Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS)

What Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS) does

The Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS) is a state government agency established in 1973 under Title 44 of the Code of Alabama, headquartered in Mt. Meigs, Alabama with 89 employees. DYS operates three state facilities — Mt. Meigs Campus (most secure, serving older male youth up to age 21), Vacca Campus (secure facility for adjudicated male youth typically under age 16, in Birmingham), and Autauga Campus (moderate-risk male youth ages 13-18, in Prattville) — providing residential custody, rehabilitation, education, mental health services, and substance use treatment to approximately 450 youth daily. The agency licenses 62 juvenile justice programs statewide, including detention centers, residential facilities, and day treatment programs, and funds approximately 50 community-based diversion grant programs operating in 59 of Alabama's 67 counties, serving roughly 4,778 youth annually.

DYS runs its operations on a vertically integrated platform anchored by School District 210 (established 1983, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools), which provides on-site instruction at three accredited schools (L.B. Wallace, McNeel, Autauga Valley) including career technical education in seven areas. The technology backbone consists of the Grantee Information Management System (GIMS) for tracking diversion program outcomes and a structured Risk Assessment Instrument used by the Office of Screening and Placement to classify youth by risk and need. Specialized treatment is delivered through partnerships with Auburn University (sex offense treatment program ABSOPP), UAB (substance use treatment), Boys & Girls Clubs (pro-social programming), Aramark (food service certification), and Hope Inspired Ministries (workforce readiness), alongside contracted residential providers such as Youth Villages, AMIkids, Pathway Inc., and Bridge Inc.

The agency's revenue model is non-commercial: DYS is funded through Alabama state appropriations and federal grants (including OJJDP), with services provided at no direct cost to youth or families. There is no pricing model or commercial go-to-market; access is determined exclusively through juvenile court commitments and DYS screening processes. The agency's expansion signals — PREA certification across all facilities (2024-2026), the 2022 PbS Barbara Allen-Hagen National Award at Mt. Meigs, and the establishment of a Data & Analytics division in 2016 — point to incremental modernization and quality improvement within a stable, state-mandated scope rather than commercial growth.

Name

Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS)

Legal name

Alabama Department of Youth Services

Website

https://dys.alabama.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS) is a state government agency operating three residential facilities and licensing 62 juvenile justice programs across Alabama, providing custody, rehabilitation, education, and diversion services to court-committed youth through School District 210 and community-based partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Juvenile Justice Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), Child and Youth Services (624110), Educational Services (611), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Juvenile Justice System (Courts & Detention) (BPAIAFAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Juvenile Justice Education Programs (Detention & Correctional Education) (EDAJAEAB), Juvenile Detention & Youth Custody Services (BPAKANAC), Behavioral Health for Children & Adolescents (Youth Services) (HLAFACAL)

Keywords

• Juvenile justice services
• Residential youth treatment
• Court diversion programs
• Juvenile correctional education
• Community-based alternatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Montgomery

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Others

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Alabama Department of Youth Services operates three state-run residential campuses (Mt. Meigs, Vacca, and Autauga) that provide secure custody, rehabilitation, education, mental health, and substance use treatment to court-committed youth ages 12-21. It also funds approximately 50 community diversion programs serving 56 counties, contracts with private providers for 11 community-based treatment programs, licenses 62 juvenile residential and detention programs statewide, and operates School District 210 delivering accredited K-12, GED, and career technical education across three on-site schools.

