WELCOME

WELCOME

An In-Depth Look on the Status and Future of

Texas’ Children

4th Annual North Texas Children’s Summit:

The Future of Our ChildrenMay 9th, 2013

Welcoming Remarks

Jaime Hanks MeyersManaging Director, North Texas

NORTH TEXAS CHILDREN’S SUMMIT

Dr. Bob Sanborn, President and CEO

Essential

Data

DEMOGRAPHICS

As of 2010, there were

1,727,405 children living in North Texas, a

7.4% increase since 2006.

39.2% White37.7% Latino17% African-American6.1% Other

While the overall child population grew by 7.4% between 2006 and 2010,

DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE

POVERTY A family of four is

considered poor if their income is less than $23,050.

With the federal poverty definition unchanged since the 1960’s, these figures hide the true poverty rate.

An average family needs an income twice the poverty level to meet basic needs.

FOOD INSECURITY

With Dallas ISD’s expansion of school breakfast, 86,000 eligible students will be enrolled in the program.

JUVENILE JUSTICE AND MENTAL HEALTH

Texas spends $38.38 per capita on mental health services, the lowest amount among states.

TEEN PREGNANCY

In 2011, CHILDREN AT RISK calculated a

73.7% graduation rate from North Texas’ High Schools.

When just 21.9% of 8th graders are projected to hold a degree or certificate within ten years, we have an attainment crisis on our hands.

EDUCATION

Innovative Approaches in Higher Education

Michael J. Sorrell, J.D.President, Paul Quinn College

Grading North Texas’ Schools: Indicators of Success and Struggle

Dr. Bob SanbornPresident and CEO, CHILDREN AT RISK

Inside C@R’s School Rankings

• Statewide project since 2010

• In North Texas alone, 191 High Schools, 333

Middle Schools, and 1,001 Elementary Schools appeared in the 2013 edition.

• New grading scale and peer lists empower parents to demand more from their schools

• With just 21.9% of Texas’ 8th graders projected to hold a college certificate or degree within ten years and nearly half of college freshmen requiring remediation, we need our schools producing college ready students now more than ever.

Grade composition by county

Collin

Dalla

s

Dento

nElli

sHun

t

John

son

Kaufm

an

Rockw

all

Tarr

ant

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

F

D

C

B

A

County breakdown• Ellis, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, and

Rockwall counties combined have just 3 “A” schools.

• Not only does Dallas county have a higher percentage of “A” and “B” schools than Tarrant County, but also a lower percentage of “D” and “F” schools.

Grades and Economic Disadvantage

3.2%

32.8%

42.1%

10.9%

10.9%

Economically Disadvantaged-Serving Schools

12.9%

39%37.8%

6.4% 4%

All Schools

A

B

C

D

F

Successful models for bridging the gap

• Felix G. Botello Elementary (Dallas ISD)o Only economically disadvantaged-serving comprehensive school to

receive an “A” grade.

• Uplift Education• Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership

School• Early College High Schools

o Trinidad Garza ECHS, Middle College HS, Early College HS (Carrolton-Farmers Branch).

• Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD, Richardson ISD, Mesquite ISDo Economically and ethnically balanced, performs at the same level as more

affluent districts.

Deeper Dive: North Texas’ High

Schools

North Texas has 36.6% of Texas’ “A” high

schools, but also 26.4% of its “F”

schools.

"A" Schools "B" Schools "C" Schools "D" Schools "F" Schools0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

2649

81

21 14

71

315

606

126

53

North Texas

North Texas’ “A” High Schools

1. School for the Talented & Gifted

2. School for Science &Engineering

3. Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School

4. School of Health Professions5. Sanders Law Magnet6. Trinidad Garza Early College

HS7. Middle College HS8. Sorrells School of Education

and Social Services9. Highland Park HS10. Uplift North Hills Prep11. School of Business and Mgmt.12. Pearce HS13. Washington SPVA Magnet

14. Early College HS (Carrolton-Farmers Branch)

15. Plano West Senior HS16. Coppell HS17. Lovejoy HS18. Colleyville Heritage HS19. Plano Senior HS20. Westlake Academy21. Fort Worth Academy of Fine

