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Councilmember Zachary Parker Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. 2
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Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie 6
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A BILL 10
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IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 15
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To establish a Deputy Ombudsman Position within the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, 19
with a focus on oversight of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) in 20
the District of Columbia ensuring accountability, transparency, and advocacy for youth 21
involved with DYRS and their families. 22
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BE IT ENACTED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 25
act may be cited as the “Deputy Ombudsman for the Department of Youth Rehabilitation 26
Services Act of 2024”. 27
Section 2: Definitions 28
For the purposes of this Act: 29
(1) "DYRS" refers to the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. 30
Section 3: Establishment of Deputy Ombudsman Position 31
(a) The District of Columbia shall establish the position of Deputy Ombudsman 32
for the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) within the Office of the 33
Ombudsman for Children. 34
(b) The Deputy Ombudsman shall be appointed by the Ombudsman for Children 35
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and shall serve as a dedicated advocate for youth involved with the DYRS and their families. 36
Section 4: Duties and Responsibilities 37
(a) The Deputy Ombudsman for the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services 38
shall have the following duties and responsibilities: 39
(1) Investigate complaints, grievances, and concerns related to the 40
operations, policies, and practices of the DYRS. 41
(2) Advocate for the rights and best interests of youth involved with the 42
DYRS and their families, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. 43
(3) Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of youth rehabilitation 44
programs and services provided by the DYRS, identifying areas for improvement and 45
recommending corrective actions. 46
(4) Provide information, guidance, and support to youth, families, and 47
stakeholders seeking assistance or clarification regarding DYRS policies and procedures. 48
(5) Collaborate with DYRS staff, government agencies, community 49
organizations, and advocacy groups to promote accountability, transparency, and positive 50
outcomes for youth involved with the DYRS. 51
(6) Submit reports, recommendations, and findings to the Ombudsman for 52
Children, Mayor, Council of the District of Columbia, and relevant oversight committees 53
regarding issues and trends within the DYRS. 54
Section 5: Qualifications 55
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(a) The Deputy Ombudsman shall have expertise in youth services, criminal 57
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justice, social work, law, or a related field. 59
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(b) The Deputy Ombudsman shall possess strong analytical, communication, and 61
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problem-solving skills, as well as a commitment to fairness, equity, and social justice. 63
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(c) Preference shall be given to candidates with experience working with youth, 65
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families, and stakeholders in diverse communities. 67
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Section 6: Independence and Access 69
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(a) The Deputy Ombudsman shall operate independently within the Office of the 71
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Ombudsman for Children and shall have unrestricted access to DYRS facilities, records, and 73
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personnel necessary to fulfill their duties. 75
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(b) The Deputy Ombudsman shall maintain confidentiality and discretion in 77
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handling sensitive information and shall adhere to ethical standards and professional guidelines. 79
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Section 7: Reporting and Accountability 81
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(a) The Deputy Ombudsman shall submit regular reports to the Ombudsman for 83
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Children, Mayor, Council of the District of Columbia, and relevant oversight committees 85
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summarizing activities, findings, and recommendations. 87
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(b) The Deputy Ombudsman shall participate in periodic hearings, briefings, and 89
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meetings with the Council of the District of Columbia to provide updates and respond to 91
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inquiries regarding DYRS operations and oversight. 93
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Section 8. Fiscal impact statement. 95
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The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal 97
impact statement required by section 602(c)(3) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, 98
approved December 24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(3)). 99
Section 9. Effective date. 100
This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the 101
Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of Congressional review as 102
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provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 103
24, 1973 (87 Stat. 813: D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)) and publication in the District of 104
Columbia Register. 105