NCJ Number
240651
Editor(s)
Molly Totman
Date Published
October 2012
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The findings and methodology are presented for a 2012 survey that solicited opinions about the Texas Juvenile Justice System from 50 girls housed in the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex.
Abstract
The survey produced six findings that warranted recommendations for juvenile justice reform in Texas. First, the survey found that the girls in the Texas juvenile justice system do not receive sufficient help in dealing with past trauma. This report recommends support for trauma-informed programs. Second, the survey found that negative interactions with staff are a major problem. This report recommends expanding staff training programs designed to build positive, respectful relationships between youth and staff. A third finding indicated that therapeutic programs were perceived by the girls to be the most helpful part of the juvenile justice system. Consequently, this report recommends increased funding for the coordination of local therapeutic resources and juvenile justice programs at the State and county levels. A fourth finding is that girls in the Ron Jackson State correctional facility are isolated from their families. This report recommends increasing the time that youth are allowed to talk to family members each week by phone and family participation in case plan meetings should also be increased. In addition, more youth should be diverted from remote State secure facilities. Fifth, the survey found that many of the surveyed girls did not feel safe in the Ron Jackson State secure facility. They generally identified youth-on-youth violence as their greatest concern. The reasons for feeling unsafe at the facility are multi-faceted, suggesting that increased safety at the facility will require improvement on a wide range of environmental factors. Sixth, the girls at the facility reported many of the same issues as those reported by the boys housed in a similar facility. 13 figures and 12 references