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Massachusetts Division of Youth Services (DYS) Guide for Inmates

Overview of the Facility

The Massachusetts Division of Youth Services (DYS) is not a single facility but a state agency responsible for the detention, custody, and rehabilitation of youth offenders in Massachusetts. DYS operates multiple secure facilities and community-based programs across the state.

Contact Information

Address: 600 Washington Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (617) 727-7575
Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-youth-services
Email: Not publicly available

How to Locate a Youth

Due to privacy laws protecting minors, information about specific youth in DYS custody is not publicly available. Family members should contact the youth's assigned caseworker or the DYS main office for information.

Visitation Information

Visitation policies vary by facility. Family members should contact the specific DYS facility where the youth is housed for detailed visitation information and hours.

How to Send Money

Money cannot be sent directly to youth in DYS custody. Families should discuss any financial matters with the youth's assigned caseworker.

Phone Calls and Video Options

Communication policies vary by facility and the youth's individual treatment plan. Contact the specific DYS facility or the youth's caseworker for information on phone calls and potential video visitation options.

Youth Services and Programs

DYS offers a range of services and programs, including:

  • Education and vocational training
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Life skills development
  • Recreational activities
  • Re-entry and aftercare services

History of the Facility

The Massachusetts Division of Youth Services was established in 1969 as part of a reform effort to improve the state's juvenile justice system. It replaced the previous Youth Service Board and has since evolved to focus on rehabilitation and community-based interventions.

Security and Management Information

DYS operates various levels of secure facilities, from staff-secure group homes to hardware-secure detention centers. The agency employs trained staff, including youth workers, clinicians, and educators, to manage and support the youth in their care.

Legal and Visitation Rights

Youth in DYS custody have legal rights, including the right to education, healthcare, and legal representation. Visitation rights are generally preserved but may be subject to restrictions based on the youth's treatment plan and facility policies.

Intake and Release Process

Youth may enter DYS custody through court orders or voluntary placements. The intake process includes assessments to determine appropriate placement and treatment plans. Release typically involves a gradual transition back to the community, often with ongoing support and supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age range for youth in DYS custody?

DYS typically serves youth between the ages of 12 and 21, depending on the circumstances of their case and commitment.

Can youth in DYS custody continue their education?

Yes, DYS provides educational services to all youth in its care, including opportunities to earn a high school diploma or GED.

How long do youth typically stay in DYS custody?

The length of stay varies widely depending on the individual case, court orders, and the youth's progress in treatment. It can range from a few months to several years.

Are there alternative programs to secure detention?

Yes, DYS offers various community-based programs and alternatives to secure detention, including day reporting centers and GPS monitoring, when appropriate.

How can families stay involved in a youth's treatment?

Families are encouraged to participate in treatment planning meetings, maintain regular contact with the youth's caseworker, and engage in family therapy sessions when available.

General Visiting and Contacting Information

We provide detailed visiting and contact information for Massachusetts Division of Youth Services. If you are have completed a Massachusetts Division of Youth Services inmate search and have located an inmate, the information on this page will help you to stay in contact. We help you send money to jail, send & receive text messages, and provide the address for in-person visits.

Sending Money

Inmates who are currently imprisoned in Massachusetts Division of Youth Services can receive money into their commissary account via money order, check or cash. Inmate visitors can also deposit money directly into the inmate's account at prison administrative office. Note: When sending the money via money order or check, mention the inmate id and full name on the back of the slip.

Sending a Package / Mail

You can send any mail to the inmates who are imprisoned in Massachusetts Division of Youth Services. Please send the mail or package to the address mentioned below.

Inmate Name,

Inmate ID,

600 Washington Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA, 02111

Please make sure the mail or package that you are sending comes under the list of approved items. For further clarification on the allowed items, contact the prison administration directly on 617-727-7575 .

Note: In case you want to send packages, you need to get prior approval from the prison administration. Contact the prison / jail staff for more information.

Phone calls

Inmates can call to any person outside who are on the approved members list between 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The cost of the call is beared by the receiver and the call can be of maximum 30 minutes. During rush hours, the calling time is reduced drastically to 10 minutes.

Visitation Rules

You need to get yourself registered in the visitors list before visiting any inmate in the prison. If you are visiting someone in Massachusetts Division of Youth Services, make sure you are in approved visitors list. Confirm with the prison authorities before coming to visit the inmate.

Listed below are the basic visitation rules which one must adhere to:

  • Visitor must not be a prior felon.
  • Visitor must have a valid government ID.
  • A legal guardian must be accompanied for children below 16 years of age.

Massachusetts Division of Youth Services Inmate Searcher

Fill out the form below and receive a detailed report on an inmate. This includes current and previous arrest records, social media handles, current and previous addresses & phone numbers.

How to lookup someone in prison or jail

Steps to follow for finding
an Inmate

Step 2


Enter inmate id and personal information

Enter the inmate personal informations in the required fields

Step 3


Enter inmate id and personal information

Click on the 'Submit' button

Massachusetts Division of Youth Services driving directions

You can use the map plotted on the righ to find the driving directions to Massachusetts Division of Youth Services.

General Stats for Massachusetts

Massachusetts Total Number of Inmates

14,803

Massachusetts Total No. of Inmates

Number of people under Probation Supervision

34,624

Number of people under Probation Supervision

Prison population rate

96

Prison population rate: 100,000 residents

Parole Population

1,316

Parole Population

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

2,091

Incarcerated individuals with sentences of 50 years or longer

Sex

Sex

%

Total

Male

97.22

5,389

Female

2.78

154

Youth

Type

%

Total

Committed

46.88

135

Detained

43.75

126

Diverted

8.33

24