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314TH DlSTRICT COURT
1200 CONGRESS
HOUSTON TEXAS 77002
(713) 222-4910
April 5 2012
To Whom It May Concern
In 2008 a group ofpeople from Austin began a push for a public defender
system in Harris County They were granted an opportunity to do a feasibility
study for a four-year pilot program We have heard the claim made that the cost
per case for the Public Defender is almost always lower than costs for assigned
counsel However by this groups own research their study showed that with
respect to the Juvenile Courts the average cost per case for a Public Defender
would be $64900 compared to $26400 or 2 Y2 times the current cost of our
assigned counsel system (see document 1) This higher cost for the Public
Defender does not include the cost of building out the thirteenth floor of the
criminal courthouse for public defender offices which approximated $18 million
dollars
WHAT THE FEASIBILITY STUDY FAILED TO CONSIDER
At about the same time the feasibility study was starting the juvenile judges
and juvenile probation department began implementing significant reforms After
several years of effort we were finally able to institute our Non-petitioned
Deferred Prosecution Program (youth placed on a special 6 month probation
without coming to court) which reduced case filings from approximately 12000 to
approximately 7500 cases per year (see document 2) The feasibility study team
used the 12000 case filing figure to formulate the percentage of cases they wanted
for their grant This was a huge mistake for which they have only themselves to
blame They failed to look into what we were doing in the Juvenile Courts
HARRIS COUNTY JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORMS
In 2009 after two years of careful study we instituted the Juvenile Mental
Health Court (see document 3) We were given the Public Policy and Law Center
award by Children at Risk for our efforts Further at about that time we partnered
with the Annie E Casey Foundation and continued our reforms which are
documented in the July 2010 edition of Harris County JDAI (see document 4)
We reduced the admissions to the Detention Center by 25 and eliminated the
Westside Detention Center We reduced TYC commitments by more than 70
which brought funds back to Harris County to assist with our programs and we
implemented expanded GED programs at our placement facilities Our programs
and efforts save Harris County millions of dollars and allow many juveniles to
avoid detention or placement and provides them with specialized treatment (see
document 5)
We created a racially neutral risk assessment instrument to determine
whether a juvenile is detained or released (see document 6) We established the
first Evening Reporting Center to further reduce detention placements and set up a
Youth Advisory Council in which successful probationers serve as peer mentors to
current probationers (see pages 3 4 document 4)
More than two years passed between the September 292009 approval of the
tnncept of the Public Defenders office and their opening for business in October
2011 By that time our petitions filed were down to just over 7000 and our many
other reforms were solidly in place (see document 7) This did not happen
overnight and the proponents of the Public Defender did not pay attention As a
result they hired more staff than they need and have become even more insecure
about meeting grant requirements concerning caseloads
Recently the Public Defender has decided to politicize their circumstance by
going to a group of pastors and to the media in an attempt to intimidate Harris
County Judges into using or expanding their use of the Public Defenders Office
(see document 8) I find this to be unprofessional and it has the appearance of
desperation Our reforms were all done without the existence or use ofa Public
Defenders Office Harris County is now a model for the rest of the country for
Juvenile Justice reform The millions of dollars we have saved Harris County
should continue to sustain and improve our reforms and should not be wasted on
another bureaucracy
In short there is no evidence that a Public Defenders office can be of any
benefit to the Harris County Juvenile Justice System
bull We know for a fact that they carit claim to save money over our
current system because their own figures show the Public Defenders
Office costs 2 liz times our current costs millions of dollars more than
we currently spend This is money that should be spent on mental
health treatment and vocational training for juveniles
bull The Public Defender cannot make the claim that they reduce detention
overcrowding because detention overcrowding doesnt exist
bull The Public Defender cannot claim that they can provide better
representation because many of their lawyers were hired from our
system and they were not the best in our system The assistant public
defender can visit his or her client at the detention center as many
times as they desire but that alone cannot affect or help to compare the
outcome ofa case
bull The Public Defender office is a four year pilot program However the
Public Defender office study team failed to put in place any
meaningful specific performance evaluation criteria that would allow
outcome comparison After the grant period of this pilot program the
Public Defenders office should be able to show why Harris County
tax payers should pay for this program
We are proud of our efforts and our results It is unfortunate that there are many
who are not aware of these achievements However our partners stakeholders
and families we serve know that historic reforms have been accomplished in Harris
County Juvenile Justice (see document 9)
John Phillips Judge 314t District Court Harris County TX
FEASffiILITY OF A JUVENliE PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE IN HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS
1 Indigent Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008 (For the Period 1012007 Through 9302008)
Total Indigent Disposed Cases 9655 (excluding CPS cases)
Number of juveniles 8610 Total Amount Paid Assigned Counsel $2552044 $444
Assigned Counsel Cost Per Disposed Case $264 $444
Cases per attorney 94 avg
2 Public Defender Staff
Public Defender
Caseload (60 of 23 indigent disposed cases 9655) 3862
Number of attorneys
Needed (276 casesyr) (2 district courts 2 associate judges 1 detention court) 14 1 division chief
3 district court chiefs 3 district court 2 7 district court 3
Number of support Staff Needed 8
Feasibility of a Public Defenders Office In Harris County Texas
3 Public Defender BudgetSummary (5 of HCDA for estimation)
Total Staff Salary amp Benefits
Operating Expenses
Total Budget
Public Defender Cost Per Disposed Case
Amount Paid Assigned Counsel (40 cases of 23$264case 100 of 13 cases $264case)
Total amount paid Assigned Counsel amp Public Defender For Indigent Juvenile Cases
$ 2407959
$100809
$ 2508768
$649
$679712 $849640
$4038120
4 District Attorney Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008
Office-wide Dispositions Felony Dispositions
Misdemeanor Dispositions
Juvenile Dispositions
Total
Budget
Cost per Case
Caseload
51188
83350
18161
152699
$50175344
$329
527 casesatty
Office-wide Positions Attorneys 289
Investigators 64
ClericalSupport 164
Juvenile Diyision Attorneys 19 fullmiddottime
1 part time Investigators 2
Clerical 6
Juvenile Division Caseload 931 cases per attorney
Juvenile Division Case Filings 2002 to 2011
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Delinquency 12000 12180 14040 13291 15172 14847 12810 8625 7443 7122
CPSAncillary 1265 1036 1005 1140 985 778 722 1118 964 1146
bull Delinquency iii CPSIAncillary
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
20000
15000
10000
5000
Note A pretrial diversion program was put in place beginning in 2009
Source Harris County District Clerk
Some of Our Partners
Special Needs Program (SNPMHMRA) The SNP is funded by TCOOMMI through MHMRA and offers four teams each comshyprising a probation officer and a therapist to provide intensive in-home monitoring and treatment for youth with chronic and serious mental health problems
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) MST is an evidence based treatment that attempts to address behavioral and mental health issues through intensive family and comshymunity based intervention
Wraparound Care Team The Care Team consists of a Parent Partner and a Therashypist The team seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by supshyporting the family with wraparound sershyvices to address their physical emotional intellectual cultural and social needs
Judge John Phillips 314th Juvenile District Court
Judge John Phillips JD earned his doctor of jurisprudence degree from the South Texas College of Law and is a native Houstonian Judge Phillips has an extensive background in practicing law beginning as an Assistant District Attomey (1981 1985) and moving on to a private practice for nearly two decades until 2002 when he was elected to the 314th District Court Judge Phillips was re-elected to the bench in 2006 and currently serves as the Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Division He is coshychair of the Harris County Juvenile Board and Chair of the Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Altematives Initiative (JDAI) Manshyagement Oversight Committee
Judge Phillips presides over the Juvenile Mental Health Court (MHC) of Harris County in the 314th District Court and considers it highly rewarding and one of his proudest accomplishments
-- Juvenile Mental Health Court
of Harris County
I
3 1
I ~
314th Juvenile District Court Judge John Phillips
I tarns County Juvenile Justice Center 1200 Congress
Houston Texas 77002 7132224100
How did we get here
Nationally the prevalence of mental illness among youth in the community is approxishymately 20 percent however for youth in the Juvenile Justice system menta illness estimates range from 50 to 80 percent A lack of accessible community mental health services forces families to resort to the juvenile justice system as they struggle to manage their childs escalating behavshyioral and emotional problems This is a parshyticularly critical issue in Texas which ranks 49 th in funding for mental health services
In Harris County 52 of our juvenile ofshyfenders in detention have some form of menta illness and 57 have substance abuse problems
-11[ rbull l
The Challenge
Mentally ill juvenile offenders are often adshyjudicated and placed in facilities that are ill -equipped to address underlying clinical issues Not surprisingly placement in a punishytive environment often exacerbates mental illness and leads to an escalation in sympshytoms and behavior which most institutional staff are not trained to manage effectively Worse recent research indicates simply placing a child in detention or a secure facility exponentially increases the likelishyhood of future criminal involvement likely the result of exposure to delinquency peer -modeling
Building Strong Families
Removing a youth from famishyly and commushynity isolates the child in an artifishycial environshyment and makes successshyful reintegration
unlikely In many cases the roots of a childs delinquency are deeply embedded in the larger family context Any progress is unlikely to be sustained without family involvement
Our Solution
For mentally ill youth who can be safely manshyaged in the community the ideal Intervention is an intensive community-based program that focuses on the entire family
Mental health courts were developed to efshyfectively address the underlying issues related to offending behavior while emphasizing pubshylic safety and personal accountability Further by encouraging community-based treatment instead of residential placement mental health courts foster the development of altershynatives to detention for troubled youth
In response to the growing number of mentally ill youth appearing before him Judge John Phillips of the 3141h Juvenile District Court proshyposed such a court In 2008 Commissioners Court approved the funding for Harris Countys first Juveshy
~I I ~ J nile Mental Health
~-~1 ~~ Court In 2009 the first cohort was enshy ~ Irolled and docketed
For more information contact us
Rebecca deCamara JD 7132224252
RebeccaDecamarahcjpdhctxnet II
Or visit our website at httpwwwhcjpdorg
MentalHealthCourt indexhtml
Special points of interest
Harris County Leading Way in Reform - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces Continue Their Work - Page 2
Juvenile Probation Improved by JDAI - Page 2
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation - Page 3
Evening Reporting Center Opens - Page 3
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director - Page 3
TJPC Sponsors JDAI Conference - Page 4
Youth Advisory Council Provide Unique Client-Based Perspective - Page 4
Harris County Leading the Way Reforming Juvenile JusticeOne Kid At A Time
Harris County is completing its third year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system The numbers (from 2007 - 2009) tell the story
o 24 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
o 24 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 42 fewer youth were placed outside their homes in expensive often not effective residential facilities
bull 62 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
o 31 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
All of these are dramatic savings to Harris County taxpayers Then for the best news with these reductions youth crime was down
o 41 drop in juveniles referred for murder
0 44 drop in auto theft
53 drop in felony drugs
o 18 drop in burglary
til
i I
~
4 o 31 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ~------- bull 14 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation
bull 28 drop in average caseload for all probation
We are changing juvenile justice in Harris County saving taxpayers money and reducing juvenile crime None of this could have happened without the buy-in and bold actions from our Executive Steering Committee members leading the way - County Judge Ed Emmett (Chair) Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (Vice Chair) Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Judge John Phillips (314th Court) Judge Michael Schneider (315th Court) HPD Chief Charles McClelland Sylvia Bolling DZ Cofield State Representative Ana Hernandez Deacon Joe Rubio Dr Stephen Schnee Tom Brooks Kay Sim and over 250 community stakeholders Working together we are reforming juvenile justice one kid at a time
Management Oversight Committee (MOC) Members HPD Assistant Chief John Trevino Judge John Phillips (MOC Chair) and Tom Brooks (MOC Vice Chair)
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Deferred Prosecution Program (youth placed on a special 6 month probation
without coming to court) which reduced case filings from approximately 12000 to
approximately 7500 cases per year (see document 2) The feasibility study team
used the 12000 case filing figure to formulate the percentage of cases they wanted
for their grant This was a huge mistake for which they have only themselves to
blame They failed to look into what we were doing in the Juvenile Courts
HARRIS COUNTY JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORMS
