Stevenson House Detention Center superintendent John Stevenson to retire
Many youth who have passed through the doors of the Stevenson House have been lucky to have had the “right mentor” in retiring Superintendent John Stevenson. Actress Q’orianka Kilcher said, “I think it's important for us as a society to remember that the youth within juvenile justice systems are, most of the time, youths who simply haven't had the right mentors and supporters around them, because of circumstances beyond their control.”
Stevenson started working for the State of Delaware at the age of 19. He began his state service at the Delaware Home Hospital for the Chronically Ill in the Division of Health and Social Services as a food service worker, and then was promoted to youth care worker at Ferris School in the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services.
He transferred to Brenford Residential Treatment Center in the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health Services, where he quickly became the youth rehabilitation counselor supervisor. Next he went to the Early Intervention Unit at Bancroft School as a family crisis therapist with the Division of Family Services. He then worked as program manager for the Terry Center until he was promoted and returned to the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services as the superintendent of The Stevenson House Detention Center. He has spent the almost the last seven years of his career at Stevenson House and will be ending his Delaware service there in April when he retires.
In summarizing his professional experiences, Stevenson says, “My greatest accomplishment with DSCYF would be helping different facilities go through the rigorous requirements to pass their accreditation processes. This is not just about passing the requirements; it’s about showing that you provide the best services for the youth. This is a time that the staff and youth pull together to get through the process. It’s hard work but is one of the times that as a facility that you feel harmonious. “
About his time spent with Delaware youth, Stevenson says, “Stevenson is the best place I have ever worked. I truly love and want to help young people. There are so many memories of the youth that I have worked with in the past. We do not always get to see the fruits of our labor. We only hear about the bad things that our youth do after leaving us. I think that my most memorable moment would be watching our youth complete the goal of finishing high school. Education ties into so many aspects of our lives. I have watched youth complete their diploma while in the facilities and have attended graduation ceremonies at their regular high schools. These are times that make you think; we touched one, are there others? It keeps me going.”
When one of the young people heard of his retirement, he showed disappointment and said, "Some of us look at you like family because you treat us like family." John Longo Jr., youth rehab counselor supervisor said. “Mr. Stevenson has been a role model for me. He has inspired me to grow professionally and he will be missed.”
Staff member Dawn Garnett says, “John came to Stevenson House at a time when we needed a good leader. His leaving is a huge loss not only to Stevenson House but to the division as a whole.”
Stevenson will be continue working with youth in Maryland.
