ABOUT
The Division of Youth Services (DYS) was created to serve the needs of those youth passed on judicially to the Indiana Department of Correction. DYS provides services for all 92 counties in the state of Indiana, providing secure care in the (3) juvenile facilities and providing re-entry services, parole, and community placement oversight. DYS is committed to providing youth services in the least restrictive setting and to continually work towards enhancing the services we provide to the youth in our care, several major reform efforts have been undertaken which underscores our commitment and dedication to assist and foster positive developments in the field of juvenile justice. Through these efforts and future collaborations with juvenile justice stakeholders throughout the state of Indiana, we will work to improve the level of juvenile services provided to the youth in our care and assist in improving services throughout all levels of the juvenile justice system. In so doing, we believe we can improve the lives and futures of these youth and reduce both juvenile and adult recidivism rates.
With this philosophy in mind, our Division of Youth Services (DYS) will oversee all aspects of Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) juvenile care. We recognize that impacting the lives of troubled youth requires juvenile specific services. DYS vision and mission statements uphold our commitment to Guiding Principles and the foundations of our beliefs and to promote youth development in a Calm Professional Respectful (CPR) manner.
DYS Vision
Our DYS vision is to positively impact the future of Indiana’s delinquent youth to foster responsible citizenship.
DYS Mission
Our DYS mission is focused on community protection, accountability, beliefs that foster responsible community living and competency development.
Guiding Principles
- Safe Environment/Protection from Harm
Above all else, we will work collectively to ensure the safety of all youth, employees and volunteers in order to foster growth and development in a safe and secure environment.
- Do No Harm
Services are provided in the least restrictive setting in a manner that does not cause harm or injustice.
- Hope
Services are provided to the youth in our care in a manner intended to instill hope. We believe that hope is critical in the positive development of youth.
- Learning Organization
We value the importance of lifelong learning for employees and the youth in our care.
- Respect
All interactions are based upon caring and thoughtful consideration for basic human rights and dignity.
- Youth Development
Promote positive lifestyle changes and law-abiding behaviors through youth participation in treatment programs, education, and job skill development.
- Family and Community Involvement
Working in partnership with families, counties, and other community agencies to build positive youth competencies.
- Individualized Treatment
Interventions will be provided based on the individual and collective strengths and needs of each youth and family.
- Successful Outcomes
All services provided are designed to facilitate growth and development of the youth.
- Integrity
We believe in maintaining the utmost integrity and strive to always meet the highest of ethical standards.
- Workforce
Build, maintain and empower a diverse, competent, and professional workforce.
- Quest for Excellence
Our Standards of Care shall be continuously improved upon by evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the services provided to the youth in our care and to promote sound juvenile correctional techniques, best practices, and research.