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Harris County JPD Hosting Interns

Student interns at both undergraduate and graduate levels rotate throughout the different divisions of Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) providing exposure to all aspects of the juvenile justice system.  During 2014 HCJPD hosted 21 interns collectively completing approximately 6,400 hours.  Juvenile Probation Officers take on the assignment of teaching and mentoring, providing them professional and practical experience.

As a final project the interns prepare and deliver a presentation to the executive staff where they combine academic knowledge with practical experiences learned during their internship. HCJPD maintains a strong affiliation with local universities and continues to expand the current list to include universities from other states.

The HCJPD Doctoral Internship Program in Professional Psychology provides internship opportunities for students who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program in psychology (clinical, counseling, forensic, or school psychology).  Each year, HCJPD accepts three full-time interns for a twelve-month paid internship. HCJPD is a member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), and interns are selected through APPIC’s annual match process. 

HCJPD is currently under review to be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) during spring of 2015.  Interns are required to complete a minimum of 2,000 clock hours to be used towards licensure. Interns work at least 40 hours per week with at least 25% of the time devoted to direct services. Interns conduct assessments, provide individual, family, and group therapy, crisis intervention, and consultation services.  During 2014, five interns completed approximately 4,800 hours; in addition to nine practicum students who completed approximately 2,500 hours.

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