Performance Oversight Testimony for the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services and Office of the Attorney General

  • Status: Performance Oversight
  • Position: Oversight Testimony
  • Latest Update: February 11, 2026
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Summary

Background:
The American Civil Liberties Union of the District of Columbia (ACLU-D.C.) believes that relying on outdated approaches to public safety—such as over-policing and over-incarceration—is ineffective and does not make our communities safer. Instead, D.C. must prioritize systems and programs that provide holistic security and support our communities. We believe this approach will make our communities safer, and help the District’s young residents grow into healthy, successful adults.

Our Position:

ACLU-D.C. offers recommendations for the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), and the Council to invest in programs and resources that focus on prevention, not punishment, in our communities, and to prioritize improving conditions and access to programming and placements for young people that support rehabilitation and address recidivism.

Authors:
Peggy Ramin

Related Issues

Criminal Justice Reform Youth/Childrens' Rights View All Issues