On September 1, 2023 the District launched an Enhanced Juvenile Curfew Enforcement Pilot to ensure that young people are safe and to proactively connect youth and families with critical support and services.
What are curfew hours in the District?
Curfew hours for those under 17 in the District of Columbia are Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12:01 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Per District of Columbia code, a minor commits an offense if they remain in any public place or on the premises of any establishment within the District of Columbia during curfew hours. Several actions by minors are permissible during curfew hours and are listed here.
Typically, when MPD encounters a youth in violation of curfew, an officer brings the youth to an MPD District station, where the officer remains with the youth until a parent or guardian is located. In the pilot enforcement focus areas, MPD is bringing the youth to DYRS instead of a District station, allowing MPD officers to return to patrol during critical overnight hours and DYRS is then able to connect with youth and families who may need services and support.
MPD District 1: Chinatown and Navy Yard
MPD District 3: U Street area
MPD District 3: Howard University/Banneker
MPD District 4: 14th Street between Otis and Spring Road, NW
MPD District 4: 4000 Georgia Avenue, NW
MPD District 6: 4400-4600 Benning Rd, SE
MPD District 7: 1300 Congress Street, SE
Focus areas were selected by MPD and are areas that experienced a substantial increase in the number of young people involved in criminal conduct such as robberies or carjackings.
|
Fiscal Year |
Total number of youth MPD transferred to DYRS custody that were in violation of curfew |
Number of youth released to parent/guardian from DYRS custody |
Number of youth released to CFSA from DYRS custody |
Number of youth released to MPD from DYRS custody |
Number of youth released to Other from DYRS custody |
|
Fiscal Year 2023 (September 2, 2023 – September 30, 2023) |
19 |
16 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
|
Fiscal Year 2024 (October 1, 2023 – September 30, 2024) |
76 |
45 |
25 |
3 |
3 |
|
Fiscal Year 2025 October 1 through October 7, 2024 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
October 7, 2024 through October 14, 2024 |
8 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
October 14, 2024 through October 21, 2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
October 21, 2024 through October 28, 2024 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
October 28, 2024 through November 4, 2024 |
8 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
| November 4, 2024 through November 11, 2024 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| November 11, 2024 through November 18, 2024 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What District agencies are participating in the pilot?
The pilot program includes support from MPD, DYRS, Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and Department of Human Services (DHS).
What additional supports and services are available for youth and their families?
Mayor Bowser has prioritized investment in youth services across District government and encourages youth and their families to take advantage of these offerings, including:
DYRS Achievement Centers
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The DYRS Achievement Centers provide youth with free access to support, resources, and social opportunities designed to develop their strengths and confidence, in addition to free meals.
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Programs include life skills training, mentorship opportunities, vocational skills training, work readiness and job placement, community service and more.
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Achievement Centers are located in Chinatown and Anacostia.
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Interested families can learn more by visiting dyrs.dc.gov/service/achievement-centers or calling (202) 576-7299
CFSA Family Success Centers
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Serving families in Wards 5, 7, and 8, CFSA’s Family Success Centers offer programs to help families thrive and build on positive skills.
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Programs include nutrition workshops, professional development training, stress management, and parenting classes.
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Interested families can visit cfsa.dc.gov/page/families-first-dc to learn more.
DHS Parent and Adolescent Support Services (PASS)
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The PASS program assists youth who are currently in crisis, skipping school, violating curfew, leaving home, and/or experiencing extreme family conflict.
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Functional Family Therapy, community-based services, and more are used to address these behaviors.
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Interested families should email [email protected] or call (202) 698-4334 for more information.
DBH Mental Health Hotline
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DBH operates a 24/7 mental Health Hotline to support District residents of all ages who need assistance.
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Trained mental health specialists are provided at no costs to assist with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
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Families experiencing a mental health crisis can contact the hotline at (888) 793-4357
DBH Children and Adolescent Mobile Psychiatric Service (ChAMPS)
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ChAMPS provides on-demand psychiatric services to families when youth ages 6-18 are experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
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Families in need of support should call (202) 481-1440
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Youth Development & Out-of-School Time Programs
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Recreational programs for District youth include athletic programs in soccer, gymnastics, competitive swim, tennis, and basketball.
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Additionally, DPR’s Supreme Teens program focuses on teen development and enrichment.
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Interested families can view a full catalog of programs and activities by visiting dprprograms.com.
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Eligible families can also receive up to 75% off fee-based programs through the Reduced Rates Application