Ohio Department of Youth Services

09/04/2026

We want to wish a well-earned and happy retirement to Cuyahoga Hills Unit Manager Kimmet Hudson. 🎉

In his 31 years of service, he combined thoughtful guidance with strong community connections to help youth find resources and opportunities to move forward.

We are so sad to see you go, Kimmet, but are so excited for you and your next chapter.

09/03/2026

When it comes to reentry, momentum is everything. One gentleman is moving exceptionally fast toward a bright future—accelerating with every milestone.

While at the Miami Valley Community Correctional Facility, the youth enrolled with partners at The Trades Institute, where he earned his plumbing certification. He also worked part time within the larger habilitation community at the Emerge Center, where his leadership and work ethic earned him a promotion to supervisor!

Reentry Administrator Christine Crine provided guidance and support as he set goals and strengthened the practical skills needed to launch his career. His continued progress and preparation even caught the attention of his presiding court, and Crine proudly stood in support as the court granted him immediate judicial release to continue his growth within the community.

Following his release, the young man transitioned to faith-based housing through the Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative, providing a stable and supportive environment to begin the next chapter. Three days after getting settled, he began a full-time apprenticeship with Five Star Plumbing, LLC. To keep up his momentum, staff connected him with the Uber voucher program for reliable transportation to and from work.

From dedicated student to employed apprentice, his progress is a powerful reminder of what can happen when preparation is met with opportunity and a strong support system. His success has already come full circle, with an invitation to return to Miami Valley to share his experience with other youth preparing for reentry.

Huge congratulations to this young man on launching his career and laying the groundwork for a future of opportunity! 🔧

09/03/2026

One of our new values we want to highlight through our Futures Start Here campaign is collaboration. Throughout 10 years at our Indian River facility, former Youth Specialist of the Year Tony Miller has demonstrated the importance of team when it comes to developing staff and habilitating youth.

Every day, he uplifts everyone around him guided by professionalism, integrity, and faith. He knows it requires a strong, supportive community based in sound collaboration to help transform and save some of the highest-risk and hardest-to-reach youth in Ohio.

For more about Tony and his story ➡️ https://bit.ly/4qOIQX4

09/02/2026

In crafting our new mission and purpose, our staff emphasized a team-first approach that conveys our agency's dedication to juvenile justice. Our new mission highlights the work we do and the positive impact these efforts have on the state of Ohio.

Learn more about DYS here: https://dys.ohio.gov/about-us

09/02/2026

🌞 Futures Start Here.

We are thrilled to unveil the new DYS branding, featuring a new mission, values, and an inspiring campaign created directly by our staff! This new identity reflects who we are and shapes how the world sees the critical, transformative work our team delivers every day in guiding and supporting justice-involved youth.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our staff and external partners who made this possible as we continue to work on transforming and saving lives to create a stronger, safer Ohio.💙

Learn more here: https://dys.ohio.gov/about-us/futures-start-here

09/01/2026

Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green didn’t let his smaller size or humble upbringing get in the way of his greatness across 20 years in the NFL. But there was time when he let others convince him it wasn’t possible.

The Washington Commanders star shared that story of negative influences with the young men and staff at our Indian River facility as part of a recent visit. He was there on behalf of the Hall of Fame’s Residency Program where inductees spend multiple days in northeast Ohio to connect with and hopefully inspire others in the community. Green specifically wanted to visit Indian River to talk about his journey and how he faced similar obstacles to many of our youth as one of eight siblings with an unstable home life, tragedies, and trauma.

He credits a never-ending pursuit of decency to be a good husband, father, and person that allowed him to succeed throughout his life. That mentality extended to elementary school children across 35 years through Green Family Foundation that provides after-school and summer programs plus social services like food, clothing, and emergency assistance.

Thanks to Darrell, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Indian River staff for a humanizing and enriching experience.

09/01/2026

🌟 STAFF SUCCESS STORY 🌟

Some are blessed with ability to unite people for a cause that benefits us all. Fortunately for us, State Strategic Initiatives Administrator Brittany Neal is one of those people.

Brittany has been essential in connecting DYS with local communities, courts, and organizations about a wide range of ideas and services to keep youth from entering the justice system. Among them is the Credible Messenger Learning Collaborative that has brought together juvenile justice stakeholders from across Ohio for mentorship programs led by people previously incarcerated.

Thank you, Brittany, for all your work that unifies, strengthens, and extends our reach to youth all over the state.

08/31/2026

A skill learned today can become an opportunity tomorrow. 🌱

Through workforce development programming at Indian River, youth continue to gain hands-on experience, earn industry-recognized credentials, and build skills that can open doors to future career opportunities.

Recently, such programs resulted in:

🛠️ Three additional students in Construction Teacher Larry Pickard’s program earned forklift operator licenses, bringing the program total to more than 250 certifications!

🚜 Youth in Horticulture Teacher Brock Ryan’s landscaping course participated in zero-turn mower safety training as part of their hands-on learning.
Thanks to our educators for all the practical and life skills you’re passing on to our young men.

08/31/2026

After nearly 30 years of service to DYS, we celebrated the retirement of Correctional Program Specialist, Kathryn Howard! 👏

Throughout her career, she stepped up to every challenge and exceeded in all her duties. Her kind heart ❤️ impacted many and her positivity will be greatly missed.

Thank you, Kathryn, for three decades dedicated to the care of others. Enjoy the next chapter in your retirement! 🎉

08/30/2026

DYS Director Amy Ast recently shared the transformative effort taking place in Ohio that's reshaping juvenile justice to smaller, safer, and more effective correctional facilities.

Thanks to HDR for executing our vision with their renderings.

In late 2023, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine established the Juvenile Justice Working Group (JJWG) to conduct a thorough and holistic review of the state’s juvenile justice system.