Arts22. Hebron HS23. Grapevine HS24. Bell HS25. Plano East Senior HS26. Allen HS

High Performance and Choice

1. School for the Talented & Gifted

2. School for Science &Engineering

3. Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School

4. School of Health Professions5. Sanders Law Magnet6. Trinidad Garza Early College

HS7. Middle College HS8. Sorrells School of Education

and Social Services9. Highland Park HS10. Uplift North Hills Prep11. School of Business and Mgmt.12. Pearce HS13. Washington SPVA Magnet

14. Early College HS (Carrolton-Farmers Branch)

15. Plano West Senior HS16. Coppell HS17. Lovejoy HS18. Colleyville Heritage HS19. Plano Senior HS20. Westlake Academy21. Fort Worth Academy of Fine

Arts22. Hebron HS23. Grapevine HS24. Bell HS25. Plano East Senior HS26. Allen HS

Dedicated Magnet/Specialized schools and charter schools

• North Texas: 26 “A” High Schoolso 12 Traditional High Schoolso 11 Magnet/Specialized Schoolso 3 Charter Schools

• Houston: 20 “A’ High Schoolso 6 Traditional High Schoolso 10 Magnet/Specialized Schoolso 4 Charter Schools

Grades and Geography

39.5%

34.4%

13.3%

12.8%

"A" Schools

% White% Latino% African-American% Other

47.5%

38.9%

10.8%2.8%

"F" Schools

Demographics

AttendanceThe average attendance rate for

“A” schools is 97% (higher than 92.5% of all Texas high schools) while “F” schools average

90.7% (lower than

96.5% of all schools).

If students completed a 180-day school year at these rates, the student at the “A” school would receive 12 days more instruction than the student at the “F” school.

Graduation Rates and the Dropout Crisis

A FLeaver codes broaden this difference

Rigor and ResultsGraduates on Recommended plan

Taking Adv. Courses

Taking AP/IB Exams

Passing AP/IB Exams

“A” Schools

94.3% 61.4%

60% 61.1%

State Average

81.4% 28.2%

18% 29.4%

“F” Schools

81.6% 26.3%

24.5%

12.6%

High standards alone won’t raise a school’s profile, students must be placed in positions where they succeed.

Urban Comprehensive Schools on the Rise

• Schools with above-average rates of advanced courses, AP/IB testing, and passing AP/IB exams.o Skyline HSo Moises E. Molina HSo W.H. Adamson HSo Irving HS

QuestionsDr. Bob Sanborn

@drbobsanborn @childrenatrisk

Rankings queries:

Ask.fm/childrenatrisk

Food Insecurity and our Children

Kimberly A. Aaron, PhD Executive Vice PresidentPolicy, Programs and ResearchNorth Texas Food BankMay 9, 2013

Trending Topics in Child Hunger

• Public Health Issues– Fair to poor general health– Psychosocial problems– Frequent stomachaches and headaches– Cognitive issues– Asthma– Oral health problems

• Household Financial Management Skills• Income Impacts

– ½ of poor households are food secure– 1 in 10 non-poor households are food insecure

Topics in the TX State Legislature

• Interest Areas– Food bank operations– Increased access to nutrition – General health– Self-sufficiency and reintegration– Protection and strengthening of public benefits

• House – 84 bills

• Senate– 27 bills

Bills of Particular Interest

• SB 376/HB 296– Mandates schools with >80% low-income serve free breakfast

to all students• HB 3706

– Requires SFSP sponsors to have a performance bond and background checks

• HB 749/SB 759– Maintains that the TDA work with the THI on a plan to increase

participation in SFSP

SNAP Bills

• HB 3705, HB1072/SB 879, HB 1141, HB 3486, HB 3845, HB 587, HB 423, HB 523, HB 751, HB 948, HB 1244, HB 1827, HB 3186, HB 3434, HB 3631

• Address an array of topics– Repeal of the full family sanction– Count resources of all individuals in “mixed eligibility”

household– Removal/lessen impact of the drug felony ban– Exemption/removal of certain assets from the asset test– Prohibition on purchase of certain products– Implement incentives on the purchase of nutritious products– Etc.

