NCJ Number
244075
Date Published
June 2013
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This first brief in a series that explores the community-based programs available to juveniles in the Texas juvenile justice system presents an overview of these programs.
Abstract
Of Texas' 165 juvenile probation departments, 149 enroll juveniles in community-based programs. At the end of fiscal year 2012, 1,562 community-based programs had been entered into the Texas Juvenile Justice Department's (TJJD's) Program & Services Registry and listed as active. These programs served approximately 32,000 juveniles throughout the fiscal year. Approximately 29,000 of those juveniles were under active deferred prosecution or probation supervision. The number and types of programs differ by department based on the availability of departmental and community resources and the distinctive needs of the juveniles under the department's jurisdiction. Urban departments have the most programs in the State, with an average of 42 per department. These 10 urban departments offer a wide variety of programs, including specialized counseling and educational programs, as well as mental health courts and drug courts. Medium and large probation departments have an average of 11 and 18 programs, respectively. Small departments have an average of five programs per department and are often without targeted or specialized programs. Program types include cognitive behavioral therapy and specialized programs for offenders who have committed specific types of offenses, such as sex offenses. Programs of the same type can differ significantly in curriculum and program objectives. A table lists the program types available and the number of each type of program offered. Counseling, intensive supervision, and substance abuse prevention are some of the most widely available programs throughout the State. Victim-offender mediation, mental health courts, and runaway programs are rare. This brief also provides information on program providers, curricula used, program scheduling, and program funding sources. 3 tables