Code of Massachusetts Regulations 109 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES
1. Intake and Assessment of Juvenile Offenders
Case: Screening and evaluating youth upon entry into DYS programs.
109 CMR 400 outlines the intake procedures for youth who are referred to DYS by courts.
Agencies must perform a comprehensive assessment of the juvenile’s risk factors, family situation, educational needs, and mental health.
Example: A 15-year-old admitted for first-time delinquency is assessed for trauma history, school performance, and substance use. The assessment guides placement decisions (secure facility, community program, or diversion program).
Impact: Ensures that each youth receives individualized programming and reduces the risk of re-offending.
2. Residential Facility Standards
Case: Operation of secure and non-secure residential programs.
109 CMR 430-450 set standards for staff-to-youth ratios, safety, physical environment, medical care, and emergency procedures.
Example: A DYS facility housing 50 adolescents must comply with rules about room size, recreation space, fire safety, and supervision levels. Staff must be trained in crisis intervention and de-escalation.
Impact: Promotes safety, humane treatment, and developmental support for youth in custody.
3. Behavioral Management and Discipline
Case: Managing behavior in residential programs.
109 CMR 460 specifies permissible disciplinary measures and prohibits corporal punishment. Behavioral interventions must be documented, consistent, and rehabilitative.
Example: If a youth repeatedly refuses to follow program rules, staff may use positive reinforcement strategies, time-limited privileges restriction, or counseling interventions, all recorded in the youth’s file.
Impact: Ensures that discipline is fair, transparent, and designed to teach responsibility rather than punish harmfully.
4. Educational Services
Case: Ensuring access to education for youth in custody.
109 CMR 480 requires DYS facilities to provide academic instruction equivalent to public schools, including individualized education plans (IEPs) for special education students.
Example: A youth with a learning disability must have tailored instruction in reading and math, with qualified teachers, progress tracking, and coordination with the youth’s home school district.
Impact: Supports youth development, prevents educational gaps, and helps reintegration into community schools.
5. Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment
Case: Providing therapeutic services to address psychological needs.
109 CMR 490-495 detail requirements for mental health screening, counseling, psychiatric care, and substance abuse programs.
Example: A youth with anxiety and a history of substance use receives counseling sessions, group therapy, and a treatment plan developed by a licensed clinician. Progress is documented and reviewed regularly.
Impact: Addresses underlying causes of delinquent behavior and improves long-term rehabilitation outcomes.
6. Reentry and Aftercare Programs
Case: Transitioning youth back into the community.
109 CMR 500 governs aftercare services, including supervision, vocational training, and family engagement.
Example: A youth completing a residential program is assigned a caseworker who monitors school attendance, job training, and compliance with court orders. Family counseling may also be arranged to support reintegration.
Impact: Reduces recidivism and helps youth successfully reintegrate into society.
7. Staff Qualifications and Training
Case: Hiring and ongoing professional development.
109 CMR 520-530 establish minimum education, background checks, and mandatory training in areas like trauma-informed care, crisis management, and legal responsibilities.
Example: New staff at a DYS facility must complete a 6-week training program before working with youth, covering safety protocols, communication techniques, and ethical standards.
Impact: Ensures competent, professional, and safe care for youth.
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