Product overview

The Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS) is a state government agency operating a multi-component service platform for youth involved in the justice system. The portfolio consists of three state-operated institutional campuses (Mt. Meigs, Vacca, and Autauga) providing residential care for approximately 450 youth daily, complemented by 11 contracted community-based treatment programs and 50 diversion grant programs serving 56 counties. School District 210 provides accredited educational services across three on-site schools (L.B. Wallace School, McNeel School, and Autauga Valley School). Specialized programs include the ABSOPP treatment program, Substance Use Treatment, Intensive Treatment Unit, and PREA compliance. Quality improvement is supported through Performance-based Standards (PbS) and a formal Data & Analytics division. The agency operates divisions for Executive Office, Administrative Services, Institutional Services, Community Services, Special Operations, and School District 210, each providing distinct service components within the integrated DYS platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Institutional Services (State-Operated Residential Facilities) Management and oversight of three state-operated residential facilities: Mt. Meigs Campus (most secure, serves older youth ages 16-21), Vacca Campus (secure facility for younger youth ages 12-16), and Autauga Campus (moderate risk youth ages 13-18 with short-term skill development program). Serves approximately 450 youth per day.
• Community Services Division Develops and supports community-based services including monitoring private provider contracts, licensing juvenile facilities, PREA compliance oversight, and federal program monitoring. Manages diversion programs serving 59 of Alabama's 67 counties.
• School District 210 Accredited educational district providing academic services for students in all DYS institutional facilities. Operates three on-site schools (L.B. Wallace School, Adele G. McNeel School, and Autauga Valley School) offering instruction aligned with Alabama State Department of Education curriculum, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (AdvancED SACS).
• Diversion Grant Program State-funded community-based programs providing alternatives to state custody for court-involved youth. Supports nearly 50 community programs in 59 counties, serving approximately 4,778 youth annually through residential, educational, and community-based diversion options.
• Residential Contract Providers Contracted community partners providing specialized services including gender-specific programs, drug and alcohol treatment, and services for low-functioning youth in secure and non-secure residential settings. Currently serves approximately half of DYS committed youth.
• Detention Center Licensing DYS provides annual licensure for detention centers using American Correctional Association (ACA) standards. All licensed detention centers in Alabama are PREA certified. Allocates subsidies through a line item in the DYS General Fund budget using a legislative formula. Covers 62 licensed programs statewide.
• Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Compliance Program Zero-tolerance policy for juvenile sexual assault, rape, and sexual harassment in DYS facilities. Includes staff training, reporting mechanisms, and compliance audits for all DYS and contract facilities. PREA certification maintained across all licensed detention centers and residential facilities.
• McNeel School Located on Vacca Campus in Birmingham, serves adjudicated male youth under age 16. Follows Alabama State Courses of Study with seven class periods covering four core academic subjects plus physical education and two electives.
• L.B. Wallace School Located on Mt. Meigs Campus serving up to 156 male youth. Offers elementary through high school classes, special education, remediation, career and technical education, GED preparation, and distance learning options. Students can earn career technical certifications in seven areas.
• Autauga Valley School Located on Autauga Campus in Prattville, serves up to 48 male students. Provides education based on Alabama State Department of Education curriculum with emphasis on reading, language, math, and science skills development.
• Special Operations Division Encompasses Special Investigations (gathering evidence, analyzing criminal/legal violations, conducting employee background checks), Office of Screening and Placement (structured classification system using the Risk Assessment Instrument for placement decisions), and Training and Staff Development.
• Data & Analytics Division Established in 2016, the DYS Data Committee oversees agency data quality improvement, evaluates information collection, and identifies data management tools needed to accomplish strategic goals. Tracks admissions demographics by fiscal year and supports the GIMS outcome-tracking system for diversion programs.
• Executive Office / Advocacy and Public Information Leads the department and oversees daily operations including Advocacy Unit (responding to youth concerns and grievances), Public Information Office, and Quality Assurance Office.
• Administrative Services Division Encompasses Human Resources, Information Technology (MIS and Data Services managing technology systems, network, and in-house programs), Accounting, Purchasing, and Property Management.

