DC Council maintains office of independent oversight over DYRS [Video]

WASHINGTON — The DC Council has secured funding to maintain independent oversight over the agency charged with the supervision, custody and care of young people facing criminal charges. The Council’s move comes after months of allegations of fights, sexual assaults and the presence of drugs at the Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) facilities. 

The 2025 budget approved last week by the District Council provides funding to keep the Office of Independent Juvenile Justice Facilities Oversight Office running for an additional year. 

According to the budget legislation, the independent entity under the Office of the District of Columbia Auditor, is in part charged with posting, “pertinent data regarding facilities on its standalone website, including population data and data regarding critical incidents and assaults.”

Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, who …