By Doug Vance, PhD, Advisory Council Chair AUSTIN, Texas – Many readers may recall when the TJJD Mental Health Grant (Grant N) was first made available during the FY 2014-2015 Biennium. The purpose was to provide funding to juvenile probation departments in order to increase mental health services and to supplement existing mental health services to juveniles. What readers may not be aware of however, is the vitally important role the Advisory Council played in helping establish the need for this funding, which is – “The Rest of The Story.” In 2013, in order to help juvenile probation departments justify a need for mental health funding, the Advisory Council was asked to develop a comprehensive description of children with mental illness in the juvenile justice system. The assignment was given to the Advisory Council’s Mental Health Committee chaired by Doug Vance, and consisting of members Carrie Barden, Randy Turner, Mark Williams, and their TJJD Chief Financial Officer Bill ...
The Texas Juvenile Justice Department: Transforming Young Lives and Creating Safer Communities