Harris County JDAI: Juvenile Justice and Detention Reform

1. Annie E. Casey Foundation Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) Harris County JDAI: Juvenile Justice and Detention Reform Tom Brooks, Executive Director Juvenile Probation HCJPD Coordinator Thomas.brooks@hcjpd.hctx.net 713.222.4801 Nancy Baird, Site Coordinator JDAI Harris County nbaird@sbcglobal.net 713.680.1727

2. Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative Purpose: To demonstrate that jurisdictions can establish more effective and efficient systems to accomplish the purposes of juvenile detention. 5 Core Objectives: 1) Eliminate inappropriate or unnecessary use of secure detention. 2) Minimize failures to appear and incidence of delinquent behavior. 3) Redirect public finances to successful reform strategies. • Improve conditions in secure detention facilities. • Reduce racial and ethnic disparities.

3. Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) JDAI: 8 Core Strategies • Collaboration • Reliance on Data • Objective Admissions Criteria (RAI) • Alternatives to Secure Detention • Expedited Case Processing 6. Strategies for “Special” Detention Cases (VOPS, WRITS, Warrants, etc.) 7. Strategies to Reduce Racial Disparities 8. Rigorous Facility Inspections

4. Harris County JDAI Definition of Detention “Detention is the temporary and safe custody of juveniles. Generally, secure detention should be utilized for youth who by nature of their offense(s) or conduct are found to be a danger to self/others, or are believed to be a flight risk. Less restrictive alternatives to secure detention are preferred.” (Approved by JDAI Executive Steering Committee 07/22/08) Our Horizon is as distant as our mind’s eye wishes it to be. ~Jim E. Casey~

5. Governing Structure of Harris County JDAI Executive Steering Committee – Governing Body of Harris County JDAI

6. Governing Structure of Harris County JDAI Management Oversight Committee Governing Body of Harris County JDAI Task Forces

7. 1. Collaboration – Committees and Task Forces 8 Core Strategies – Activities & Results to Date • Executive Steering Committee – Created and Active • Management Oversight Committee – Created and Active • Training Harris County staff and stakeholders – Created and Active • 250 community stakeholders committed to reforming Harris County’s juvenile justice system.

8. 2. Reliance on Data – Active and Ongoing 8 Core Strategies – Activities & Results to Date • Establishing, gathering, and monitoring relevant data for inclusion in JDAI reports and improved services to juveniles. • Ongoing submission of quarterly, progress, and results reports to Annie E. Casey Foundation JDAI.

9. 3. Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI) Task Force 8 Core Strategies – Activities & Results to Date Purpose: Develop objective Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI) for Juvenile Probation Intake to decide whether to detain or a release a referred juvenile. Chairs: Tim Broussard and Susan Bonich, Juvenile Probation Administrators. Status: Risk Assessment Instrument (RAI) implemented on February 1, 2009. Update: 32% reduction in detention population since implementation of JDAI (2007).

10. 4. Rigorous Facility Inspections – Self-Inspection Task Force • Purpose: Examine all aspects of Juvenile Detention’s policies, practices, and programs to prepare a comprehensive report on findings and implementation of corrective action plans. • Chairs: Dennis Englade – Juvenile Probation Officer and Malikah Marrus – Researcher, Southwest Juvenile Defender Program, University of Houston. • Status: Self-Inspection completed, final report due January 2010. 8 Core Strategies – Activities & Results to Date

11. 5. Alternatives to Secure Detention Task Force 8 Core Strategies – Activities & Results to Date ✓Purpose: Develop a continuum of services for additional alternatives to detention. Chairs: Judge Beverly Malazzo – Juvenile Court Referee Rebecca DeCamara – Projects Director, Juvenile Probation Status: Initial meeting in October 2008. ✓ Update: Contract with Southwest Keys Program to open Neighborhood Evening Reporting Center in January 2010.

12. 6. Case Processing Task Force Purpose: Expedite flow of cases through the juvenile justice system. Chairs: Helen Jackson – Retired H.C. Assistant District Attorney Guadalupe Mendiola – Court Services, Juvenile Probation. ✓ Status: Initial Task Force meeting January 2009, and initial recommendations submitted to Management Oversight Committee October 2009. 8 Core Strategies – Activities & Results to Date

13. 7. Strategies to Reduce Racial Disparities – DMC Task Force 8 Core Strategies – Activities & Results to Date • Purpose: Develop strategies aimed at eliminating bias and ensuring a level playing field for youth of color. • Chairs: Judge Mike Fields and Gloria Moreno – Commissioner Sylvia Garcia’s office. • Status: Initial meeting February 2009, completed Burns Institute training, and reviewing preliminary data.

14. 8. Strategies for “Special” Detention Cases (VOPS, WRITS, Warrants,) 8 Core Strategies – Activities & Results to Date ✓Purpose: Evaluate and develop new practices for youth in custody as a result of probation violations, writs and warrants, and those awaiting placement. ✓Chairs: Julia Ramirez, Deputy Chief, Juvenile Probation & Eric Laird, Constable, Precinct 1. Status: Initial meeting May 2009, developing progressive sanctions grid.

15. Harris County Juvenile Probation

16. For Additional Information: Nancy H. Baird, Site Coordinator, Harris County JDAI nbaird@sbcglobal.net 713.680.1727 713.569-2469 (cell) JDAI and Harris County Tom Brooks, Executive Director, Harris County Juvenile Probation Thomas.brooks@hcjpd.hctx.net 713.222.4801 Annie E. Casey Foundation JDAI Help Desk http://www/jdaihelpdesk.org