Who usually has access to Juvenile Records?

While juvenile records are generally confidential, there are certain exceptions that allow police, prosecutors, probation officers, and other criminal and juvenile justice officials in Texas and elsewhere to have access. The records may also be available to employers, educational institutions, licensing agencies, and other organizations when you apply for employment or educational programs. Treatment records (counseling, placement, drug treatment, etc.) are confidential and access to them is much more limited.

What are "Juvenile Justice Files and Records?"

Under the record keeping system for juvenile records in Texas, if a juvenile was adjudicated for delinquent conduct (Class A or B misdemeanor or any felony), the juvenile probably has a juvenile record with numerous entities including local law enforcement, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). That record is a permanent record that is not destroyed or erased unless the record is eligible for sealing and the child or the child's family hires a lawyer to file a petition in court to have the record sealed.

Who has a "Juvenile File and Record" in Texas?

Anyone who was taken into custody or referred to court for delinquent conduct, which is generally Class A or B misdemeanor or any felony offenses, or conduct indicating a need for supervision (CINS), which is generally a class C misdemeanor, conduct that would not be against the law if committed by an adult (like drinking or running away), or certain specific offenses such as prostitution and “sexting,” has a juvenile file and record.

Files & Records
Human Trafficking Prevention and Intervention Program

TRAPS Program

TRAPS is Traffick 911's interactive youth program designed to equip youth and parents to avoid the tricks, traps and lures of human traffickers. The program is geared towards youth ages 12 to 18 and is also adapted and presented to PTA's and parent groups. The information provided is current, relevant, and captures the attention of the youth while opening their eyes to a dark and dangerous part of society. Youth learn practical ways to stay safe, such as alternatives to running away and appropriate internet and real world behaviors. It also empowers youth to be a voice for someone who may be trafficked by teaching them to recognize the red flags of a trafficking victim. the TRAPS workshop is offered monthly to youth in the juvenile detention center and twice a year to probation youth in the community.

Sex Trafficking Facts

  • A child is sold every two minutes.
  • It is the 2nd largest and fasting growing criminal activity in the world.
  • Texas ranks second in the nation for the most number of cases.
  • Average age of entry is 12-13 years.
  • The Interstate 10 corridor is the number one route for human trafficking in the U.S. It is estimated there are 27 million victims of human trafficking in the world.
  • Higher instances of human trafficking occur when youth run away from home, have had involvement with child protective services or have been involved in the juvenile justice system.
When A Child Is Detained

When a Child Breaks the Law in Texas

A child who breaks the law in Texas may enter a complex world of procedures, places and people called the juvenile justice system. In Texas the ages of juvenile justice jurisdiction are 10 through 16. The handling of juveniles is strictly regulated by state law, but juvenile probation is locally administered at the county level.

Getting Caught
For minor violations, the police may simply warn the child and parents. However, when further action is needed to protect the public or the child, or to prevent future offenses, the case is forwarded to local juvenile probation officials. All juveniles with alleged delinquent offenses that are crimes punishable by jail for adults are fingerprinted and entered into a statewide central repository. Their criminal history record may then be accessed by law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies throughout Texas. Photographs are taken of all juveniles who are referred to the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department for a class “B” misdemeanor and above and kept on record until the juvenile has either Sealing of Files (English)   Sealing of Files (Spanish) .

 

Intake - Front Door to the System
Children arrive at the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation intake unit around the clock. They may be sick, intoxicated, injured, depressed or violent. Critical decisions must be made on the spot. Intake officers are skilled in crisis intervention, information gathering and assessment. They resolve some cases through counseling and refer others to more appropriate social agencies. If charges are to be filed in court, intake makes the initial decision about where the child will stay pending judicial proceedings. Many are safely released to parents or guardians but others must be held in secure detention or in a shelter. Upon intake into the detention center all juveniles are assessed for any physical and/or mental conditions that may warrant closer observation by the detention staff supervising the juvenile. Any medical needs are immediately addressed and mental needs are addressed upon initial assessment. Once a decision has been made by the intake staff to hold the juvenile in the secure detention center for further investigations and proceedings the intake officer will notify the parents/guardians of the child and arrange a meeting to gather information from them.

A checklist of items that the parents/guardians will be required to provide will be given to them along with a financial packet [PDF] that will need to be completed if the parent is unable to provide an attorney for the child. If the child is to be held for a detention hearing a report will be completed prior to the detention hearing for the judge’s review at the detention hearing. Initial detention hearings will be held within 48 hours of the child being detained, not including weekends and/or holidays, with subsequent detention hearings held every 10 working days.

