Overview

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department is committed to the highest professional standards in the execution of our agency’s mission and interactions with the youth in our care. To ensure the safety and security of individuals in the juvenile justice system, two independent groups work diligently to investigate alleged misconduct: the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Office of the Independent Ombudsman (OIO).

The Office of Internal Audit (OIA) is established by Texas Government Code Chapter 2102 (Texas Internal Auditing Act) to provide the agency audit and consulting services that enhance accountability and assist the agency in accomplishing its mission and objectives through managing risk, increasing control awareness, improving processes, facilitating change, and promoting best practices. Internal Audit is overseen by the Chief Auditor who is appointed by and reports directly to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board. Internal audit adheres to the Institute of Internal Auditor's (IIA) International Professional Practices Framework, the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Government Auditing Standards, and the Texas Internal Auditing Act.

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) was created by the Texas Legislature and is charged with investigating (1) crimes committed by department employees, including parole officers employed by or under contract with the department; and (2) crimes and delinquent conduct committed at a facility operated by the department, a residential facility operated by another entity under a contract with the department, or any facility in which a child committed to the custody of the department is housed or receives medical or mental health treatment.

The chief inspector is a commissioned peace officer, and is authorized to appoint additional peace officers to fulfill the statutory duties of the office. The chief inspector is appointed by, and reports directly to, the TJJD board. The inspector generals have all of the power and duties afforded to peace officers under the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The OIG reports directly the chairman of the TJJD board of directors.