What does DSY mean in YOUTH

The primary goal of DSY is to provide an environment where students can learn important life skills while also gaining academic knowledge. DSY works to develop comprehensive social, emotional and educational development in order to prepare students for successful transition into adulthood.

Students attending DSY range from ages 8-13 or 14-21 depending on the specific program. Students may either be referred by a school system or education professional, or sometimes parents can request evaluation for their child. In both cases the student must meet certain criteria in order for an acceptance into one of these programs.

Typically there are around 6-8 students residing in home which is supervised by 2 live-in instructors who are highly trained in working with specialized populations and behavioral techniques. In addition to providing a small classroom setting with individualized instruction, it also provides typical community settings where learning experiences can be extended beyond the classroom walls such as field trips or vocational training sites.

Yes, typically counselors will work with each student as needed on an individual basis to help them process difficult emotions, practice new skills and gain insight into their unique potentials needed for successful transition post graduation. They often use evidence based therapies such as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and Motivational Interviewing.