Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

______________ C RIMINAL
USTICE /Juveniles
RIMINAL JUSTICE
77 th Texas Legislature
Health and Human Services for Female Juvenile Offenders - H.B. 1758
by Representatives Sylvester Turner and Naishtat
Senate Sponsor: Senator Moncrief
Female juvenile offenders commit different types of offenses than their male counterparts. Females are
three times as likely to experience sexual abuse, which may be an underlying factor in some female
delinquency. Service providers must take these differences into account when designing services and
treatment programs for teenage girls. Sometimes, a substantially new approach is necessary to effectively
treat and serve females.
Directs each state health and human services agency that provides services for females under the age of
18 years of age to assess the effectiveness of its services for females and report its progress to the Health
and Human Services Commission.
Juveniles with Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders - H.B. 1901
by Representative Sylvester Turner, et al.
Senate Sponsor: Senator Whitmire
Currently, one of the most significant issues facing the Texas Juvenile Justice System is the number of
youth, up to 40 percent of offenders, who have a diagnosable mental health disorder. As Texas juvenile
facilities attempt to prepare for the needs of these children, the state has yet to develop a comprehensive
and coordinated effort to address the scope of this issue.
Requires the Texas Council on Offenders with Mental Impairments to perform a comprehensive study to
develop a plan for juveniles with mental health and substance abuse disorders who are involved or who are
at risk of becoming involved in the juvenile justice system.
Authorizes pilot projects to be implemented to address prevention, intervention, and continuity of care for
juveniles with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
Senate Research Center 63