Gardner Betts Detention Center
Detention Services provides for the community's welfare and controls the commission of unlawful acts by juveniles consistent with the protection of public interest, substituting a program of treatment, training, and rehabilitation for juveniles within its jurisdiction. We seek to instill competency development and accountability in our youth while prioritizing their care and the protection of our community.
W. Jeanne Meurer Intermediate Sanctions Center
The W. Jeanne Meurer Intermediate Sanctions Center (ISC) provides secure services for post-adjudicated juvenile delinquents and offenders. The Residential Treatment Officers ensure the safety, direct care, and supervision of juveniles in custody while equipping residents with the necessary resources and tools to be successful in the residential treatment program and community re-entry.
Educational Services
- All youth participate in education services immediately upon admission into Detention. Education services are provided year-round.
- Detention follows the Austin Independent School District (AISD) school schedule.
- All youth receive the following core curriculum subjects: Social Studies, Reading, Math, Science, English, and Physical Education.
- Education plans are transitioned prior to release by AISD personnel.
- ESL Certified teachers are provided as needed.
- Tutoring services provided on weekends
Communication and Visitation
Visitation hours:
Wednesday: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
All youth can have one 30-minute visit with up to two approved visitors on each visitation day and receive the following communication services:
- Phone calls – dependent on the level earned each day.
- All youth are guaranteed at least one 5-minute phone call every 7 calendar days.
- Mail - unlimited mail privileges.
- Special visits are coordinated through the Juvenile Probation Officer and Detention Services administration.
Youth Programming
Youth receive:
- Life and Vocation Skills training
- Social Skills training
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Religious and Spiritual Services
Honors Program
The Honors program seeks to recognize and reward good behavior. The objective is to increase rapport by building positive relationships and understanding between staff and juveniles.
Requirements:
- Must be in Detention for one week
- Must have four level 3's
Privileges may include:
- Special programming
- Time in the game room
Education Services
- All youth participate in education services immediately upon admission into Detention. Education services are provided year-round.
- Detention follows the Austin Independent School District (AISD) school schedule.
- All youth receive the following core curriculum subjects: Social Studies, Reading, Math, Science, English, and Physical Education.
- Education plans are transitioned prior to release by AISD personnel.
- ESL Certified teachers are provided as needed.
- Tutoring services provided on weekends
- Austin Community College (ACC): GED Preparation and Testing
Communication and Visitation
Visitation hours:
Wednesday: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
All youth can have one 30-minute visit with up to two approved visitors on each visitation day and receive the following communication services:
- Phone calls – dependent on the level earned each day.
- All youth are guaranteed at least one 5-minute phone call every 7 calendar days.
- Mail - unlimited mail privileges.
- Special visits are coordinated through the Juvenile Probation Officer and Detention Services administration.
Youth Programming
Youth receive an array of programs and vocational training while in the facility, which focuses on:
- Life Skills Essentials
- Social and Soft Skills
- Vocational Skills Training
- Career Exploration Skills
- Core Construction
- OSHA Certification
- Food Handler's Certification
- CPR and First Aid Certification
- Driver's Certification
- Music Education and Songwriting
- Summer Youth Employment (SYEP)
- Religious and Spiritual Services
Furlough and Re-entry Transition Process
Upon successfully entering phase three of treatment and residential programming, youth are eligible to request a furlough.
- Initial Furlough: 4-hour pass
- Second Furlough: 8-hour pass
- Third Furlough: 24-hour pass
- Final Furlough: 48-hour pass
PREA Information
TCJPD is Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) compliant pursuant to the PREA standards, entities must make publicly available specific policies, uniform data, and reviews. These documents can be found here.