Federal Update

• Big Concern – SNAP cuts• Senate Ag Committee Farm Bill mark-up

– Target date – Week of May 6th

• House Ag Committee Farm Bill mark-up– Target date – May 15th

Networking Break


Texas’ Children



Texas School Budget Cuts: Impact & Efficiencies

Sarah Goff, MPPResearch Coordinator, CHILDREN AT RISK

Public Schools in Texas

59%Public school

studentsqualify

for free or reduced

lunch

Per Pupil Expenditures

•$7,886TX

•$11,068USA

20% 8th graders that earn a postsecondary

degree six years after completing

high school

82nd Legislative Session

7.8b Gap in the state education

budget in 2011

$1.4 billion in discretionary

grants

$4 billion in formula funding

$5.4b budget

cuts

Our Research

65% of the Student Population in Texas was Represented

Statewide Impact

Trends Emerged

Explored alternate revenue streams

Reduced expenditures

Cost containment strategies

Trends Emerged

High-quality instruction suffers

Average class sizes increased

Districts reduced staff

The Impact in North Texas

Top Expenditure Reductions

Athletics Guidance Counseling Administrative Professional Development Student Support & Interventions Library Services Teacher Professional Development Health Services

Staff Reductions from 2010-2013

Dallas ISD Plano ISD Mansfield ISD Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD

Lewisville ISD0

100

200

300

400

500

600 548

281

206

115 90

205 212

79 80

Teaching Staff Nonteaching Staff

K-4 Class Size Waivers Increase

2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-20130

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Plano ISD Lewisville ISD Mesquite ISD Irving ISD

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS

Genevieve and Ward Orsinger FoundationKathryn & Beau Ross Foundation

KDK-Harman FoundationPowell Foundation

Meadows FoundationM.R. and Evelyn Hudson Foundation

RGK FoundationSan Antonio Area Foundation

The Simmons FoundationThe Trull Foundation

Wright Family Foundation

Child Protection and Home

Visiting Legislation

Madeline McClure, LCSWExecutive Director

TexProtects, The Texas Association for the Protection of

Children

80,000 COWBOY STADIUM



241,681Alleged Child

Abuse Victims

Actual Reports of Child Abuse

58


Adverse Childhood Experiences = At Risk Children

Greater Likelihood of Being Arrested for a Violent Crime

Greater Likelihood of Becoming a Juvenile Deliquent

More Likely to Never Attend College

More Likely to Drop Out of School

More Likely to Become Pregnant as a Teenager

More Likely to Have School Related Problems

More Likely to Become Involved with Drugs

More Likely to Suffer Learning Disorders Requiring Special Education

70%

59%

60%

25%

40%

50%

66%

50%

$0.0000$1.0000$2.0000$3.0000$4.0000$5.0000$6.0000$7.0000$8.0000$9.0000

$10.0000$11.0000$12.0000$13.0000

$12,500,000,0000

$2,500,000,000

$47,250,000

TX 2007 Total Cost spent on Consequences of Child Abuse

Total Costs of CPS System - Biennium Cost

Total PEI Prevention & Early Intervention + NFP - 2014-15 Budgeted)

The Graduate College of Social Work University of Houston analysis of the costs of child abuse concluded that Texas spent $6,279,204,373 in 2007 on direct and indirect costs dealing with the after-affects of child abuse and neglect.(2009) Cache Seitz Steinberg, Ph.D. Kelli Connell-Carrick, Ph.D. Patrick Leung, Ph. D. Joe Papick, MSW Katherine Barillas, MSW, ABD (August, 2009). REPORT TO THE INTERAGENCY COORDINATING COUNCIL FOR BUILDING HEALTHY FAMILIES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND PROTECTIVE SERVICES: Evaluation Elements 1-6 Final Report.

(2007) TDFPS Costs projected for 08-09: LAR budget for CPS costs including foster/ adopt costs. Excludes other DFPS functions (APS, CCL, PEI). Total PEI costs 2007 LAR Prevention budget for 08-09

Biennial Texas Child Abuse Costs vs. Prevention Investment

What is “Home Visitation”?

HV programs offer information, guidance, risk assessment, and parenting support in the home for families with young children.

Services delivered by trained professionals or paraprofessionals

Targeted to specific at-risk groups

Families enroll voluntarily

Last from 6 months to 2yr.

