NCJ Number
197279
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 64 Issue: 6 Dated: October 2002 Pages: 102-106
Editor(s)
Susan L. Clayton M.S.
Date Published
October 2002
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the successful development and implementation of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Youthful Offender Program, a therapeutic community program and sheltered housing program for those youth sentenced to the adult prison system.
Abstract
In 1997, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) developed and established the Youthful Offender Program for those youth sentenced to the Texas adult prison system. The TDCJ youthful offender population includes offenders 14- to 19-years-old and augmented by regular prison arrivals 17- to 20-years-old, and by 16- to 18-year-olds transferred from the State’s juvenile system under a determinate sentence law. The program was initiated in 1995. The program’s male unit was assigned to the Clemens Unit in Brazoria and the female unit was assigned to the Hilltop Unit in Gatesville. Behavior therapy and education formed the foundation for all program aspects. After some ups and downs, a different approach was taken in 2000 to maximize the program effectiveness for youth. A two-pronged approach was designed dividing the program into two components, a small therapeutic community of about 75 youthful offenders, and a sheltered housing program for the remaining 160 offenders. The therapeutic community focuses on treatment and education and the sheltered housing focuses on work and treatment. In addition to these components, the Windham school district oversees 16 prison schools including the Clemens school. Therapeutic community students receive 6 hours of schooling per day and the sheltered housing offenders receive 3 hours a day (similar to all other prison schools). The curriculum includes individualized, competency-based instruction in literacy, special education classes, and supplemental classes for students with deficiencies in reading and math. Even though it is too early to track recidivism, program success is seen in the therapeutic community’s placement process, use of peer pressure, and its emphasis on cognitive intervention.