The Time is Ripe for Juvenile Justice Reform

Juvenile justice in Texas is ready for a paradigm shift towards a balanced system that truly helps troubled youth succeed while protecting public safety. In early 2007, a sexual abuse scandal revealed that the state juvenile correctional system, the Texas Youth Commission (TYC), was in a state of collapse. Scrutiny of TYC by the media, state lawmakers, and the federal government revealed violent conditions of confinement, a lack of mental health care, inadequate staffing, poor-quality rehabilitative programs, and unethical practices. In response to this crisis, state leaders launched a number of reform efforts -- including an immediate change in agency leadership and omnibus reform legislation (Senate Bill 103) -- with unanimous bipartisan support. The current TYC leadership has taken positive steps towards meaningful, long-term reform, but needs continued support from state policymakers in order to actualize the vision of a successful, stable juvenile justice system.

Though TYC has recently had the most media coverage, it is only one part of the juvenile justice system. Far more delinquent youth are involved with county-level juvenile probation departments than in TYC. When changes are made to TYC the impact ripples down to the county level and affects juvenile probation departments all over the state. The 2009 Texas Legislature will have the chance to build on reforms passed in 2007 and transform the whole spectrum of the Texas juvenile justice system into one that keeps communities safe through delinquency prevention and the successful rehabilitation of the youth in its care.

Who We Are

Since May, 2007, the number of advocacy organizations working on juvenile justice has increased four-fold. These diverse advocates and stakeholders have come together to form the Texas Juvenile Justice Roundtable, a coordinated effort to improve the Texas juvenile justice system.

Our Mission & Work

Our mission is to create an effective juvenile justice system that practices prevention and rehabilitation and offers opportunities for youth to succeed, thereby supporting strong and safe communities.

Our activities include:

* Preparation for the upcoming Sunset Commission review of the TYC on and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC);
* Advocacy during the 81st Legislature for continued systemic reforms;
* Monthly meetings to share information;
* Public education events, such as legislative briefings, forums, and panels;
* Recommendations for inclusion in agencies’ legislative appropriations requests; and
* Coordination of legislative campaigns.

Guiding Principles

The Roundtable’s specific policy and legislative recommendations reflect the following consensus principles:

* Involving parents and guardians in processes affecting youth.
* Diverting youth who are non-violent, diagnosed with mental health challenges, and/or cognitive/ developmental disabilities from the juvenile justice system.
* Ensuring justice for victims of juvenile crime.
* Controlling costs to taxpayers.
* Protecting the rights of youth in facilities.
* Decreasing public school practices that funnel students into the juvenile justice system.

Contact Information

Texans Care For Children convenes and facilitates the Roundtable’s meetings. For more information, to contribute, or to participate in the Texas Juvenile Justice Roundtable, please contact:

Jodie Smith:

jsmith@texanscareforchildren.org

512-473-2274

Participating Organizations

Advocacy, Inc.

www.advocacyinc.org
American Civil Liberties Union Foundation (ACLU) of Texas

www.aclutx.org
Arc of the Capital Area

www.arcofthecapitalarea.org

Blue Ribbon Task Force

http://www.utexas.edu/ssw/faculty/springer/e/jjtfr_sept2007.pdf

Catholic Charities of Central Texas

www.ccctx.org