TRAVIS COUNTY FY COMMUNITY PLAN FOR COORDINATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND RELATED ACTIVITIES

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2 TRAVIS COUNTY FY COMMUNITY PLAN FOR COORDINATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND RELATED ACTIVITIES COMMUNITY PLANNING PARTICIPANTS Any Baby Can LifeWorks Travis County Health and Human Services Travis County Criminal Justice Planning Travis County CSCD City of Austin Health and Human Services Community Action Network Travis County Underage Drinking Program ARC of the Capital Area Travis County Juvenile Probation Department Austin Police Department Constable Precinct 5 Caring Family Network Austin Independent School District Pflugerville Police Department Travis County Sheriff s Office CASA of Travis County Travis County Drug Court Travis County District Attorney s Office Capital Area Council of Governments Austin Outreach Center for Child Protection WorkSource Travis County Domestic Relations Office Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Mind the Gap 4-Kids River City Youth 2 of 35

3 GENERAL STATISTICS AND DEMOGRAPHICS TRAVIS COUNTY PROFILE County Population Data 1980 Census 419, Census 576, Census 812, Estimate 857,204 Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census Estimate is for July 1. City Population ( ) Austin 465, , ,011 Bee Cave Briarcliff Creedmoor Jonestown 1,250 1,681 1,748 Lago Vista 2,199 4,507 5,167 Lakeway 4,044 8,002 8,190 Manor 1,041 1,204 1,169 Mustang Ridge Pflugerville 4,444 16,335 24,661 Rollingwood 1,388 1,403 1,366 San Leanna Sunset Valley The Hills 216 1,492 1,875 West Lake Hills 2,542 3,116 3,029 Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census Estimate is for July 1. Ethnicity Composition (2000) Anglo 57.3% Black 9.4% Hispanic 28.2% Other 5.1% Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census 3 of 35

4 Age Composition ( ) % Growth Under 5 years 44,113 58, % 5 to 9 years 40,447 54, % 10 to 14 years 33,984 50, % 15 to 19 years 43,359 59, % 20 to 24 years 67,525 89, % 25 to 34 years 128, , % 35 to 44 years 94, , % 45 to 54 years 48,598 99, % 55 to 59 years 17,981 28, % 60 to 64 years 15,918 19, % 65 to 74 years 24,809 29, % 75 to 84 years 12,915 18, % 85 years and over 4,137 6, % Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census Labor Force Information (Aug 2004) Labor Force 506,762 Employed 483,093 Unemployed 23,669 Unemployment Rate 4.7% Source: Texas Workforce Commission Industry Employment (Q4 2003) Natural Resources & Mining 967 Construction 25,576 Manufacturing 46,900 Trade, Transport & Utilities 80,972 Information 18,770 Financial Activities 33,956 Professional/Business Services 75,812 Education & Health Services 47,787 Leisure & Hospitality 50,046 Other Services 17,406 Nonclassifiable 1,081 Federal Government 8,742 State Government 58,418 Local Government 43,682 Source: Texas Workforce Commission 4 of 35

5 Income Data Growth Average Wage per Job $ 22,683 $ 40, % Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis AREAS ADDRESSED CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PROBLEM STATEMENT NUMBER 1: There is a need for increased substance abuse continuum of services for individuals in the Criminal Justice System. Issues to Consider/Supporting Statistics: There has been a continued reduction in state and local dollars for substance abuse treatment in the community and in prison: a. In FY2004, TDCJ substance abuse budget was cut 16% resulting in the cut of the modified therapeutic community treatment program at the Travis County State Jail. b. In FY2003, the Travis County Jail closed its Drug and Alcohol Treatment program when the Travis County CSCD had to reduce its budget due to state budget problems c. Between 1995 and 2002, the number of state funded residential treatment beds decreased 42% (2,016 fewer beds). (CJAD Jan. 2003) d. cut in half of the funding for adult detoxification services e. cuts in specialized treatment for females with their children are particularly troublesome. f. we have the highest rates of substance abuse in the state g. there were more public funded detox beds available in the mid-seventies than there are now with half the population to serve. h. 63% of state prisoners in Texas are substance users or chemically dependent and that 39% reported being intoxicated at the time of their crime. (UI) i. In FY 2002, only 5% of the potential participants in TDCJ are known to have been admitted to substance abuse programs.capacity to serve 6,900 prisoners a year (page 30) (This probably is what is impacted with the last cuts). j. In September 2004, Austin Recovery Center reported a decrease in TCADA funding of $739,990 from the previous year with a projected impact on 1,834 individuals and a loss of 19.4 slots across program areas. Phoenix Academy reported a loss of 22-Day Treatment slots for youth and 20 residential slots for the same time period Studies have shown that substance abuse treatment programs are most effective when they encompass an in-prison component as well as an aftercare component. (Carole Keeton Rylander, 2000, Recommendations of the Texas Comptroller. Chapter 11: Improve Correctional Substance Abuse Treatment. Also Gerald Gaes, Timothy Flanigan, et al, 1999, Adult Correctional Treatment, In Prisons, Criminal Justice: A Review of Research ) 5 of 35

