Kerr County Juvenile Probation Department

Kerr County Juvenile Probation is comprised of individuals dedicated to helping the youth of Kerr County through service to the Juvenile Court. Certified Juvenile Probation Officers (JPOs) must fulfill many tasks including supervising, advising, referring and detaining youth in need of services.

The department currently employs 5 juvenile probation officers, and 3 community activity officers.

Other Duties: Officers conduct transportation of youth in our custody and are often called to be "on scene" by law enforcement and school officials. Transportations include, but are not limited to; medical, dental and mental health appointments, extraditions, transports to and from facilities and placements, and supervision of detained youth in need of hospital treatment such as emergency services.

Additionally, officers conduct community service projects such as cleaning county buildings and vehicles.

Close relationships with parents, schools, law enforcement, attorneys and other agencies and service providers are crucial. Referrals of youth to special programs, such as educational assistance, drug and alcohol education classes, intensive substance abuse classes, parenting classes, private counseling, community service programs, mental health services and GED classes provide opportunities that otherwise may not be available to them.

The Kerr County Juvenile Probation Department provides many services to the juveniles that our referred to our department. The following information is an overview of some of the programs and services offered by the Department.

Residential

Residential Placements - There are two types of placements in juvenile justice in Texas. A “placement” is when the court removes a child from the home and places that child in some type of facility or center. The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) authorizes and regulates pre-adjudication and post-adjudication facilities, commonly referred to as “Pre” and “Post” facilities.

Pre-Adjudication- "Pre" facilities are secure centers in which children are held pending disposition of a case of delinquent conduct.  These are short-term, secure facilities.

Post Adjudication- "Post" facilities are more therapeutic and rehabilitative in nature and, as such, these are normally for longer term placements. There are two types of "Post" facilities: secure and non-secure. Secure facilities are “locked down” with locked doors, gates and fences. Non-secure facilities are less restrictive, such as treatment centers or vocational programs.

Non-Residential

These are programs that are aided by the department accepting funds from TJJD for program operations. The Kerr County Juvenile Probation Department must comply with all grant conditions to continue receiving these funds.

Intensive Supervised Probation (ISP)-This program includes additional conditions, stricter curfews and more frequent reporting.

Community Service Restitution (CSR)-This department performs and facilitates community service at a number of locations throughout the county, including with many nonprofit organizations.

First Tee/4H Golf Challenge of Kerr County- This program is a partnership between the Kerr County Juvenile Board, Texas 4-H, Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas A&M University. This program was the first of its type in the state, and possibly in the nation. It utilizes proven 4-H leadership techniques to aid youth in development of their character traits. The Kerr County Juvenile Probation Department worked closely with The First Tee in development to create a model that is now utilized by juvenile justice agencies across the nation. This is our cornerstone program.

Restitution and Court Costs-The department collects and disburses restitution and court costs.

Drug Testing- The department provides on-site drug testing through urinalysis, mouth swabs and hair follicles.

Probation Assisting Education (PAE)- This program is offered during the school year. Children are offered a two-hour weekly tutoring session with certified teachers.

Psychological Evaluation- The department contracts with a Ph.D.-level psychologist to provide psychological evaluations as ordered by the court in an effort to provide appropriate treatment to the child.

Substance Abuse Evaluations- Evaluations are completed by a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) Certification.

Substance Abuse Programs- The department offers a basic substance abuse program and an intensive outpatient program.

Parenting Program- The department offers a 12-week parenting program to parents of juveniles under the supervision of the department. It is open to all parents.

Sex Offender Assessments- An LPC-level licensed sex offender treatment provider conducts evaluations and makes recommendations.

Sex Offender Counseling- Court-ordered counseling is offered to youth in need of specialized treatment.

Counseling Services- The department contracts with an LPC to provide counseling to youth and families on a limited basis.

Community Partnerships

These are services offered to youth and families, without charge in most cases.

Community Resource Coordination Group (CRCG)- Department staff attend monthly meetings with other local groups and agencies dedicated to serving youth. Some of the agencies represented include; area schools, MHDD, TCOOMMI, Texas Workforce Solutions, Medicaid administrators, K'STAR, Hill Country Crisis Council, nonprofits serving youth, private home health, faith-based organizations, Adult Protective Services and treatment centers.

GED programs- The department makes referrals to local GED programs.

Special event assistance- JPOs attend community events as requested.

School meetings- The department hosts regular meetings open to all Kerr County schools. These meetings bring together many groups and individuals to identify needs and seek solutions, in an effort to aid schools in the county.

Service provider meetings- The department hosts regular service provider meetings. This gives us the opportunity to share information and gain knowledge about the youth we serve.

Hill County Crisis Council- Provides counseling and treatment services. Hill Country Crisis Council provides these services free of charge to children and families. Aside from aiding youth in a therapeutic environment, caseworkers are often present in court to support the children they serve.

Baptist Child and Family Services (BCFS):

• Transitional Living Program- The Kerr County Juvenile Probation Department is proud to be a partner in this program. Offenders are assigned to a specific officer to address their needs. This officer is paired with a caseworker and counselor employed by BCFS. The caseworker works exclusively with the children under the supervision of this department to provide services to the child and family. BCFS and the department work very closely on the child’s case plan in an attempt to avoid incarceration.

• Youth Averted from Delinquency (YAD)- The YAD program provides in-home services, including counseling and case management to families who have children on probation in Kerr County.

Justice of the Peace/ Truancy- Officers serve the county’s justice courts when requested and available. As the department may receive formal referrals from these courts, we aid the courts when possible.

Juvenile Intervention Services- In an ongoing attempt to aid parents and youth in need of services, the department provides Juvenile Intervention Services. The program is offered as a service to parents of youth who have not been referred to the department for a delinquent conduct or CHINS offense. Parents have the ability to make an appointment with an officer. The officer advises the child of the possible consequences of negative behaviors and illegal activities.