NCJ Number
241931
Date Published
December 2012
Length
41 pages
Annotation
As required by the Texas Human Resource Code, the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) presents its 2012 annual report on the effectiveness of its programs for the rehabilitation and reentry into society of youth committed to its care.
Abstract
The results of the 2012 treatment effectiveness review shows that the agency's rehabilitation programs and services were effective in reducing recidivism and improving positive youth outcomes upon initial release into the community. Outcome data were presented for youth who received specialized treatment programs, educational services, and general rehabilitation programming. Outcomes were measured by rearrest and reincarceration rates as well as changes in the youths' risk/protective factors. Youth treated and released under the general rehabilitation strategy of specialized treatment programs, education services, and general rehabilitation programs recidivated at rates lower than expected and significantly lower than youth treated and released from 2006 to 2009. The average daily population of TJJD-operated and contract-care facilities has decreased by 42 percent since fiscal year 2009, and TJJD has increased the provision of specialized treatment services by 86 percent during that same time period. Youth who completed either a high or moderate intensity specialized treatment program had lower than expected recidivism rates within 6 months after release. Youth who completed these programs also showed improvement in associated protective factors and reduction in risk factors. At 6 months after release, none of the youth who completed the high-intensity Capital and Serious Violent Offender Treatment Program were rearrested or reincarcerated. Of the 400 youth who completed the high-intensity Alcohol or Other Drugs Treatment Program, only 5 percent were rearrested for a violent offense. Analyses were based on a sample of 1,760 youth who entered TJJD facilities on or after February 1, 2009, and exited these facilities on or before January 1, 2012. 21 tables