(These offenses are classified
by Juvenile Probation as Progressive Sanction Level I cases. If a child repeatedly commits offenses, Progressive
Sanction guidelines recommend increased penalties and supervision.) At CRC, services include screening and assessment,
crisis intervention, counseling, emergency shelter, referrals and follow-up. The Juvenile Probation Department, Harris County
Children's Protective Services (CPS) and the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority (MHMRA) are partners in the TRIAD
Prevention Program with the TRIAD executive director reporting to CPS. In 2002, 3,373 juveniles who had run away, broken curfew,
skipped school or committed Class C misdemeanors such as alcohol violation received services at CRC and another 2,055 juveniles
were assisted by the probation staff. Many parents consult the TRIAD staff to find ways to prevent their child from
breaking the law.
In addition to Intake services,
the TRIAD Prevention Program operates the Choices Program of Harris County. This is a multi-agency program devoted to
serving those youth that have just entered the juvenile justice system for the first time, or are at risk of becoming involved.
The Triad Prevention Program coordinates STAR services (i.e., services for at-risk youth), which is funded through
the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Also, the program houses case managers who serve as liaisons in the
Justice of the Peace courts, runs the Saturday Truancy Learning Camp program and staff an intensive home-based case management
program for youth with mental health issues. |