6 The cost to Travis County for incarcerating people charged with/ convicted of drug or alcohol offenses is roughly $15 million a year and expected to increase as a result of Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (TCADA)* cuts in treatment. (Travis County Justice and Public Safety, Research and Planning). Treatment reduces drug use by 40-60%; reduces crime by 40-60%; and increases employment prospects by 40% (NIDA). Effective prevention programs are cost effective. For every $1 spent on drug use prevention, communities can save $4 to $5 in costs for drug abuse treatment and counseling (Pentz, M.A. Costs, Benefits and Cost Effectiveness of Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention NIDA Research Monogram). Drug Courts have been a proven model of success: Two Year Recidivism Rates in Travis County Percent Arrested Two Years After Entry Percent Incarcerated Two Years After Entry 24.5% 0.0% Did Not Complete 56.8% 11.0% All participants 39.1% 5.0% Comparison Groups 45.5% 14.1% Of the 2,272 adults admitted to substance abuse treatment facilities in Travis County during 2002, 46% (1,052) had a primary problem with alcohol, 30% (679) with either heroin or crack cocaine, 9% with marijuana, and 7% with powder cocaine (TCADA-Funded Programs Clients, Travis County, 2002). Alcohol and drug use and addiction is a major part of offending: Half of the traffic fatalities in the city of Austin between January 2004 and June 2004 involved drugs or alcohol. (City Council Briefing by APD August 5 th, 2004 In 2001, there were 2,342 state prisoners who returned to Travis County. Of those, 28% had been incarcerated for drug offenses, 40% for property crimes and 15% for violent crimes. (UI) During 2001 in Travis County, there were 716 motor vehicle alcohol or drug abuse injury crashes; an increase of 39 since These crashes resulted in 1168 non-fatal injuries and 35 deaths (TCADA: Substance Related Motor Vehicle Accidents, Travis County). In the year 2002, 444 alcohol and drug related deaths were reported in Travis County (Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, TCADA). Total Alcohol Related Deaths Direct Alcohol Related Deaths Indirect Alcohol Related Deaths 6 of 35

7 (Adult Only) Total Drug Related Deaths Direct Drug Related Deaths Indirect Drug Related Deaths Travis County Jail booking From January through June 2004, there were 27,366 people with 43,226 charges booked into the Travis County Central Booking Facility. Of these, 44% (11,822) people had a substance abuse related charge, such as public intoxication, driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, and manufacture/delivery/sale/possessi on of controlled substances (Travis County, Criminal Justice Planning) Source: Corrections Management System (CMS) The reductions are causing extended waiting list for treatment: In the Travis County Drug Court, clients with co-occurring disorders wait 3-4 months to access treatment from ATCMHMR and stabilized on medications. Current wait for probationers for residential treatment: 6-9 months Current wait for probationers for outpatient treatment: 6-12 weeks Analysis of revocations of probations in 2003 revealed that xxx% were for controlled substance related violations and xx for assaults In a sentencing survey report by TDCJ-CJAD in August 2004, felony judges prioritized more treatment resources as the highest funding priority; more residential treatment was their second funding priority. The City of Austin and Travis County are spending large amounts of money and resources arresting and processing people who have substance abuse issues or who are homeless, adding to jail over crowding issues. a. Over the past 3 years, both the City and the County have allocated over half of their annual budgets to public safety (57% in ). By comparison, over the same period, City 7 of 35

8 and County spending on health and human services has remained unchanged (12% and 11% of their budgets). (Community Action Network, Frequently Asked Questions About, Public Safety and Crime Prevention August 2004) b. With 41% of Texas offenders re-incarcerated within 3 years of their release from prison, it is clear that jails and prisons will continue to be a major public safety cost. Therefore, it is necessary to continue to examine how to offset the cost of incarceration by investing in effective prevention/intervention programming. (Community Action Network, Frequently Asked Questions About, Public Safety and Crime Prevention August 2004) Action Plan to Leverage Resources: 1. Research funding opportunities 2. Form coalitions and collaborations to leverage expertise and resources Funding Priorities: Programs implementing evidenced-based curriculums and programs for substance abuse treatment and prevention. PROBLEM STATEMENT NUMBER 2: There is a need for increased mental health continuum of services for individuals in the Criminal Justice System. Issues to Consider/Supporting Statistics: Almost 16% of prisoners nationwide suffer from mental illnesses nation-wide. The Travis County Jail estimates that prisoners a day (average population number) are being treated for a mental illness while incarcerated. Between 1988 and 1998, the number of prisoners receiving mental health care in TDCJ increased 399% (from 3,148 to 15,716); psychiatric beds increased 157% and the overall prison population increased 262%. (UI) It is estimated that there are approximately 3,977 homeless persons within Travis County on any given day, a 10% increase from the 3,600 reported in Of these, an estimated 3341 are single adults. It is estimated that half (1671) of homeless, single adults also deal with a mental illness. (Source: Homelessness Assessment & ATCMHMR) In 2001: a. 13% of direct probationers in Texas suffered from a mental illness. b. 27% of direct parolees were estimated to be mentally ill. c. At the same time, only 28% of mentally ill probationers and parolees were treated. 1. In a sentencing survey report by TDCJ-CJAD in August 2004, felony judges prioritized more treatment resources as the highest funding priority; more residential treatment was their second funding priority 2. Law enforcement efforts addressing this population are directed by policy and ordinances instead of response to community need and evidenced-based practices. 8 of 35