Intergenerational focus

Designed to improve a myriad of health, educational, safety and economic issues

Different model curricula for different clients

PREVENTION SOLUTION: Home Visitation

61

Mom's labor force participation by child's fourth birthday

Reduction in premature delivery

Reduction in child arrests at age 15

Reduction in language delays at 21 months

Reduction in low birth weight babies

Reduction in child abuse and neglect

Fewer subsequent pregnancies

Reduction in months on welfare

Reduction in Out-of-Home Placements

Reduction in ER Visits

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

83%

79%

59%50%

32%

20%

44%

35%

28-48%48-50%

Home Visitation-Most Effective Defense

Outcomes Among Multiple Evidence-Based Home Visiting

Programs

LegislationSB 426 (Nelson / Zerwas) Texas Home Visitation Expansion and Accountability Act• Ensure home visiting programs (HVP) set clear

standards and are accountable for their outcomes.

• HHSC ensures HVP Implemented with fidelity to research model and evaluated for efficacy

• Create a framework that ensures 75% of state revenues invested in evidence-based programs

• Allow 25% of the funds to be invested in Innovative “Promising Practices.”

Funding Request • $27.5 million- Original Ask for 30% state funding

increase• $7.9 million: In Senate Budget-Conference Cmte

Item• SB 1836 (Deuell) and Article II Budget Rider

(Zerwas) Permissive language for BC, ML and DF fee check-off donation

.

Higher-risk families Savings

Higher-risk families

Cost

Lower-risk families Savings

Lower-risk families

Cost

$0

$5,000

$10,000

$15,000

$20,000

$25,000

$30,000

$35,000

$40,000

$45,000

Cost

Increased Participant Income

Reduction in Crime Losses

Savings to Government

$41,419

$7,271 $9,151 $7,271

Monetary Benefits to Society

83rd Legislative Agenda Child Abuse Prevention Priorities: Home

Visitation

Legislation

SB 939 (West) / HB 2495 (Parker)

Child Protection Act• Require institutions of higher education, elementary and

secondary schools and charter schools to provide professional training to new and existing staff on preventing, recognizing, and reporting suspected child abuse.

• Must have written policy directly reflecting reporting statute

• No fiscal impact

SB 384 (Carona) / HB 1205 (Parker)

Increase Penalty for Failure to Report• For statutorily defined “professional reporters,” failing to report

child abuse, with the intent to conceal abuse, allow a range of penalties from the current Class C misdemeanor to a state jail felony.

• No fiscal impact

83rd Legislative Agenda Child Abuse Prevention Priorities: Child

Protection Act

Texas CPS Caseworker T

All State Employees CPS Spec. II CPS CVS Caseworker CPS FBSS Caseworker CPS INV Caseworker0.0%

5.0%

10.0%

15.0%

20.0%

25.0%

30.0%

35.0%

40.0%

45.0%

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Rider 11 – Human Resources Management Plan, October 1, 2012State Auditor Office – Annual Report on Classified Employee Turnover for Fiscal Year 2012 , December 2012

Texas CPS Caseworker Turnover

Children Entering and Exiting Care to Permanency, from January 1, 2004 through September 2004, Who Experienced Worker Changes

0.00% 10.00% 20.00% 30.00% 40.00% 50.00% 60.00% 70.00%

4 Workers 3 Workers 2 Workers 1 Worker

# of

Cas

ewor

kers

Fewer Changes in Caseworkers Increases the Chances of Permanency for Children

SB 1758 (Uresti)Task Force on Caseworker Recruitment and Retention

• Establish a task force composed of external business CEO’s, expert labor consultants, human resource leaders, other innovators and CPS program staff to design a performance-based compensation and recognition system.

• Recommend strategies for screening, recruitment and training to improve the hiring and retention of CPS caseworkers.

83rd Legislative Agenda CPS Caseworker Retention Solutions

69

Madeline McClure, E.D.

TexProtectsMeadows Foundation

Executive Suite 2904 Floyd Street, Suite C

Dallas, TX 75204214.442.1674

[email protected]

www.texprotects.org

Questions?

