Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”
We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
Today, get to know Levi Bass, the Office of Youth Services director. Bass was appointed to the position in April after leading the office as the acting director since July 2024, when the office was established. He previously worked as the assistant director of Prince William County’s Department of Social Services, overseeing the Juvenile Services Division.
What experiences or roles in your career have most shaped your approach to youth development, and how did they prepare you for leading the Office of Youth Services?
My journey began as a detention specialist, working directly with at-risk youth in a local detention center. This hands-on experience was invaluable; it taught me the importance of listening to young people’s voices and understanding the unique challenges they face.
I transitioned through several positions, ultimately reaching executive leadership at a nationwide nonprofit organization focused on youth leadership development, mentoring and program development. In this capacity, I learned how to create supportive environments that not only foster resilience, but also inspire confidence in young individuals. This role solidified my belief in the transformative power of youth development and the need for programs that resonate with their diverse interests.
Together, these experiences have equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of both the individual needs of youth and the broader systemic changes necessary for meaningful growth. As the director of the Office of Youth Services, I am committed to fostering collaborative initiatives that empower young people, engage communities and advocate for policies that support their holistic development.
If there’s one thing you wish every Prince William County resident understood about the Office of Youth Services — its mission, its work or its impact — what would it be?
The Office of Youth Services was created to be a valuable resource for the youth in our community. Our mission is much broader than to solely address the needs of young people with legal concerns. We aim to positively impact the youth in Prince William County.
We are dedicated to empowering every young person through a wide range of programs and services that focus on their unique strengths and needs, whether they face challenges related to education, social development or mental health. Our initiatives include mentorship programs, leadership development and educational workshops that foster resilience and promote personal growth.
By engaging with all youth, not just those in crisis, we strive to create an inclusive environment that nurtures their potential and helps young people thrive in every aspect of their lives. Our work positively impacts not just young individuals, but also their families and the broader community, fostering a culture of support and connectivity.
From your perspective, what are the most pressing challenges or needs facing young people in Prince William County today? How is your Office adapting its strategies and programs to meet those evolving needs?
Young people here face challenges like mental health concerns, substance use, absenteeism and economic instability, intensified by academic and social pressures.
Recognizing these realities, the Office of Youth Services is exploring a peer‑mentoring initiative rooted in sports and structured activities. By engaging youth as early as third grade, we aim to cultivate essential skills like communication, teamwork, critical thinking and healthy peer connections.
Ultimately, our goal is to empower young people, not only to overcome challenges, but to step into leadership roles as change agents in their communities. By fostering these pathways, the Office of Youth Services is committed to creating a supportive environment where every young person can grow, thrive and contribute meaningfully to Prince William County.
Can you highlight any current or upcoming initiatives that the Office of Youth Services is particularly excited about?
We are especially proud of Right Step to Diversion, our flagship restorative justice initiative. This program is designed to address youth wrongdoing through healing and accountability, rather than punishment alone. At its core, Right Step emphasizes repairing harm, repairing relationships and targeting the root causes of delinquency.
Beyond individual cases, the program seeks to transform unjust systems and structures. Our vision is to make youth contact with the justice system rare, fair and ultimately beneficial.
Community involvement is essential to this work. We invite volunteers to serve on our conference hearing committees, where they help determine appropriate sanctions and identify opportunities for young people to repair harm to their victims and the community. These partnerships ensure that justice is not only restorative but also collaborative.
Together, through Right Step to Diversion, we restore, rebuild and reimagine justice, creating lasting pathways that empower young people and enrich the communities they call home. Our shared commitment ensures justice becomes a source of strength and transformation for all.
How does youth, family, and community input influence the programs, partnerships, and investments your Office makes?
Youth, family and community voices shape the Office of Youth Services’ programs, partnerships and investments. We believe solutions arise from listening, so we seek feedback to guide our work.
Last fall, we engaged residents through surveys and focus groups, gathering insights from youth, families, educators and mental health professionals about challenges and valued services. Our staff attended events across the county to connect directly with the community, and we hosted three focus groups with youth organizations to ensure their perspectives were at the forefront.
We collaborate with local organizations and community leaders who provide insight and help us remain responsive to emerging needs. These partnerships allow us to share resources, enhance programs and expand our impact — ensuring every initiative echoes the voices of those we serve.
As you look toward the future, what are your biggest hopes or goals for the Office of Youth Services and the young people it serves?
My greatest hope is that every young person in Prince William County feels seen, supported and empowered to reach their full potential. For the Office of Youth Services, our goal is to continue building equitable and resilient systems that not only respond to today’s challenges, but also create opportunities for generational change. We invite the entire community to join us in building a safer, stronger future — one youth, one family and one opportunity at a time.
By investing in young people now, we are strengthening families and communities for decades to come and preparing the next generation of leaders who will shape our country’s future.