9 3. The City of Austin and Travis County are spending large amounts of money and resources arresting and processing people who have mental health issues or who are homeless, adding to jail over crowding issues. Action Plan to Leverage Resources: Research funding opportunities Form coalitions and collaborations to leverage expertise and resources Funding Priorities: Programs implementing evidenced-based curriculums and programs for mental health treatment and intervention. PROBLEM STATEMENT NUMBER 3: There is a need for integrated and coordinated reentry services for individuals leaving incarcerated facilities. Issues to Consider/Supporting Statistics: 1. Education o 43% of offenders in a TDCJ prison in 2001 did not have a HS diploma or GED (UI) o 31% of offenders in a TDCJ prison in 2001 are considered functionally illiterate. (UI) o In FY 2004, TDCJ budget for education, treatment and chaplaincy decreased 16% (UI) o The Texas Criminal Justice Policy Council documented a 37% reduction in recidivism when young illiterate property offenders were taught to read. o For every $1 that Texas spent on treatment, the state saved $2.86 in costs of recidivism. 2. Persons returning to our communities from incarceration settings have increased five-fold in the past two decades amid substantial barriers and challenges to effective reentry and reintegration into their families and community. 3. Employment 4. Housing 5. Children of prisoners o National Scope 1.5 million children in the US had a parent in prison in (BJA 2000) Black children were 9 times and Hispanic children were 3 times as likely to have a parent in prison as white children. (BJA) 55% of State offenders in prison have children under the age of 18. (BJA) 20% of offenders reported no contact with their children (BJA) Children with an incarcerated parent are 6-8 times more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system. 9 of 35

10 They are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and aggression, decline in school performance, truancy as well as teen pregnancy. o State/Local Scope In August 2002, there were 4,081 offenders from Travis County in a Texas prison. (TDCJ) 2,261 (55%) of those offenders had children Over 4,196 children in Travis County had a parent incarcerated in a Texas prison in August (TDCJ 2002) In May 2003, there were 1,185 children in Travis County who had a non-custodial parent incarcerated with the State Attorney General s Office an estimated liability of $33.8 million dollars in child support arrears. In 2003, 55% of youth admitted to a Texas Youth Commission facility had families with histories of criminal behavior. 6. Impact on specific neighborhoods/communities (Portrait of Prisoner Reentry in Texas, Urban Institute, 2003): o 32,587persons were released from TDCJ in 2001 o 2,342 prisoners returned to Travis County at a rate of 2.9 prisoners per 1,000. o 5 zip codes (out of 47) accounted for 53% of all releases to Austin/Travis County: % % % % % 7. In 2001, 19.7% (248) prisoners were discharged to Travis County from TDCJ (they were released with no supervision such as probation or parole they had served their entire sentence). (UI) 8. In 2001, 2,342 released state prisoners returned to Travis County, a rate of 2.9 prisoners per 1,000. They had been convicted of: 40% Property Offenses 11% DWI 28% Drug Offenses 1% Weapons Offenses 15% Violent Offenses 5% Other 9. Incarceration Costs o In 2001, approximately 151,000 prisoners were incarcerated in Texas prisons at a cost of $40 per day----$6,040,000 every day o More than 55,000 people were released from prison in the same year and 41%, or 22,550, re-offended. 10 of 35

11 o Insert FAQ costs 10. SA and MH Treatment Opportunities reduced o Almost 16% of prisoners nationwide suffer from mental illnesses nation-wide o The Travis County Jail estimates that prisoners a day (average population number) are being treated for a mental illness while incarcerated. o The number of prisoners under mental health supervision in Texas increased fivefold in 10 years (from 3,148 to 15,716). o In Texas in 2001, only 5% of the eligible offenders incarcerated in a TDCJ facility participated in a formal drug treatment program. (UI) o The Texas Criminal Justice Policy Council found that offenders receiving appropriate treatment were 4 times less likely to go back to prison during the 18 month study. o The Policy Council also estimated that two-thirds of all released offenders will be rearrested within three years of leaving prison, and nearly half will be reincarcerated. Action Plan to Leverage Resources: Research funding opportunities Form coalitions and collaborations to leverage expertise and resources Funding Priorities: 1. Programs implementing evidenced-based curriculums and programs for offender reentry. PROBLEM STATEMENT NUMBER 4: There is a need for law enforcement training and resources to effectively respond to crimes against vulnerable populations (children, elderly, homeless, deaf, immigrants, SA/MH, animals) Issues to Consider/Supporting Statistics: 1. Based on the most recent Census data (2002), an estimated 54,333 (7%) of Travis County residents are currently age 65 or older. By 2030, this number is expected to climb to 192,131 (20%) of the total population (Texas State Data Center). 2. Census data from 2002 estimates that 6.1% (3,300) of Travis County residents ages 65 and older live at or below the poverty threshold. 3. Confirmed child abuse cases are up and the number of foster homes is down. a. From 2002 to 2003, there was a 24% increase in the number of confirmed child abuse victims in Travis County b. In addition, since 2000 we have seen a 26% reduction in the number of foster homes. 4. Nearly 4,000 people are homeless in Travis County on any given day. 5. Approximately 21% of adult Americans have a mental disorder in any given year. In 2000 (based on Census data) this meant 44 million adults nationwide, 3.1 million adults (18-54) in Texas, and 108,398 in Travis County. 11 of 35

