Systemic Failures at the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) Continue Under a Veil of Senior Government Officials’ Fraternization, Nepotism, Physical and Mental Health Abuse, Drugs
Washington, D.C. — The Raise One Teach One Dalaneo Martin Foundation in conjunction with the 2026 Rhonda Hamilton 4 DC Mayoral Campaign, and a host of dedicated Washington, D.C. community organizations and stakeholders, today addresses serious allegations concerning the oversight, fraternization, abuse, and management practices involving senior government officials responsible for delinquent District youth affairs and rehabilitation. These allegations raise urgent questions about the integrity, accountability, qualifications, oversight, and professionalism within the department tasked with safeguarding and supporting our youth population.
“The disgraceful pattern of corruption and cover up within DC’s DYRS agency regarding the safety and well-being of young people placed in the care of the DC government must be further investigated and reformed immediately”, says Terra Martin, Founder and Executive Director of Raise One Teach One Dalaneo Martin Foundation. It has come to light that some senior District government officials, many with troubling work histories, and from the Maryland juvenile justice system, may have engaged in inappropriate conduct, including neglect of duties, improper fraternization, and possible abuse of authority in managing day-to-day affairs related to youth supervision, custody, and rehabilitation. Such actions undermine the trust placed in public servants and compromise the well-being, mental health, and safety of the young individuals they are sworn to serve.
An immediate, external, independent investigation is being demanded by Ms. Martin, Dr. Hamilton, and District Community Stakeholders, to thoroughly examine these allegations, and to support the immediate removal of Sam Abed, Director, Wallis Q. Norman, Deputy Director, and Trina P. Lyles, Superintendent. “We demand that the mayor, appropriate District government officials, law enforcement and oversight bodies take the necessary and appropriate disciplinary actions based on the external, transparent investigative findings”, says Martin.
The District government must prioritize the safety, development, and dignity of every young person under their care. There must be an affirmed dedication to creating a secure and supportive environment for youth, free from misconduct, abuse, and negligence.
The 2026 Rhonda Hamilton 4 DC Mayoral Campaign encourages anyone with relevant information to come forward and to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Additional information and updates will be provided at the Press Conference being held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 out front of the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services located at 1000 Mt. Olivet Rd., NE, Washington, DC 20002 at 10:30 AM.
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