Phyllis Becker has been appointed Director of the Division of Youth Services (DYS).

Missouri Department of Social Services director Brian Kinkade announced the appointment on April 17, 2015.

Becker has a served as the division’s acting director for the past 18 months.

She has a long history of service to the division, working with kids directly as a group leader and facility manager, with its professionals as a trainer, and as an executive leader as deputy director and acting director.

 In his announcement, Kinkade said:

I have witnessed [Becker's] innate concern for the youth entrusted to DYS and to the “Missouri-approach” of providing caring treatment – not punishment – to them. I have confidence in her ability to lead the division to ever higher levels of improved outcomes for youth, as well as student achievement. 

Becker is a longtime supporter of LINC and has been an invaluable resource for LINC's work with youth.