Department of Youth Services' Newsletter
| March 2022 Edition
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Dear Colleagues,
As I write this message for our March newsletter, I cannot help but be reminded that two years have now passed since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Our personal and professional lives changed forever in March of 2020. We have suffered many losses, faced significant personal and professional challenges, and had to learn a new way of life and of doing business. I know that none of this would have been possible without the incredible strength, commitment and sacrifices of all reading this note. “Thank you” does not cover it, but it is a place to start.
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, I have been making my way around the regions to meet with staff and youth. This has allowed me to express my gratitude to some of you in person for the nothing short of heroic work you have done these past two years. It has also allowed me to learn from the experts. I am grateful to our staff and youth who felt comfortable enough to have open and honest conversations about what we get right and what we get wrong at DYS with our Chief of Staff, Thula Sibanda, and me.
We have a few busy months ahead. We will be holding our Years of Service ceremonies in all 5 regions as well as Central Office where we will celebrate staff for reaching various milestones with the Department. We will also be celebrating our youth's educational attainments at the regional graduations. Lastly, further down in the newsletter you will find a save the date for our 9th Annual DYS Art Show.
As the second woman to lead DYS, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that March is Women's History Month. In honor of the many women in my life who made this possible, and those across history who have driven reform efforts, I encourage you to take a moment to recognize and pay tribute to the women in your life who have made a difference.
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Best Regards,
Cecely Reardon
Acting Commissioner
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Mask Mandate Update
As of February 15, 2022, all fully vaccinated employees (2 doses of Pfizer or Moderna or 1 dose of J&J), except for those working in certain settings (e.g. congregate settings) covered by a mandate or in worksites where municipal (e.g. towns and cities) mask mandates are still in place, can elect to go without face coverings in the workplace.
The updated Advisory recommends that unvaccinated individuals and fully vaccinated individuals with a weakened immune system, those that have someone at home with heightened risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition wear face coverings when indoors.
The face covering mandate continues for congregate care locations and also applies to all visitors, contractors and volunteers/interns.
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COVID-19 Treatment
If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms, there are free treatment options that may be right for you.
Free treatments for COVID-19 can help prevent hospitalization and reduce your chance for severe disease. Treatment is available for people who are at increased risk of severe disease, test positive for COVID-19 and have any symptoms, even mild ones (such as runny nose or cough). The sooner you start treatment, the better.
Department of Public Health Updates COVID-19 Death Definition
As of Monday, March 14, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) updated the criteria used for identifying COVID-19 deaths to align with guidance from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. Previously, the COVID death definition included anyone with COVID listed as a cause of death on their death certificate, and any individual who had a COVID-19 diagnosis within 60 days but did not have COVID listed as a cause of death on their death certificate. The updated definition reduces this timeframe from 60 days to 30 days for individuals without a COVID diagnosis on their death certificate.
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DYS has continued to make progress with Diversity Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts throughout the agency.
Out of the 753 state employees in the department, 93% are in non-management roles which include our Juvenile Justice Youth Development Specialists (JJYDS I-III), food service staff, maintenance staff, clinicians, transportation officers, detention coordinators, Institutional Security Officers (ISOs), AWOL Apprehension Officers, Program Directors, Assistant Directors, District Managers, Caseworkers, along with administrative staff.
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DYS consists of 57% Men, 38% Women & 5% Undisclosed- this is a 10% increase in women staff within the Department over the last year.
With our strategic focus also comes challenges, as shown in the parity data of Women in the Department.
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Health and Wellness Corner
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Did you know March is National Nutrition Month?
This year's theme, Celebrate a World of Flavors, embraces global cultures, cuisines and inclusivity, plus highlights the expertise of registered dietitian nutritionists. “The theme, Celebrate a World of Flavors, is very fitting with the particular diverse culinary initiatives we have in the Department of Youth Services," said DYS’ dietitian WaiLing Balsley. "We have been able to celebrate the cultural heritage of our youth and staff by partnering with nutritionists and nonprofit organizations to give training on cultural meals and bringing a sense of comfort through healthy food.”