 

In Detention
The Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center is a short-term, secure facility designed to protect the community and the child, and to assure the child’s appearance in court. At intervals set by law, children in detention have detention hearings where a judge must be shown there is good cause to hold them. Children are not detained without due process of law. The detention center offers top quality custodial care, crisis intervention, counseling, education and many other services. While a child is in detention they may receive psychological assessments and counseling, substance abuse assessments and counseling and a comprehensive literacy assessment. The Fort Bend County Detention Center is a 80 bed facility consisting of two 18 bed male units, one 12 bed female unit, three 8 bed honors dorms and eight holding cells. The probation department employs numerous mental health professionals and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors to provide services to juveniles detained at the detention facility. While a child is detained they are provided 3 meals a day, an education, opportunities for addressing mental and physical needs, recreational opportunities and a literacy program, all within a safe and secure setting. The juveniles detained within the detention center are afforded rights including access to writing a grievance if the juvenile requests and the capability of notifying authorities if abuse, neglect or exploitation has occurred against them or others within the facility.

 

Waiting for Court
When charges are filed against a child, a probation officer initiates a court investigation. After making a detailed assessment of the child’s behavior, home, school and social relationships, the officer writes a social history report to assist the judge in deciding on a plan for the child’s future. The court officer provides valued information to the court system to determine what course of action and treatment is in the best interest of the child.

 

Going to Court
In the court proceeding, called an adjudication hearing, the child, family and the child’s attorney, appear before a judge or jury that will decide if the child committed a delinquent act or conduct indicating a need for supervision. If the child is adjudicated for the offense, the judge orders a "disposition" -- a plan to protect the public and to redirect the child toward a law-abiding future. Dispositions in most counties are based on "progressive sanctions" guidelines aiming to provide appropriate consequences and outcomes for juvenile offenders. The guidelines provide a continuum of progressive steps designed to balance public protection, offender accountability and rehabilitation.

 

What Can the Judge Decide?
Juvenile court judges have many options from outright dismissal to long-term confinement in a correctional facility. For felony offenses, a youth 14 or older can be "certified" to stand trial in the adult criminal courts. For other serious offenders, the Determinate Sentencing Law allows a juvenile to be confined up to 40 years, first in a Texas Juvenile Justice Division facility, followed by an optional court transfer to prison. For less serious offenders who require confinement, the judge may order an indeterminate commitment to the Texas Juvenile Justice Division where the child may be held until his or her 19th birthday. In most cases, however, the judge orders some form of probation supervision in the community, or placement in a private, state or local residential treatment facility.

 

Deferred Prosecution Probation
Some of the youngest, least serious offenders get a second chance to prove to the court that no further action is needed to prevent future illegal activity. Those who succeed in this three to six-month "Deferred Prosecution" program avoid the adjudication process and continued involvement with authorities. Deferred prosecution is an alternative to seeking a formal adjudication of delinquent conduct or conduct indicating a need for supervision. Deferred Prosecution ranges from 3-6 months, however, in certain circumstances, may be extended for up to an additional 6 months. Juveniles placed on deferred prosecution are required to follow rules of probation as well as complete certain assigned programs, such as community service or counseling. Deferred prosecution may be offered to the juvenile by either the district attorney’s office or at the court level.

 

Formal Probation
Of all the court’s choices, probation supervision is most commonly used. Because children remain in their homes and schools, probation is the least costly, least disruptive course of action. The court-ordered rules of probation demand school attendance, good conduct, curfews and participation in specified programs, including community service and financial restitution. Probation officers enforce these rules while they help the child and family achieve positive change. Parents are expected to participate in their child’s probation program. As the source of social, emotional and financial support, the family is key to a successful probation outcome. Family counseling, parent training and support groups help parents meet the challenge of raising teenagers today. The majority of the juveniles adjudicated and placed on formal probation will remain at home under various levels of supervision. Those juveniles on formal probation are supervised by field services. Juveniles can be placed on formal probation ranging from 6 months and up to their 18th birthday. When a juvenile has been declared delinquent, the court sets the rules of probation.

The field division has four distinct units comprised of twenty-seven full time employees. Once a child is placed on probation, they report with their parent or guardian to the Field Services Division for a Post Court Interview (PCI). During the PCI, an officer explains the rules of probation and expectations of both the parent and child. The parent and child also attend community service orientation and receive a work schedule. While under supervision, the juvenile is subject to drug testing, curfew inspections at home and school, reporting monthly, reporting weekly (ISP), twenty-four hour curfew, performance of community service restitution and payment of  any restitution ordered. The Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) Unit is classified within the Field Unit of the Juvenile Probation Department. The ISP Unit's main function is to improve probation outcomes by placing high risk juvenile offenders on smaller, more intensive caseloads. Typically, juvenile offenders are placed on ISP due to the seriousness of their offense(s) (i.e. felony probation) or due to their unsuccessful attempt(s) on earlier probation.

