How are Youth Development Centers (YDCs) defined?

Youth Development Centers (YDCs) are typically characterized as secure residential facilities designed to provide long-term treatment and rehabilitation for youth who have become involved in the juvenile justice system. These centers focus on addressing the underlying issues that contributed to the youth's delinquent behavior, such as emotional, psychological, or behavioral challenges.

The primary purpose of YDCs is not only to provide a secure environment but also to implement educational programs, counseling, and various therapeutic interventions aimed at fostering personal growth and development. This emphasis on long-term treatment distinguishes YDCs from other types of facilities that may only focus on short-term confinement or punishment without providing comprehensive rehabilitation services.

Other definitions concerning YDCs, such as short-term facilities or community-oriented rehabilitation centers, do not fully capture the extensive nature of treatment and support that YDCs aim to provide. Similarly, while securing a residential setting is part of their function, the focus on long-term treatment distinguishes them from facilities that might not prioritize the depth of rehabilitation.