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Culinary Diversity in the Metro Region
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In the last newsletter, you learned about the cultural cooking training for DYS' food service staff to diversify the meals served to youth in our residential settings. DYS’ Dietician WaiLing Balsley and Director of Communications Katy Laverriere had the opportunity to follow up on this new initiative with Jason DiMare, Food Service Supervisor at the Metro Youth Service Center.
Jason invited WaiLing and Katy to visit with the food service staff, took us on a tour of the kitchen, and even walked them through each step to make Paella, a traditional Spanish dish with a modern twist. Click on the picture to see a quick clip of our visit!
Before the visit, Jason took part in an interview where we learned about Jason’s culinary background, the various types of dishes he prepares for DYS’ residential youth and staff, the EATS program, as well as his favorite cuisine.
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Interview with Metro Youth Service Center Food Supervisor, Jason DiMare
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Q: What is your background of culinary training?
JD: I worked as a snack bar attendant when I was 16, learning to make hot dogs and pizza. I then moved on to work as a dishwasher in the early 90s. From there I worked in various restaurants of all kinds, advancing in rank from dishwasher to become a sous chef for a local chain restaurant, and they helped develop me into an executive chef. In the 2010s, I left restaurants with an opportunity to enhance healthcare nutrition in a growing healthcare company. I became an accredited dietary manager through the Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals. After three years of improving nutrition and food quality, it brought me to DYS, where I saw an opportunity to provide restaurant-quality food to the youth and staff that we serve.
Click on the picture of Jason to see the full interview!
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Southeast Region Focus Group
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In preparation for the release of the “Youth Wellness in Residential Settings” policy, the Director of Policy and Training, Lisa Belmarsh, and Dietitian, WaiLing Balsley, went to the Southeast Region and visited with a group of youth along with the Recreation Coordinator, Blake Youngblood. The purpose of the visit was to hear their thoughts about healthy eating, recreation, and wellness activities. The youths’ responses included their thoughts on yoga, music meditation, painting, and video/board games. To promote healthy and balanced eating, Lisa and WaiLing shared with the youth Clementines, carrots, and chocolate chip cookies at the meeting.
Watch for the Youth Wellness in Residential Settings policy which will be rolled out next month along with training!
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DYS Celebrates Six Employees as They are Awarded the Commonwealth’s Prestigious Citation for Outstanding Performance
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For 36 years the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Annual Performance Recognition Program has been an opportunity to formally recognize state employees for their extraordinary contributions to public service. Agency leadership along with regional management and work site colleagues get to nominate an individual or a group of state employees for what they believe to be a consistent and extraordinary work ethic as well as a stellar performance in their day-to-day job responsibilities and going above and beyond expectation by improving the work environment for other staff members to providing innovative services for youth.
In past years, recipients of the Commonwealth’s Citation for Outstanding Performance (“PRP”) have been celebrated at the Massachusetts State House but was cancelled this year due to the timing of the Delta Variant. The Department of Youth Services, however, held an agency celebration to recognize the PRP recipients.
Please join our agency in saluting the six 2021 Leaders in Our Workplace:
- Bartholomew Arhin, Caseworker, Northeast Region
- Nigel Edwards, Recreational Coordinator, Northeast Region
- Michael Owusu, Assistant Director Suffolk County ONA, Metro Region
- Mario Pires, Assistant Director of the Northeast Revocation Program, Northeast Region
- Maria Rodriquez, Director of Placement Services, Southeast Region
- Karine Martirosyan, DYS Director of Health Services, Central Office in Boston.
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"This award means a lot to me being recognized as a leader in our workforce. It shows me that my dedication, hard work, consistency, and patience has gone unrecognized," said Bart. "It motivates me to keep going above and beyond for my clients, families, DYS team and the commonwealth as a whole. Once again thanks to all that nominated me for this special award."
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"I feel this award is a great honor and attests to the hard work we put in as a team," said Nigel. "I am proud to be part of such a great region and would like to acknowledge the family atmosphere that helps drive myself and my teammates each day. The Northeast has been a great place to call home and has been a great support in my journey."