12 6. In Travis County it is estimated that 50% of people diagnosed with a mental disorder also have a substance abuse diagnosis. The prevalence of substance abuse within our community is a reflection of mental health issues that are not being addressed. (Community Action Network FAQ Adult Mental Health, November 2002.) 7. Based on conservative estimates, about 8% of the U.S. population has a developmental disability; this translates to 1.8 million Texans and 70,000 Travis County residents. (Community Action Network FAQ Mental Retardation/Developmental Disabilities, June 2004.) c. Both children and adults with disabilities are at a higher risk of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse than those without a disability. d. Children with disabilities are twice as likely to experience physical and sexual abuse than children without disabilities; 17% of all abused children have disabilities. e. Adults with developmental disabilities are four to ten times more likely to become victims of physical and sexual assault than are other adults. f. These crimes are seriously underreported; when they are reported, victims are often not believed, and many cases are not prosecuted. g. Additionally, few of these victims receive the assistance and support they need to deal with their struggles. (National Criminal Justice Reference Service. (1999). (Chapter 14: Victimization of Persons with Disabilities) Action Plan to Leverage Resources: i. Research funding opportunities for law enforcement training ii. Survey police departments and sheriff s offices for input on training needs Funding Priorities: Law enforcement training programs that focus on basis peace officer training and continuing education training that provides new information and techniques for responding to and assisting vulnerable populations. PROBLEM STATEMENT NUMBER 5: Arrest, incarceration, and release rates for women have dramatically increased Issues to Consider/Support Statistics: 1. Between 1991 and 2000, the number of incarcerated mothers increased 87%. 2. Since 1980 the number of women in prison as increased at nearly double the rate of men. (Sentencing Project, 1999) 3. Females accounted for 6.7% of all prisoners nationwide at mid-year 2001, up from 4.1% in 1980 and 5.7% in 1990 (BJS, 2002) 4. In 2000, 22% of arrests were of women. (BJS, 2000) 5. One in three women are incarcerated on a drug offense. (BJS, 2000) 6. Over 70% of all women in state prisons are serving sentences for non-violent offenses. (BJS, 2000) 12 of 35

13 7. A study of women offenders in the Cook County Jail in Chicago in 2001, found that 34% said they were regularly involved in prostitution 8. 65% of the incarcerated women have children. (BJS, 2000) o In 1997, 5% of the women entering prison were pregnant. o About one in five female inmates received medication for psychological or emotional problems since admission into prison (BJS, 2000) 9. Prostitutes have a wide-range of health issues/risks. o About 3.5% of women prisoners were diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1997, compared to 2.2% of men. (BJS, 2000) o 66% of prostitute women suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder. (Farley and Barkan) % of women in state prisons reported that they were physically and/or sexually assaulted at some time in their life. (BJS, 2000) 11. Homelessness issues: 12. Prostitution is a major concern for neighborhoods and residents in Austin: o 54% of respondents said that prostitution either seriously or somewhat affected them (35% of said that prostitution seriously affected them and 18% said it effected them somewhat) 13. Prostitution is continues to be a concern of law enforcement, particularly in the North Central and the Central East police command areas of the Austin Police Department: Number of Prostitution Offenses by Area Command Reported Year (through Oct. 5 th, 2004) Northwest North Central Northeast Central West Downtown Central East Southwest South Central Southeast UNK 7 12 Total [Austin Police Department] 13 of 35

14 Travis County Prostitution Booking Information Year Charge F M Total Prostitution (B) Prostittuion Enh (A) to date Compelling Prost (2nd Fel) Prostittuion (B) Prostitution Enh (A) Prositution (B) Prostitution Enh (A) Prostituion Enh (A) 1 1 Prostitution Enh (SJ) Prostitution (B) Prostitution Enh (A) Prostitution Ehn (A) Prostitution Enh (SJ) Prostitution (B) Prositution Enh (A) Prostitution Enh (SJ) [Travis County Sheriff s Office] *Prostitution arrests are driven by policing strategies and usually involve a special operation that engages a number of officers. **Starting in 2003, police began enhancing more prostitution arrests to felony offenses (after three or more convictions). This trend has continued with a three-fold increase so far. The majority of the persons being charged with this felony are female defendants. 14. Access to treatment opportunities for women is reduced. o In 2002, only 11% of community corrections facility beds in Texas (residential treatment facilities for probationers) are designated for women although 25% of the community supervision population are female. (CJAD 2003) o Male offenders at the Travis County State Jail here in Austin have access to local job fairs prior to release and case management through contract between Crime Prevention Institute with the city and county. There are no services available to Action Plan to Leverage Resources: Increase resources for community-based treatment opportunities that include a gender specific model and a comprehensive aftercare component that includes housing, employment training, and reintegration strategies with their families. Increase resources and opportunities for outreach strategies in the community and jails to connect with women who are prostituting. Funding Priorities: 1. Programs implementing evidenced-based curriculums and programs for providing services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women. 14 of 35