In 2009 after two years of careful study we instituted the Juvenile Mental
Health Court (see document 3) We were given the Public Policy and Law Center
award by Children at Risk for our efforts Further at about that time we partnered
with the Annie E Casey Foundation and continued our reforms which are
documented in the July 2010 edition of Harris County JDAI (see document 4)
We reduced the admissions to the Detention Center by 25 and eliminated the
Westside Detention Center We reduced TYC commitments by more than 70
which brought funds back to Harris County to assist with our programs and we
implemented expanded GED programs at our placement facilities Our programs
and efforts save Harris County millions of dollars and allow many juveniles to
avoid detention or placement and provides them with specialized treatment (see
document 5)
We created a racially neutral risk assessment instrument to determine
whether a juvenile is detained or released (see document 6) We established the
first Evening Reporting Center to further reduce detention placements and set up a
Youth Advisory Council in which successful probationers serve as peer mentors to
current probationers (see pages 3 4 document 4)
More than two years passed between the September 292009 approval of the
tnncept of the Public Defenders office and their opening for business in October
2011 By that time our petitions filed were down to just over 7000 and our many
other reforms were solidly in place (see document 7) This did not happen
overnight and the proponents of the Public Defender did not pay attention As a
result they hired more staff than they need and have become even more insecure
about meeting grant requirements concerning caseloads
Recently the Public Defender has decided to politicize their circumstance by
going to a group of pastors and to the media in an attempt to intimidate Harris
County Judges into using or expanding their use of the Public Defenders Office
(see document 8) I find this to be unprofessional and it has the appearance of
desperation Our reforms were all done without the existence or use ofa Public
Defenders Office Harris County is now a model for the rest of the country for
Juvenile Justice reform The millions of dollars we have saved Harris County
should continue to sustain and improve our reforms and should not be wasted on
another bureaucracy
In short there is no evidence that a Public Defenders office can be of any
benefit to the Harris County Juvenile Justice System
bull We know for a fact that they carit claim to save money over our
current system because their own figures show the Public Defenders
Office costs 2 liz times our current costs millions of dollars more than
we currently spend This is money that should be spent on mental
health treatment and vocational training for juveniles
bull The Public Defender cannot make the claim that they reduce detention
overcrowding because detention overcrowding doesnt exist
bull The Public Defender cannot claim that they can provide better
representation because many of their lawyers were hired from our
system and they were not the best in our system The assistant public
defender can visit his or her client at the detention center as many
times as they desire but that alone cannot affect or help to compare the
outcome ofa case
bull The Public Defender office is a four year pilot program However the
Public Defender office study team failed to put in place any
meaningful specific performance evaluation criteria that would allow
outcome comparison After the grant period of this pilot program the
Public Defenders office should be able to show why Harris County
tax payers should pay for this program
We are proud of our efforts and our results It is unfortunate that there are many
who are not aware of these achievements However our partners stakeholders
and families we serve know that historic reforms have been accomplished in Harris
County Juvenile Justice (see document 9)
John Phillips Judge 314t District Court Harris County TX
FEASffiILITY OF A JUVENliE PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE IN HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS
1 Indigent Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008 (For the Period 1012007 Through 9302008)
Total Indigent Disposed Cases 9655 (excluding CPS cases)
Number of juveniles 8610 Total Amount Paid Assigned Counsel $2552044 $444
Assigned Counsel Cost Per Disposed Case $264 $444
Cases per attorney 94 avg
2 Public Defender Staff
Public Defender
Caseload (60 of 23 indigent disposed cases 9655) 3862
Number of attorneys
Needed (276 casesyr) (2 district courts 2 associate judges 1 detention court) 14 1 division chief
3 district court chiefs 3 district court 2 7 district court 3
Number of support Staff Needed 8
Feasibility of a Public Defenders Office In Harris County Texas
3 Public Defender BudgetSummary (5 of HCDA for estimation)
Total Staff Salary amp Benefits
Operating Expenses
Total Budget
Public Defender Cost Per Disposed Case
Amount Paid Assigned Counsel (40 cases of 23$264case 100 of 13 cases $264case)
Total amount paid Assigned Counsel amp Public Defender For Indigent Juvenile Cases
$ 2407959
$100809
$ 2508768
$649
$679712 $849640
$4038120
4 District Attorney Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008
Office-wide Dispositions Felony Dispositions
Misdemeanor Dispositions
Juvenile Dispositions
Total
Budget
Cost per Case
Caseload
51188
83350
18161
152699
$50175344
$329
527 casesatty
Office-wide Positions Attorneys 289
Investigators 64
ClericalSupport 164
Juvenile Diyision Attorneys 19 fullmiddottime
1 part time Investigators 2
Clerical 6
Juvenile Division Caseload 931 cases per attorney
Juvenile Division Case Filings 2002 to 2011
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Delinquency 12000 12180 14040 13291 15172 14847 12810 8625 7443 7122
CPSAncillary 1265 1036 1005 1140 985 778 722 1118 964 1146
bull Delinquency iii CPSIAncillary
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
20000
15000
10000
5000
Note A pretrial diversion program was put in place beginning in 2009
Source Harris County District Clerk
Some of Our Partners
Special Needs Program (SNPMHMRA) The SNP is funded by TCOOMMI through MHMRA and offers four teams each comshyprising a probation officer and a therapist to provide intensive in-home monitoring and treatment for youth with chronic and serious mental health problems
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) MST is an evidence based treatment that attempts to address behavioral and mental health issues through intensive family and comshymunity based intervention
Wraparound Care Team The Care Team consists of a Parent Partner and a Therashypist The team seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by supshyporting the family with wraparound sershyvices to address their physical emotional intellectual cultural and social needs
Judge John Phillips 314th Juvenile District Court
Judge John Phillips JD earned his doctor of jurisprudence degree from the South Texas College of Law and is a native Houstonian Judge Phillips has an extensive background in practicing law beginning as an Assistant District Attomey (1981 1985) and moving on to a private practice for nearly two decades until 2002 when he was elected to the 314th District Court Judge Phillips was re-elected to the bench in 2006 and currently serves as the Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Division He is coshychair of the Harris County Juvenile Board and Chair of the Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Altematives Initiative (JDAI) Manshyagement Oversight Committee
Judge Phillips presides over the Juvenile Mental Health Court (MHC) of Harris County in the 314th District Court and considers it highly rewarding and one of his proudest accomplishments
-- Juvenile Mental Health Court
of Harris County
I
3 1
I ~
314th Juvenile District Court Judge John Phillips
I tarns County Juvenile Justice Center 1200 Congress
Houston Texas 77002 7132224100
How did we get here
Nationally the prevalence of mental illness among youth in the community is approxishymately 20 percent however for youth in the Juvenile Justice system menta illness estimates range from 50 to 80 percent A lack of accessible community mental health services forces families to resort to the juvenile justice system as they struggle to manage their childs escalating behavshyioral and emotional problems This is a parshyticularly critical issue in Texas which ranks 49 th in funding for mental health services
In Harris County 52 of our juvenile ofshyfenders in detention have some form of menta illness and 57 have substance abuse problems
-11[ rbull l
The Challenge
Mentally ill juvenile offenders are often adshyjudicated and placed in facilities that are ill -equipped to address underlying clinical issues Not surprisingly placement in a punishytive environment often exacerbates mental illness and leads to an escalation in sympshytoms and behavior which most institutional staff are not trained to manage effectively Worse recent research indicates simply placing a child in detention or a secure facility exponentially increases the likelishyhood of future criminal involvement likely the result of exposure to delinquency peer -modeling
Building Strong Families
Removing a youth from famishyly and commushynity isolates the child in an artifishycial environshyment and makes successshyful reintegration
unlikely In many cases the roots of a childs delinquency are deeply embedded in the larger family context Any progress is unlikely to be sustained without family involvement
Our Solution
For mentally ill youth who can be safely manshyaged in the community the ideal Intervention is an intensive community-based program that focuses on the entire family
Mental health courts were developed to efshyfectively address the underlying issues related to offending behavior while emphasizing pubshylic safety and personal accountability Further by encouraging community-based treatment instead of residential placement mental health courts foster the development of altershynatives to detention for troubled youth
In response to the growing number of mentally ill youth appearing before him Judge John Phillips of the 3141h Juvenile District Court proshyposed such a court In 2008 Commissioners Court approved the funding for Harris Countys first Juveshy
~I I ~ J nile Mental Health
~-~1 ~~ Court In 2009 the first cohort was enshy ~ Irolled and docketed
For more information contact us
Rebecca deCamara JD 7132224252
RebeccaDecamarahcjpdhctxnet II
Or visit our website at httpwwwhcjpdorg
MentalHealthCourt indexhtml
Special points of interest
Harris County Leading Way in Reform - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces Continue Their Work - Page 2
Juvenile Probation Improved by JDAI - Page 2
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation - Page 3
Evening Reporting Center Opens - Page 3
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director - Page 3
TJPC Sponsors JDAI Conference - Page 4
Youth Advisory Council Provide Unique Client-Based Perspective - Page 4
Harris County Leading the Way Reforming Juvenile JusticeOne Kid At A Time
Harris County is completing its third year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system The numbers (from 2007 - 2009) tell the story
o 24 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
o 24 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 42 fewer youth were placed outside their homes in expensive often not effective residential facilities
bull 62 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
o 31 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
All of these are dramatic savings to Harris County taxpayers Then for the best news with these reductions youth crime was down
o 41 drop in juveniles referred for murder
0 44 drop in auto theft
53 drop in felony drugs
o 18 drop in burglary
til
i I
~
4 o 31 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ~------- bull 14 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation
bull 28 drop in average caseload for all probation
We are changing juvenile justice in Harris County saving taxpayers money and reducing juvenile crime None of this could have happened without the buy-in and bold actions from our Executive Steering Committee members leading the way - County Judge Ed Emmett (Chair) Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (Vice Chair) Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Judge John Phillips (314th Court) Judge Michael Schneider (315th Court) HPD Chief Charles McClelland Sylvia Bolling DZ Cofield State Representative Ana Hernandez Deacon Joe Rubio Dr Stephen Schnee Tom Brooks Kay Sim and over 250 community stakeholders Working together we are reforming juvenile justice one kid at a time
Management Oversight Committee (MOC) Members HPD Assistant Chief John Trevino Judge John Phillips (MOC Chair) and Tom Brooks (MOC Vice Chair)
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
More than two years passed between the September 292009 approval of the
tnncept of the Public Defenders office and their opening for business in October
2011 By that time our petitions filed were down to just over 7000 and our many
other reforms were solidly in place (see document 7) This did not happen
overnight and the proponents of the Public Defender did not pay attention As a
result they hired more staff than they need and have become even more insecure
about meeting grant requirements concerning caseloads
Recently the Public Defender has decided to politicize their circumstance by
going to a group of pastors and to the media in an attempt to intimidate Harris
County Judges into using or expanding their use of the Public Defenders Office
(see document 8) I find this to be unprofessional and it has the appearance of
desperation Our reforms were all done without the existence or use ofa Public
Defenders Office Harris County is now a model for the rest of the country for
Juvenile Justice reform The millions of dollars we have saved Harris County
should continue to sustain and improve our reforms and should not be wasted on
another bureaucracy
In short there is no evidence that a Public Defenders office can be of any
benefit to the Harris County Juvenile Justice System
bull We know for a fact that they carit claim to save money over our
current system because their own figures show the Public Defenders
Office costs 2 liz times our current costs millions of dollars more than
we currently spend This is money that should be spent on mental
health treatment and vocational training for juveniles
bull The Public Defender cannot make the claim that they reduce detention
overcrowding because detention overcrowding doesnt exist
bull The Public Defender cannot claim that they can provide better
representation because many of their lawyers were hired from our
system and they were not the best in our system The assistant public
defender can visit his or her client at the detention center as many
times as they desire but that alone cannot affect or help to compare the
outcome ofa case
bull The Public Defender office is a four year pilot program However the
Public Defender office study team failed to put in place any
