NCJ Number
210187
Date Published
2005
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This 2004 Annual Report of the Harris County (Texas) Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) features the department's mental health services for juveniles under its jurisdiction.
Abstract
As the prevalence of mental health issues among juveniles in the justice system has become evident, ranging from learning and conduct disorders to more serious problems, Harris County has responded by increasing funding for psychological and psychiatric evaluations, counseling, and sometimes transfer to a psychiatric hospital for more intensive care. The centerpiece of the county's mental health services for problem youth is the TRIAD Prevention Program, which is a cooperative effort of the HCJPD, the Harris County Protective Services for Children and Adults, and the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority. The TRIAD Program coordinates the work of the Chimney Rock Center (CRC), a 24-hour intake center for youth, ages 10-16, who are taken into custody for status offenses or class C misdemeanors (theft, assault, disorderly conduct, or public intoxication) and those youth in need of supervision. AT CRC, services include screening and assessment, crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, referrals, and follow-up. In addition, preadjudicated and postadjudicated juveniles in the Detention Center are given psychological evaluations. The Psychological and Social Services Department conducted 7,112 counseling sessions and assessments of youth in the Detention Center in 2004 and also conducted 474 group counseling sessions. The HCJPD coordinates mental health services for juveniles in the community. In addition to providing data and information on HCJPD's mental health services for juveniles, this report documents the work of the preadjudication team, court services, deferred prosecution, and probation supervision. Budget information is also provided.