July 26, 2010, 12 a.m. - D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty named Robert Hildum as new interim director for the District’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. DYRS is the District’s cabinet level juvenile justice agency, helping court-involved youth become more productive citizens while ensuring public safety. August 2 marks the end of outgoing Interim Director Marc A. Schindler’s 180-day post.

“I thank Interim Director Schindler who has been instrumental in the great reform efforts within the Department,” Fenty said. “As we continue to build on the many successes we’ve garnered, I am confident that Robert Hildum’s experience and leadership will assist the agency in moving forward.”     

DYRS has made significant improvements in the last several years including: the vast improvement of District’s facilities for youth rehabilitation; improved safety and security; a substantial reduction in the number abscondences; and expanded workforce development opportunities for youth. The agency is becoming a national model of how juvenile justice agencies function and was recognized by Harvard’s Kennedy School as one of the top 50 most innovative government programs in the nation.

“I am honored by this appointment and look forward to working with all the District’s juvenile justice stakeholders to ensure that the reform and progress made at DYRS in the last five years continues,” Hildum said.

Robert Hildum will serve 180 days before an acting director for DYRS is chosen.