Ohio Department of Youth Services urges support for budget as juvenile population and staffing pressures rise

Director Amy [last name redacted], of the Ohio Department of Youth Services, told the House Public Safety Committee on the state's operating budget that the agency is requesting funding to address rising youth population, staffing shortfalls and facility shortcomings.

She said the agency's population in its three state facilities rose from 360 in December 2020 to 487 in January 2025 — a 35% increase — and that staffing and retention remain a primary concern. "Any assault on our staff is too many," Director Amy [last name redacted] said when asked about staff safety. She described measures DYS has taken, including expanded use of body-worn cameras, limited issuance of OC spray to designated staff, scenario-based training and increased incentive and supplemental pay for hard-to-fill positions.

The director told lawmakers staffing costs account for roughly 45% of the agency budget and described recent vacancy improvements: corrections officer vacancies fell from 24% in January 2024 to 15% in January 2025, educators' vacancies fell from 24% to 14%, while behavioral health staff vacancies remain about 35%. Total agency vacancies declined from approximately 18% a year ago to about 13% in January 2025. "These investments have helped reduce our vacancy rate," she said, asking for continued budget support so the state can compete in a tight labor market.

Why it…