There is an increasing need for counties to address mental health issues of youth referred to their Juvenile Probation Departments.  This topic is listed as a need in county Community Plans and is a priority in the Commissioner’s Courts of our region.  Of particular concern are juveniles in need of diagnosis and therapy.  Because this is a region-wide need, the H-GAC Criminal Justice Program is applying for funds that would enable counties to increase the availability of diagnostic and counseling services for these individuals.  Over the past three years, the Juvenile Mental Health program provided more than 750 evaluations and 1,800 hours of counseling to young people across the region suffering from behavioral and psychological issues. 

The fiscal year 2022 project is providing counseling and mental health services for juveniles in the ten counties currently contracting with the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Surveys are being conducted to determine exact needs in the juvenile counseling/mental health area among the thirteen Juvenile Probation Departments in the region.  Once identified, $105,000 in pass-through funds will be made available to the juvenile probation departments to provide diagnostic services and/or professional therapy if needed:

Public Safety Office, Governor’s Office

Yes

Request authorization to submit an application for fiscal year 2023 Regional Juvenile Mental Health Services project; total amount is $133,484. (Staff Contact: Justin Riley)