New Facilities

The Texas Juvenile Justice Department recently broke ground on two new facilities designed to strengthen youth rehabilitation, enhance staff safety, and better serve communities across Texas. These investments reflect a forward-thinking commitment to accountability, individualized, modern care environments, and long-term public safety outcomes that will make a lasting difference for youth, families, and the state.

Aerial view rendering of new facility in Brazoria County.

Rendering of new Administration building.

Aerial view rendering of new facility in Ellis County.

Purpose Built

The two facilities are being designed to meet distinct needs within TJJD’s population.

The Ellis County facility will focus on youth with the highest levels of mental and behavioral health needs, incorporating therapeutic environments and robust staff support systems while maintaining the security and structure necessary for safe operations. Dormitories, staff spaces, and facility infrastructure will be built specifically to equip staff overseeing our Mental Health Treatment Programs, Behavioral Stabilization Unit, and Crisis Stabilization Unit.

The Brazoria County facility will serve youth with high-risk and violent behavioral profiles, emphasizing safety, security, structure, accountability, rehabilitation, and reentry readiness through secure programming models. The facility will be equipped to handle our IIP program, our Redirect Program, and our Phoenix and Phoenix Max Programs.

A Significant Investment

In 2023, the Texas Legislature authorized a $200 million investment to design and build two new state-of-the-art juvenile justice facilities, marking the first major expansion in decades to address capacity, safety, and specialized care needs across the state.

Since that decision, TJJD has conducted feasibility and planning work, engaged with the Texas Facilities Commission, and moved forward with site selection and design to ensure these facilities are modern, strategically located, and built to support youth rehabilitation and long-term success. This critical funding reflects the Legislature’s recognition of the need for safer environments, improved outcomes, and stronger support for both youth and staff — and TJJD extends its appreciation for the partnership and confidence shown in this shared mission.