The Strengthening Capacity and Transparency at DYRS Amendment Act of 2026 aims to address the persistent overcrowding at the Youth Services Center by requiring the Mayor to publish a one-year action plan within 120 days of the bill's enactment. This plan must outline strategies to permanently reduce the juvenile population at the center to its maximum capacity and prevent future overcrowding. Additionally, the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) is mandated to publicly report detailed youth population data for both the Youth Services Center and the New Beginnings Youth Development Center. This data will include daily population counts, average length of stay, admissions and conversions to committed status, instances of improper room confinement, critical incident reports, and recidivism rates.

The bill introduces new subsections to section 104b of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services Establishment Act of 2004, which specify the types of data that must be reported and the metrics for measuring recidivism. The Mayor's action plan and the public reporting of youth population data are intended to enhance transparency and accountability within the DYRS, ultimately improving the conditions for youth in the system. The act will take effect following the Mayor's approval and a 30-day congressional review period.