DYS Podcast: The Future in Focus

Episode 11: Using Innovation and AI to Advance Juvenile Justice

The term Information Technology can mean a lot of things. But what does IT look like and what all is done when it’s within a government agency, especially now in an age of emerging technology or AI.  In this episode, we look at how DYS is helping advance safety and improve the lives of young people, families, and communities through our IT team. Panelists include: Chief Information Officer Brian Hernandez, IT Project Manager Kara Peterson, and IT Manager Shawn Davis.

Episode 10: Training and Evolving Juvenile Justice Professionals

Every workplace has a training process. At DYS, we have a Training Academy. The people there provide a foundation of knowledge and skills for hundreds of new employees each year. They also help seasoned staff grow by providing professional development and other various trainings through the evolution of evidence-based practices.  The panel that discusses how it all comes together includes Superintendent Dr. Anna Wise, Technology-Based Training Developer Sara Bowling, and Academy Training Developer Sheila Fryson.

Episode 9: How Data, Analytics, and AI Can Improve Youth & Staff Outcomes

DYS is always looking to evolve and advance its efforts to improve outcomes for the youth in our care and our staff. This conversation delves into the data the agency collects and how it’s applied to advance that mission through our Best Practices Institute. The panel includes Executive Director Dr. Jordan Argus, Policy Administrator Benita Neely, and ACA Administrator Shanequah Frazier.

Episode 8: Keeping Youths Out of the Justice System from the Front to Back End

We hear from the people in DYS who oversee the agency's largest spectrum in the juvenile justice continuum. Their work ranges from the front end where they invest millions of dollars to deter thousands of youths from the justice system every year to how they walk with youths on their reentry journeys while on parole.

Episode 7: Programs to Help with Transitions and Transformations

This episode discusses the programs within the facilities that help youth with their transitions into adulthood and back to the community through the development of communication skills, relationships, and career paths.  The panelists for this episode include Bureau Chief of Program & Unit Management Jack Vicencio, Cuyahoga Hills Reentry Coordinator Mark Dobrzynski, Circleville Program Administrator Denise Conrad, and Indian River Chaplain Kimberly Dove.