The Department currently employs seven (7) Juvenile Probation Officers (JPO) who supervise juveniles under the Intensive Supervision Program. There are three (3) JPOs assigned to visit juveniles who remain in public school after being probated. Each officer is assigned to a different geographical location, or “zone,” of the county. One (1) JPO offices at each of Fort Bend County’s Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) / Juvenile Leadership Academy Program (JLA) sites located in Rosenberg, TX and Arcola, TX. These JPOs are able to assist with the daily supervision of the juveniles at each location and act as an advocate for the juveniles assigned to the site. Finally, one (1) JPO is assigned to the Sexual Offenders program and one (1) to the TCOOMI (MHMR) program. ISP JPOs have the same duties and responsibilities as regular Field JPOs, with the added responsibility of an increased amount of contact with the juveniles on their caseload. ISP JPOs conduct (at a minimum) one (1) school visit and one (1) office visit per week, as well as one (1) home visit per month. Additionally, ISP JPOs make telephone contact with the child/ family and the juvenile’s counselor at least once per week. An office visit takes place in the JPO’s office with the juvenile and their parent or guardian. The office visit is a face-to-face opportunity for the juvenile and parent to ask questions and report weekly activities. This is an opportunity for the JPO to observe the parent-child relationship and to ensure compliance with the terms of probation. Weekly office visits cultivate a more accountable relationship between the JPO, juvenile, and parent. School visits take place at each juvenile’s assigned school. During each weekly school visit, the JPO request current attendance, disciplinary, and academic records from school personnel. School visits offer an opportunity for the Juvenile Probation Department to show support to the local school districts by having JPO’s visible in different schools several times a week. Home visits are usually conducted in the evenings, on weekends, and as a substitute for school visits during school holidays. Home visits give the JPO the opportunity to observe the living conditions and family dynamics of each juvenile. Additionally, home visits are an opportunity for the JPO to provide support and guidance to the family. With the increased supervision provided by the ISP unit to the juveniles and their families it is the hope that we decrease the likelihood of the juvenile re-offending or suffering further consequences from the Department.

 

Residential Placement
Some children must be removed from their homes due to uncontrolled behavior, drug addiction, mental illness or an inadequate home environment. Children are removed from their homes only as a last resort to protect the public, to provide needed supervision and treatment, and to prevent future lawless conduct. When it is determined that a juvenile should be considered for placement outside the home the staffing committee meets to consider all available alternatives. The staffing committee is generally comprised of the chief and/or assistant chief, deputy chief, the supervisor, a member of the psychology division, a probation supervisor from field, court or intake and the assigned juvenile probation officer. All of the information (child's legal history, prior services, psychological and/or psychiatric testing, treatment needs, family situation, and school records) is discussed. The probation department attempts to exhaust all of the resources available before placing a child out of the home. Placement recommendations and options are recommended for the judge's consideration. The juveniles going to placement are screened for eligibility of state and/or federal reimbursements. The placement unit works diligently to find the appropriate placement for each juvenile to address their needs and be successful upon their return home. The placement unit has monthly face-to-face contacts with the juveniles and program staff while the juveniles are in placement. The placement officer is responsible for monitoring the juvenile's progress and addressing any concerns as they arise, as well as updating the court of any significant issues.

 

Starting Over
The child, who succeeds on probation, either at home or in an institution, gets a fresh start. The Texas juvenile justice system treats children with confidentiality and concern. Juvenile case records are not made public. To insure that your child’s files are secured you will want to follow the guidelines for Sealing of the Files. Probation practitioners work hard to see that children leaving their care and custody are better equipped to build productive, law abiding futures. Because all children have the potential for good, they deserve our best efforts in their behalf.

Truancy Reduction Program

Saved by the Bell

Saved by the Bell is a truancy reduction program that began in 2008 funded with a Texas Criminal Justice Division grant. The program started with four Fort Bend County ISD schools and all Katy ISD schools under the jurisdiction of Precinct 3. The program was expanded in late 2011 and again in 2012 to include Lamar CISD, Needville ISD and Brazos ISD.

The goal of this innovative program is to apply pro-active casework management strategies together with meaningful sanctions in order to address truancy issues and ultimately reduce delinquency. When a child is referred to the court system for truancy issues the presiding judge has the option to place the child under direct supervision of the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department’s “Saved by the Bell “program. When a child is placed in the program a Juvenile Probation Officer will meet with the child and their parents immediately to discuss the conditions of the courts remedial orders they have been placed on by the Judge.  The orders are for usually a 180-day period. A compliance date is also scheduled at that time so that the Judge can stay informed of the progress of the child. During the initial meeting the parent will complete demographic and consent forms enabling the case manager to acquire the child’s school information.  The child is scheduled for their initial monthly office visit.

