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DYS sees prior fiscal year as a success
The Division of Youth Services substantiated over 100 child service related cases in fiscal year 2017 and has served over 200 juveniles.
According to the data acquired from the Division of Youth Services, 180 cases were reported to the child protection unit in fiscal year 2017 that involved 429 children.
Of the children involved in these reported cases, 180 were victims and 237 were siblings of victims. The data also states that 215 of the children involved were females and 214 were males.
All these cases were considered substantiated and fought in court, with the exemption of 31 cases that were retracted by the victim or unsubstantiated, and two pending cases.
Cases reported and substantiated include emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, etc. A single report may include multiple cases.
DYS has also served a total of 230 juveniles under the juvenile probation unit in fiscal year 2017. Data acquired from DYS states that 33 of the juveniles that were assisted were females and 197 were male.
The juvenile alleged offenses DYS has dealt with this last fiscal year includes assault and battery, arrest warrant, assault, assault with a dangerous weapon, bench warrant, burglary, contempt of court order, criminal mischief, criminal trespass, disturbing the peace, domestic violence, illegal possession of a controlled substance, minor consuming alcohol, obstructing justice, riot, robbery, shoplifting, theft, and theft of a vehicle. A single juvenile may have multiple offenses under their belt.
According to DYS administrator Vivian Sablan, she feels that the division and her staff were effective in fiscal year 2017 because fewer cases were filed in general compared to previous years.
Sablan also said FY 2017 was a successful year for DYS because they were able to cater not only to the needs of the youth of the Commonwealth, but also to numerous parents and individuals through DYS’ parent education services and community services
The parent education service was able to reach out to 305 individuals while the community awareness service was able to reach out to 476 individuals.
