Primary Department: Domestic Relations
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: David W. Simpson, Executive Director
Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Transmittal
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Choose an item.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Transmittal by Domestic Relations of a 2025 Achievement Award received from The National Association of Counties for Family Law Community Supervision-The Alternative to Incarceration.
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Background and Discussion:
The Domestic Relations Office (DRO) created a Community Supervision Unit (CSU) in 2005. Over the last 20 years over 6000 individuals have been placed on community supervision in the Harris County Family District Courts through the DRO in lieu of incarceration. The program is a Justice Initiative success. Not only does the CSU divert individuals from incarceration, but it actively seeks to remove boundaries that led to court violations. Partnerships with the Texas Workforce Commission, Houston Community College, The Council on Recovery, Career Resources and the Texas Attorney General's Office result in referrals that remove boundaries and provide hope. Monthly meetings with trained probation officers ensure these individuals remain on a track to success.
Expected Impact:
Recognition of a program that should be duplicated nationwide.
Alternative Options:
N/A
County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: B: Reduce criminal legal system exposure that does not advance public safety.
Justice/Sa...
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