15 PROBLEM STATEMENT NUMBER 6: There is an inequity in addressing the systemic issue of domestic violence. Issues to Consider/Supporting Statistics: 22% of the aggravated assaults in Austin between Jan-June 2004 were related to family violence (City Council Briefing by APD August 5 th, 2004) APD: Surprise Visits of DV Addresses: (APD Child Abuse Unit) Year Visits Contacts Arrest 2002/2003 1,980 1, to date During the school year, 67% of the students receiving counseling from SafePlace (395) reported domestic violence. Resources: Incarcerated Parents and Their Children, Bureau of Justice, Texas Department of Criminal Justice 2002 Statistical Report, A Portrait of Prisoner Reentry, Urban Institute, 2003 Community Supervision in Texas, Research and Evaluation, TDCJ-CJAD, January 2003 Summary of Responses to TDCJ-CJAD Sentencing Survey, TDCJ-CJAD Research and Evaluation, August Gender and Justice: Women, Drugs and Sentencing Policy, Marc Mauer, Cathy Potler, Richard Wolf, The Sentencing Project, November Melissa Farley and Howard Barkan, Prostitution, Violence Against Women and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Women & Health 27, no. 3, (1998); Action Plan to Leverage Resources: 3. Research funding opportunities 4. Form coalitions and collaborations to leverage expertise and resources Funding Priorities: Programs implementing evidenced-based curriculums and programs for domestic violence perpetrators. JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION PROBLEM STATEMENT NUMBER 1: A large number of youth are at risk for entering and remaining in the juvenile justice system and graduating into the adult criminal justice system. Issues to Consider/Supporting Statistics: Children who have late, fewer, or inadequate educational opportunities are at risk for behaviors that can result in entrance into the juvenile justice system. 15 of 35

16 Targeted early childhood investments for low income Texas children result in a net value to society of more than $6 billion, including a savings of more than $5 billion in reduced criminal activity. (University of Texas, Center for the Study of Human Resources, June 1999) Academic failure, a low commitment to schooling, truancy, and dropping out of school have consistently been shown to predict later criminal behavior. (Austin/Travis County Community Action Network, Public Safety Community Assessment, May 2000) Inadequate parenting and lack of parental involvement place children in danger of participating in criminal behavior. a. Quality of care and security of attachment affect children s later capacity for empathy, emotional regulation, and behavioral control. (Austin/Travis County Community Action Network, Early Education and Care Community Assessment, November 1999) b. Family functioning factors are among the strongest predictors of crime, especially for younger children. Household composition, poor parental monitoring, poor discipline, a family history of criminality, parental conflict, a lack of family cohesion, and poverty are general risk variables for criminal behavior. (Austin/Travis County Community Action Network, Public Safety Community Assessment, May 2000) c. Research suggests that parenting classes are an effective tool for addressing these family risk factors. (Austin/Travis County Community Action Network, Public Safety Community Assessment, May 2000) d. According to social control theory, children that bond to their families are less likely to engage in delinquent behavior and abuse or neglect during childhood increases the risk of later criminal behavior. (National Institute of Justice, March 1995) Poverty is a contributing factor to a child entering the juvenile justice system. Research has shown that poverty is a major contributing factor to violent juvenile crime. (2003 Nevada Women s Agenda and the Women s Research Institute of Nevada, University of Nevada at Las Vegas) Twelve percent of residents of Travis County live in poverty. Of all households with annual incomes below the federal poverty level, 88 percent have children under the age of 18. (2000 US Census) Youth leaving the foster care system face a number of challenges that prohibit their successful transition to adulthood. a. More than 500,000 children in the U.S. are in foster care. In 2003, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (formerly the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services) placed more than 26,000 children into foster care, though there is no accurate data on how many are placed in different geographical regions in the state. b. Foster care youth often have emotional, behavioral, developmental, and health problems. c. Most children in foster care eventually return to their families or are adopted; however, in 2000, more than 19,000 American youth aged out of the system. In 2001, about 2,500 Texas youth aged out of the system, an estimated 360 of those in Travis County. Research cites that without the support most families provide young people in their transition to adulthood, youth leaving foster care face enormous challenges in building successful lives. 16 of 35

17 d. Of youth aging out of foster care, 25 to 40 percent experience homelessness; 40 percent have mental health issues; and 50 percent have not completed high school or obtained a GED. Children whose parents are incarcerated are more likely to enter the juvenile jsutice system. a. Daughters of incarcerated mothers are six times more likely to end up in the criminal justice system. (National Institute of Justice, 2000) b. Prevention and intervention services cost less and are more successful than incarceration (Austin/Travis Community Action Network Community Needs Assessment, April 2002) c. Wackenhut Corrections Corporation reported that 44.3 percent of female inmates released from the Community Justice Center from March 1998 through February 1999 had one to three children, and 11.4 percent had four or more children Number of kids in the system currently 1,631 Number of referrals each year for last three years* 5,237 5,621 5,290 Number of referrals for family violence each year for last three years Note: *Excludes class C misdemeanors. Number of kids reoffending or entering the adult system each year for last three years FY 01 FY 02 FY 03 Re-offending* as a juvenile 13% 13% 11% Re-offending as an adult 13% 10% 14% *Re-offense is measured for juveniles discharged from rehabilitation programs. (Percent of juveniles in Regular Probation re-offending with a class A or B misdemeanor or felony within 1 year of discharge) Any kind of comparative number that may be significant v. general population of juveniles Juvenile Population (Age 10-16) Felony Referrals Formal Referrals** CY 00 CY 01 CY 02 Travis County 69,571 71,079 72,727 Urban Counties* 1,167,203 1,192,968 1,216,629 Texas 2,276,670 2,327,745 2,374,797 Travis County Urban Counties* 10,953 11,087 10,952 Texas 23,161 23,411 23,036 Travis County 4,675 4,607 4,087 Urban Counties* 54,722 54,418 51,193 Texas 113, , , of 35

