Texas Juvenile Justice Department
Texas Juvenile Justice Department formed in 2011, when the Texas Legislature combined the functions of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. It is charged with keeping communities safe through its role helping high-risk youthful offenders reform and find a more successful future.
QuickLinks
News
- Auto mechanic students at Evins get a new view of the future through the VR lensBy David N. Krough, TJJD Communications — You’ll notice that while stepping into Amando Bautista’s auto repair shop class that there are no cars, no greasy hands and no tools – aside from some goggles… Read more: Auto mechanic students at Evins get a new view of the future through the VR lens
- Building skills for a good cause: Casas for CASABy Barbara Kessler, TJJD Communications — Loud hammering echoed across the shop floor, competing noisily against the power saw’s high-pitched whine as it sliced through pine boards. At times, the busy room fell into interludes… Read more: Building skills for a good cause: Casas for CASA
- TJJD’s IRC hotline connects 24/7 for youth and their familiesBy David N. Krough, TJJD Communications — Whenever youth or staff have an urgent concern or complaint, they can place an immediate call about it using the blue phones installed within all the dorms at… Read more: TJJD’s IRC hotline connects 24/7 for youth and their families
Welcome from Executive Director Shandra Carter
At TJJD we help young people and protect communities
Here at TJJD, our staff commit every day to keeping Texas communities safe and helping young people find a brighter, law-abiding future worth living. We believe deeply that the critical public service we provide is integral to keeping Texas strong. Our agency values are safety, accountability and transparency and we trust you will see those reflected throughout our website, where you can learn more about TJJD, our probation partners and our unified state juvenile justice system.
Texas Juvenile Justice by the Numbers
For more information, visit the Research and Legislative page and the TJJD Data and Statistics page.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
TJJD GOVERNING BOARD
The 9-member governing board meets several times a year at locations across the state. The public is welcome to attend.
- Date: Friday, November 8, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
- Location: Barbara Jordan Building, Rm 2.013, 1601 Congress Ave., Austin, Texas
- Registration link »
ADVISORY COUNCIL
The 13-member Advisory Council on Juvenile Services assists TJJD with long-range planning and review of operations.
- Date: Friday, January 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
- Location: This meeting will take place virtually on Teams.
- Meeting materials »
OIG TRAINING ADVISORY BOARD
The five-member Advisory Board serves to further the education of the members of the Office of Inspector General.
- Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
- Location: 1801 N. Congress Ave. (Bush Building) Room 11.102
- Meeting materials »
Inside the Texas system
Understanding Juvenile Justice
Hidalgo diversion program focuses on family skills
Across Texas, counties receive state-backed grants to tailor programs to their needs.
Texas Juvenile Justice Population
In Texas, of the youth referred to the juvenile justice system only about 1 percent were committed to TJJD.
Texas’ Juvenile Commitment Rate
The state ranks 27th in overall rate of commitments, putting the state in the middle for how many juveniles per capita it commits to secure care.
Building Stronger Connections
How TJJD program help staff, families and youth move forward.