meaningful specific performance evaluation criteria that would allow
outcome comparison After the grant period of this pilot program the
Public Defenders office should be able to show why Harris County
tax payers should pay for this program
We are proud of our efforts and our results It is unfortunate that there are many
who are not aware of these achievements However our partners stakeholders
and families we serve know that historic reforms have been accomplished in Harris
County Juvenile Justice (see document 9)
John Phillips Judge 314t District Court Harris County TX
FEASffiILITY OF A JUVENliE PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE IN HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS
1 Indigent Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008 (For the Period 1012007 Through 9302008)
Total Indigent Disposed Cases 9655 (excluding CPS cases)
Number of juveniles 8610 Total Amount Paid Assigned Counsel $2552044 $444
Assigned Counsel Cost Per Disposed Case $264 $444
Cases per attorney 94 avg
2 Public Defender Staff
Public Defender
Caseload (60 of 23 indigent disposed cases 9655) 3862
Number of attorneys
Needed (276 casesyr) (2 district courts 2 associate judges 1 detention court) 14 1 division chief
3 district court chiefs 3 district court 2 7 district court 3
Number of support Staff Needed 8
Feasibility of a Public Defenders Office In Harris County Texas
3 Public Defender BudgetSummary (5 of HCDA for estimation)
Total Staff Salary amp Benefits
Operating Expenses
Total Budget
Public Defender Cost Per Disposed Case
Amount Paid Assigned Counsel (40 cases of 23$264case 100 of 13 cases $264case)
Total amount paid Assigned Counsel amp Public Defender For Indigent Juvenile Cases
$ 2407959
$100809
$ 2508768
$649
$679712 $849640
$4038120
4 District Attorney Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008
Office-wide Dispositions Felony Dispositions
Misdemeanor Dispositions
Juvenile Dispositions
Total
Budget
Cost per Case
Caseload
51188
83350
18161
152699
$50175344
$329
527 casesatty
Office-wide Positions Attorneys 289
Investigators 64
ClericalSupport 164
Juvenile Diyision Attorneys 19 fullmiddottime
1 part time Investigators 2
Clerical 6
Juvenile Division Caseload 931 cases per attorney
Juvenile Division Case Filings 2002 to 2011
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Delinquency 12000 12180 14040 13291 15172 14847 12810 8625 7443 7122
CPSAncillary 1265 1036 1005 1140 985 778 722 1118 964 1146
bull Delinquency iii CPSIAncillary
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
20000
15000
10000
5000
Note A pretrial diversion program was put in place beginning in 2009
Source Harris County District Clerk
Some of Our Partners
Special Needs Program (SNPMHMRA) The SNP is funded by TCOOMMI through MHMRA and offers four teams each comshyprising a probation officer and a therapist to provide intensive in-home monitoring and treatment for youth with chronic and serious mental health problems
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) MST is an evidence based treatment that attempts to address behavioral and mental health issues through intensive family and comshymunity based intervention
Wraparound Care Team The Care Team consists of a Parent Partner and a Therashypist The team seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by supshyporting the family with wraparound sershyvices to address their physical emotional intellectual cultural and social needs
Judge John Phillips 314th Juvenile District Court
Judge John Phillips JD earned his doctor of jurisprudence degree from the South Texas College of Law and is a native Houstonian Judge Phillips has an extensive background in practicing law beginning as an Assistant District Attomey (1981 1985) and moving on to a private practice for nearly two decades until 2002 when he was elected to the 314th District Court Judge Phillips was re-elected to the bench in 2006 and currently serves as the Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Division He is coshychair of the Harris County Juvenile Board and Chair of the Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Altematives Initiative (JDAI) Manshyagement Oversight Committee
Judge Phillips presides over the Juvenile Mental Health Court (MHC) of Harris County in the 314th District Court and considers it highly rewarding and one of his proudest accomplishments
-- Juvenile Mental Health Court
of Harris County
I
3 1
I ~
314th Juvenile District Court Judge John Phillips
I tarns County Juvenile Justice Center 1200 Congress
Houston Texas 77002 7132224100
How did we get here
Nationally the prevalence of mental illness among youth in the community is approxishymately 20 percent however for youth in the Juvenile Justice system menta illness estimates range from 50 to 80 percent A lack of accessible community mental health services forces families to resort to the juvenile justice system as they struggle to manage their childs escalating behavshyioral and emotional problems This is a parshyticularly critical issue in Texas which ranks 49 th in funding for mental health services
In Harris County 52 of our juvenile ofshyfenders in detention have some form of menta illness and 57 have substance abuse problems
-11[ rbull l
The Challenge
Mentally ill juvenile offenders are often adshyjudicated and placed in facilities that are ill -equipped to address underlying clinical issues Not surprisingly placement in a punishytive environment often exacerbates mental illness and leads to an escalation in sympshytoms and behavior which most institutional staff are not trained to manage effectively Worse recent research indicates simply placing a child in detention or a secure facility exponentially increases the likelishyhood of future criminal involvement likely the result of exposure to delinquency peer -modeling
Building Strong Families
Removing a youth from famishyly and commushynity isolates the child in an artifishycial environshyment and makes successshyful reintegration
unlikely In many cases the roots of a childs delinquency are deeply embedded in the larger family context Any progress is unlikely to be sustained without family involvement
Our Solution
For mentally ill youth who can be safely manshyaged in the community the ideal Intervention is an intensive community-based program that focuses on the entire family
Mental health courts were developed to efshyfectively address the underlying issues related to offending behavior while emphasizing pubshylic safety and personal accountability Further by encouraging community-based treatment instead of residential placement mental health courts foster the development of altershynatives to detention for troubled youth
In response to the growing number of mentally ill youth appearing before him Judge John Phillips of the 3141h Juvenile District Court proshyposed such a court In 2008 Commissioners Court approved the funding for Harris Countys first Juveshy
~I I ~ J nile Mental Health
~-~1 ~~ Court In 2009 the first cohort was enshy ~ Irolled and docketed
For more information contact us
Rebecca deCamara JD 7132224252
RebeccaDecamarahcjpdhctxnet II
Or visit our website at httpwwwhcjpdorg
MentalHealthCourt indexhtml
Special points of interest
Harris County Leading Way in Reform - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces Continue Their Work - Page 2
Juvenile Probation Improved by JDAI - Page 2
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation - Page 3
Evening Reporting Center Opens - Page 3
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director - Page 3
TJPC Sponsors JDAI Conference - Page 4
Youth Advisory Council Provide Unique Client-Based Perspective - Page 4
Harris County Leading the Way Reforming Juvenile JusticeOne Kid At A Time
Harris County is completing its third year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system The numbers (from 2007 - 2009) tell the story
o 24 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
o 24 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 42 fewer youth were placed outside their homes in expensive often not effective residential facilities
bull 62 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
o 31 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
All of these are dramatic savings to Harris County taxpayers Then for the best news with these reductions youth crime was down
o 41 drop in juveniles referred for murder
0 44 drop in auto theft
53 drop in felony drugs
o 18 drop in burglary
til
i I
~
4 o 31 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ~------- bull 14 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation
bull 28 drop in average caseload for all probation
We are changing juvenile justice in Harris County saving taxpayers money and reducing juvenile crime None of this could have happened without the buy-in and bold actions from our Executive Steering Committee members leading the way - County Judge Ed Emmett (Chair) Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (Vice Chair) Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Judge John Phillips (314th Court) Judge Michael Schneider (315th Court) HPD Chief Charles McClelland Sylvia Bolling DZ Cofield State Representative Ana Hernandez Deacon Joe Rubio Dr Stephen Schnee Tom Brooks Kay Sim and over 250 community stakeholders Working together we are reforming juvenile justice one kid at a time
Management Oversight Committee (MOC) Members HPD Assistant Chief John Trevino Judge John Phillips (MOC Chair) and Tom Brooks (MOC Vice Chair)
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
bull The Public Defender cannot claim that they can provide better
representation because many of their lawyers were hired from our
system and they were not the best in our system The assistant public
defender can visit his or her client at the detention center as many
times as they desire but that alone cannot affect or help to compare the
outcome ofa case
bull The Public Defender office is a four year pilot program However the
Public Defender office study team failed to put in place any
meaningful specific performance evaluation criteria that would allow
outcome comparison After the grant period of this pilot program the
Public Defenders office should be able to show why Harris County
tax payers should pay for this program
We are proud of our efforts and our results It is unfortunate that there are many
who are not aware of these achievements However our partners stakeholders
and families we serve know that historic reforms have been accomplished in Harris
County Juvenile Justice (see document 9)
John Phillips Judge 314t District Court Harris County TX
FEASffiILITY OF A JUVENliE PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE IN HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS
1 Indigent Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008 (For the Period 1012007 Through 9302008)
Total Indigent Disposed Cases 9655 (excluding CPS cases)
Number of juveniles 8610 Total Amount Paid Assigned Counsel $2552044 $444
Assigned Counsel Cost Per Disposed Case $264 $444
Cases per attorney 94 avg
2 Public Defender Staff
Public Defender
Caseload (60 of 23 indigent disposed cases 9655) 3862
Number of attorneys
Needed (276 casesyr) (2 district courts 2 associate judges 1 detention court) 14 1 division chief
3 district court chiefs 3 district court 2 7 district court 3
Number of support Staff Needed 8
Feasibility of a Public Defenders Office In Harris County Texas
3 Public Defender BudgetSummary (5 of HCDA for estimation)
Total Staff Salary amp Benefits
Operating Expenses
Total Budget
Public Defender Cost Per Disposed Case
Amount Paid Assigned Counsel (40 cases of 23$264case 100 of 13 cases $264case)
Total amount paid Assigned Counsel amp Public Defender For Indigent Juvenile Cases
$ 2407959
$100809
$ 2508768
$649
$679712 $849640
$4038120
4 District Attorney Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008
Office-wide Dispositions Felony Dispositions
Misdemeanor Dispositions
Juvenile Dispositions
Total
Budget
Cost per Case
Caseload
51188
83350
18161
152699
$50175344
$329
527 casesatty
Office-wide Positions Attorneys 289
Investigators 64
ClericalSupport 164
Juvenile Diyision Attorneys 19 fullmiddottime
1 part time Investigators 2
Clerical 6
Juvenile Division Caseload 931 cases per attorney
Juvenile Division Case Filings 2002 to 2011
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Delinquency 12000 12180 14040 13291 15172 14847 12810 8625 7443 7122
CPSAncillary 1265 1036 1005 1140 985 778 722 1118 964 1146
bull Delinquency iii CPSIAncillary
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
20000
15000
10000
5000
Note A pretrial diversion program was put in place beginning in 2009
Source Harris County District Clerk
Some of Our Partners
Special Needs Program (SNPMHMRA) The SNP is funded by TCOOMMI through MHMRA and offers four teams each comshyprising a probation officer and a therapist to provide intensive in-home monitoring and treatment for youth with chronic and serious mental health problems
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) MST is an evidence based treatment that attempts to address behavioral and mental health issues through intensive family and comshymunity based intervention
Wraparound Care Team The Care Team consists of a Parent Partner and a Therashypist The team seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by supshyporting the family with wraparound sershyvices to address their physical emotional intellectual cultural and social needs
Judge John Phillips 314th Juvenile District Court
Judge John Phillips JD earned his doctor of jurisprudence degree from the South Texas College of Law and is a native Houstonian Judge Phillips has an extensive background in practicing law beginning as an Assistant District Attomey (1981 1985) and moving on to a private practice for nearly two decades until 2002 when he was elected to the 314th District Court Judge Phillips was re-elected to the bench in 2006 and currently serves as the Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Division He is coshychair of the Harris County Juvenile Board and Chair of the Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Altematives Initiative (JDAI) Manshyagement Oversight Committee
Judge Phillips presides over the Juvenile Mental Health Court (MHC) of Harris County in the 314th District Court and considers it highly rewarding and one of his proudest accomplishments
-- Juvenile Mental Health Court
of Harris County
I
3 1
I ~
314th Juvenile District Court Judge John Phillips
I tarns County Juvenile Justice Center 1200 Congress
Houston Texas 77002 7132224100
How did we get here
Nationally the prevalence of mental illness among youth in the community is approxishymately 20 percent however for youth in the Juvenile Justice system menta illness estimates range from 50 to 80 percent A lack of accessible community mental health services forces families to resort to the juvenile justice system as they struggle to manage their childs escalating behavshyioral and emotional problems This is a parshyticularly critical issue in Texas which ranks 49 th in funding for mental health services
In Harris County 52 of our juvenile ofshyfenders in detention have some form of menta illness and 57 have substance abuse problems
