Report on at-risk youth services recommends further study, improved information sharing

STAR Program funds suggested as source to pay for study

An independent study is needed to review how Texas provides services to at-risk youth, and to recommend a model service delivery system with accountability; according to a new report on at-risk youth services in Texas.   “At-risk youth” are defined in the report as youth who have significant potential to enter or further penetrate the juvenile and/or criminal justice system.

The report further recommends amending current law to mandate information sharing and increased communication among the entities that serve at-risk youth.  This is in response to complaints that existing regulations about information-sharing result in duplication of effort and other impediments.

Other “policy considerations” suggested:

·         Focus efforts on providing prevention and intervention as soon as possible (not defined)

·         Ensure comparable services for youth who haven’t entered the juvenile justice system

·         Reduce duplicative services and assessments

·         Explore feasibility of using local schools as a location where more services are provided

While the report contains laudable recommendations, I question the wisdom of the approach used in the study, as well as the suggestion to divert a half million dollars of STAR Program funding to pay for further study!

Although the project intends to “gain a comprehensive view of the various services available to at-risk youth in Texas” and explore “how local, state, private, nonprofit, and educational entities serve at-risk youth in their communities,” the research analyzes data exclusively on juvenile offenders who are already involved in the juvenile justice system, without addressing how youth avoid entry into the juvenile justice system or how systems work to divert them.  It lacks even minimal discussion of the role played by programs currently funded to provide prevention and early intervention services to at-risk youth, such as STAR (Services to At Risk Youth), CYD (Community Youth Development), CIS (Communities in Schools), and other programs.  Data shows that these programs successfully work to keep “at risk” youth OUT of the more costly juvenile justice and child welfare systems.

These programs are finally listed, on page 20 of the report, only as part of a section exploring potential funding for the new study; and the severe funding cuts proposed for these programs this legislative session are noted. Nevertheless, the STAR Program is recommended as the source for the $500,000 price tag for the proposed independent study.  (The report makes clear that no additional funding is requested.)  The cost, which would result in services to fewer at-risk youth and families, is justified as enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of future prevention and intervention funding.

Finally, while sharing information between agencies has clear benefits, we wonder if youth and families would be less willing to “sign up” for services if they know their identifying information will be shared with juvenile and CPS authorities; as they would ethically have to be afforded informed consent.   

The report, released in January, is by the At-Risk Youth Services Project (ARYSP), an interim research project directed by the Criminal Justice Data Analysis Team of the Legislative Budget Board (LBB). The goal of the project is to provide legislative recommendations to improve the delivery of services to at-risk youth in Texas.  Agencies participating in the project included TYC, the Juvenile Probation Commission, and probation departments in eight Texas counties; also various care-givers serving youth in the juvenile justice system. 

Click Here for the full report. 

Theresa Tod,  Executive Director