Department of Youth Services – Boston, MA

Department of Youth Services (DYS)

The Department of Youth Services (DYS) is the juvenile justice agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Headquartered at the Lafayette City Center in Boston’s Downtown Crossing, DYS is responsible for the rehabilitation and confinement of youth committed by the courts. The agency operates under the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and focuses on a ‘Continuum of Care’ model that balances public safety with the need to provide educational, psychological, and medical support to help youth become positive, productive members of society.

Mission and Services

• Residential Services: Manages secure and staff-secure residential facilities for youth detained or committed by the courts.
• Community Operations: Oversees youth released to the community, providing casework, monitoring, and support services to prevent recidivism.
• Clinical & Health Services: Provides comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health care to youth in state custody.
• Education: Ensures all youth in DYS care receive year-round education aligned with state curriculum standards.

Administrative Headquarters

The Boston office serves as the central administrative hub for the agency’s statewide operations. It houses the Commissioner’s office, legal counsel, and program management divisions. It is not a detention facility itself. Visitors to the Lafayette City Center are subject to building security protocols.