people that transform and save lives.

Your work in creating trauma-informed environments and providing vocational training isn't just public service, but you are building a foundation for a brighter future for Ohio’s youth. Thank you for showing up with passion, patience, and a commitment to restorative justice.

05/09/2026

Our last employee spotlight this week shines on the Central Office Employee of the year, who has been one of the brightest spirits in DYS across his 30 years of service with us.

Reentry Administrator Larry Simpson has always prioritized helping others, especially youth in need of support and resources as they transition back to the community.

Thank you, Larry, for the countless lives you've touched and shaped throughout your decades of servant leadership. And congratulations on your well-earned honor!

05/09/2026

Our other Director's Award goes to Technology and Education Management Information System Director Akeyla Ragland.

Akeyla's blend of infectious enthusiasm and innovative thinking has enhanced the Buckeye United School District through various initiatives aimed at empowering staff and youth becoming fuller versions of themselves.

Thank you, Akeyla, for being a pillar of positive reinforcement.

05/08/2026

Every year, we get to find out more about exemplary administrative staff through the Director's Award.

Recipients exemplify the agency's values through their work to uplift youth and staff. One of this year's awards goes to Behavioral Healthcare Administrator Abby Baumann.

In her nearly 10 years with DYS, she remains a pillar of support to the youth she has served as a treatment provider and the staff she collaborates with to help young people's transformations.

Thank you, Abby, for your empathy, expertise, and positive energy when engaging with others.

05/08/2026

Rounding out our Employee Recognition Week celebration, today we're featuring our Central Office team.

The administrative side of the agency includes a lot of disciplines with so many great contributors in each branch.

Here are this year's nominees for Central Office Employee of the Year:

🌟 Abby Baumann - Behavioral Healthcare Administrator
🌟 DeAnna Clark - Academy Training Developer
🌟 Tejal Frantz - Attorney
🌟 Lynnette Johnson - Administrative Professional
🌟 Drew Nutter - Construction Administrator
🌟 Akeyla Ragland - Technology/EMIS Director
🌟 Megan Rivers - Program Administrator
🌟 Larry Simpson - Reentry Administrator

Thank you all for being such great examples as servant leaders through your dedication to our youth and the DYS family.

05/08/2026

Our other parole officer of the year, this time in the Southern Region, is Shelley Hughes.

After 26 years with Franklin County Domestic Relations and Juvenile Court, we were extremely fortunate for us to join our team. Since then, she's been a regular in the lives of youth and their families across and around Columbus, helping them in any way she can.

Congratulations, Ms. Hughes, and thank you for always being there for any youth back in the community.

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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