Department: Juvenile Probation
Department Head/Elected Official: Henry Gonzales
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Position
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval of a position effective January 13, 2024 to support the newly created Mental Health Unit in the Juvenile Detention Center.
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Background and Discussion:
The Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) often works with youth that have significant mental health problems. In recent years, HCJPD had a contract with the Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC) to provide residential placement for youth needing the most psychiatric and psychological intervention. However, due to necessary budget cuts, the contract ended in October, 2023. These youth have been returned to HCJPD's detention center. In order to effectively meet the psychological needs of these youth, HCJPD will need to expand the number of therapists in the detention center. HCJPD is in the process of creating a mental health unit, which will provide the additional support and resources required to meet the needs of working with this more vulnerable population.
Expected Impact:
This much needed therapist position will work exclusively in the mental health unit. Without the additional therapeutic services afforded to these youth, they are at risk to clinically deteriorate, and if clinical intervention is not possible with the assistance of the therapist, hospitalization would likely result for stabilization purposes. Funds previously used to pay for the HCPC contract, that has since been cancelled, will cover the cost of the position for FY24 and beyond.
Alternative Options:
There is no alternative at this time.
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