Research has shown that youth in the juvenile justice system have improved later outcomes when supervised near their communities and families than comparable youth who were placed in state-run facilities. SB 1630 orders the creation of a plan by TJJD to divert all juveniles who can be effectively monitored in their communities away from expensive state-run facilities. The created plan shows a desire to protect public safety and improve the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.
How Texas Can Upgrade School Discipline Policies
Texas has recently improved school discipline policies, but additional changes are needed, such as discontinuing out-of-school suspension to punish truancy, implementing restorative practices, and revising zero tolerance policies involving non-dangerous conduct to enhance principals’ discretion.