The City of Brotherly Love took a stand against youth abuse last year with the creation of the Office of the Youth Ombudsperson (OYO), and now the pioneering body has released its first annual report, detailing the strides made to protect young Philadelphians in the wake of scandalous revelations at various local facilities. OYO's Year in Review, made public on March 22 and accessible via its website, highlights the inception of the agency that was established by Executive Order 5-22 in response to the mistreatment crisis at institutions such as Glen Mills, Devereux, and Wordsworth.
Spearheaded by Tracie Johnson who assumed office in April of 2023, the OYO quickly mobilized, fully staffing up by September and launching initiatives meant for increased transparency and youth advocacy; the team's efforts are culminated in their digital presence through their website and Instagram, as well they developed case practices and operating procedures, they published issue briefs and blogposts, they created Know-Your-Rights trainings for youth in placement, and they liaised with advocates and those with lived expertise, all detailed in the report.
One of the crown achievements of the inaugural year, as the report details, is the set of Know-Your-Rights training programs designed for youths within the placement system — an educational crusade aimed at empowering those potentially vulnerable to the systemic flaws that prompted OYO's formation. The office has not only emerged as a vigilant watchdog but also as a partner for justice, coordinating with experienced advocates and individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the system's previous failings.
Looking ahead, the OYO's review doesn't shy away from the work that's still on the horizon, evident in its forward-looking statements contained within the report, Johnson and her team resonate a sense of optimism and determination as they continue to build upon their early accomplishments, boldly facing the challenge of reforming the city’s youth care systems. The OYO invites the public to engage with their mission and to keep an eye on future developments, a reflection of their commitment to transparency and community involvement, a commitment that is enshrined in their work thus far and in their blueprint for the days to come.
