The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) in Washington, initially reformed and returned to mayoral control in 2020, is struggling with significant failures as youth crime surges. The agency is not meeting legal requirements for treatment planning, with many teens waiting excessively long periods for necessary rehabilitation. Overcrowding in the detention center has resulted in increased violence and dangerous incidents. The situation has worsened, with delays in treatment climbing from an average of 13 days in 2018 to 62 days in 2024, severely affecting at-risk youth's chances for recovery and support.
After being reformed in 2020, Washington's juvenile justice agency has seen its progress decline as youth crime increases, leading to overcrowding and delays in treatment.
Mayor Bowser's commitment to restorative justice faces significant challenges, as youth offenders experience worsening conditions and procedural delays within the agency's care.
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