Missouri Division of Youth Services
Address: 1735 West Catalpa, Suite B, Springfield, MO 65807
Website: http://www.dss.mo.gov/dys/
The mission of Division of Youth Services is to enable youth to fulfill their needs in a responsible manner within the context of and with respect for the needs of their families and their communities. DYS programs are established to provide the mandated services enumerated in Chapter 219.016 in the Revised Statues of the state of Missouri. These services include assessment, care and treatment, and education of all youth committed to its care.
The DYS operating principles emphasizes a systematic, inclusive, flexible approach to accomplishing the shared goals and objectives of the agency within a decentralized structure. The need to balance growth and stability is recognized. Integrity and congruence in the conduct of all staff are considered essential to achievement of the agency’s mission.
Each person is special and unique. Safety, structure and discipline are the foundation for development. It is difficult to change. People desire to do well and succeed. People have needs. Emotions are not to be judged. All behavior has a purpose. People do the best they can with the resources available to them. The family is an important factor in treatment. Behavior is a symptom.
Population Served
DYS is responsible for the development and administration of statewide programs designed for the care and rehabilitation of adjudicated youth. The age of youth served is 12-17 years. This can be lowered or extended depending on extenuating circumstances.
Other Treatment Centers
Community Learning Center: Springfield, Missouri; residential treatment.
Datema House: Springfield, Missouri; residential treatment.
Delmina Woods: Christian County; female residential treatment center.
Excel Day Treatment: Joplin, Missouri; day treatment.
Gateway Day Treatment: Springfield, Missouri; day treatment.
Gentry Residential Treatment Center: Cabool, Missouri; residential treatment. Green Gables Lodge: Macks Creek, Missouri; residential treatment.
Mt. Vernon Treatment Center: Mt. Vernon, Missouri; secure treatment center.
Rich Hill Youth Development Center: Rich Hill, Missouri.
Wilson Creek Group Home: Springfield, Missouri; treatment at facility and equally split between home and community.