D S S P R E S S R E L E A S E
For Immediate Release:
June 03, 2008
Contact: Sara Anderson
(573) 526-0407
Gov. Blunt and DSS Announce National Honors Given to State Youth Program
Division of Youth Services among Top 15 Finalists for Innovations in American Government Award
Jefferson City —Gov. Matt Blunt and the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) today announced that the Division of Youth Services (DYS) was selected as one of 15 finalists for the 2008 Innovations in American Government Award. DYS was selected from a pool of more than 1,000 applicants from around the country. Six winners will be announced in September and will receive a $100,000 award towards replication and dissemination of best practices.
"The Missouri model we have established is one that is obviously working for our young people," Gov Matt Blunt said. "Being recognized in this competition provides the opportunity to let other states know more about our best practices in Missouri and the profound impact this successful program has had in preparing young people to re-enter society as law abiding, productive citizens who contribute to the communities in which they live."
"It is an honor to be one step closer to receiving this distinguished honor," said DSS Director Deborah Scott. "We are very proud of the program we've developed in Missouri and are humbled by the attention it receives. The positive changes young people make while in the program will make lasting differences in their lives and the lives of their families and communities. Though it would be a great honor to receive this recognition, watching them accomplish this mission is our real reward."
The Innovations in American Government Award is presented by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School. The Annie E. Casey Foundation sponsors one of the six innovations awards in the Children and Family System Reform category, DYS is one of the three finalists in that category. The Committee has the option of considering DYS for either the specific category award or for one of the remaining five Innovations Awards.
The Innovations in American Government Awards program is designed to improve government practice by honoring effective government initiatives and encouraging the adoption of such practices across the country. The Awards cycle consists of five rounds. DYS is now in the final round of competition in which each program must make a presentation before the members of the Innovations National Selection Committee. The DYS team includes a youth currently in the program.
The Missouri DYS is a nationally recognized juvenile justice program with one of the lowest recidivism rates in the country. The program focuses on rehabilitation and recognizes that treatment and education go hand-in-hand. Through this approach, DYS makes great strides in preparing young people to re-enter society as law abiding, productive citizens who contribute to the communities in which they live. DYS is an accredited school district and is nationally ranked for its educational success of delinquent youth. The division also offers the Work Experience Program which allows young people to develop job readiness skills and gain on the job training experience making them more employable upon return to their communities.
"We have had more than 25 states visit our program to learn more about our treatment approach and philosophy so they can implement similar programs. This award would allow us to present our program to even more interested parties to create a system that will help juveniles across the country. We are very excited about this opportunity and are hoping for the best," added DYS Director Tim Decker.
