NCJ Number
197914
Date Published
2001
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This 2000 Annual Report of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) presents information and data on the management and delivery of programs designed to provide a continuum of services consistent with contemporary standards to confine, supervise, and treat criminal offenders in an innovative, cost-effective, and efficient manner.
Abstract
One of the primary goals of the TDCJ is to expand rehabilitative programs that work and to continue to develop new and innovative programs that promote positive behavior and help offenders successfully reintegrate into society. One of the new programs begun in the past year is the P.A.W.S. (Pawsitive Approach - Worthwhile Solutions) program, which involves offenders in training puppies to be seeing-eye dogs. The partnership between TDCJ and the Texas Association of Second Harvest Food Banks continues; approximately 3 million pounds of food products are processed annually through this program and distributed to the needy. In this program, offenders learn good work habits and skills while helping to relieve hunger. The Habitat for Humanity partnership is also continuing. Since the program's inception, offenders have participated in the construction of 358 homes for low-income families. Through participation in this program, offenders make a positive contribution to the community, increase their self-esteem, and acquire marketable skills that will better their opportunities upon release. During fiscal year 2000, TDCJ participated in over 5,000 community work projects that involved 2.7 million hours, at an estimated value of over $13.9 million. In addition to offender contributions to the community, TDCJ employees have also contributed time and effort to serving the community through various projects. In addition to information and data on programs, this report gives attention to efforts in offender supervision and support services. Financial, organizational structure, and other administrative components of TDCJ are also addressed. This report indicates that the recidivism rate for offenders has decreased to an all-time low of 30.7 percent. 10 tables