Quantifiable outcome

• The Mt. Meigs Campus significantly reduced confinement events, duration of confinement, and use of physical and mechanical restraints as a result of comprehensive Facility Improvement Plan implementation
• +2 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Auburn University - Department of PsychologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuburn University's Department of Psychology administers the Accountability Based Sex Offense Prevention Program (ABSOPP) at the Mt. Meigs Campus. The program provides assessment, evaluation, and treatment services to adolescents with illegal sexual behaviors. Youth participate in individual and group therapy sessions while receiving educational services separate from the general population.
• University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUAB provides substance use treatment services and education for youth placed at the Vacca Campus. The program assesses youth, leads group therapy sessions, and offers individual and family counseling as part of comprehensive substance use programming.
• Boys and Girls Clubs of the River RegionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the Mt. Meigs Complex to operate the Mt. Meigs Boys and Girls Club, providing courses including Passport to Manhood, Financial Literacy, Diploma 2 Degree, and Responsible Fatherhood to help youth develop positive, pro-social skills.
• A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club of BirminghamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe A.G. Gaston Boys and Girls Club of Birmingham works with DYS Vacca Campus to provide lessons teaching pro-social behavior and supporting educational and career growth, including group activities and structured recreational play.
• Hope Inspired Ministries (HIM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHIM provides workforce development and job readiness training at Mt. Meigs Campus, focusing on teaching soft skills, preparing youth for employment, and guiding participants through internships. Faith-based program that includes graduation ceremonies.
• AramarkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAramark partners with DYS to provide the In2Work program at Mt. Meigs Campus, offering food service training. Youth learn basic food preparation, food safety practices, and essential food service skills. Participants can earn a ServSafe Certificate and may be eligible for scholarship opportunities.
• Alabama Blues ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Alabama Blues Project teaches Blues music to youth at Vacca Campus, including vocals, harmonica, guitar, and drums. The program teaches self-esteem, discipline, cross-cultural understanding, social skills, and teamwork while passing on Alabama's Blues culture.
• American Correctional Association (ACA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDYS follows ACA standards when approving facilities for licensure. All 62 licensed programs in the state follow ACA standards when creating policies and procedures. DYS conducts annual licensing audits to check compliance with ACA standards.
• Troy University (Federal Programs Reviewers)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTroy University contracts Medicaid Federal Programs Reviewers (FPR) who work with DYS Federal Programs Division to monitor Medicaid eligible providers and review records for compliance with Chapter 105.
• Youth VillagescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYouth Villages provides the Multisystemic Therapy (MST) Program serving Lee, Macon, Bullock, and Russell counties. The intensive, home-based treatment serves youth at medium to high risk, offering individualized, family-focused treatment and support for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.
• Pathway, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPathway, Inc. provides co-ed residential services and treatment for high to very high risk youth in Southeast Alabama. Services include individual, group, and family counseling, educational and vocational support, substance abuse counseling, medical services, transportation, and case management. Operates Pathway Camp Mitnick serving 18 counties.
• AMIkidscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAMIkids has supported youth since 1969 with programs in 45 communities across 10 states. In Alabama, AMIkids provides Functional Family Therapy (FFT) in Butler, Pike, Crenshaw, Lowndes, and Covington counties, focusing on improving family communication and reducing reoffending.
• Coosa Valley Youth ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartners with the Calhoun Robert E. Lewis Academy to provide residential services including basic health care, daily living skills instruction, family support, crisis intervention, mental health services, equine therapy, and an ALSD E-approved school for grades 6-12.
• Bridge, Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBridge, Inc. coordinates multiple Transitions Programs across Alabama including locations in Bibb, Tuscaloosa, and other counties, providing personalized support for teens facing behavioral or legal problems through various services including therapy, parenting education, and aftercare.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• California Division of Juvenile Justice: California's state-level juvenile corrections entity within CDCR, operating secure facilities and reentry programs — a broader-incumbent analog in a much larger state system.
• Tennessee Department of Children's Services: Tennessee's state agency with overlapping juvenile justice and child welfare functions, including residential and community services for at-risk youth.

Regional players

• Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services: Mississippi's state child welfare/juvenile services agency with overlapping residential and community-based youth programming in a neighboring jurisdiction to Alabama.

Direct peers

• Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice: Louisiana's state juvenile justice agency operating secure care facilities, community-based programs, and licensing oversight — a directly comparable peer in mandate and structure.
• South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice: South Carolina's state juvenile justice agency operating evaluation centers, residential facilities, and community programs — comparable to Alabama DYS in scope and Southeast U.S. regional context.
• Florida Department of Juvenile Justice: Florida's state juvenile justice agency operating detention, residential, and community diversion programs with similar statutory authority over licensing and program oversight as Alabama DYS.
• Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice: Georgia's state agency operating Youth Development Centers and community-based alternatives — a regional peer with parallel secure-facility, education, and reentry functions.
• Texas Juvenile Justice Department: Texas's designated state juvenile justice agency operating secure residential facilities, community programs, and post-release supervision — the closest structural analog to Alabama DYS in scale and mandate.
• North Carolina Department of Public Safety - Juvenile Justice Section: North Carolina's juvenile justice operating division within DPS, running youth development centers and detention facilities — a comparable state-level operator.

Others

• Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP): Federal funder and standards-setter that provides grant funding to DYS and administers the PbS award program — an upstream policy and funding counterpart rather than a direct operator.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alabama-dys

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Alabama Department of Youth Services (DYS)