The TJJD chief mentioned the staffing drawback is so extreme it may lead to an “inability to provide even basic supervision for youth locked in their rooms.”
TEXAS, USA — The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) confirmed to WFAA on Thursday that the state’s juvenile detention facilities have stopped taking in youth due to vital staffing shortages.
The TJJD mentioned the paused intake began final week. In a letter despatched from the TJJD interim government director to facility chiefs, the division mentioned all 5 state safe facilities are implementing variations of their emergency operation planning.
The TJJD chief mentioned the staffing drawback is so extreme it may lead to an “inability to provide even basic supervision for youth locked in their rooms.”
“This could cause a significantly impaired ability to intervene in the increasing suicidal behaviors already occurring by youth struggling with the isolative impact of operational room confinement,” the letter learn.
As of May, the inhabitants hovered at round 570 youth – one of many lowest ranges within the final decade, according to state records. A division spokesperson instructed WFAA on Thursday that there have been 140 dedicated youth on the wait listing to come to TJJD.
“TJJD is staying in close contact with Juvenile Probation Departments, to keep them apprised of the situation. The agency regrets that it had to take this action and recognizes that many county facilities also are struggling with staffing shortages reflective of the national staffing crisis,” the TJJD spokesperson mentioned in an announcement.
TJJD mentioned it’s working to resolve the underlying points and resume intakes as quickly as attainable.
story by The Texas Tribune Source link