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"I was grateful when I discovered I was nominated and humbled when I received the Performance Award," said Michael. "There are many people who have supported me during my time within the Department of Youth Services and believed that I had the skill set to be successful. This acknowledgement of my performance is meaningful yet likely not what most people think as to why this honor is valuable."
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“This is truly an honor & blessing," said Mario. "I just wanted to thank everyone here at the NE region for the recognition”
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“Receiving the Commonwealth Performance Recognition Award has been an honor for me," said Maria. "I thank the people I work with every day that has made my job a place of support and learning, making it easier to do my job. Seeing the incredible work they do daily with youth and families, reinforces my passion for this work. I’m both encouraged and grateful to be a part of this team and look forward to continue working with an agency that supports the idea of equity, inclusion and growth.”
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"The COVID- 19 pandemic brought challenges to many and did not exclude the Department of Youth Services," said Karine. "Two years and numerous variants into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department continues to effectively manage the pandemic and provide healthy and safe environment for youth and staff through extensive communication, collaboration, and innovation."
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Department of Youth Services In the News
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Click on the image for the full article in the Eagle Tribune written by Statehouse Reporter, Christian M. Wade.
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Update: Boston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Connects the Arts and Creativity with DYS
In the September 2021 DYS Newsletter, we reported on a successful arts collaboration with Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins that connected the Department of Youth Services with the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Artful Healing and Restorative Arts Program. The MFA has created a series of workshops focused on Restorative Arts, using the arts to promote health and wellbeing and as a tool for both reflection and self-efficacy.
As part of this partnership, DYS youth and staff will have access to the upcoming MFA Artful Healing programming and may participate in classes where they will explore and discuss art. The goal is for DYS youth participants to study and create art pieces that evoke conversation and reflection on their own lives.
We are excited to announce that the Southeast Secure Treatment program has been selected to participate in a special workshop opportunity with the MFA Boston, an artist from the MFA will conduct up to 4 workshops with the youth in Southeast Treatment. These workshops will be virtual with the workshop materials to be delivered to the program ahead of time.
Beyond the therapeutic benefits of this kind of artistic practice, youth may also submit their creation to this year’s Art Showcase.
Thanks to our partner, Commonwealth Corporation, for coordinating with the DYS Education Team on this initiative!
Black History Month in the Regions
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DYS Updates/Announcements
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The Department of Youth Services Announces the 9th Annual Youth Arts Showcase
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"Share Your Art, Share Your Voice" is a statewide exhibition that creates a positive social-cultural outlet and highlights the Department of Youth Services' mission to engage youth in future-focused goals and youth development. This year, we are going HYBRID!
Please mark your calendars for this event on Thursday May 19, 2022, and look out for more information to come!
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#ICYMI: Did you know that DYS is on Instagram?!
Thank you to the 90+ "new followers"- we hope you are enjoying our agency updates, Pet of the Week, recruitment updates, and more!
If you didn't know we had an instagram, please follow us at @mass_DYS or https://www.instagram.com/mass_dys/ from your browser for agency updates, recruitment and employment opportunities, and just some feel-good pictures to warm your heart during these difficult times.
We encourage staff and partners to share any DYS-related images (with a brief description) to potentially be featured on our social media. Send to Katy Laverriere via email (kathryn.a.laverriere@mass.gov) or text (857-930-6072).
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The Department of Youth Services is excited to announce a new campaign "Are You an Influencer?"
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We are excited to announce the launch of DYS’ “Are You an Influencer?” campaign.
An Influencer is defined as “one who exerts influence: a person who inspires or guides the actions of others”.
At DYS, each one of you is an Influencer! Your role within the agency aids the development of the youth in our care. We all have an important role to play towards the success of youth.
Calling all DYS Staff:
DYS would like to hear from you- all of you - on how you see your role as an Influencer within the agency. We are collecting 10-15 second self-made videos of staff across the state. We want to hear your voice. What makes you an Influencer?
Submissions can be sent to Melissa Ouellette at melissa.j.ouellette@mass.gov.
Watch for the campaign roll-out on Instagram @mass_dys.
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DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH SERVICES [www.mass.gov/dys]
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Kathryn A Laverriere
Director of Communications
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