Councilmember David Grosso’s Roundtable on Education for Students during Detention, Commitment, and Incarceration

Testimony of SJP Client Dwayne on What Needs to Change

“I really appreciate the opportunity to voice my concerns about DYRS and its education programs. I was committed to DYRS for a few years and I can honestly say that I did not have the best experience trying to finish high school while being committed. I feel like DYRS cheated me out of my high school diploma. I have been to YSC, New Beginnings, ASY, and two out of state residential placements. Two of these placements had no education or school programs whatsoever and all the others had inadequate or very flawed education programs.  

I completed two years at an out of state placement. Upon my return to DC, I was told that my credits would not count because the credits did not fit the DCPS curriculum. I completed one year at New Beginnings and only received partial credit for it. The partial credits I got did nothing but made my transcript even more confusing to read. And because of this, no one could tell me what grade I was in. I did not want to be 21 still in high school so I took my GED. I feel like I was forced to take my GED. Between my time at New Beginnings and the out of state residentials, I completed two years of school and received nothing in return.

DYRS failed to monitor these programs and to make sure that I would receive the proper education that I was entitled to. I would like to see DYRS held accountable for its negligence because they have proved over and over again that they do not care. Numerous complaints have been filed against DYRS and they would rather shovel out thousands of taxpayer dollars than to fix the problem and help our youth like they are supposed to. 

Education is the most important part of rehabilitation so how can they say they are rehabilitating us when they are not educating us? All they’re doing is containing and holding us back. I would like to see changes made to DYRS so that our youth don’t have the same experience I have had. 

We have been trying to bring awareness to this for years, and I hope this is a step in the right direction towards changing this injustice. In other words, I hope you do not turn the other cheek to what’s going on as most have done. I believe that you all can help change things. I would go further into detail but I know each person only receives a few minutes to speak. 

Thank you. “

(10/6/17)