The Ohio Department of Youth Services is the juvenile corrections system for the state of 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.  During their stay with DYS, youth are engaged in programming that is designed to address their criminological and behavioral needs. Each DYS facility also operates a year-round school that offers general curriculum as well as vocation opportunities.  DYS operates six correctional and rehabilitation facilities plus one private treatment facility and provides parole services from six regional sites.  DYS also funds nearly 100% of the operational costs of twelve Community Correctional Facilities (CCFs) which are run by counties and used to treat lower-level felony delinquent youth who otherwise would be committed to a DYS facility.

The mission of the Ohio Department of Youth Services is to encourage positive change in the lives of youthful offenders through collaborative partnerships and culturally relevant therapeutic and academic interventions that support public safety and prepare youth to lead productive lives.  Our Vision:  A safer Ohio through positive change in the lives of those impacted by our agency.