SOCIAL SERVICES
The Social Services Division strives to enhance community safety by providing a continuum of comprehensive services to juveniles and families as they navigate the juvenile justice system from entry to re-entry. The Division is guided by the principle that strengthening family and community connections is vital to each juvenile’s long-term success.
Strengthening Opportunities for Achieving Re-entry (S.O.A.R.)
Supports the re-entry court program dedicated to youth re-entering the community from the Intermediate Sanctions Center (ISC). The SOAR Unit comprises Juvenile Probation Officers and Care Coordinators, who work collaboratively with each juvenile and their family to address their needs.
Community Care/Family Coordination Unit
Supports the Probation Services and Court Services Divisions to provide Care Coordination and Family Partner services to juveniles and families navigating community supervision and re-entry from detention or out-of-home placement other than the ISC. This unit also houses the Social Services Juvenile Supervision Officers who support the Division and Department by collaborating with and assisting Juvenile Probation Officers, Care Coordinators, Family Partners, and Resource Coordinators in delivering services to youth and families.
Community Engagement & Resource Development Unit
Comprised of Resource Coordinators who serve as subject matter experts in education, housing, positive youth development, vocation, and community partnerships. Resource Coordinators develop new partnerships and liaisons with community agencies to support case management services for juveniles and families throughout the Department.
Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP)
The Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) provides educational and counseling services to juveniles expelled from school districts in Travis County in accordance with Chapter 37 of the Texas Education Code. The JJAEP strives to provide quality education and enrichment services through a contracted service provider (Austin ISD) while preparing juveniles to return to their home campus by strengthening juveniles’ coping skills and promoting positive behavior.