When the child reaches his/her compliance hearing date, it is the case manager's responsibility to inform the Judge of the child’s compliance with the remedial orders, including grades, attendance, discipline issues, and make recommendations for the child’s probation status.  If the child is compliant, the truancy case is closed.  If the child continues to have truancy issues the court may modify this remedial order.  If the child is persistently non-compliant, they may be referred to the Juvenile Court for truancy intervention. 

Fort Bend ISD, Precinct 1, Place 1
Judge Kelly Crow
22333 Grand Corner Drive Suite 102
Katy, Texas 77494
281-238-1460
281-238-1461 FAX

Lamar Consolidated, Katy, & Brazos ISD. Precinct 1, Place 2
Judge Tricia Krenek
8100 FM 359
Fulshear, Texas 77441
281-341-3742
281-341-3746 FAX
Fort Bend ISD, Precinct 2, Place 1
Judge Roderick Garner
303 Texas Parkway (FM 2234) Room 107
Missouri City, Texas 77489
281-403-8080		 Fort Bend & Lamar Consolidated ISD, Precinct 2, Place 2
Judge JaPaula Kemp
3114 Rosenberg St,
Needville, Texas 77461
346-481-6990
832-471-3821 FAX
Fort Bend ISD, Precinct 3
Judge Sonia Rash
151 Stadium Drive, Suite 102
Sugar Land, Texas 77478
281-491-6016
832-471-1842 FAX		 Lamar Consolidated ISD, Precinct 4
Judge Keisha "K.T." Smith
1517 Eugene Heimann Circle, Suite 100
Richmond, Texas 77469
832-471-2550
832-471-1859 FAX

 

Training Certification Compliance Resource & Investigations Division

Training Certification Compliance Resource & Investigations Division

The Training Certification Compliance Resource & Investigations Division maintains certifications for all officers within the department and also seeks to identify the training needs of the department. Those needs are met by providing training to the department with emphasis on utilizing staff who are designated and trained as trainers for the department. This group consists of probation and supervision officers who have researched topics and developed a course outline for each of the trainings. These trainers provide training hours for Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department personnel, as well as training hours to surrounding counties' juvenile probation departments. The Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department continues to collaborate with the surrounding counties, sharing resources and training opportunities.

The Training, Certifications Compliance Resource and Investigations Unit is also responsible for conducting internal audits in all areas of the probation department. The unit studies the standards set forth by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and ensures that all aspects of the Fort Bend County Probation Department are in compliance with the state standards. The Training, Certifications Compliance Resource and Investigations unit also assists in writing new policy and procedure when necessary. The unit is dedicated to ensure the safety, fair treatment and security of all juveniles involved with the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department. If a juvenile makes an outcry of abuse, neglect or exploitation while involved with the probation department the unit will conduct an internal investigation. The focus is to maintain the safety and fair treatment of all juveniles within the department. The unit also conducts internal investigations if employees make a report of an unfair work environment.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (PREA) established national standards to prevent, detect, and respond to prison rape.  To be in compliance with national standards the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department dedicated the Training, Certifications Compliance Resource and Investigations Unit supervisor as the PREA Coordinator.  The responsibilities of the PREA Coordinator include: developing, implementing and overseeing agency efforts to comply with the PREA standards including but not limited to, developing and maintaining policy and procedure, conducting internal investigations or sexual abuse and sexual harassment and collecting and providing data to the Department of Justice as required.

TJJD Commitment Report

TJJD Commitment Report

 

 

Transitions Work/Study Program

Transitions Work/Study Program

The Transitions Work/Study Program aims to equip juveniles ages 15-18 who are involved with the Fort Bend County Juvenile Probation Department with the essential tools to be academically prepared, proficient in job and college readiness, and well-informed about higher education opportunities and local community programs. By increasing juvenile awareness of the wide range of opportunities available to them, the program empowers them to take proactive steps toward building a successful and fulfilling future.

Target Group

  • Juveniles who are academically behind and require a GED or high school diploma.
  • Juveniles seeking employment and in need of mentoring and support.
  • Juveniles pursuing trade certifications to enter the workforce requiring guidance on how to initiate the process.
  • Juveniles interested in attending community college, a four-year university, or joining the military requiring guidance on how to initiate the process.

The Transitions Work/Study Program provides personalized support to juveniles, with a focus on job readiness and college readiness. In the area of job readiness, the program offers resume building, job search strategies, mock interviews, and more. College readiness includes post-graduation planning, career pathway exploration, school research, assistance with the admissions process, FAFSA assistance, and additional resources. The goal of the Transitions Program is to empower juveniles to take the next step toward entering the workforce or pursuing higher education opportunities.

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