NCJ Number
124872
Date Published
1989
Length
56 pages
Annotation
This final report of the Texas Senate Select Committee on the Juvenile Justice System focuses on juvenile delinquency prevention strategies and improved coordination between State and local services.
Abstract
The committee's report is based on information provided by seven public hearings; input from State agencies; and reviews of numerous State organizational systems serving children, youth, and families. A section on committee highlights and priorities notes that the overriding theme of this report is to provide sufficient resources (increased as well as re-targeted) to make an effective capital investment in the State's children. This section outlines general strategies that focus on juvenile delinquency prevention and early intervention; family-focused services; a balanced approach to juvenile justice; and coordination and accountability in services to children, youth, and families. Separate sections of the report provide committee findings and proposals for addressing various areas of need among children, youth, and families. The targeted areas pertain to runaways and at-risk youth; delinquency and juvenile justice; the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect; substance abuse and mental health; dropouts and teen parents; and coordination and accountability in a system of services for children, youth, and their families. The appendix presents the questionnaire and results from a committee survey of various persons involved in services to children and youth to determine their assessment of needs and services.