The Joint Project at Tarrant County Juvenile Services was created in 1996 to provide on-site, full-time case managers from Child Protective Services (CPS) and MHMR of Tarrant County. The goal of this collaboration was to facilitate communication between these two agencies and Tarrant County Juvenile Services regarding mutual clients. With case management liaisons from CPS and MHMR on site, Juvenile Services was able to improve service delivery for clients and families that had received or needed services from these agencies previously. Through information sharing, joint staffing and facilitating access to resources, the program reduces recidivism among juvenile offenders and provides interventions that strengthen family functioning.

Family Partnerships Program

In 2001, recognizing the need for specialized services to address the needs of juvenile offenders with mental health impairments, the 77th Legislature provided funding to coordinate and support programs targeting these offenders. The protocol required local MHMR authorities and juvenile departments to partner in developing a plan to provide services to these juveniles and their families. Tarrant County named its project the Family Partnerships Program, (FPP). Under FPP, three agencies (The Lena Pope Home, MHMR of Tarrant County and Juvenile Services) collaborated to provide intensive, home-based services for juveniles on probation with mental health needs. FPP operates from a team-focused, strength-based platform, employing a team that consists of a juvenile probation officer, a therapist, and family members. An intensive “wrap around” approach addresses the mental health issues of target youth and their impact on the family. The goal of FPP is to empower and strengthen families to make significant changes that impact the juvenile’s life.

During 2002, a total of 169 juveniles were served through the FPP, with a 78% successful completion rate. Successful completion is defined as a juvenile who was not or did not:

• Certified to stand trial as an adult;
• Committed to the Texas Youth Commission;
• Placed on adult probation;
• Abscond resulting in supervision terminating;
• Die as a direct result of criminal conduct;
• Have supervision terminated by the court; or
• Refuse to accept services.