FY27 Budget Oversight Testimony for the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services

The ACLU-D.C. supports stable funding levels for DYRS, but funds must be appropriately used by DYRS to fulfill its commitment to improving conditions and access to programming and placements for young people that support rehabilitation and address recidivism. We believe investment in our justice-involved youth helps the District’s young residents grow into healthy, successful adults, which will in turn make our communities safer. We continue to support the overarching goal of reducing the number of children that are in custody in the District overall. To accomplish this, the District must fully fund the programs and resources young people and their families need in the community to lead healthy, productive, and safe lives.

Our Position:

Justice-involved young people and their families need more investment in intervention, programming, and resources – not less. As we work toward the fundamental goal of reducing the number of children in custody in the District overall, we urge Council to provide full and stable funding to DYRS to address the well-documented need for improved access to programs, rehabilitation, treatment, and reentry services to youth in custody. DYRS must also do its part to use much-needed funding to provide programs and services that invest in the health, safety, and future success of children in the District.