18 Felony Referral Rate / 1,000 juv Formal Referral Rate / 1,000 juv Travis County Urban Counties* Texas Travis County Urban Counties* Texas *Urban Counties include Bexar, Dallas, El Paso, Harris, Hidalgo, Nueces, Tarrant, and Travis **Formal referrals exclude many class C misdemeanors as well as many referrals for violations Source of Data: Texas State Data Center & Texas Juvenile Probation Commission National Data US population age according to 2000 Census 32,568,509 Total arrests for juveniles under 18 according to OJJDP in ,369,400 Arrest rate per 1,000 juveniles in US population age according to 2000 Census 32,568,509 Total arrests for juveniles under 18 according to OJJDP in ,273,500 Arrest rate per 1,000 juveniles in US population age according to 2000 Census 32,568,509 Total arrests for juveniles under 18 according to OJJDP in ,261,000 Arrest rate per 1,000 juveniles in Note: Estimates for U.S. population age could not be located at the moment (Data compiled by Travis County Juvenile Probation) Juvenile Arrests Per 1,000 Juveniles age Violent Crime Property Crime Drug Abuse Weapons 2000 U.S Texas U.S Texas U.S Source: OJJDP Texas of 35

19 JUVENILE OFFENDERS CURRENTLY ONDEATH ROW, OR EXECUTED, BY STATE STATE ON DEATH ROW EXECUTED Texas Alabama 14 0 Mississippi 5 0 Arizona 4 0 Louisiana 4 0 North Carolina 4 1 Florida 3 0 South Carolina 3 1 Georgia 2 1 Pennsylvania 2 0 Virginia 1 3 Nevada 1 0 Oklahoma 0 2 Missouri 0 1 Execution information inclusive from 1976 through April 1, Death Row population figures as of September 30, (Death Penalty Information Center) Action Plan to Leverage Resources: Youth and Family Assessment Center, Children s Partnership, Truancy Court (Juvenile Probation) Funding Priorities: Funding for agencies that are currently collaborating with a primary referring agency, offer continuum of care initiatives, researched-based and/or outcomes-based programming. PROBLEM STATEMENT NUMBER 2: A large number of youth are using or abusing substances. Issues to Consider/Supporting Statistics: 1. Drug offenses in Texas have risen almost 100% in the last decade despite a recent decline in referrals to local probation departments. (TJPC News Publication, summer 2004) In There were 2.3 million youths aged 12 to 17 who needed treatment for an alcohol or illicit drug problem. Of this group, only 186,000 received treatment. (SAMSHA s 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health) 19 of 35

20 3. In 2000, 18% of people 26 and older who had begun using marijuana before age 15 met the criteria for either dependence or abuse of alcohol or illicit drugs; compared to 2.1% of adults who never used marijuana. (SAMSHA s 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health) 4. One-third, 2.3 million of alcohol-dependent adults age 21 or older in 2002, had first used alcohol before age 14. Over 80%, 5.8 million, had first used before age 21. The rate of dependence for those who first drank at age 21 or older was only 1%. (SAMSHA s 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health) 5. Non-medical pain relievers increased from 9.6% to 11.2% among youth ages 12-17, continuing an increasing trend. (SAMSHA s 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health) % of youth ages indicated using illicit drugs. 2. The lifetime LSD rate is down from 3.3% to 2.7% 3. Ecstasy use is up from 3.2% to 3.3% 4. Cocaine use is up from 2.3% to 2.7% 5. Inhalant use is up 9% to 10.5% 6. The Department of State Health Services of Texas has instituted a realignment of substance abuse treatment services that eliminated day treatment services as a funding category, reduced the number of residential treatment beds for adolescents in Travis County, and increased the availability of outpatient services. This change in service level does not match the current needs of adolescents who are presenting with acute substance abuse problems. Additionally, this strategy is difficult to understand since the State Performance By Level data reflects that the lowest rate of program completion is outpatient (Levels II, III and IV). Abstinence for Level II outpatient (the most intensive level) lags behind other levels of service. This service delivery strategy is also contrary to all contemporary research that indicates a fully integrated continuum of care improves outcomes for adolescents. 7. The following data has been supplied by the Children s Partnership and reflects information for 7th and 8th graders enrolled in the program from 12/1/1998 through 6/04: Austin: 47% have ever used marijuana; 64% have used in the last 6 months. National: 36% have ever used marijuana; 55% have used in the last 6 months. Austin: 43% have ever used alcohol; 64% have used in the last 6 months. National: 46% have ever used alcohol; 47% have used in the last 6 months. Need number of kids in juvenile justice system who have substance use, misuse, or abuse issues or referrals are related to substances 8. Early intervention is critical in the area of substance abuse when working with adolescents who have contact with the juvenile justice system. As a result, youth at the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department are screened and then provided a comprehensive assessment to determine the presence of substance use disorders, physical health problems, psychiatric disorders, history of physical or sexual abuse, problems related to education and other conditions. From FY 01-FY 03, 2,599 juvenile, or 56% of the juveniles screened for substance abuse needed a comprehensive assessment to diagnosis the extent of their substance abuse and to determine the appropriate level of treatment. This assessment process is completed in part by staff funded through the Juvenile Accountability Block grant the department currently receives from the State. Of those receiving the assessment, 1,381 subsequently were recommended for outpatient treatment, day treatment or 20 of 35