LUNCH


Texas’ Children



Specialty Courts

May 9, 2013

Dr. Terry SmithExecutive Director

ESTEEM Court Protocol

Dallas County Juvenile Department

To assist referred youth in becoming productive, law abiding citizens, while promoting public safety and victim restoration.

Executive Team: Juvenile Board Members: Executive Director Judge Cheryl Shannon-Chair Dr. Terry S. Smith Commissioner John Wiley Price-Vice Chair Assistant Executive Director Honorable Judge Clay Jenkins Mr. John Heath Judge Andrea Plumlee Deputy Directors: Ms. Paula Miller Mr. Bill Edwards Judge Gracie Lewis Dr. Danny Pirtle Judge Robert Burns Dr. John Pita Judge William Mazur Ms. Karen Ramos Judge Craig Smith Mr. Ervin Taylor

Juvenile Judges: Judge Cheryl Shannon-305th District Court Judge William Mazur-304th District Court Associate Judge Derrick Morrison- 305th District Court Associate Judge Diana Herrera- 304th District Court Judge Melinda Forbes- Referee Court

Court Program Name

Judicial Circuit

Presiding Judge Name and contact

information

Coordinator Name and contact information

County

Served

Start DateTarget Population

Pre-or Post (or hybrid)

Adjudication or Reentry

TypeCourt Physical

Address

Mental Health Court

304th &305th

Judge Robert Herrera

Diane Boyd214-698-4223

Dallas 06/2011 Juveniles Pre-Diversion Juveniles with Mental Health Issues

Henry Wade 2600 Lone Star Dr. Dallas, TX. 75212

Drug Court 304th &305th

Judge George Ashford

Lisa Murad214-860-4311

Dallas 2002 Juveniles Pre-Diversion Juveniles with Drug Diagnosis

SAU 414 S.R.L. Thornton

Dallas, TX 75203

ESTEEM Court 304th &305th

Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon

Connie Espino 214-956-2029

Dallas 01/25/12 Juveniles Pre-Diversion High Risk Juvenile Girls Letot Center10505 Denton Dr. Dallas, TX. 75220

DMC 304th &305th

Judge George Ashford

Mario Love214-589-7903

Dallas 02/2013 Juveniles Pre-Diversion High Risk Minority Juvenile Boys

Henry Wade 2600 Lone Star Dr.

Dallas, TX. 75212

Overview

Mission Statement: To provide positive experiences for referred female youth that will foster success and empowerment and thereby prevent further involvement in the legal system.

TARGET POPULATION◦ This population can be enrolled with the Girls Diversionary Program (ESTEEM Court).◦ High Risk Victims (HRV) who have committed a CINS offense or have had misdemeanor charges deferred by

the District Attorney, and have at least one of the following criteria: At least four runaways from home in 12 month period, or At least one residential stay at Letot, or Family fails to participate in any Aftercare/Non-Residential service and does not follow through with

recommendations, and is A victim of child exploitation as defined below:

Has been prostituted, or Has worked in a strip club, or Has been sexually advertised, or Has been sexually photographed for sharing with others, or Has received (or was promised) food, money, shelter, or anything of value in exchange for sex (or any

sexually explicit activity), or Has been or is currently in an on-going sexual relationship with an adult described as a

boyfriend/girlfriend.◦ Letot Residential/Non-residential Case Managers, Field Deferred Prosecution Probation Officers (PO), and

Detention Intake POs can identify girls on their caseload who are victims of sexual exploitation as previously defined.

Later the ESTEEM Court will consider a Track 2 for adjudicated girls identified as High Risk Victims.

Experiencing Success Through Empowerment, Encouragement and Mentoring

ESTEEM Court

II GOALSA. Facilitate successful program completion by providing continuity of Judge, Probation Officer and service provider.B. Address the needs of the target population by providing wraparound/family services, which includes PO supervision utilizing home

and school visits, and electronic monitoring if needed.C. Utilize available community-based resources first and Department services as needed, ensuring clients have access to supervision,

clinical services, medical care, and substance abuse services. The family can continue to access community resources after discharge from the Diversionary Program.

D. Increase family involvement by providing support services for the family as well as the child.E. Provide an exit plan for success after diversion.F. Decrease further entry into the juvenile system, reducing Department expenses, and improving outcomes for the families.

