Residential placement of youth on probation is utilized when less restrictive efforts to gain compliance and achieve law abiding behaviors have been ineffective. Prior to placing a child, community supervision and resources will have been utilized to impact the youth’s behavior. Placement decisions are based upon evidence of a significant history of delinquency referrals, an essential need for rehabilitative services not available in the community, or the possibility of being ordered to the Texas Youth Commission. Youth placed at the expense of the department must be on formal probation.
In selecting a placement, great consideration is given to matching the juvenile’s needs with the facility most able to address those needs, including legal, social, psychological, educational and medical. Placement usually lasts between six and twelve months, depending on the juvenile’s participation and response as well as support by the family and their participation in the treatment process. A facility’s recommendation concerning the juvenile’s progress plays a large part in length of treatment and discharge. The department contracts with a variety of residential providers at different levels of care. The department’s cost for residential services range from $91.22 per day to $206.60 per day.
During 2002, 64 juveniles were placed in residential treatment facility; 77% of youth place were discharged successfully. Successful completion from placement 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.