-11[ rbull l
The Challenge
Mentally ill juvenile offenders are often adshyjudicated and placed in facilities that are ill -equipped to address underlying clinical issues Not surprisingly placement in a punishytive environment often exacerbates mental illness and leads to an escalation in sympshytoms and behavior which most institutional staff are not trained to manage effectively Worse recent research indicates simply placing a child in detention or a secure facility exponentially increases the likelishyhood of future criminal involvement likely the result of exposure to delinquency peer -modeling
Building Strong Families
Removing a youth from famishyly and commushynity isolates the child in an artifishycial environshyment and makes successshyful reintegration
unlikely In many cases the roots of a childs delinquency are deeply embedded in the larger family context Any progress is unlikely to be sustained without family involvement
Our Solution
For mentally ill youth who can be safely manshyaged in the community the ideal Intervention is an intensive community-based program that focuses on the entire family
Mental health courts were developed to efshyfectively address the underlying issues related to offending behavior while emphasizing pubshylic safety and personal accountability Further by encouraging community-based treatment instead of residential placement mental health courts foster the development of altershynatives to detention for troubled youth
In response to the growing number of mentally ill youth appearing before him Judge John Phillips of the 3141h Juvenile District Court proshyposed such a court In 2008 Commissioners Court approved the funding for Harris Countys first Juveshy
~I I ~ J nile Mental Health
~-~1 ~~ Court In 2009 the first cohort was enshy ~ Irolled and docketed
For more information contact us
Rebecca deCamara JD 7132224252
RebeccaDecamarahcjpdhctxnet II
Or visit our website at httpwwwhcjpdorg
MentalHealthCourt indexhtml
Special points of interest
Harris County Leading Way in Reform - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces Continue Their Work - Page 2
Juvenile Probation Improved by JDAI - Page 2
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation - Page 3
Evening Reporting Center Opens - Page 3
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director - Page 3
TJPC Sponsors JDAI Conference - Page 4
Youth Advisory Council Provide Unique Client-Based Perspective - Page 4
Harris County Leading the Way Reforming Juvenile JusticeOne Kid At A Time
Harris County is completing its third year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system The numbers (from 2007 - 2009) tell the story
o 24 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
o 24 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 42 fewer youth were placed outside their homes in expensive often not effective residential facilities
bull 62 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
o 31 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
All of these are dramatic savings to Harris County taxpayers Then for the best news with these reductions youth crime was down
o 41 drop in juveniles referred for murder
0 44 drop in auto theft
53 drop in felony drugs
o 18 drop in burglary
til
i I
~
4 o 31 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ~------- bull 14 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation
bull 28 drop in average caseload for all probation
We are changing juvenile justice in Harris County saving taxpayers money and reducing juvenile crime None of this could have happened without the buy-in and bold actions from our Executive Steering Committee members leading the way - County Judge Ed Emmett (Chair) Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (Vice Chair) Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Judge John Phillips (314th Court) Judge Michael Schneider (315th Court) HPD Chief Charles McClelland Sylvia Bolling DZ Cofield State Representative Ana Hernandez Deacon Joe Rubio Dr Stephen Schnee Tom Brooks Kay Sim and over 250 community stakeholders Working together we are reforming juvenile justice one kid at a time
Management Oversight Committee (MOC) Members HPD Assistant Chief John Trevino Judge John Phillips (MOC Chair) and Tom Brooks (MOC Vice Chair)
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
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Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
FEASffiILITY OF A JUVENliE PUBLIC DEFENDER OFFICE IN HARRIS COUNTY TEXAS
1 Indigent Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008 (For the Period 1012007 Through 9302008)
Total Indigent Disposed Cases 9655 (excluding CPS cases)
Number of juveniles 8610 Total Amount Paid Assigned Counsel $2552044 $444
Assigned Counsel Cost Per Disposed Case $264 $444
Cases per attorney 94 avg
2 Public Defender Staff
Public Defender
Caseload (60 of 23 indigent disposed cases 9655) 3862
Number of attorneys
Needed (276 casesyr) (2 district courts 2 associate judges 1 detention court) 14 1 division chief
3 district court chiefs 3 district court 2 7 district court 3
Number of support Staff Needed 8
Feasibility of a Public Defenders Office In Harris County Texas
3 Public Defender BudgetSummary (5 of HCDA for estimation)
Total Staff Salary amp Benefits
Operating Expenses
Total Budget
Public Defender Cost Per Disposed Case
Amount Paid Assigned Counsel (40 cases of 23$264case 100 of 13 cases $264case)
Total amount paid Assigned Counsel amp Public Defender For Indigent Juvenile Cases
$ 2407959
$100809
$ 2508768
$649
$679712 $849640
$4038120
4 District Attorney Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008
Office-wide Dispositions Felony Dispositions
Misdemeanor Dispositions
Juvenile Dispositions
Total
Budget
Cost per Case
Caseload
51188
83350
18161
152699
$50175344
$329
527 casesatty
Office-wide Positions Attorneys 289
Investigators 64
ClericalSupport 164
Juvenile Diyision Attorneys 19 fullmiddottime
1 part time Investigators 2
Clerical 6
Juvenile Division Caseload 931 cases per attorney
Juvenile Division Case Filings 2002 to 2011
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Delinquency 12000 12180 14040 13291 15172 14847 12810 8625 7443 7122
CPSAncillary 1265 1036 1005 1140 985 778 722 1118 964 1146
bull Delinquency iii CPSIAncillary
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
20000
15000
10000
5000
Note A pretrial diversion program was put in place beginning in 2009
Source Harris County District Clerk
Some of Our Partners
Special Needs Program (SNPMHMRA) The SNP is funded by TCOOMMI through MHMRA and offers four teams each comshyprising a probation officer and a therapist to provide intensive in-home monitoring and treatment for youth with chronic and serious mental health problems
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) MST is an evidence based treatment that attempts to address behavioral and mental health issues through intensive family and comshymunity based intervention
Wraparound Care Team The Care Team consists of a Parent Partner and a Therashypist The team seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by supshyporting the family with wraparound sershyvices to address their physical emotional intellectual cultural and social needs
Judge John Phillips 314th Juvenile District Court
Judge John Phillips JD earned his doctor of jurisprudence degree from the South Texas College of Law and is a native Houstonian Judge Phillips has an extensive background in practicing law beginning as an Assistant District Attomey (1981 1985) and moving on to a private practice for nearly two decades until 2002 when he was elected to the 314th District Court Judge Phillips was re-elected to the bench in 2006 and currently serves as the Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Division He is coshychair of the Harris County Juvenile Board and Chair of the Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Altematives Initiative (JDAI) Manshyagement Oversight Committee
Judge Phillips presides over the Juvenile Mental Health Court (MHC) of Harris County in the 314th District Court and considers it highly rewarding and one of his proudest accomplishments
-- Juvenile Mental Health Court
of Harris County
I
3 1
I ~
314th Juvenile District Court Judge John Phillips
I tarns County Juvenile Justice Center 1200 Congress
Houston Texas 77002 7132224100
How did we get here
Nationally the prevalence of mental illness among youth in the community is approxishymately 20 percent however for youth in the Juvenile Justice system menta illness estimates range from 50 to 80 percent A lack of accessible community mental health services forces families to resort to the juvenile justice system as they struggle to manage their childs escalating behavshyioral and emotional problems This is a parshyticularly critical issue in Texas which ranks 49 th in funding for mental health services
In Harris County 52 of our juvenile ofshyfenders in detention have some form of menta illness and 57 have substance abuse problems
-11[ rbull l
The Challenge
Mentally ill juvenile offenders are often adshyjudicated and placed in facilities that are ill -equipped to address underlying clinical issues Not surprisingly placement in a punishytive environment often exacerbates mental illness and leads to an escalation in sympshytoms and behavior which most institutional staff are not trained to manage effectively Worse recent research indicates simply placing a child in detention or a secure facility exponentially increases the likelishyhood of future criminal involvement likely the result of exposure to delinquency peer -modeling
Building Strong Families
Removing a youth from famishyly and commushynity isolates the child in an artifishycial environshyment and makes successshyful reintegration
unlikely In many cases the roots of a childs delinquency are deeply embedded in the larger family context Any progress is unlikely to be sustained without family involvement
Our Solution
For mentally ill youth who can be safely manshyaged in the community the ideal Intervention is an intensive community-based program that focuses on the entire family
Mental health courts were developed to efshyfectively address the underlying issues related to offending behavior while emphasizing pubshylic safety and personal accountability Further by encouraging community-based treatment instead of residential placement mental health courts foster the development of altershynatives to detention for troubled youth
In response to the growing number of mentally ill youth appearing before him Judge John Phillips of the 3141h Juvenile District Court proshyposed such a court In 2008 Commissioners Court approved the funding for Harris Countys first Juveshy
~I I ~ J nile Mental Health
~-~1 ~~ Court In 2009 the first cohort was enshy ~ Irolled and docketed
For more information contact us
Rebecca deCamara JD 7132224252
RebeccaDecamarahcjpdhctxnet II
Or visit our website at httpwwwhcjpdorg
MentalHealthCourt indexhtml
Special points of interest
Harris County Leading Way in Reform - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces Continue Their Work - Page 2
Juvenile Probation Improved by JDAI - Page 2
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation - Page 3
Evening Reporting Center Opens - Page 3
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director - Page 3
TJPC Sponsors JDAI Conference - Page 4
Youth Advisory Council Provide Unique Client-Based Perspective - Page 4
Harris County Leading the Way Reforming Juvenile JusticeOne Kid At A Time
Harris County is completing its third year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system The numbers (from 2007 - 2009) tell the story
o 24 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
o 24 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 42 fewer youth were placed outside their homes in expensive often not effective residential facilities
bull 62 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
o 31 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
All of these are dramatic savings to Harris County taxpayers Then for the best news with these reductions youth crime was down
o 41 drop in juveniles referred for murder
0 44 drop in auto theft
53 drop in felony drugs
o 18 drop in burglary
til
i I
~
4 o 31 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ~------- bull 14 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation
bull 28 drop in average caseload for all probation
We are changing juvenile justice in Harris County saving taxpayers money and reducing juvenile crime None of this could have happened without the buy-in and bold actions from our Executive Steering Committee members leading the way - County Judge Ed Emmett (Chair) Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (Vice Chair) Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Judge John Phillips (314th Court) Judge Michael Schneider (315th Court) HPD Chief Charles McClelland Sylvia Bolling DZ Cofield State Representative Ana Hernandez Deacon Joe Rubio Dr Stephen Schnee Tom Brooks Kay Sim and over 250 community stakeholders Working together we are reforming juvenile justice one kid at a time
Management Oversight Committee (MOC) Members HPD Assistant Chief John Trevino Judge John Phillips (MOC Chair) and Tom Brooks (MOC Vice Chair)
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Feasibility of a Public Defenders Office In Harris County Texas
3 Public Defender BudgetSummary (5 of HCDA for estimation)
Total Staff Salary amp Benefits
Operating Expenses
Total Budget
Public Defender Cost Per Disposed Case
Amount Paid Assigned Counsel (40 cases of 23$264case 100 of 13 cases $264case)
Total amount paid Assigned Counsel amp Public Defender For Indigent Juvenile Cases
$ 2407959
$100809
$ 2508768
$649
$679712 $849640
$4038120
4 District Attorney Caseload for fiscal year 2007-2008
Office-wide Dispositions Felony Dispositions
Misdemeanor Dispositions
Juvenile Dispositions
Total
Budget
Cost per Case
Caseload
51188
83350
18161
152699
$50175344
$329
527 casesatty
Office-wide Positions Attorneys 289
Investigators 64
ClericalSupport 164
Juvenile Diyision Attorneys 19 fullmiddottime
1 part time Investigators 2
Clerical 6
Juvenile Division Caseload 931 cases per attorney
Juvenile Division Case Filings 2002 to 2011
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Delinquency 12000 12180 14040 13291 15172 14847 12810 8625 7443 7122
CPSAncillary 1265 1036 1005 1140 985 778 722 1118 964 1146
bull Delinquency iii CPSIAncillary
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
20000
15000
10000
5000
Note A pretrial diversion program was put in place beginning in 2009
Source Harris County District Clerk
Some of Our Partners
Special Needs Program (SNPMHMRA) The SNP is funded by TCOOMMI through MHMRA and offers four teams each comshyprising a probation officer and a therapist to provide intensive in-home monitoring and treatment for youth with chronic and serious mental health problems
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) MST is an evidence based treatment that attempts to address behavioral and mental health issues through intensive family and comshymunity based intervention
