Message from TYC Executive Commissioner Cherie Townsend
Today, the Sunset Advisory Commission staff released their recommendations regarding the Texas Youth Commission. You can read the entire report at http://www.sunset.state.tx.us/81streports/tyc/tyc_sr.pdf. As I've expressed in my previous messages to you, there are many challenges and opportunities for improvement facing our agency. We have tremendous responsibilities in both public safety and rehabilitation.
The first Sunset Advisory Commission staff recommendation, and the one that will get the majority of attention, is to abolish TYC and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC); and then to create a single agency called the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). The rationale is that a single agency would create savings to the state, as well as improve coordination between the two agencies. The report indicates significant savings would come from reductions in central office staff and from closing the TYC Victory Field, West Texas, and Ron Jackson II facilities. The second recommendation is to consolidate state-funded probation services and establish a pilot program that encourages counties to keep lower-risk offenders in their communities. The third and final recommendation is to require the TJJD to develop a comprehensive five-year Juvenile Justice Improvement Plan to integrate state and county juvenile justice functions and address critical state-level reforms.
There are a number of issues highlighted in the report with which we can all agree. However, I do not believe that consolidating the functions of TYC and TJPC is in the best interest of the state or the youth we serve. I’ve had numerous conversations with TJPC’s executive director, Vicki Spriggs, since my appointment. Both of us are committed to improving collaboration, as well as information and data sharing, between our agencies. We both also believe that consolidating these two agencies at this point would not only hinder TYC reform efforts but also lead to unintended negative consequences for TYC and TJPC.
It is important to note that the Sunset Advisory Commission staff report is not a complete or an accurate portrayal of the agency today. Please bear in mind that the recommendations by Sunset staff are simply the first step in a lengthy process. We will be submitting a written response to the staff recommendations no later than November 26, 2008. This response will be shared with you as well as Sunset Commission members. Our response will address not only the specific staff recommendations but also information that is not in the report. While Sunset staff worked diligently to gather information about our mission and responsibilities, much of their information is dated because it was gathered during the summer. As noted in the report, the staff review of our agency was done during a time of tremendous change and reform. Things were changing daily. We have now advanced a number of reforms which are not reflected in the report. I’m confident that bringing this progress to light will be beneficial to those considering the future of this agency and to the juvenile justice system in Texas.
The staff recommendations are provided to Sunset Commission members who then hold a hearing on December 15 and 16 to discuss the recommendations and to hear public testimony. I will be at this hearing, along with TJPC, to present our response to the recommendations and a proposal to remain stand-alone agencies that collaborate with one another in specific areas. After the hearing, the Sunset Commission will develop its own recommendations that will be placed in a bill to either continue or modify the agency. The bill must then go through the legislative process. So, while we are looking at Sunset Advisory Commission staff recommendations today, realize there is a lot that must still take place before any of the recommendations might be implemented.
In the meantime, I want all of you to focus on the jobs in front of you and to help us rebuild the credibility of the Texas Youth Commission. Regardless of what the recommendations and actions of the Sunset Commission may be, our mission and our work have not changed. We must continue to act and speak professionally, both in our official capacities and our personal lives. We must respond promptly and accurately when called upon. Each of us must do our jobs to the very best of our abilities. Now more than ever, TYC needs the credibility and professionalism each of you can bring to the table. I promise to keep you informed as developments occur.
Cherie