Experiencing Success Through Encouragement, Empowerment and Mentoring

The Pathway to Success

Path Court School Curfew HomeVisit

Services

ESTEEMLevel 1

Sapphire

(minimum 30 days)

Once

Weekly

2 Visits

2 Checks

Monthly

7:00 pm

Once

Weekly

Once

Weekly

Case plan completed.Services set up as needed. Expect 75% compliance.

ESTEEMLevel 2

Emerald

(minimum 30 days)

Twice

Monthly

1 Visit

1 Check

Monthly

7:00 pm

Twice

Monthly

Twice

Monthly

Attend services recommended by Case Plan with 85% compliance.

ESTEEMLevel 3Ruby

(minimum 30 days)

Once

Monthly

1 Visit

Monthly

8:00 pm

Once

Monthly

Once

Monthly

Attend services recommended by Case Plan with 95% compliance.

ESTEEMLevel 4

Diamond

Aftercare

(minimum 30 days)

Once for Exit Hearing

Graduation

1 Check

Monthly

8:30 pm

Once

Monthly

Once

Monthly

Seen as needed by the Probation Officer.Attend community resources offered as needed.

At least 95% compliance in order to graduate.

ESTEEM Court

Mission Statement: The goal of Diversion Male Court is to reduce the disproportionate representation of minority male youth in the Juvenile Justice System by diverting these youth from the court process by providing community-based alternatives that promote positive empowerment to the youth and family.

GOALS:A. Divert the minority males from becoming involved in the Juvenile Justice System, by providing opportunities and

guided alternatives.B. Assist minority males and their families by encouraging positive interactions within the structure of the home.C. Educate families on community resources and encourage increased family involvement with, and stronger

advocacy for, their children.D. Maximize department resources while improving outcomes for the families.E. Facilitate successful program completion by providing continuity of Judge, Probation Officer and service provider.F. Address the needs of the target population by providing wraparound/family services (if needed), which includes

PO supervision utilizing home and school visits, and electronic monitoring if needed.G. Utilize available community-based resources first and Department services as needed, ensuring clients have

access to supervision, clinical services, medical care, and substance abuse services. The family can continue to access community resources after discharge from the Diversionary Program.

H. Increase family involvement by providing support services for the family as well as the youth.I. Provide an exit plan for success after diversion.J. Assist minority males and provide them with additional skills in order to ensure more positive roles in the

community and society.

Diversion Male Court

STAFFING: Currently there are not any additional costs associated with the implementation of the Dallas County Juvenile Probation

Diversion Male Court. All staff and/or vendors are presently in these positions and will absorb the functionality of the Diversion Male Court.

OBJECTIVES:

A. Intervene at the pre-adjudication point to address problem areas quickly and without further Juvenile Court intervention.

B. Provide services to the family that meet the needs identified by an assessment, using community resources and/or services from the Department.

C. Develop and implement a clear and concise case plan involving the youth, parents and probation officer.

D. Make appropriate referrals for the identified services needed; to include mental health, educational, vocational, and family health care.

E. Diligently monitor each juvenile’s attendance in school, their behavior at home and their progress in therapy and/or community based services.

F. Implement the use of immediate and appropriate incentives and/or responses for both compliance and noncompliance with the Diversion Male Court requirements.

G. Provide judicial oversight and coordination of all services initiated to promote accountability, and to bring together all involved community agencies to work in partnership with the Diversion Male Court to achieve the identified goals.

H. Provide character development skills and behavior strategies.

REFERRALS: Probation Intake Officers, Psychology staff, Deferred Prosecution Officers, DA Liaison Officer can refer youth to the

Diversion Male Court program if any of the following criteria apply:

A. A psychological/psychiatric screening or evaluation reveals that the youth is appropriate for the program due to referral/offense status, is a minority males or has a recommendation;

B. The Detention Intake Screening process or the Intake Screening Officer determines that:

1. the juvenile may benefit from on-going clinical services in the community; and

2. the juvenile qualifies for a diversion program;

3. the juvenile is currently participating in therapy or counseling in the community and might benefit from additional services and monitoring.