Wraparound Care Team The Care Team consists of a Parent Partner and a Therashypist The team seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by supshyporting the family with wraparound sershyvices to address their physical emotional intellectual cultural and social needs
Judge John Phillips 314th Juvenile District Court
Judge John Phillips JD earned his doctor of jurisprudence degree from the South Texas College of Law and is a native Houstonian Judge Phillips has an extensive background in practicing law beginning as an Assistant District Attomey (1981 1985) and moving on to a private practice for nearly two decades until 2002 when he was elected to the 314th District Court Judge Phillips was re-elected to the bench in 2006 and currently serves as the Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Division He is coshychair of the Harris County Juvenile Board and Chair of the Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Altematives Initiative (JDAI) Manshyagement Oversight Committee
Judge Phillips presides over the Juvenile Mental Health Court (MHC) of Harris County in the 314th District Court and considers it highly rewarding and one of his proudest accomplishments
-- Juvenile Mental Health Court
of Harris County
I
3 1
I ~
314th Juvenile District Court Judge John Phillips
I tarns County Juvenile Justice Center 1200 Congress
Houston Texas 77002 7132224100
How did we get here
Nationally the prevalence of mental illness among youth in the community is approxishymately 20 percent however for youth in the Juvenile Justice system menta illness estimates range from 50 to 80 percent A lack of accessible community mental health services forces families to resort to the juvenile justice system as they struggle to manage their childs escalating behavshyioral and emotional problems This is a parshyticularly critical issue in Texas which ranks 49 th in funding for mental health services
In Harris County 52 of our juvenile ofshyfenders in detention have some form of menta illness and 57 have substance abuse problems
-11[ rbull l
The Challenge
Mentally ill juvenile offenders are often adshyjudicated and placed in facilities that are ill -equipped to address underlying clinical issues Not surprisingly placement in a punishytive environment often exacerbates mental illness and leads to an escalation in sympshytoms and behavior which most institutional staff are not trained to manage effectively Worse recent research indicates simply placing a child in detention or a secure facility exponentially increases the likelishyhood of future criminal involvement likely the result of exposure to delinquency peer -modeling
Building Strong Families
Removing a youth from famishyly and commushynity isolates the child in an artifishycial environshyment and makes successshyful reintegration
unlikely In many cases the roots of a childs delinquency are deeply embedded in the larger family context Any progress is unlikely to be sustained without family involvement
Our Solution
For mentally ill youth who can be safely manshyaged in the community the ideal Intervention is an intensive community-based program that focuses on the entire family
Mental health courts were developed to efshyfectively address the underlying issues related to offending behavior while emphasizing pubshylic safety and personal accountability Further by encouraging community-based treatment instead of residential placement mental health courts foster the development of altershynatives to detention for troubled youth
In response to the growing number of mentally ill youth appearing before him Judge John Phillips of the 3141h Juvenile District Court proshyposed such a court In 2008 Commissioners Court approved the funding for Harris Countys first Juveshy
~I I ~ J nile Mental Health
~-~1 ~~ Court In 2009 the first cohort was enshy ~ Irolled and docketed
For more information contact us
Rebecca deCamara JD 7132224252
RebeccaDecamarahcjpdhctxnet II
Or visit our website at httpwwwhcjpdorg
MentalHealthCourt indexhtml
Special points of interest
Harris County Leading Way in Reform - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces Continue Their Work - Page 2
Juvenile Probation Improved by JDAI - Page 2
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation - Page 3
Evening Reporting Center Opens - Page 3
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director - Page 3
TJPC Sponsors JDAI Conference - Page 4
Youth Advisory Council Provide Unique Client-Based Perspective - Page 4
Harris County Leading the Way Reforming Juvenile JusticeOne Kid At A Time
Harris County is completing its third year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system The numbers (from 2007 - 2009) tell the story
o 24 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
o 24 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 42 fewer youth were placed outside their homes in expensive often not effective residential facilities
bull 62 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
o 31 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
All of these are dramatic savings to Harris County taxpayers Then for the best news with these reductions youth crime was down
o 41 drop in juveniles referred for murder
0 44 drop in auto theft
53 drop in felony drugs
o 18 drop in burglary
til
i I
~
4 o 31 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ~------- bull 14 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation
bull 28 drop in average caseload for all probation
We are changing juvenile justice in Harris County saving taxpayers money and reducing juvenile crime None of this could have happened without the buy-in and bold actions from our Executive Steering Committee members leading the way - County Judge Ed Emmett (Chair) Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (Vice Chair) Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Judge John Phillips (314th Court) Judge Michael Schneider (315th Court) HPD Chief Charles McClelland Sylvia Bolling DZ Cofield State Representative Ana Hernandez Deacon Joe Rubio Dr Stephen Schnee Tom Brooks Kay Sim and over 250 community stakeholders Working together we are reforming juvenile justice one kid at a time
Management Oversight Committee (MOC) Members HPD Assistant Chief John Trevino Judge John Phillips (MOC Chair) and Tom Brooks (MOC Vice Chair)
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Juvenile Division Case Filings 2002 to 2011
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Delinquency 12000 12180 14040 13291 15172 14847 12810 8625 7443 7122
CPSAncillary 1265 1036 1005 1140 985 778 722 1118 964 1146
bull Delinquency iii CPSIAncillary
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
20000
15000
10000
5000
Note A pretrial diversion program was put in place beginning in 2009
Source Harris County District Clerk
Some of Our Partners
Special Needs Program (SNPMHMRA) The SNP is funded by TCOOMMI through MHMRA and offers four teams each comshyprising a probation officer and a therapist to provide intensive in-home monitoring and treatment for youth with chronic and serious mental health problems
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) MST is an evidence based treatment that attempts to address behavioral and mental health issues through intensive family and comshymunity based intervention
Wraparound Care Team The Care Team consists of a Parent Partner and a Therashypist The team seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by supshyporting the family with wraparound sershyvices to address their physical emotional intellectual cultural and social needs
Judge John Phillips 314th Juvenile District Court
Judge John Phillips JD earned his doctor of jurisprudence degree from the South Texas College of Law and is a native Houstonian Judge Phillips has an extensive background in practicing law beginning as an Assistant District Attomey (1981 1985) and moving on to a private practice for nearly two decades until 2002 when he was elected to the 314th District Court Judge Phillips was re-elected to the bench in 2006 and currently serves as the Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Division He is coshychair of the Harris County Juvenile Board and Chair of the Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Altematives Initiative (JDAI) Manshyagement Oversight Committee
Judge Phillips presides over the Juvenile Mental Health Court (MHC) of Harris County in the 314th District Court and considers it highly rewarding and one of his proudest accomplishments
-- Juvenile Mental Health Court
of Harris County
I
3 1
I ~
314th Juvenile District Court Judge John Phillips
I tarns County Juvenile Justice Center 1200 Congress
Houston Texas 77002 7132224100
How did we get here
Nationally the prevalence of mental illness among youth in the community is approxishymately 20 percent however for youth in the Juvenile Justice system menta illness estimates range from 50 to 80 percent A lack of accessible community mental health services forces families to resort to the juvenile justice system as they struggle to manage their childs escalating behavshyioral and emotional problems This is a parshyticularly critical issue in Texas which ranks 49 th in funding for mental health services
In Harris County 52 of our juvenile ofshyfenders in detention have some form of menta illness and 57 have substance abuse problems
-11[ rbull l
The Challenge
Mentally ill juvenile offenders are often adshyjudicated and placed in facilities that are ill -equipped to address underlying clinical issues Not surprisingly placement in a punishytive environment often exacerbates mental illness and leads to an escalation in sympshytoms and behavior which most institutional staff are not trained to manage effectively Worse recent research indicates simply placing a child in detention or a secure facility exponentially increases the likelishyhood of future criminal involvement likely the result of exposure to delinquency peer -modeling
Building Strong Families
Removing a youth from famishyly and commushynity isolates the child in an artifishycial environshyment and makes successshyful reintegration
unlikely In many cases the roots of a childs delinquency are deeply embedded in the larger family context Any progress is unlikely to be sustained without family involvement
Our Solution
For mentally ill youth who can be safely manshyaged in the community the ideal Intervention is an intensive community-based program that focuses on the entire family
Mental health courts were developed to efshyfectively address the underlying issues related to offending behavior while emphasizing pubshylic safety and personal accountability Further by encouraging community-based treatment instead of residential placement mental health courts foster the development of altershynatives to detention for troubled youth
In response to the growing number of mentally ill youth appearing before him Judge John Phillips of the 3141h Juvenile District Court proshyposed such a court In 2008 Commissioners Court approved the funding for Harris Countys first Juveshy
~I I ~ J nile Mental Health
~-~1 ~~ Court In 2009 the first cohort was enshy ~ Irolled and docketed
For more information contact us
Rebecca deCamara JD 7132224252
RebeccaDecamarahcjpdhctxnet II
Or visit our website at httpwwwhcjpdorg
MentalHealthCourt indexhtml
Special points of interest
Harris County Leading Way in Reform - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces Continue Their Work - Page 2
Juvenile Probation Improved by JDAI - Page 2
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation - Page 3
Evening Reporting Center Opens - Page 3
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director - Page 3
TJPC Sponsors JDAI Conference - Page 4
Youth Advisory Council Provide Unique Client-Based Perspective - Page 4
Harris County Leading the Way Reforming Juvenile JusticeOne Kid At A Time
Harris County is completing its third year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system The numbers (from 2007 - 2009) tell the story
o 24 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
o 24 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 42 fewer youth were placed outside their homes in expensive often not effective residential facilities
bull 62 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
o 31 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
All of these are dramatic savings to Harris County taxpayers Then for the best news with these reductions youth crime was down
o 41 drop in juveniles referred for murder
0 44 drop in auto theft
53 drop in felony drugs
o 18 drop in burglary
til
i I
~
4 o 31 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ~------- bull 14 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation
bull 28 drop in average caseload for all probation
We are changing juvenile justice in Harris County saving taxpayers money and reducing juvenile crime None of this could have happened without the buy-in and bold actions from our Executive Steering Committee members leading the way - County Judge Ed Emmett (Chair) Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (Vice Chair) Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Judge John Phillips (314th Court) Judge Michael Schneider (315th Court) HPD Chief Charles McClelland Sylvia Bolling DZ Cofield State Representative Ana Hernandez Deacon Joe Rubio Dr Stephen Schnee Tom Brooks Kay Sim and over 250 community stakeholders Working together we are reforming juvenile justice one kid at a time
Management Oversight Committee (MOC) Members HPD Assistant Chief John Trevino Judge John Phillips (MOC Chair) and Tom Brooks (MOC Vice Chair)
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Some of Our Partners
Special Needs Program (SNPMHMRA) The SNP is funded by TCOOMMI through MHMRA and offers four teams each comshyprising a probation officer and a therapist to provide intensive in-home monitoring and treatment for youth with chronic and serious mental health problems
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) MST is an evidence based treatment that attempts to address behavioral and mental health issues through intensive family and comshymunity based intervention
Wraparound Care Team The Care Team consists of a Parent Partner and a Therashypist The team seeks to promote the full potential of every child and youth by supshyporting the family with wraparound sershyvices to address their physical emotional intellectual cultural and social needs
Judge John Phillips 314th Juvenile District Court
Judge John Phillips JD earned his doctor of jurisprudence degree from the South Texas College of Law and is a native Houstonian Judge Phillips has an extensive background in practicing law beginning as an Assistant District Attomey (1981 1985) and moving on to a private practice for nearly two decades until 2002 when he was elected to the 314th District Court Judge Phillips was re-elected to the bench in 2006 and currently serves as the Administrative Judge of the Juvenile Division He is coshychair of the Harris County Juvenile Board and Chair of the Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Altematives Initiative (JDAI) Manshyagement Oversight Committee
