Introduction

The Department of Youth Services (Department) was created by St. 1969, c. 838, as codified in M.G.L. c. 18A, § 1, with the mandate to provide a comprehensive and coordinated program of services to delinquent children and youth referred or committed to the Department by the courts; community services for the prevention of juvenile delinquency; and services and facilities for the study, diagnosis, care, treatment, including medical and behavioral health and social services, education training and rehabilitation of all youth referred or committed. As the juvenile justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Department promotes positive change in the youth in the Department's care and custody. The Department's mission is to make communities safer by improving the life outcomes for youth in its care. The Department achieves its mission through investing in highly qualified staff and a service continuum that engages youth, families and communities in strategies which are fair and promote positive youth development.