ELIGIBILITY: The juvenile must have a pending charge alleging an offense other than truancy, a sexual offense or runaway, and has

not previously been adjudicated on any charge. The juvenile is found to be appropriate for supervision through a deferred prosecution program. The juvenile and their family must agree to participate in the program

Diversion Male Court

Preparation at the local level is critical to understanding the roles, values, priorities, and joint missions of local stakeholders as they begin to reduce DMC. (U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. September 2009).

2010 Juvenile Population Data Comparison

Texas PopulationTexas Juvenile Referrals

DC Juvenile Age PopulationDCJD Population

Black

White

Hispanic13%

34%

22%

42%

39%

21% 25%

14%

45% 44%48%

43%

Mission Statement: To assist and divert juveniles with mental health illness from entry into the juvenile justice system, while connecting the juveniles/families with community mental health based services.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation, established in 1948, is a private charitable organization dedicated to helping build better futures for disadvantaged children in the United States. Within the Foundation the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) was designed to support the Foundation’s vision that all youth involved in the juvenile justice system have opportunities to develop into healthy, productive adults. After more than 15 years of innovation and replication, JDAI is one of the nation’s most effective, influential, and widespread juvenile justice system reform initiatives.The Dallas County Juvenile Department became a JDAI replication site in June 2005. We are entering our sixth year as a site. JDAI promotes changes to policies, practices, and programs to: reduce reliance on secure confinement; improve public safety; reduce racial disparities and bias; save taxpayers’ dollars; and stimulate overall juvenile justice system reforms.

Mental Health Court

More than 1.2 million children in Texas have a diagnosable mental health disorder. One in five children suffers from a mental illness, and one in ten of these children suffer from a serious mental illness. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, it is estimated that approximately 70% of the youth in the Juvenile Justice System have at least one mental health diagnosis. Conversely out of this 70%; twenty percent (20%) of these youth present with significant mental health impairment. The justifications for establishing Mental Health Courts or Specialized Needs Units is a response to keep those youth with mental health concerns or issues from entering into more expensive and possibly less effective detention facilities or private placement.

With a juvenile mental health court, intensive screening is done upfront to identify kids with mental illness early on and determine if they are eligible for and can benefit from the court’s community-based programs, instead of detention. The court also provides more treatment options for youth with mental illness.

As of mid-2010, there were approximately 50 Juvenile Mental Health Courts across the country. In Texas, there are four such specialized courts. The first began in Austin (Travis County), followed by San Antonio (Bexar County), El Paso, (El Paso County), and Houston (Harris County). (The Council of State Governments, Justice Center (2010) http://www.consensuproject.org)

The justifications for establishing Mental Health Courts or Specialized Needs Units is a response to keep those youth with mental health concerns or issues from entering into more expensive and possibly less effective detention facilities or private placement.

Probation officers in the Special Needs Unit (SNU) are assigned to supervise youth on probation who have been diagnosed as exhibiting some type of mental or medical impairment which significantly hampers their overall functioning. Probation staff partners with Dallas MetroCare therapists to deliver special services to youth with mental health issues, psychiatric symptoms or emotional disturbance. Staff design highly individualized supervision plans which incorporate intensive in-home family therapy, medication management when necessary and other community-based resources.

Mental Health Court

http://www.consensuproject.org/

Dallas County Mental Health Statistics

Number of SNU and FEDI Referrals Youth in Placement for 2009 w/ Mental Health Issues

for 2009 (1682 Dispositions)

Average cost per day: $13.67 Average cost per day: @ $127.00 (detention costs)

Number of SNU and FEDI Referrals Youth Dispositions for 2010 for 2010

If we take 10% or 15 youth with an Average Length of stay= 151 days. We could save $287,655.

120

54

0

50

100

150

SNU FEDI

2009

247

0

100

200

300

Placements

2009

125

48

0

50

100

150

SNU FEDI

2010

1501

0

100

200

300

Dispositions

2010

Mission: The Drug Court Diversionary Program’s mission is to provide pre-adjudication intervention services to youth referred to the Juvenile Department for a misdemeanor drug offense by introducing skills that will aid them in leading productive, substance-free lives, by encouraging academic success, by supporting the youth in resisting further involvement in delinquent behavior and thereby assisting the youth in avoiding formal adjudication and disposition.