Judge Phillips presides over the Juvenile Mental Health Court (MHC) of Harris County in the 314th District Court and considers it highly rewarding and one of his proudest accomplishments
-- Juvenile Mental Health Court
of Harris County
I
3 1
I ~
314th Juvenile District Court Judge John Phillips
I tarns County Juvenile Justice Center 1200 Congress
Houston Texas 77002 7132224100
How did we get here
Nationally the prevalence of mental illness among youth in the community is approxishymately 20 percent however for youth in the Juvenile Justice system menta illness estimates range from 50 to 80 percent A lack of accessible community mental health services forces families to resort to the juvenile justice system as they struggle to manage their childs escalating behavshyioral and emotional problems This is a parshyticularly critical issue in Texas which ranks 49 th in funding for mental health services
In Harris County 52 of our juvenile ofshyfenders in detention have some form of menta illness and 57 have substance abuse problems
-11[ rbull l
The Challenge
Mentally ill juvenile offenders are often adshyjudicated and placed in facilities that are ill -equipped to address underlying clinical issues Not surprisingly placement in a punishytive environment often exacerbates mental illness and leads to an escalation in sympshytoms and behavior which most institutional staff are not trained to manage effectively Worse recent research indicates simply placing a child in detention or a secure facility exponentially increases the likelishyhood of future criminal involvement likely the result of exposure to delinquency peer -modeling
Building Strong Families
Removing a youth from famishyly and commushynity isolates the child in an artifishycial environshyment and makes successshyful reintegration
unlikely In many cases the roots of a childs delinquency are deeply embedded in the larger family context Any progress is unlikely to be sustained without family involvement
Our Solution
For mentally ill youth who can be safely manshyaged in the community the ideal Intervention is an intensive community-based program that focuses on the entire family
Mental health courts were developed to efshyfectively address the underlying issues related to offending behavior while emphasizing pubshylic safety and personal accountability Further by encouraging community-based treatment instead of residential placement mental health courts foster the development of altershynatives to detention for troubled youth
In response to the growing number of mentally ill youth appearing before him Judge John Phillips of the 3141h Juvenile District Court proshyposed such a court In 2008 Commissioners Court approved the funding for Harris Countys first Juveshy
~I I ~ J nile Mental Health
~-~1 ~~ Court In 2009 the first cohort was enshy ~ Irolled and docketed
For more information contact us
Rebecca deCamara JD 7132224252
RebeccaDecamarahcjpdhctxnet II
Or visit our website at httpwwwhcjpdorg
MentalHealthCourt indexhtml
Special points of interest
Harris County Leading Way in Reform - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces Continue Their Work - Page 2
Juvenile Probation Improved by JDAI - Page 2
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation - Page 3
Evening Reporting Center Opens - Page 3
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director - Page 3
TJPC Sponsors JDAI Conference - Page 4
Youth Advisory Council Provide Unique Client-Based Perspective - Page 4
Harris County Leading the Way Reforming Juvenile JusticeOne Kid At A Time
Harris County is completing its third year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system The numbers (from 2007 - 2009) tell the story
o 24 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
o 24 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 42 fewer youth were placed outside their homes in expensive often not effective residential facilities
bull 62 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
o 31 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
All of these are dramatic savings to Harris County taxpayers Then for the best news with these reductions youth crime was down
o 41 drop in juveniles referred for murder
0 44 drop in auto theft
53 drop in felony drugs
o 18 drop in burglary
til
i I
~
4 o 31 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ~------- bull 14 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation
bull 28 drop in average caseload for all probation
We are changing juvenile justice in Harris County saving taxpayers money and reducing juvenile crime None of this could have happened without the buy-in and bold actions from our Executive Steering Committee members leading the way - County Judge Ed Emmett (Chair) Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (Vice Chair) Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Judge John Phillips (314th Court) Judge Michael Schneider (315th Court) HPD Chief Charles McClelland Sylvia Bolling DZ Cofield State Representative Ana Hernandez Deacon Joe Rubio Dr Stephen Schnee Tom Brooks Kay Sim and over 250 community stakeholders Working together we are reforming juvenile justice one kid at a time
Management Oversight Committee (MOC) Members HPD Assistant Chief John Trevino Judge John Phillips (MOC Chair) and Tom Brooks (MOC Vice Chair)
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
How did we get here
Nationally the prevalence of mental illness among youth in the community is approxishymately 20 percent however for youth in the Juvenile Justice system menta illness estimates range from 50 to 80 percent A lack of accessible community mental health services forces families to resort to the juvenile justice system as they struggle to manage their childs escalating behavshyioral and emotional problems This is a parshyticularly critical issue in Texas which ranks 49 th in funding for mental health services
In Harris County 52 of our juvenile ofshyfenders in detention have some form of menta illness and 57 have substance abuse problems
-11[ rbull l
The Challenge
Mentally ill juvenile offenders are often adshyjudicated and placed in facilities that are ill -equipped to address underlying clinical issues Not surprisingly placement in a punishytive environment often exacerbates mental illness and leads to an escalation in sympshytoms and behavior which most institutional staff are not trained to manage effectively Worse recent research indicates simply placing a child in detention or a secure facility exponentially increases the likelishyhood of future criminal involvement likely the result of exposure to delinquency peer -modeling
Building Strong Families
Removing a youth from famishyly and commushynity isolates the child in an artifishycial environshyment and makes successshyful reintegration
unlikely In many cases the roots of a childs delinquency are deeply embedded in the larger family context Any progress is unlikely to be sustained without family involvement
Our Solution
For mentally ill youth who can be safely manshyaged in the community the ideal Intervention is an intensive community-based program that focuses on the entire family
Mental health courts were developed to efshyfectively address the underlying issues related to offending behavior while emphasizing pubshylic safety and personal accountability Further by encouraging community-based treatment instead of residential placement mental health courts foster the development of altershynatives to detention for troubled youth
In response to the growing number of mentally ill youth appearing before him Judge John Phillips of the 3141h Juvenile District Court proshyposed such a court In 2008 Commissioners Court approved the funding for Harris Countys first Juveshy
~I I ~ J nile Mental Health
~-~1 ~~ Court In 2009 the first cohort was enshy ~ Irolled and docketed
For more information contact us
Rebecca deCamara JD 7132224252
RebeccaDecamarahcjpdhctxnet II
Or visit our website at httpwwwhcjpdorg
MentalHealthCourt indexhtml
Special points of interest
Harris County Leading Way in Reform - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces Continue Their Work - Page 2
Juvenile Probation Improved by JDAI - Page 2
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation - Page 3
Evening Reporting Center Opens - Page 3
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director - Page 3
TJPC Sponsors JDAI Conference - Page 4
Youth Advisory Council Provide Unique Client-Based Perspective - Page 4
Harris County Leading the Way Reforming Juvenile JusticeOne Kid At A Time
Harris County is completing its third year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system The numbers (from 2007 - 2009) tell the story
o 24 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
o 24 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 42 fewer youth were placed outside their homes in expensive often not effective residential facilities
bull 62 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
o 31 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
All of these are dramatic savings to Harris County taxpayers Then for the best news with these reductions youth crime was down
o 41 drop in juveniles referred for murder
0 44 drop in auto theft
53 drop in felony drugs
o 18 drop in burglary
til
i I
~
4 o 31 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ~------- bull 14 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation
bull 28 drop in average caseload for all probation
We are changing juvenile justice in Harris County saving taxpayers money and reducing juvenile crime None of this could have happened without the buy-in and bold actions from our Executive Steering Committee members leading the way - County Judge Ed Emmett (Chair) Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (Vice Chair) Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Judge John Phillips (314th Court) Judge Michael Schneider (315th Court) HPD Chief Charles McClelland Sylvia Bolling DZ Cofield State Representative Ana Hernandez Deacon Joe Rubio Dr Stephen Schnee Tom Brooks Kay Sim and over 250 community stakeholders Working together we are reforming juvenile justice one kid at a time
Management Oversight Committee (MOC) Members HPD Assistant Chief John Trevino Judge John Phillips (MOC Chair) and Tom Brooks (MOC Vice Chair)
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Special points of interest
Harris County Leading Way in Reform - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces Continue Their Work - Page 2
Juvenile Probation Improved by JDAI - Page 2
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation - Page 3
Evening Reporting Center Opens - Page 3
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director - Page 3
TJPC Sponsors JDAI Conference - Page 4
Youth Advisory Council Provide Unique Client-Based Perspective - Page 4
Harris County Leading the Way Reforming Juvenile JusticeOne Kid At A Time
Harris County is completing its third year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system The numbers (from 2007 - 2009) tell the story
o 24 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
o 24 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 42 fewer youth were placed outside their homes in expensive often not effective residential facilities
bull 62 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
o 31 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
All of these are dramatic savings to Harris County taxpayers Then for the best news with these reductions youth crime was down
o 41 drop in juveniles referred for murder
0 44 drop in auto theft
53 drop in felony drugs
o 18 drop in burglary
til
i I
~
4 o 31 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle ~------- bull 14 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation
bull 28 drop in average caseload for all probation
We are changing juvenile justice in Harris County saving taxpayers money and reducing juvenile crime None of this could have happened without the buy-in and bold actions from our Executive Steering Committee members leading the way - County Judge Ed Emmett (Chair) Commissioner Sylvia Garcia (Vice Chair) Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Judge John Phillips (314th Court) Judge Michael Schneider (315th Court) HPD Chief Charles McClelland Sylvia Bolling DZ Cofield State Representative Ana Hernandez Deacon Joe Rubio Dr Stephen Schnee Tom Brooks Kay Sim and over 250 community stakeholders Working together we are reforming juvenile justice one kid at a time
Management Oversight Committee (MOC) Members HPD Assistant Chief John Trevino Judge John Phillips (MOC Chair) and Tom Brooks (MOC Vice Chair)
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 2
Harris Countys ~IDAI Task Forces are continuing their work to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice in Harris County Below is an update for each task force
Risk Assessment Instrument (RAJ)
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich
bull RAI implemented and tested for effectiveness
bull 19 reduction in detention population after RAI
bull Task Force re-convening to editupdate RAI
Self-Inspection
bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Malikah Marrus
bull Self-inspection complete and approved
bull Corrective action plan developed and being implemented
bull Task Force re-convening to conduct follow-up selfshyinspection
AI1ernatives to Secure Detention
bull Chairs - Rebecca DeCamara and Judge Beverly Malazzo
bull Developing a continuum of services for release of medium-risk cases
bull Evaluating current alternatives to detention and developing recommendations for needed alternatives
Case Processing
bull Chairs - Judge Angela Ellis and Lupe MendiolashyWashington
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information pamphlet for youth
bull Mapping decision points to decrease court process
bull Working to improve compliance with Law Enforcement Guidelines
Special Detention Ca~es
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative amp Response Grid for Violation of Probation approved by MOC and implemented
bull Evaluating the WRITS and warrants to develop improved system
Disproportignate Minority Contact (DMC)
bull Chairs - Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno
bull Reviewing group of youth who have violated probation to determine influence of DMC
Youth Advisory Council (YAC)
Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi
bull Program for youth 16-24 years of age who have successfully completed probation
bull Youth representatives provide a client-based perspective on programs amp services through speaking events and mentoring
The JDAI Task Forces are responsible for most of our accomplishments Co-chairs and members have volunteered countless hours to make JDAI successful Coming from different perspectives and representing all Harris County communities they have and continue to bring the real problems to light and develop creative approaches to problem solving Without their hard work our successes would not have been possible
A JDAI survey was developed to gather input from Juvenile Probation staff on (1) Has JDAI improved juvenile justice in Harris County (2) Has JDAI impacted your work at Juvenile Probation and (3) What one thing would you change about Harris County JDAI The results are very promising
