Episode 1: Get to know DYS and its leaders

This is an overview about the Department of Youth Services. Director Amy L. Ast and Assistant Director Ginine M. Trim share how they have grown through the agency and the justice system

(0:40) What is the Department of Youth Services?

(1:54) How long Director Ast and Assistant Director Trim have been with the agency and the different roles they've had in their rise from corrections officers. 

(4:00) The importance of varied experience for leadership positions within DYS.

(5:55) The explanation of the Juvenile Justice Working Group and why stakeholders in juvenile justice (corrections professionals, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, academics, and legislators) met over several months to produce a report for Governor Mike DeWine.

(8:15) The working group's recommendation of transitioning from three larger correctional facilities to four smaller ones. 

(10:10) How laws impact what judges can do in juvenile justice and what changes the working group suggested. 

(14:00) The value of consultancy and working with national organizations to address systemic issues in juvenile justice, such as staffing. 

(18:10) Innovations by the agency to produce better outcomes for youth and staff, including a first-of-its-kind partnership with Google. 

(21:58) A preview of the next episode that discusses the agency's work regarding human trafficking survivors as part of a larger spotlight of Human Trafficking Prevention Month.