Audit of the Department of Youth Services (April 24, 2026)

This is a performance audit of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services covering July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.

“In accordance with Section 12 of Chapter 11 of the Massachusetts General Laws, the Office of the State Auditor has conducted a performance audit of certain activities of the Department of Youth Services (DYS) for the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.”

Auditors checked whether DYS followed the law and its own rules for youth assessments, education services, disability accommodations, and discipline after abuse or neglect reports.

“The purpose of this audit was to determine the following:”

If DYS misses required assessments, young people may not get the right placement, support, or treatment plan.

“If DYS does not comply with Section 5 of Chapter 120 of the General Laws and its own internal policies, then youths may not be placed in appropriate programs or receive the proper support necessary to address individual needs.”

For families and residents, this report is about whether youth in state custody are being assessed, educated, protected, and supported properly.

“DYS provides small classroom settings, individualized attention, coaching, and a cognitive behavioral strategy, all of which contribute to a supportive process for youths involved with DYS.”

The auditor found problems in three areas: youth assessments, 504 plans for youths with disabilities, and disciplinary guidance after supported abuse or neglect allegations.

“Below is a list of our audit objectives, indicating each question we intended our audit to answer; the conclusion we reached regarding each objective; and, if applicable, where each objective is discussed in the audit findings.”

The auditor recommended that DYS prove compliance with assessment rules, improve 504-plan procedures, and take broader steps after supported abuse or neglect findings; the office plans to follow up in about six months on some issues.

“As part of our post-audit review process, we will follow up on this matter in approximately six months.”

The report matters because gaps in assessment, disability accommodations, and staff discipline can affect youths’ education, safety, mental health, and chances of reoffending.

“Lastly, youths may feel neglected or misunderstood if a proper assessment is not completed, increasing the chance of recidivism and worsening their mental health.”

A 504 plan is a formal plan meant to make sure a student with a disability gets needed accommodations and equal access to education.

“They require the development of a 504 plan to ensure that students with disabilities receive necessary accommodations, allowing them equal access to education and program services.”