bull 91 believe JDAI has improved juvenile justice in Harris County bull 59 believe JDAI has had a positive impact on their work
The most frequent comments were about the effectiveness of the Risk Assessment Instrument Most felt it was an improvement to objectively score whether a youth should be detained Some felt it reduced the consequences of delinquency Other comments include a desire for parents schools and law enforcement to be more involved in juvenile probationand the continuing need for additional services especially for youth with serious mental and behavioral health problems The good news is an overall belief the department is going in the right direction working with youth and their families to intervene and prevent further involvement in the system
Judge Mike Fields DMC Task Force Co-Chair and John Rhoads Annie E Casey Harris County Technical Team Leader
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Volume 2 Issue 2 July 2010 Page 3
Site Visits Provide Ideas in Innovation Part of JDAIs strategy is for sites to learn from each other especially best practices Harris County delegations have completed site visits to all of JDAIs model sites In Cook County (Chicago Illinois) we were especially interested in their Evening Reporting Centers and Youth Advisory Council In Multnomah County (Portland Oregon) we learned about behavior modification programs and other innovative programming in detention In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque New Mexico) we were impressed with their approach to combining a variety of community resources in one location In Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz California) we learned about their success in reducing DMC a creative community restoration project and the extraordinary passion of their staff even under extreme budget constraints
Members of the Executive Steering and Management Oversight Committees - Commissioner Sylvia Garcia Judge Michael Schneider DZ Cofield Judge John Phillips Tom Brooks Nancy Baird Sylvia Bolling Joe Rubio Ron Lewis Leslie Smith and Andrea Hinckson Task Force Co-Chairs - Tim Broussard Susan Bonich Dennis Englade Malikah Marrus Judge Mike Fields Gloria Moreno Sylvia Latapie Judge Beverly Malazzo Rebecca DeCamara Julia Ramirez Judge Angela Ellis Guadalupe Mendiola-Washington and Community Stakeholders - Tarsha Jackson Walter Hull Cindy Moseley and Mary Castillo have been part of the site visit delegations Everyone agrees the site visits have been an invaluable tool in our work in developing innovative programs and services in Harris County Seeing first hand how other JDAI sites are implementing evidenced-based programs has guided our work to improve services and programs for our youth
Evening Reporting Center Opens Harris Countys 1st Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center (ERC) held its grand opening in March The ERC established with state diversionary grant funds is an alternative to detention The ERC provides educational recreational counseling and supervision to probationers between the hours of 300 pm and 900 pm who otherwise would be returned to court and may be placed in detention Youth are transported from either school or their homes and taken home at the end of the daily activities
Harris County contracts with Southwest Key Programs who have ERCs throughout the country According to Nick Briggs ERC Director this program has provided us with a wonderful opportunity to provide services to youth within their community to divert them from further delinquent behavior The kids have been remarkable and we are excited about the long-term effects We are excited about this innovative alternative to plaCing youth in detention Evening Reponing Center and impressed with the reduction in further delinquent behavior Grand Opening
Tom Brooks Appointed Executive Director On June 15th after a lengthy national search the Harris County Juvenile Board appOinted Tom Brooks the Executive Director of Juvenile Probation Tom has been with the Department for over 26 years working his way up from childcare worker at the Youth Village to probation officer Deputy Director of IntakeCourt Services and Interim Executive Director
As the Juvenile Probation JDAI Coordinator Tom has been leading JDAIs efforts and successes from the beginning Congratulations Tom
Toms vision has been instrumental in leading and changing the agency He never forgets the mission of the Juvenile Probation Department - to provide exceptional services to youth and protect the community As Interim Director since December Toms calm demeanor decisiveness and courage to challenge the status quo have been refreshing and earned him respect throughout the county and the state
Judge John Phillips 315th District Court
Tom Brooks Judge Bill Burke and County Judge Ed Emmett at Juvenile Board meeting celebrating Tom Brooks appointment as Executive Director
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Volume 2 Issue 2
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdJl~txret
Annie E casey Foundation
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) sponsored a conference on Juvenile Detention A New Approach to Effective Diversion Safe Communities and Better Fiscal Decisions in San Antonio Texas The purpose was to examine the prinCiples and goals of JDAI Speakers included Bart Lubow Annie E Casey Foundation Vicki Spriggs T JPC Executive Director and Dallas and Harris County JDAI Representatives Over 75 Juvenile Justice Leaders attended to discuss the pros and cons of Texas becoming a IDAI state site Our delegation provided information on how JDAI has impacted and reformed juvenile justice in Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) I1IDwwwjdaihelpdeskorg Dr Terry Snow-Smith amp
Judge Michael Schneider
Dr Terry Snow-Smith Tim Broussard Judge Michael Schneider Nancy Baird Tom Brooks amp Myriam Quinones
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Harris County JDAIs Youth Advisory Council (YAC) which began in March 2010 is an innovative program deSigned to have youth representatives between the ages of 16-24 who have successfully completed probation serve as peer
Sylvia Latapie and Adiagha Mbonisi (YAC Task Force Co-Chairs) and
Kiara Lozano Brishanna Larkin and Ricky Parker (YAC Youth
Representatives)
mentors and conduct presentations to youth currently on probation Providing a unique client-based perspective to the Department on its programs services and policies will provide YAC representatives with the power to influence the juvenile justice system Through JDAI the youth will also receive a stipend for their services and training on professional appearance public speaking and career development skills
Juvenile Probation Officers nominated youth to serve as YAC Representatives Each nominee was required to sign a confidentiality clause submit three (3) letters of recommendation an essay about their life story and their reason for wanting to serve So far they have made presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program and Field Services CUPS Units Eventually the representatives will be an integral part of the JDAI committees and task forces
I felt like a proud parent when Kiara Lozano spoke to over 250 youth and parents at the Juvenile Consequences Program She was amazing
Sylvia Latapie - YAC Task Force Co-Chair
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Annie E Casey Foundation - Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Special pOints of interest
Harris County Continues Reforms - Page 1
JDAI Task Forces at Work Page 2
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS - Page 2
Detention Population and Crime Down - Page 3
Leadership Academy Leads the Way - Page 3
Youth Advisory Council Visits Chicago - Page 3
YAC Representatives Shine - Page 4
National JDAI News 2012 Inter-Site Conference coming to Houston to showcase Harris Countys JDAI
5 Harris County Continues Reforms
Harris County is completing its fourth year as an Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) site The goal of this initiative is to implement reform strategies to safely reduce reliance on secure detention while at the same time reduce juvenile crime and keep communities safe
Harris County JDAI is a leader in these efforts working smarter and harder to use evidenced-based prevention and intervention programs to divert young people from the juvenile justice system Successful reforms and programs include
Mental Health Court - 314th District Court bull Created by Judge John Phillips started in February 2009 the first
speciality court for youth with serious mental health issues bull 87 success rate working with community partners including MHMRA
Depelchin Childrens Center United Way System of Hope amp Intracare GED Program Success
bull 18 out of 28 youth earned their Graduate Equivalency Degree since the beginning of an innovative program thanks to the vision of Judge John Phillips (314th District Court)
Gang Court Begins in Judge Glenn Devlins 313th District Court bull A speCialized court to deal with youth who admit active membership in
illegal street gangs bull The 9 - 12 month program will focus on intensive therapy and family
intervention to get youth to renounce their gang affiliation and abide by laws
Girls Court Pilot Program to Begin in 315th District Court bull Judge Michael Schneider and Associate Judge Angela Ellis are starting
a girls court for young girls who are victims of human trafficking or have resorted to prostitution to survive on the streets
bull The court will offer intensive supervision and therapeutic services including placement in a safe community to protect these victims
Deferred Prosecution Program bull 4000 juveniles have been diverted to either the 90-day or 180-day
non-petitioned Deferred Prosecution Program with a 90 success rate bull $24 million estimated savings to the county in attorney apPOintments
issuance of service court staff time etc
YAC Representatives Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell (bottom) talking to
youth at Field Services CUPS 2
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 2 ~----~--------------------~----------------------------
JDAI Task Forces at Work
Harris Countys JDAI Task Forces are continuing their work Case Processing to implement the core strategies in reforming juvenile justice bull Chairs - Lupe Mendiola-Washington and Adriana in Harris County Below is an update for each task force Ponce
bull Developing a Know Your Rights information Risk Assessment Instrument (RAt) pamphlet for youth
bull Chairs - Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich bull Developing plan for placement of Information
bull Revised RAI approved and implemented Kiosk on 1 st floor of Juvenile Justice Center bull 2-Year validation study scheduled for completion by Disproportionate Minority ContactaMCJ
December 2011 bull Chairs - Gloria Moreno and Timmie Washington
bull 24 reduction in detention population after RAI bull Juvenile Law 101 - Class for pre-court youth amp their
Self-Inspection parents providing information from DAs office bull Chairs - Dennis Englade and Keri Brown Houston Bar Association Juvenile Probation and
YAC Representative to help prepare them for court
in detention based on initial self-inspection Finalizing White Paper Executive Summary on bull Increased programming and other services to youth
o
corrective action plan datacase review of VOP youth
o Follow-up self-inspection began May 2011 to review Youth Advisory Council (YACl programming safety environment training access bull Chairs - Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and classificationintake
bull Exploring possibility of developing scholarship Alternatives to Secure Detention opportunities for YAC Representatives
bull Chairs - Terri McGee and Beverly Malazzo Youth representatives have provided over 150 hours o Developing a continuum of services for release of of service to juvenile probation youth
medium-risk cases Task Force co-chairs and members have volunteered bull Completed report on standardsguidelines to countless hours to make JDAI successful These
evaluate current alternatives to detention and stakeholders representatives from juvenile probation developing recommendations for needed and every segment of Harris County are making a alternatives difference in the lives of youth and their families involved
5JHtcial Detention Cases in the juvenile justice system
bull Chairs - Julia Ramirez and Eric Laird
bull Alternative and Response Grid for Violation of Probation implemented and being evaluated
bull Dramatic decrease in outstanding WRITS and warrants
Juvenile Drug Court SOARS A special court docket - Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse (SOAR) created in 2010 by Judge Michael Schneider (315th District Court) is a therapeutic and community-based approach to juvenile offenders who are Significantly impacted by a serious alcohol or drug problem Emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment for post-adjudicated youth the goal is to effectively address underlying drug abuse issues related to offending behaviors while emphasizing public safety and personal responsibility
The program designed to work with 15 - 20 youths annually for a minimum of 12 months is collaborating with The Council on Alcohol and Drugs - Houston Turning Point Odyssey House the Harris County Psychiatric Center and other community partners to provide comprehensive counseling and treatment to the youth and their families The first five youth graduated from the program in June
Judge Ellis and I are excited by the results and the hard work these kids and their families have demonstrated begin a life free of drugs The pride on the faces of our drug court graduates makes it al worthwhile
Judge Michael Schneider - 315th District C
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
I Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011
Detention Population and Juvenile Crime Down Harris Countys statistics between 2006 (prior to JDAI) through 2010 provide proof of our success
bull 25 fewer youth were admitted to the Juvenile Detention Center
bull 28 fewer petitions were filed by the District Attorneys Office
bull 48) fewer youth were placed in expensive residential facilities
bull 70 fewer youth were committed to the Texas Youth Commission
bull 36 fewer youth were transferred to adult court (certification)
Youth crime is down with dramatic savings to taxpayers
bull 53 drop in auto theft
bull 58 drop in felony drug
bull 51 drop in unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
bull 22 drop in burglary
bull 28 drop in juveniles referred to juvenile probation JDAI is making a difference in not only keeping our community safer - Petitions Filed by DAs Office - Detention A(jmissions
but also reducing youth involved in the juvenile justice system
Harris County Leadership Academy News
2006 2010
The Harris County Juvenile Probation department provides community-based enrichment programs and models bestshypractices deSigned to deter repeat offending The Harris County Leadershyship Academy (HLA) has and continues to develop partnerships throughout the community to aid in the successful supportive and well-structured transition back into the community for youth Several of these communityshybased organizations have provided extraordinary services to the youth Highlights of these program include
