Based upon our testing, we determined that the Department of Youth Services (DYS) did comply with providing timely, accurate, and complete general educational programs, services, and support to youths committed to its custody. Throughout our planning phase of the audit, we found that DYS had procedures that were followed by both DYS employees and contracted employees. However, DYS did not have formalized policies outlining its duties and responsibilities regarding the general education of youths committed to its custody.
While it is useful that DYS relies on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), public school districts, contractors, and other agencies, DYS should acknowledge its responsibility regarding youths’ general educational programing. Collaboration with other educational entities is essential for youths to receive quality education; however, it is more effective when there is a clear understanding of each organization’s roles and expectations. Without policies or formalized procedures, there is a risk of misunderstanding between DYS, DESE, public school districts, contractors, and other agencies on their roles and responsibilities. These misunderstandings could result in youths not receiving quality education while in the custody of DYS. Additionally, there is always the risk and possibility of staff turnover at DYS. Without policies or formalized procedures in place, employee turnover can cause a disrupted transition between staff members, which could have negative consequences on the education of youths in DYS care.
Section 2 of Chapter 18A of the Massachusetts General Laws states the following:
The department shall provide a comprehensive and coordinated program of delinquency prevention and services to delinquent children and youth referred or committed to the department by the courts . . . through . . . education. . . . The department shall cooperate with other state and local agencies, both public and private, serving children and youth.
Section 7 of Chapter 18A of the General Laws states the following:
The bureau of educational serves [within DYS] shall establish and maintain programs and curricula for the educational service functions of each institution of the department and for coordinating educational services for individual youths at each stage of departmental jurisdiction. Said bureau shall establish and maintain academic and vocational educational programs, curriculum development plants, teacher training programs and library services for each of the institutions of the department and each of the youth committed to the department.
Due to this, we recommend that DYS should create policies and formalized procedures regarding the general education of youths committed to its custody.
Auditee’s Response
DYS is proud that the auditor recognized that “DYS had procedures that were followed by DYS employees and contracted employees.” DYS is proud that it has a robust educational system in each of its residential programs. Last year 83 DYS youths successfully completed high school while in a DYS program—54 youths were awarded a high school diploma and 29 youths received a high school equivalency (via [High School Equivalency Test, or HiSET] attainment). One hundred DYS students also received certifications [for/from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA], ServSafe and [cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR], and 150 students enrolled in postsecondary courses.
DYS also appreciates the audit team’s recommendations related to DYS’s general education policies. DYS has taken affirmative steps to address the noted lack of formalized education policies. After two years without a Policy and Regulatory Counsel, DYS filled that role in May 2025. With this role finally filled, DYS has undertaken a complete review of existing policies as well as a review of new policies under consideration for promulgation. DYS has prioritized the promulgation of education policies to address the gap identified by the auditor.
Auditor’s Reply
Based on its response, DYS is taking measures to address our concerns regarding this matter. As part of our post-audit review process, we will follow up on this matter in approximately six months.
| Date published: | April 24, 2026 |
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