Harris County Juvenile Probation Department

When a juvenile must be removed from the home, the Residential-Community Services staffing committee considers all available alternatives. Information is supplied by the JPO as well as a psychological and psychiatric evaluation by the MHMRA forensic staff. Placement options are recommended to be included in the court report for the judge’s consideration. Another special unit reviews all cases for possible federal reimbursement from Title IV-E funds. In 2005, a total of $414,229.84 was requested in IV-E reimbursement from the federal government for youth in private placement. Another request for $161,369 was made to TJPC for youth who were Sanction Level 5 and placed in a private secure facility or in the BBRC Sexual Offender Unit. In addition, $3,298,185 was received in IV-E administrative reimbursement.

The Harris County Advocate Program (H-CAP) offers a community-based alternative to placement. The program serves adjudicated offenders whose behavior and social circumstances put them at risk of placement in residential treatment facilities. It offers a range of individualized non-traditional wrap-around and advocacy services for the youth and the entire family. Referrals are taken from probation services and institutions saving placement dollars and leaving youth in their own homes.