Bridges to Life (BTL) - Mission is to bring healing to victims of crime reduce recidivism among offender graduates of the program and help make our community a safer place Based on the principals of Restorative Justice the BTL program works with HLA youth to help them beUer understand empathy rehabilitation reconciliation and community safety Public speakers tell their story to youth at HLA
United Way National Volunteer DayshyVolunteers from Exxon Mobil as part of National Volunteer Day constructed covered structures painted three wall murals donated and erected a basketball court and soccer field and performed area beautification landscaping at the Leadership Academy
Tools 4 Teens Program (T4T)shyProviding an innovative character building and teens-skills development training through the use of various artistic expression methods In June ten youth from the Leadership Academy graduated from the T 4T program According to Kely Litvak Founder the students thrived in learning the many life lessons presented by instilling self-respect self-confidence and the knowledge that they can achieve their greatest potential when they live with integrity honesty hard work faith and love for self and others
Texas AgriLife Extension Horticulture Program This collaborative program provides handsshyon learning experiences to HLA youth Youth and master gardeners build and tend a vegetable garden Their first crop of corn tomatoes peppers and other vegetables was shared with a community food pantry Youth who complete the program receive a Horticulture Certificate to help in their pursuit of eventual employment in the nursery or landscaping industry
Proiect Helping Empower Everyones Lives (HEEL) - In the fall Corridor Rescue Inc will begin a residential animal-assisted violence intervention program at HLA USing rescue dogs residents will be taught personal responsibility compassion proper pet care and obedience skills to reduce the propensity for violence by altering the youths perception of aggression At the end of the program pets will be ready for adoption
United Way National Volunteer Day at Harris County Leadership Academy
Exxon Mobil Volunteers Giving Visual Hope to Youth
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
For Additional Information Contact
Nancy H Baird Site Coordinator Harris County JDAI 1200 Congress Houston Texas 77002 nbairdsbcglobalnet
Tom Brooks Executive Director Harris County Juvenile Probation thomasbrookshcjpdhctxnet
Annie E Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) httpwwwjdaihelpdeskorg
Volume 3 Issue 3 July 2011 Page 4
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) YAC Chicago Site Visit
JDAI Youth Advisory Council (YAG) Co-Chairs Sylvia Latapie and Carlos Cruz and Juvenile Probations Public Information Officer Legal Services Administrator Kendall Mayfield made a site visit to Cook County to observe their Juvenile Advisory Council The Cook County Council was the model for Harris Countys program and we continue to leam from their success
Cook County has a scholarship program for youth representatives to attend college They have several college graduates one of whom is currently a Juvenile Probation Officer with the department thanks to the scholarship program
Harris County is exploring ways to begin lt-shy
a scholarship program for our Representatives bull They are doing a remarkable job making a difference in the lives of youthful offenders by sharing their stories
Caros Cruz Kendall Mayfield amp Sylvia Latapie with Cook County YAC team
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell YAC Youth Representatives
Annie E Casey Foundation Harris County
Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI)
Jeremy Craft and Drew Darnell are the Stars of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Drew who begins his 2nd year at S1 Marys Law School in August and Jeremy Craft a Junior majoring in Engineering at Prairie View AampM are both Deans List scholars Drew and Jeremy have provided over 100 hours of service to Juvenile Probation youth They are making presentations at the Juvenile Consequences Program Juvenile Law 101 and throughout the Juvenile Probation Department assisting with the Field Services Admonishment Program every Saturday and serving on JDAI task forces When Drew and Jeremy speak the kids listen
Harris County OAls Youth Advisory Council (YAG) continues to provide a unique client-based perspective to the Department Through JDAI the representatives receive a stipend for their services and ongoing training on public speaking and professional development Youth are selected after being nominated by their Juvenile Probation Officer and an intensive interview process
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Harris County Juvenile Probation Departmen
Detention Risk Assessment
1 Most Serious Alleged Offense Category A Felonies Against Persons 1st Degree Felonies Category B Property Related Felonies Drug Distribution Felonies
Category C Felony Possession DrugslWeapons FeloniesOther Felonies Category D State Jail Felony Misdemeanor Against Persons Category E Violations of Probation Category F Other Misdemeanors (Class B or Above)
2 Additional Charges in this Referral Two or More Additional Felony Offenses One Additional Felony Offense One or More Misdemeanor or Violation of Probation Offense
3 Prior Adjudications of Delinquency Two or More Prior Felony Adjudications Against Persons One Prior Felony Adjudication Against a Person Two or more prior Other Felony Adjudications One prior Other Felony Adjudication One Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication Against Person Other Prior Misdemeanor Adjudication
Pending Petitions Felony Against Person Petition(s) Pending Other Felony Petitions Pending Misdemeanor Petition(s) Pending Against Person
5 History of Failure to Appear Two or more prior warrants within the past two years One prior warrant within the past two years
Failure to Comply with EACH Condition of Release
7 Aggregate Score
Score 15 8 7 6 3 2
Group 1 Score
3 2 1
Group 2 Score [illlilllEJl2ill_
9 5 6 4 3 1
Group 3 Score LW~~~~
3 2 1
Group 4 Score
15 7
Group 5 Score
7
Group 6 Score Liiijiiiiijjjjiiii~
Decision Scaled Score LOW RISK - Release without Supervision MEDIUM RISK - Conditioned Release DETAIN - Secure Detention
0-9 10 -14
15 +
1
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Detention Risk Assessment Intake Time
Offense
Mandatory Detention Active Warrant
~-------------~_____________ Out of State Runaway ~_____________ Out of County Runaway ~_____________ Offenses involving a Firearm
CJPO custody referred for new offense or technical v violation r-------------~
9 Overrides Release Overrides
r---------~~~Parent Guardian or Custodian present viable and realistic plan of supervison between release from Detention and C1_~~pP~~~~~_____________________________________________________ _
o sign ury no evidence of intent to injure and Parent Guardian or t-____________+C=_~~pound~l_fl_~~_~Y~~~~_~pound_I~laquoLY_~~_~_~t_~_~pound~~e~_~I_~_~p_~Yl~_~~e~___________________________
venile has medical or psychiatric needs that would be better served with community or t-------------- parental supervison
Detention Overrides t-------------
Offense indicates significant degree of violence directed towards victim
no parent UgtUUlon to assume respons to t--_____JTDFPS)
Other (EXPLAIN) ___________________________
2
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
Executive Report Overview
2006-2011
7
Petitions Filed and Representative Youth 2006-2011
iii Deliquency Petitions Filed Representative Youth
18000
16000
14000
12000
i 10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Representative 13895 13851 12756 9686 8907 8362Youth
Delinquency 15720 15785 14705 11910 11249 10466Petitions Filed
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
State Commitments and Certifications
TYCTJJD Commitments
217 174
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
IiiiiI Certifications by Year
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
97
2
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
50 I
0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
bullbull~~lt BBRC
Youth Village
Delta BootLeadership
BBH Private Facility
HCP
277 144 119
140
63 124 16
262 140 141
138
49 125 15
249 123 159
120
45 158 15
188 115 138
93
43 197 15
167 137 144
91
0 87 15
cZ2011 --
168 114 109
67
0 67 15
Detention Center
Average Daily Population
Average Daily Population by Year -Detention Center -BBRC -Youth Village
-Delta BootLeadership BBH -Private Facility
HCP
300
250
200 cs 0 u 150cs 0 gtshy 100
3
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
l
Deferred Prosecution
middotmiddotmiddotaOl9middotmiddot 2010 middotmiddot~[Qf1middotmiddottlf~ $555600 $846000 $608400
~DP90~tSavtqQmiddotmiddot ~il
DP90 Successful Completions 1600
bull 1410 1400
1200 tfIIIII11111111~1014 1000
800
600
400
200
o 2009 2010 2011
middot_~i~l tiI~_11i1 $60600 $195600 $213600
DP180 Successful Completions l 400
326 356 350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 2009 2010 2011
Success was measured by the number of youth that successfully completed the program and were not re-referred as of February 2012 Average estimated cost to file a petition in the juvenile courts is $600 per youth Cost savings calculated using this estimated average multiplied by the number of youth successfully completing deferred prosecution programs
4
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Judges Still Sticking ~to Old Lawyer Game Updnte(1 Tuesday 20 Mar 20121013 PM COT Publis~ecJ Tues(iay 20 Mar 2012 tlA 7 PM CD T
~~ ISIAH CAREYfi j Reporter 8
HOUSTON - When a criminal defendant couldnt afford an
attorney a Harris County judge would just appoint onelt
courtesy of the taxpayer
Thats why Houston Pastor Robert Jefferson fought for the
Harris County Public Defenders Office Its been operating
since 2011 lt
These appointed attorneys are arrogant and they will not
take care of our people Jefferson said Too many of our people are going to jail on pleas
bull Download the free FOX 26 But weve learned some judges are refusing to use the 37 bull Send FOX 26 Your News Tip - Click Here
defense attorneys in the office Instead many are sticking to the old game and using court-appointed attorneys paid $40
to $100 an hour by the county
Alexander Bunin the head of the Public Defenders Office said his attorneys are making inroads with some judges but theres still work to do
There are folks that see us as a threat and they see us as youre taking more and more of the case loads from lawyers who depend on that money Bunin said
He said the Harris County Republican Party sent a letter to judges telling them not to use the Public DefenderS Office In the meantime Jefferson said if judges dont appoint attorneys and use the public defenders they could lose potential
campaign donationslt
We established the public defenderS office so this kind of thing personal feeling personal money personal wealth
wouldnt be in it he saidlt
There is a pie big enough and the good thing is we help the other people in the pielt We raise the quality for other lawyers
because were a resource here Bunin saidlt
Out of the 22 judges surveyed Mary Lou Keel used the Public Defenders Office the most 345 times Judges Denise Collins and Janine Barr gave the Public Defenders Office only six cases over a years time the lowest on the list Judge Marc
Carter has used the Public Defenders Office 75 times and is among the top 10 users Carter said hes happy with what he sees in his court
Ive seen them in trial and theyve done a great job in trial and its my intention to use them more he saidlt
Bunin said the annual cost to operate the Public Defenders Office is $8 million a year A portion of the cost is picked up by
the state of Texaslt
We also attempted to reach Jared Woodfill with the Harris County Republican Party to address the memo his organization
sent out but we have not heard baltk
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~
Chanse HApPENS
FonrvlERLY FUUSA
9
Board of Directors
Bnud Ch~irptlSon
Cllrti~ V fotHrs
I bull
letlt GIt~s-Ctlslt
RI(trelfd f rll V Brolssard
Vamssfl T Reetl
RObbyn 10llIs01l 7 I
Relltrend Leslie Smitl1 II
_--------- shyApril 2 2012
T() whom it may concern
My Ilame is Reverend Leslie Smith and ram the Chief Executive Oiliccr and founder of Change Happens formerly known a Families Under Lrhan and Social Attac~ (FLUSA) r have had the opportunity to witness and collaborate with the Juvenile Justice System of Harris County for several years [havc becn a member of the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Management Oversight Committee since 2008 The charge ofthat committee is to observe and make recolllmendations to improve the Juvenile Justice system and ensure that policies and practices represent failllcss tovards all youth and families regardless of race and gender The goal of the lDAf is to reduce the number of youth in detenlion and llIorc specifically reduce the disproportionate confinement of minority youth by providing altcmativcs to detention and allcl11utives 10 removal from home
Twill admit that initially I was leery of the legitimacy of this organization as J had always seen the justice system and law enforcement as all us verses them As a member of the community I had never experienced the 0ppOItunily to be heard and collaborate on positive change
Through my observation of specific cases I have witnessed Judge John Phillips on several occasions take thc time to do wha1 s best for the children in front of him and explore all altcmatives to incarceration He listens to all sides and demands all availahle infonnation before making a decision I havt seen the coul1 aplxlinlcd atlorney~ argue 011 behalf of lheir cl iCllt~ to get the best and tairest results
The positive changes in the Harris County Juvenile Justice systern are not just anecdotal but show results through data Since 2006 delinquency petition tiled have dropped from 15720 to 1O~66 Youth committed to the State School has dropped from 691 in 2006 to 97 in 20 I J TIle number of youth certified to adult court dropped from 90 in 2006 down to 38 in 2011 The average daily detention popUlation has dropped from 277 in 2006 to 168 in 2011
This tremendous progress is taking place because of collaborations with community takcholdcrs coming to the tahle and providing services and programs to keep kids in the community and Ollt
oftrouhle This could 110t happen wilhollt a concel1ed cHi)li by community and faith based organizations law enfiJfCement the District Attorneys Office defense attol1leys juvenile probation and the COUtts
In conclusion I am a proponent of seeing that all children get fair representation and fair judgment by the courts l fcel contident in saying that this is happening within the Harris (ounly Juvenile Courts JalII happy to say that Ihe Harris County juvenile justice system continues 10
improve
Sincerelv
Re Leslie Smith
3353 Eight Street HOIstOll Texas bull 77004-3531 Teleplwlle (713) J74-I200middotlacsimile (713) 651-8045 WlLWc1lalU(ellllPllellstxor~