Texas Youth Commission Web Site Policies
Privacy & Security | Accessibility | Link Policy | Compact with Texans
Privacy and Security
Cookies
The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) does not use cookies or other technologies to track personal information from visitors to our Website.
Server Logs/Log Analysis Tools
TYC utilizes server logs and log analysis tools to create summary statistics about the use of the Website. The information we collect consists of:
- The name of the domain from which the visitor accesses the Internet (for example, "aol.com," if the visitor is connecting from an America Online account).
- The Internet Protocol (IP) number.
- The date and time that the page was visited.
IP addresses are logged to track a user's session. This gives TYC an idea of which parts of our site users are visiting. We do not link IP addresses to anything personally identifiable. This means that a user’s session will be tracked, but the user will be anonymous. The generic information from server logs and statistical tracking software are used to improve the TYC Websites.
This information is not reported or used in any manner that would reveal personally identifiable information, and will not be released to any outside parties unless legally required to do so in connection with law enforcement investigations or other legal proceedings.
Please be aware that if you send us an electronic mail message, the message may be subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act or applicable federal law. Personal, non-business email addresses from members of the public are not subject to disclosure by TYC without affirmative consent by the member. Personally identifiable information sent to TYC in an email message will only be used by TYC to respond to the request. TYC may redirect the message to another government agency or person who is in a better position to answer the question.
Review of Personal Information
Individuals are entitled to request and review their personal information that the agency gathers on its forms (both print and electronic forms). They may also have any errors in their information corrected. For assistance, contact us at 512-424-6109.
Accessibility
The Texas Youth Commission is committed to making our Web pages accessible to all users. Our goal is to help our visitors easily find the information they seek in a format they can use. Our requirements are intended to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. Toward that end, the standards and specifications for state agency web sites set forth in 1 T.A.C. Rule 206.50 are considered a part of this accessibility policy. Pursuant to that Rule and 1 T.A.C. Chapter 213, we review and test new Web pages or applications using screen readers, development tools, and manual testing for compliance with the Worldwide Web Consortium’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The results of these reviews are incorporated into our pages and applications. We also review previously existing Web pages and applications for accessibility when we make changes to them.
Nonetheless, much of our current content was produced before these guidelines were developed. We are working to ensure that these older Web pages and applications also become accessible.
TYC welcomes comments on how to improve the site's accessibility for users with disabilities. If you use assistive technology and the format of any material on our Web site interferes with your ability to access the information, please contact the TYC Accessibility Coordinator at web.admin@tyc.state.tx.us, or call 512-424-6109.
To enable us to respond in the most helpful way, please indicate the nature of the accessibility problem, the format in which you prefer to receive the material, the Web address of the requested material, and your contact information.
You may also contact us if you would like to suggest that we review a specific Web page or application for compliance. In that case, be sure to also let us know the nature of the trouble you are having with getting access to the content.
Additional information about accessibility programs in Texas is available from the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities.
Link Policy
Linking to the TYC Website
Organizations and individuals are encouraged to link to TYC information. Advance permission is not required before linking. TYC may update or move pages without notice, so please routinely check any links to ensure they remain accurate.
You may not capture TYC pages within frames.
Please do not link to individual TYC graphics or tables within our site. Contact web.admin@tyc.state.tx.us to request permission to use a copy of our agency's graphics on your pages.
Copying and Use of Information
The information posted on the Commission's site may be copied so long as it is presented in a non-misleading way and does not imply that either the site owner or the information is endorsed by TYC. Use of the information must identify the Commission as the source of the information, our Web address (http://www.tyc.state.tx.us), the date the information was copied from TYC's Website and must be accompanied by a statement that neither the site owner nor the information, is endorsed by TYC or any state agency. TYC will not charge a fee to access, use or reproduce information on our Website or to link to information on our Website, unless specifically authorized to do so by the Texas Legislature.
Compact with Texans
The mission of the Texas Youth Commission, as the state’s juvenile corrections agency, is to promote public safety by partnering with youth, families, and communities to provide a safe environment where youth in the agency’s care and custody receive individualized education, treatment, life skills and employment training, and positive role models to facilitate successful community reintegration.
Texans have a right to expect from TYC:
- Safe, secure and well-ordered facilities operated under best juvenile correctional practices;
- Education and rehabilitation programs that provide youth with the tools necessary to succeed;
- Prompt, thorough, and courteous responses to requests for information;
- An organizational infrastructure that is accountable and efficient; and
- Highly trained professional staff.
TYC’s Value Statements are the basis of the agency’s customer service standards.
- A transparent system of operations that embraces integrity and accountability to ensure safe and secure environments for youth entrusted to the agency’s care;
- Basic and fundamental rights for youth with regard to fair and equal treatment, education, and the ability to achieve their full potentials;
- Dignity, fairness, and respect must be afforded to all people including youth, their families, victims, staff, and volunteers; and,
- The power of positive transformation relies on individual and collective accountability, personal and public integrity, and leading through example.
Customer Service Standards
Youth and the Public: Alleged wrongdoing can be reported by anyone, including youth in secure facilities and the general public, to the agency’s toll free hotline number:
1-866-477-8354
Criminal allegations are investigated by the agency’s independent Office of the Inspector General. Non-criminal allegations are addressed through the agency’s administrative investigation process under General Administrative Policy 93.33, or through the grievance process for youths, parents of youths, and youth advocates under General Administrative Policy 93.31. Youth in every TYC and contract facility have access to the agency’s grievance system through the toll free number, agency forms, the Office of the Independent Ombudsman, and written or verbal communication with agency staff.
Parents and Families: The agency recognizes family involvement as a critical component in the success of its youth rehabilitation programs. TYC implemented the Parents' Bill of Rights to empower families of youth committed to the agency’s care. Family Liaisons are available to provide services and access to resources for any family member or guardian using the contact information in this Compact.
Victims: TYC is committed to providing victims of juvenile crime their rights under the law, ensuring that they are informed, involved, and treated with dignity, fairness and respect. Victim Liaisons are available to provide services and access to resources by using the contact information in this Compact.
Volunteers: TYC actively recruits and supports volunteer projects and contributions at all of its locations. Volunteers are provided safe and supportive environments and are offered opportunities to assist the agency in achieving its mission of having a positive impact on the lives of youth.
Business Customers: TYC complies with all applicable procurement laws and adheres to or exceeds industry standards to ensure that all potential business partners have equal competitive opportunities.
Non-emergency allegations, requests for services, and other correspondence can be addressed to the TYC Public Information Officer by e-mail at tyc@tyc.state.tx.us or mailed to:
Texas Youth Commission
P. O. Box 4260
Austin, Texas 78765