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DYS Earns Innovations in American Government Award

Innovations in American Government Award presentation photo

Pictured from left to right: Cleveland Allen, Manager of Northwest Regional Youth Center; Tim Decker, Director; Betty Davidson, Mother of Terrence Barkley; Terrence Barkley, DYS Youth; Mitch Bennett, Manager of Waverly Regional Youth Center

Highlighting its low recidivism rate and its focus on treatment and education, the Missouri Department of Social Services' Division of Youth Services (DYS) has been selected as the winner of the 2008 Annie E. Casey Innovations Award in Children and Family System Reform. The award was presented September 9 by the Ash Institute at Harvard Kennedy School during the American Government Awards gala in Washington D.C. Described as the "guiding light for reform in juvenile justice" by the American Youth Policy Forum, DYS' primary function is providing treatment and educational services to rehabilitate young people who have become involved with the juvenile justice system. DYS protects the safety of Missourians by providing appropriate services to successfully return youth to their families and communities. Missouri's nine percent recidivism rate is much lower than other states.

Terrence Barkley and Tim Decker receiving the award from Kathleen Feely of the Annie E. Casey Foundation

DYS will receive $100,000 toward replication and dissemination around the country, assisting other states on juvenile justice reform efforts. It's the first time a Missouri state department has won the award, and the first in 20 years for any Missouri program. Parents as Teachers won in 1986.

Innovations in American Government Awards