All posts by Joe O'Leary

Support victims. Build trust. Engage communities. National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 18-24, 2021.

Supporting Victims, Engaging Communities

OYA director Joe O'Leary reflects on the rights and roles of victims in the juvenile justice system.

Director's Message Jan. 10, 2020 • OYA does a lot to prevent and respond to allegations of sexual abuse. No number of sexual assaults is acceptable. • We are still working to learn more about the data in the recent national report on sexual victimization in facilities. • We are proud of the work you do to keep youth safe. Still, the report is a learning opportunity. We will: o hold forums with youth to ensure they know how to report abuse; o review our PbS survey process to see if we are gathering valid data; and testify to a legislative committee next week about our work to prevent sexual abuse.

Update on OYA and the Federal Survey on Sexual Victimization

OYA does a lot to prevent and respond to allegations of sexual abuse. However, we see the federal report as a learning opportunity.

Troubling results from federal survey inconsistent with OYA’s own data

A concerning federal report claims that Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility has a high rate of sex abuse. However, the results are inconsistent with other independent reports conducted regularly at the facility.

OYA Completes Feeder System Research Project

The project will help inform efforts to identify earlier the youth who are at risk of future criminal and juvenile justice system involvement.