Saturday, February 16, 2008

In a Feb. 14 Metro story, D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty appeared to defend the troubled Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), whose employees we represent. Mr. Fenty said the agency is making strides under Director Vincent N. Schiraldi. Mr. Fenty said the administration has reduced caseloads to allow case managers to more effectively handle troubled youths.

Lost in the misrepresented statistics and tactical public relations is that neither Mr. Fenty nor Mr. Schiraldi has offered real policies to help the agency become successful. Inside DYRS, frustrated employees say most still have 35 to 40 cases, too many to manage given a troubled population.

The agency has an ever-changing roster of managers and front-line employees. Many are forced out by backbiting supervisors or unmanageable stress, or they are simply scapegoated after an offender commits a crime that poses a "PR problem."

Yes, as Mr. Fenty said, young people need "positive things to do," but to address the agency's failures, Mr. Fenty and Mr. Schiraldi must provide a clear vision, complete with in-depth policy directions. They must also invite input from the front-line employees.

JOHN GAGE

National President

American Federation

of Government Employees

Washington