DYS Paul T. Leahy Center – Worcester, MA

About DYS Paul T. Leahy Center

The DYS Paul T. Leahy Center is a secure juvenile detention and assessment facility operated by the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) in Worcester. Located on Belmont Street, this hardware-secure center serves as a critical entry point for male and female adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system. The facility is designed to provide safe, secure custody while conducting comprehensive assessments to determine the appropriate treatment and placement needs for youth in care.

Facility Units and Functions

The Leahy Center houses multiple distinct units within its secure perimeter:

• Assessment Units: These units (including Pod A) focus on evaluating the medical, educational, and behavioral needs of youth newly entering the DYS system. The assessment period is crucial for developing an individualized service plan.
• Detention Services: The center provides temporary secure custody for youth awaiting court appearances, bail determinations, or placement decisions.
• Revocation Unit: The facility hosts a specific unit for youth who have had their community grant revoked, offering intensive intervention and stabilization services.

Rehabilitation and Support

While maintaining strict security, the center emphasizes positive youth development. Residents have access to year-round educational programming, clinical services, and recreational activities. The goal is to stabilize youth and prepare them for the next step in their continuum of care, whether that is a residential treatment program or a return to the community.