21 residential treatment. Between FY01 and FY03, a total of 658 juveniles received substance abuse treatment and case management. 9. There is one adolescent residential treatment provider in Travis County. This long-term treatment program utilizes a combination of state and county funds that provides for an average daily capacity of 25 beds. Outpatient capacity has increased as compared to residential; however, many youth are not able to demonstrate success in outpatient programs until they have been stabilized through a course of treatment in a residential treatment facility. The Juvenile Probation Department currently operates both a Residential and a Day Treatment program for adjudicated juveniles. The residential program has been partially funded by a RSAT grant from the Criminal Justice Division of the Governor s office; however, these funds are expected to end in April, The Day Treatment Program is funded through a combination of grant and county funds. The Department also operates a Juvenile Drug Court that is partially funded by a Federal Drug Court grant, with the remainder funded by the county. 10. CASA (the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University) has completed a study, funded in part by the Federal government (National Institute on Drug Abuse) which reveals that 1.9 million of 2.4 million juvenile offenders arrested nationally had substance abuse disorders but only 68,600 received substance abuse treatment. The Department of State Health Services recognizes that about 10% of the treatment needs in the State of Texas is being met through its public funding. 11. On a monthly basis, the TCJPD can provide substance abuse treatment to approximately 64 juveniles through department operated programs and local arrangements with IOP providers. The Department has established agreements with residential substance abuse providers in Houston and San Antonio, as well as the only local residential provider; however, the utilization of these programs is limited by limited bed space and available funds. There are frequently waiting lists for this level of service, consequently juveniles are moved to a lower level of care which typically results in less successful treatment outcomes. Action Plan to Leverage Resources: 1. The Travis Juvenile Probation Department seeks to meet the needs of substance abusing juvenile offenders through its Juvenile Justice Integrated Network. Over the last three years (FY01-03) an average of 64% of juveniles successfully completed substance abuse treatment with only 17% reoffending within one year. The partners within the Network are substance abuse and mental health service providers as well as providers of family services and independent case managers. The providers blend their services which helps to maximize funds and improve outcomes. The Network members operating as a team accomplishes several goals: (1) Leverages funds that allow more youth to be served (2) Reduce barriers and redundancy in admission and assessment (3) Leverages the influence of coercive features of programs like the Juvenile Drug Court and In Home Family Services. 2. In FY 03, a total of 60% of the juveniles successfully completed the Juvenile Drug Court. These graduates were multiple offenders with a history of chronic substance use. Youth and families participating in both In Home Family Services and Drug Court reflect an 86% successful completion rate. 3. The Network continues to seek new partners in an ongoing effort to enhance services provided to youths and their families Funding Priorities: 21 of 35

22 1. Funding priorities will include (1) continuation of the comprehensive assessment process (2) programs specifically designed for female offenders (3) services for juveniles with both substance abuse and mental health treatment needs (4) expanding/maintaining residential and day treatment capacity. PROBLEM STATEMENT NUMBER 3: A disproportionate number of youth in the juvenile justice system have developmental and/or mental health challenges and disabilities. Issues to Consider/Supporting Statistics: Number of kids in juvenile justice system with these issues as opposed to the universal population of kids In Texas, mental retardation (MR) is legally defined as a condition that appears before age 18 in which intelligence is significantly below average, and personal care and social behaviors do not meet what is expected for the person s age and culture. The juvenile population (between 10 and 17 years of age) in Texas, especially among minorities, is one of the fastest growing in the United States. Action Plan to Leverage Resources: 1. Form coalitions and collaborations to leverage resources and expertise. Funding Priorities: 1. Funding for agencies that are currently collaborating with a primary referring agency, offer continuum of care initiatives, researched-based and/or outcomes-based programming. PROBLEM STATEMENT NUMBER 4: Youth who experience or witness violence or abuse are more likely to experience future victimizations, become involved in the juvenile justice system, use substances, and become perpetrators of violence and abuse toward others. Issues to Consider/Supporting Statistics: 1. Local Region 7 CPS reports that 60% percent of the children they serve come from families where there is domestic violence. 2. In 1998, the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS) estimated that 27,830 children in Travis County, or one in every six or seven children, were at risk for child abuse and/or neglect. 3. Travis County spends more than $35 million each year on child abuse services, including litigation, prevention, investigation, and direct services to victims. (Estimated Expenditures for Abused Children, May 10, 2002, Travis County) 22 of 35

