MA DeptYouthServices

DYS recently welcomed @SenLizMiranda to our Metro Region. Senator Miranda met with the Commissioner & regional staff to learn about our programming/services. Dante, a DYS youth, led the Senator on a tour of one of our programs to illustrate a typical day for young people at DYS.

DYS is celebrating Youth Justice Action Month, and this year's theme is "Justice is ____." #YJAM2023 is a time to unite and envision a brighter future for justice-involved youth. Thank you to DYS staff who participated and shared their vision of justice.

Today is #PurpleThursday, and staff from the Central Regional Office are wearing purple to show support for survivors of domestic violence and bring awareness to #DVAM.   #every1knowssome1 #mass_dys #juvenilejustice #domesticviolence #dvawareness #dvam2023

School is officially in session at DYS! To all students, teachers, & staff: We hope you have a Happy 23-24 School Year! S/O to Jason, Coordinator of Secondary Programming in DYS' Western Region. He is an invaluable member of DYS' Education team! #juvenilejustice #educationmatters

Her experience, expertise, passion, and dedication have truly made her the perfect person for this position. Please join us in congratulating Commissioner Reardon! #Massachusetts #juvenilejustice

We are excited to announce that Cecely Reardon, DYS’ Acting Commissioner since January 2022, has been appointed permanently, effective immediately. Since 2014 when she began as General Counsel, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of our young people.

We recently hosted reps from @massgovernor office, @MassHHS Sec.Walsh and Undersec. McGeown, @adamgomezma , @jakeforsenate, & staffers in the Western Region. Youth in our culinary program, w/ help from Food Service Staff, prepared and served a delicious meal for this occasion.

Congrats to our 4 Northeast Region graduates! Thank you @EssexCountyDA, for coming & sharing some important advice: “My suggestion to the graduates is to take control of your own destiny. Don't just follow the path of others. This is a time in your life to chart your own course."

Today was an amazing day for DYS staff & young people as they had the honor of visiting @MassGovernor to hand deliver her PRIDE cookies made by the young people in our culinary program. Thank you to the @MassHHS Secretary Kate Walsh and her staff for making today happen!

During #pridemonth, DYS extends its unwavering support to the LGBTQIA+ community including our staff, youth, & families. We encourage all to embrace diversity, challenge stereotypes, & amplify the voices of individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. #mass_dys #juvenilejustice #pride

As part of our ongoing strategic planning process, DYS & provider staff came together to discuss workgroup updates and learn new communication techniques when faced with challenging situations. Thank you to our partner, Strategy Matters, for guiding this informative conversation.

Today, April 26, 2023 marks the 24th anniversary of #DenimDay. Denim Day is a campaign that takes place on the last Wednesday of April in honor of #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth . Metro Region staff wore denim to stand in solidarity with sexual assault survivors and victims.

This week, the 4th Annual DYS Racial Trauma Conference was held. Hundreds of DYS & @LearnWithCES staff attended the event and participated in a variety of workshops that were centered around this year’s theme “Building Pathways to Promote Healing”. Looking forward to next year!

Yesterday Act. Commissioner Cecely Reardon, Chief of Staff Thula Sibanda, Act. Deputy Commissioner Ja’Net Smith, & Central Region staff gave @MassHHS Secretary Kate Walsh a tour of our Paul T. Leahy Building where she learned about DYS and met staff & youth in our care/custody.

Save the Date for DYS' 10th Annual Youth Arts Showcase! "Share Your Art, Share Your Voice" is a statewide exhibition that creates a positive social-cultural outlet and highlights the DYS mission to engage youth in future-focused goals and youth development. More info to come!

We recently visited the Central Region met with young adults who were putting together beautiful, handmade, holiday wreaths. We are thankful for our DYS staff and teachers who work closely with our youth and encourage them to express themselves through arts and crafts.

Did you know that DYS is on Instagram? Give us a follow @mass_DYS and like our latest post!

#ICYMI Congratulations to our General Counsel, Cecely Reardon, who was appointed Acting Commissioner by @MassHHS Sec @MLSudders. Cecely has been a senior member of our team since 2014 and we are grateful for her willingness to continue to serve our youth in this new capacity.

“You take your passion, committment, & compassion and put it into all that you do and believe in- you see it within DYS at all levels,” said @MASSHHS @MLSudders at Comm'r Forbes’ farewell.“There was no question that when @MassGovernor was elected that you would be re-appointed.”

Today, Secretary @MLSudders, @MassHHS agency heads, former DYS Commissioners, community partners, DYS colleagues, & family members gathered for an intimate farewell to celebrate Commissioner Peter Forbes, who after almost 4 decades with DYS will be moving on to his next chapter.