TJJD Admission Trends
A major shift in the profile of youth committed and admitted to TJJD occurred during this time period, reflecting referral trends. Of youth admitted to TJJD in FY 2025, 7.3% (1 in 13) committed murder and 31.6% (1 in 3) had a determinate sentence.
TJJD Admission Trends
A major shift in the profile of youth committed and admitted to TJJD occurred during this time period, reflecting referral trends. Of youth admitted to TJJD in FY 2025, 7.3% (1 in 13) committed murder and 31.6% (1 in 3) had a determinate sentence.
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TJJD Youth Have Increasing Treatment Needs
At the same time, TJJD saw more higher-risk youth with higher needs. Aggression and mental health treatment needs as a percent of population are at all-time agency highs.
TJJD Youth Have Increasing Treatment Needs
At the same time, TJJD saw more higher-risk youth with higher needs. Aggression and mental health treatment needs as a percent of population are at all-time agency highs.
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Juvenile Justice Population Rebounded After Pandemic
Formal referrals, basic supervision ADP, and violent felony referrals decreased during the pandemic but have since returned to near pre-pandemic levels.
Juvenile Justice Population Rebounded After Pandemic
Formal referrals, basic supervision ADP, and violent felony referrals decreased during the pandemic but have since returned to near pre-pandemic levels.
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Homicide, Crimes Involving Firearms and Drug Offenses Rose
In this timeframe, homicide referrals increased by 65%, firearms offenses increased by 45%, and felony drug referrals sharply increased due to changes in the law.
Homicide, Crimes Involving Firearms and Drug Offenses Rose
In this timeframe, homicide referrals increased by 65%, firearms offenses increased by 45%, and felony drug referrals sharply increased due to changes in the law.
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Residential Placement vs. Diversion, ADP
County residential placement ADP decreased in this time period largely due to pandemic-induced labor shortages and cost increases. Diversion efforts have taken priority and diversion ADP now exceeds county residential placement ADP.
Residential Placement vs. Diversion, ADP
County residential placement ADP decreased in this time period largely due to pandemic-induced labor shortages and cost increases. Diversion efforts have taken priority and diversion ADP now exceeds county residential placement ADP.
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County Commitments to TJJD and Adult Certifications
Adult certification dispositions returned to pre-pandemic levels, and TJJD commitment dispositions from counties have stabilized at reduced levels.
County Commitments to TJJD and Adult Certifications
Adult certification dispositions returned to pre-pandemic levels, and TJJD commitment dispositions from counties have stabilized at reduced levels.
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The Number of Youths Committed to TJJD Has Declined
Counties have committed fewer youth to TJJD with indeterminate sentence commitments driving the decline. Determinate sentence commitments, through, increased over this same period.
The Number of Youths Committed to TJJD Has Declined
Counties have committed fewer youth to TJJD with indeterminate sentence commitments driving the decline. Determinate sentence commitments, through, increased over this same period.
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Declines in Non-Secure Average Daily Population
A higher risk profile resulted in fewer youth eligible for halfway house placement or parole supervision.
Declines in Non-Secure Average Daily Population
A higher risk profile resulted in fewer youth eligible for halfway house placement or parole supervision.
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Contract Care has Fallen Sharply
Contract care has declined steeply. Previous contractors dealt historically with only moderate- or low-risk youth.
Contract Care has Fallen Sharply
Contract care has declined steeply. Previous contractors dealt historically with only moderate- or low-risk youth.
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Severe Staffing Shortages
TJJD secure facilities faced severe staffing shortages, only recouping losses in FY 2023 but with immense churn. JCO staffing and operational capacity increased at the facilities and youth population stabilized in FY 2025.
Severe Staffing Shortages
TJJD secure facilities faced severe staffing shortages, only recouping losses in FY 2023 but with immense churn. JCO staffing and operational capacity increased at the facilities and youth population stabilized in FY 2025.
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Youth Get Waitlisted
As secure facility, halfway house, parole, and contract capacity all declined, the agency began waitlisting committed youth to avoid dire safety issues.
Youth Get Waitlisted
As secure facility, halfway house, parole, and contract capacity all declined, the agency began waitlisting committed youth to avoid dire safety issues.
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The Size of the System Has Been Declining
From FY 2010 – 2020, the overall size of the juvenile justice system declined nationwide.
The Size of the System Has Been Declining
From FY 2010 – 2020, the overall size of the juvenile justice system declined nationwide.
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Texas Juvenile Justice Population
Of the youth referred to the Texas juvenile justice system in FY 2025, about 1% were committed to TJJD.
Texas Juvenile Justice Population
Of the youth referred to the Texas juvenile justice system in FY 2025, about 1% were committed to TJJD.
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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.
Sickmund, M., Sladky, T.J., Puzzanchera, C., and Kang, W. (2021) Easy Access to the Census of Juveniles in Residential Placement.
https://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/ezacjrp
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.
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