The Drug Court Diversionary Program is a voluntary program addressing adolescent drug abuse and related delinquent behavior through:◦ Education◦ Intervention◦ Treatment◦ Family Involvement

This is accomplished through collaborative efforts by community service providers and the Dallas County Juvenile Department Drug Court.

Benefits of Drug Court? Drug Court Diversionary Program provide youth with:◦ An opportunity to be clean and sober◦ Skills to lead productive, substance-free, and delinquent-free lives◦ Guidance to perform well in school◦ Diversion from formal involvement with the justice system.

The Drug Court Diversion Program can be completed within six months. After successful completion, program staff complete the necessary paperwork to seal the child’s records.

Failure to complete the program due to a new arrest, continued substance abuse, or failure to comply with the Drug Court Agreement will result in a referral to the District Attorney’s Office for filing the current offense. Requirements? Youth attend review hearings regularly, submit to frequent and random drug testing, complete community service, and participate in

therapeutic treatment based on their level of substance use. Youth are intensively supervised through curfew checks, school attendance and monitoring, among others.

Parents attend required review hearings with the child before the Drug Court Judge and participate in treatment based on the youth’s drug use. Parents provide an open and honest progress report about their child’s behavior and substance use at home. The program staff provide parents with information and education that empowers them to supervise their children and promote positive behaviors.

Dallas County Juvenile Department reviews all police reports submitted by county police agencies and refers only misdemeanor drug related cases to Drug Court. If this is the youth’s first referral for a misdemeanor drug offense, an orientation is scheduled with the parent and child to determine if the Drug Court Diversionary Program will be beneficial to all involved.

Drug Court hearings, meetings and groups meet south of downtown Dallas near 35E and 8th street, at 414 South R.L. Thorton Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75203.

Drug Court

Specialty Courts

May 9, 2013

Dr. Terry SmithExecutive Director

E.S.T.E.E.M. CourtExperiencing Success Through Empowerment,

Encouragement and Mentoring

Judge Cheryl Lee Shannon

Mission StatementTo provide positive experiences for referred female youth that will foster success and empowerment and thereby prevent further involvement in the legal system.

TARGET POPULATIONHigh Risk Victims (HRV) who have committed CINS offense or have had misdemeanor charges deferred by the District Attorney and have one of the following criteria: At least 4 runaways in 12 month period,

or at least one residential stay at Letot;

- A victim of child exploitation

GOALS-Facilitate successful completion by providing continuity of Judge, Probation Officer and service provider.

- Address the needs of the target population by providing wraparound services.

- Utilize available community-based resources and Department services as needed.

- Increase family involvement by providing services for the family as well as the child.

Goals con’t

- Provide and exit plan for success after diversion

- Decrease further entry into the juvenile system, reducing Department expenses, and improving outcomes for the families.

IMPLEMENTATION- Conduct an Intake Staffing with the family to explain the program (determine if admission criteria is met and their willingness to participate)

- Administer Assessment to determine the needs of the child and family.

- Develop and implement a clear and concise case plan

- Provide referrals to the family that meet the identified needs

Implementation con’t- Girls group session after Court to debrief, promote comraderie and build positive relationships.

- Parent Group session after Court to debrief, provide group support and introduce new parenting strategies.

- Treatment Group, HOPE, specifically designed for this population by Letot’s clinical staff

Implementation con’t- Provide the family with a directory of community services for their personal use.

- Assign girls 15 hours of CSR

Court Process- Court meets weekly

- Court Team staffs cases weekly

- Judge gives overview of the program to child and family

- Review Hearings

- Groups following Court

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

AIM Truancy

The Pathway to Success- Level 1 – Sapphire

- Level 2 – Emerald

Level 3 – Ruby

- Level 4 - Diamond

OUR SUCCESSESGraduates

Healthy Families and Healthy Communities: A Dialogue

Nancy Correa, CHILDREN AT RISK

Thom Suhy, Center on Communities and Education of the Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Southern Methodist University

Moderated By: Jaime Hanks Meyers, CHILDREN AT RISK

Cities for People

Brent Brown, AIAFounding Director, bcWORKSHOP

Safe at Home: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

Debra Mitchel-IbeDirector of Community Outreach, The Family Place

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