When a young person enters the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), they don't enter alone. A young person's family, community, and potential victims enter the process alongside them. Recognizing this profoundly challenging moment in their lives, DJS places families squarely at the center of a young person’s rehabilitation journey. This approach is not simply compassionate; it is a critical strategy aligned with equity and inclusion principles. We believe that true system change and successful outcomes are impossible without collaboration: including and empowering all key stakeholders ensures we move past isolated intervention toward holistic, community-based solutions. By keeping the family in the spotlight, we create an inclusive, supportive environment designed to promote long-term success and reduce recidivism. By keeping the family in the spotlight, we anchor the youth's success where it matters most: in their homes, with their families/support systems, and in their communities.

Family engagement is a cornerstone of the DJS Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI)​. We believe that lasting change begins when families are valued as essential partners in supporting youth success.

Our family engagement work is guided by three main ideas from our Youth & Family Engagement Framework:

• Youth Voice and Leadership: We believe young people should have a say in the decisions that affect their lives. Their voices matter in shaping programs, policies, and opportunities for growth.
• Family Partnership: Families are our strongest allies. When families have the right information, support, and connections, they can better advocate for their children and play an active role in decision-making.
• Community Connection: We work to build lasting connections between youth, families, and community supporters so that success continues long after DJS involvement ends.

OEI’s continuous efforts to strengthen how we partner with youth, families, and community organizations. This framework will outline simple, meaningful ways for families and youth to share their experiences, participate in decision-making, and stay connected to community support during and after system involvement.

OEI continues to build family inclusion and engagement through a range of ongoing efforts:

• Bi-Monthly Family Support Groups: Safe spaces for families to connect, share experiences, and receive support.
  • For more information, contact Shauntia Lindsay.
• Family Surveys & Feedback Opportunities: Gathered at different points of system involvement to help guide agency improvements and ensure family perspectives are heard.​

For more information,​​ please​ contact OEI.