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Intake Court Services Division

The Intake Court Services Division is the initial point of contact for youth and families who become involved with the HCJPD. A wide array of family-oriented, early intervention and prevention services are provided to youth. The division is also responsible for preparing a comprehensive youth court report in order to assist the juvenile judge in determining a suitable case disposition.

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Intake Screening is open 24 hours and screens calls from law enforcement agencies regarding youth between the ages of 10 to 17 who have committed misdemeanor B or above law violations. At the Intake level, youth may be considered for diversion programs, or released to a parent/guardian, or may be detained for a Detention Hearing.

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The Pre-Adjudication Team is an alternative to detention, which provides an intensive level of supervision, that allows higher-risk youth offenders, to reside at home, while pending a district court appearance.

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Court Services JPOs are responsible for preparing a comprehensive profile of a youth, for the Judge, district attorney, defense attorney, and other court staff, for the youth’s appearance before one of the three Harris County Juvenile District Courts (313th, 314th, and 315th). The information provided assists the courts in determining a suitable disposition or further action needed on the case.

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The Detention Assessment Unit assess the youth that have been placed in the custody of the probation department to determine the best placement or program alternatives to get their rehabilitative needs met. The unit provides comprehensive assessments, which consist of mental health, educational, and substance abuse evaluations. These assessments help to identify the youth’s rehabilitative needs so that the youth receives the most appropriate placement and services to increase their chances of success.

 

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The purpose of private placement is to provide youth who have been placed in the custody of the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer with the resources needed to address their behavioral and mental health needs. The placement unit maintains contracts with in-state and out of state licensed residential facilities. Specially trained juvenile probation officers monitor the progress of the youth while they are in residential treatment facility. Once the youth returns home they are supervised in the community by the same probation officer which ensure a continuity of services. The family is connected to community resources to assist the youth in transitioning smoothly into their community.

 


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Tracker Program

The Harris County Youth Advocates’ Tracker Program is a detention release alternative, providing daily contact with a youth for up to thirty days of a docketed court date.

 

Second Chance Program

The Second Chance Program is a non-petitioned, review by prosecutor, diversion program. Appropriate candidates are identified and referred to the program by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and requires youth to attend the Juvenile Consequences Workshop and to pay restitution, if appropriate.

 

Juvenile Consequences Workshop

The Juvenile Consequences Workshop is a collaboration of the Houston Bar Association, Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Houston Police Department and Juvenile Probation. It is a one-time requirement for the Second Chance Program and offers speakers from each of the collaborative agencies presenting information on the potential impact of becoming further involved in the Juvenile Justice System and offering suggestions on lessening opportunities to do so.

 

Juvenile Law 101 Workshop

Juvenile Law 101 is a workshop offered to youth and families of first-time offenders, who are scheduled to appear before one of the Harris County Juvenile District Courts. The goal of the program is to provide information to help prepare them for their first court appearance and give them an opportunity to ask questions to help them better navigate through the Harris County Juvenile Justice System.

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