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.  The project has been a success for all contracting counties during the past three years.  

Fiscal Year 2016 services provided region wide include - 184 assessments, 305 group therapy and counseling sessions and 575 individual therapy and counseling sessions.  The FY 2017 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:

Criminal Justice Division, Governor’s Office

Yes

Request authorization to submit an application for FY2018 Regional Juvenile Mental Health Services project; amount not to exceed $136,237.00, with authority to accept, reject, alter, or terminate the grant as deemed appropriate. (Staff Contact: Deidre Vick)