NCJ Number
241917
Date Published
December 2012
Length
98 pages
Annotation
This report presents the features and outcome evaluation findings of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department's (TJJD) comprehensive reentry and reintegration plan, which was finalized in June 2010.
Abstract
The TJJD Reentry and Reintegration Planning and Services apparently had a positive impact on the outcomes for youth committed to State facilities. Juveniles leaving State residential services since the implementation of reentry and reintegration planning have lower rearrest and reincarceration rates than juveniles released prior to the new reentry system. Youth who are participating in select parole services also have lower rearrest and reincarceration rates than expected. The outcome evaluation tracked the re-arrest and incarceration rates of juveniles who received reentry and reintegration services from the date of their release. Juveniles who were arrested and/or incarcerated for a subsequent felony or misdemeanor offense were considered recidivists. Reentry planning begins at the time of admission to a TJJD facility. In order to ensure an effective plan is developed for a youth's rehabilitation and community reentry needs, a comprehensive and accurate assessment is completed at the Orientation and Assessment Unit; it continues at regular intervals during the youth's time in TJJD. An individual placement and treatment plan occurs at the Orientation & Assessment Unit in coordination with the multidisciplinary team, youth, and parents. Placement specialists use assessment information to choose the most appropriate program placements for youth. Vocational and workforce development programs exist throughout the State in both residential and community settings. A network of transition programs has been created, and local providers and transitional services are contacted prior to release. Routine communication with youth, family, case managers, teachers, service providers, parole officers, the committing court, and other juvenile justice entities increases the opportunities for a seamless reentry plan. Appended descriptions of reentry programs and enabling State legislation.