23 4. In a study by the U.S. Secret Service, over 2/3 of school shooters had been targets of longstanding and severe bullying which was identified as the motivating factor for school shootings (U.S. Secret Service Safe School Initiative, 2000). 5. Unfortunately, despite the significant number of students living with or at risk of experiencing violence and the effects of this violence, school counselors in Austin and surrounding districts face an increasing workload that limits their ability to adequately respond to the needs of these students. The approximate ratio of AISD counselors to students ranges from 1:300 to 1:800, depending on the type and size of the school. 6. Domestic Violence: In 2003, 14,899 family violence incidents were reported by the Austin Police Department and 3,638 arrests were made for family violence (APD, 2004). (X number of children were present when police responded to domestic violence calls-i m trying to get this number). The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services reported that for FY 2003 (September 1, 2002-August 31, 2003), there were 7,747 alleged victims of child abuse/neglect in Travis County and 1,837 confirmed victims of child abuse/neglect. (DFPS FY 2003 Data Book). From 2002 to 2003, there was a 24% increase in the number of confirmed child abuse victims in Travis County (CAN Frequently Asked Questions about Public Safety and Crime Prevention August 2004) A child s exposure to the abuse of mothers by fathers is the strongest risk factor for transmitting violence one generation to the next. (American Psychological Association, 1996) 18% of public high school girls in Massachusetts reported having been physically or sexually assaulted by someone they were dating. Many of those who were victims also exhibited risky health behaviors (Silverman, J. et al., Journal of the American Medical Association, 2002). 7. Schools: In , many students (over 60% in middle school and 40% in high school) indicated that bullying is a problem. 33% of staff and 37% of students surveyed reported that student safety (defined as fighting, harassment, and threats) was the most serious problem on campus (AISD Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities Evaluation Report). For the school year, students in the Austin Independent School District (AISD) committed a total of approximately 6,767 disciplinary violations relating to violence (including incidents involving the use of knives and other weapons) and substance abuse. (Source: Austin Independent School District, Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) data, February 2003). During the school year, 395 students at 38 schools received counseling at school from SafePlace. Of these students 67% reported domestic violence, 29% reported sexual abuse, 20% reported dating violence and 23% reported witnessing or experiencing other forms of violence. In addition to counseling, SafePlace provided 122 classroom presentations to approximately 2000 students. 32% of students attending the presentations indicated that they had been sexually harassed during the school year while 8% reported that they had 23 of 35

24 stayed home or wanted to stay home from school to avoid being harassed. 17% of students reported seeing someone being harassed almost every day of the school year. 41% of students had experienced or witnessed domestic violence, and 39% of students had a friend who was in an abusive relationship. 8. Bullying: Studies have shown that bullying or being the target of bullies are among the risk factors for future victimization and/or perpetration of violence. Research has also indicated that children who are maltreated or victimized are at greater risk for juvenile delinquency, drug use, adult criminal behavior, low academic achievement, and teen pregnancy. (Community Action Network, Victims of Violent Crime Community Assessment Report, June 2003). Among the key findings included in the Victims of Violent Crime Community Assessment Report is that victims of violent crime in Travis County tend to be young people (under age 20). Another key finding stated that prevention of violence is key to decreasing victimization, and the report also noted that the most effective prevention efforts are those which focus on the youngest children and youth and address multiple risk factors. (Community Action Network, Victims of Violent Crime Community Assessment Report, June 2003). Approximately 30% of students in grades 6-10 reported moderate or frequent involvement in bullying with the highest frequency in grades 6-8. Boys were more likely to be a bully and a target. Perpetrating and experiencing bullying was associated with poorer social adjustment (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 1998). Bullying is not an isolated behavior. Students who bully are more likely to engage in other delinquent behaviors. Approximately 60% of boys who were considered bullies in grades 6-9, had been convicted of at least one crime by the age of 24 and 35% had three or more convictions by this age. (Blueprints for Violence Prevention, 1999). Action Plan to Leverage Resources: Form coalitions and collaborations to leverage resources and expertise. Funding Priorities: Funding for agencies that are currently collaborating with a primary referring agency, offer continuum of care initiatives, researched-based and/or outcomes-based programming. 24 of 35

25 VICTIMS SERVICES The Executive Committee of the Austin/Travis County Victim Services Task Force (VSTF) was the planning body behind the information contained within the Victims Services section of the Travis County Community Plan. The VSTF is a multi-agency, volunteer collaboration focused on improving conditions for victims in the Travis County community and serves as the official planning body of the Community Action Network and the Community Justice Council of Travis County. The purpose of VSTF is to assist community policymakers, service providers, funders, advocates, and citizens in addressing the comprehensive needs of victims in Austin and Travis County. Travis County is fortunate to have a well developed and mature victim services system that includes many nationally recognized best practice models. Rapid growth in population in the last ten years combined with stagnant or declining funding in many areas has created overwhelming challenges related to victim services. The goal of the victim services community at this time is to, at a minimum, maintain current level of services, expand capacity as we can, fill gaps in services as identified. While our primary focus is to serve individuals and families that have been victimized, we recognize the need to support prevention and public awareness efforts that focus on educating victims and the public about the frequency and type of victimization that occurs in our community. PREVENTION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS PROBLEM STATEMENT 1: The community needs to be educated about the precursors to and the prevalence of violent crime, as well as understanding who is likely to be victimized and who perpetrates violent crime. Issues to Consider and Supporting Statistics 1. Bullying is a precursor to teen dating violence and abusive adult relationships. 1. Studies have shown that bullying or being the target of bullies are among the risk factors for future victimization and/or perpetration of violence. Research has also indicated that children who are maltreated or victimized are at greater risk for juvenile delinquency and adult criminal behavior. (Victims of Violence Crime Community Assessment Report, June 2003). 2. More than 2/3 of school shooters experienced longstanding and severe bullying which was identified as the motivating factor for school shootings (US Secret Service Safe School Initiative, 2000). 3. Sixty percent of AISD middle school students and 40% of high school students reported that bullying is a problem (AISD Safe and Drug Free School and Communities Evaluation Report). 4. Intoxication/Manslaughter historically more individuals in Texas die in alcohol traffic related accidents than any other state. 5. In 2003, Texas had 1,709 fatalities due to alcohol-related crashes (47 percent of the 3,675 total traffic fatalities), as compared to 1,810 fatalities due to alcohol-related crashes reported in Although a slight reduction, this is still a serious problem (Texas Safety Network). In Austin in 2003, there were 24 traffic fatalities involving alcohol or drugs (APD). 25 of 35