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