Brazoria County
Community Plan
2012-2013
December 6, 2012
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Brazoria County Community Plan
What Is a Community Plan?
This plan is formally known as the Brazoria County Criminal Justice Community Plan, the
purpose of which is to identify gaps in services regarding criminal justice issues. The Criminal
Justice Division of the Governor’s Office (CJD) requires that each county in Texas have a
Criminal Justice Community Plan.
The document that is represented here reflects the efforts of many in Brazoria County that are
concerned with assuring that any gaps in services that are identified are closed in a way that will
both solve the problem and provide as great a benefit to the community as possible. It is with
grateful acknowledgement that the names of those involved in the process of developing this
plan are listed in the following page(s) under Part II (Community Planning Group).
Though the final draft of this plan was completed in December of 2012, this is a work in
progress. New criminal justice goals are identified, the Planning Group changes as a result of
individual and agency circumstances, and requirements concerning the makeup of the Plan are
subject to change from year to year. Thus, Brazoria County is interested in keeping up with
these changes, and including such in updates that will be posted from time to time.
If you are reading this Plan and have not been involved in its development, you are invited to
join in this ongoing effort. Any questions you may have can be addressed to either the
Community Plan Coordinator for Brazoria County, or to the Criminal Justice Program of the
Houston-Galveston Area Council. Contact information is provided within this document.
The Brazoria County Commissioners’ Court supports the concept of community planning by
providing staff support and resources for development and implementation of the Brazoria
County Community Plan. Additionally, the Commissioners’ Court supports grant applications
from county departments as well as community organizations that address gaps in services
identified in the Plan.
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Areas Represented
Incorporated Communities:
Alvin
Angleton
Bailey’s Prairie
Bonney
Brazoria
Brookside Village
Clute
Danbury
Freeport
Hillcrest Village
Holiday Lakes
Iowa Colony
Jones Creek
Lake Jackson
Liverpool
Manvel
Oyster Creek
Pearland
Quintana
Richwood
Sandy Point
Surfside
Sweeny
West Columbia
Unincorporated Communities:
Amsterdam
Anchor
Churchill
Columbia Lakes
Commodore Cove
Damon
Danciger
Demi-John Island
East Columbia
McBeth
Mims
Oak Manor
Old Ocean
Peach Point
Rosharon
Shady Acres
Treasure Island
Velasco
Wild Peach
Public School Districts: 62,244
School District
Alvin I.S.D.
Angleton I.S.D.
Brazosport I.S.D.
Columbia-Brazoria I.S.D.
Damon I.S.D.
(Pre-K – 8th Grade)
Danbury I.S.D.
Pearland I.S.D.
Sweeny I.S.D.
Enrollment as of 10/2011
Number of Schools
Number of Students
23
10
19
5
1
18,209
6,428
12,551
2,990
186
3
23
3
732
19,205
1,943
3
Private Schools
Angleton Christian School
Angleton
Brazosport Christian School
Lake Jackson
Columbia Christian School
West Columbia
Dayspring Christian Academy
Lake Jackson
Eagle Heights Christian Academy
Pearland
Lighthouse Christian Academy
West Columbia
Living Stones Christian School
Alvin
Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School Richwood
St. Helen Catholic School
Pearland
Sweeny Christian School
Sweeny
Colleges & Universities
Within Brazoria County:
Alvin Community College
Brazosport College
Texas State Technical College
University of Houston - Clear Lake Pearland
Campus
Within 50 Miles:
College of the Mainland
Galveston College
Houston Baptist University
Houston Community College
Lee College
Rice University
San Jacinto College
Texas A&M University at Galveston
Texas Southern University
University of Houston
University of Houston - Downtown
University of Houston - Clear Lake
University of St. Thomas
Wharton County Junior College
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Brief description and history of Brazoria County:
History: Brazoria County was created on March 11, 1836 as one of the original counties and was named
for the town of Brazoria. The county was organized on December 20, 1836 with Brazoria as the county
seat. In 1897 Angleton became the county seat and remains so today. The first of Stephen F. Austin's
authorized 300 settlers in what was then the State of Coahuila, Mexico, arrived at the mouth of the Brazos
River in 1821. Many of the events leading to the Texas Revolution occurred or developed here. Santa
Anna signed the famous Treaties of Velasco which effectively granted Texas its independence and led
directly to the consolidation of the United States' continental empire, where those first settlers arrived in
1821. The county is home to the oldest law enforcement agency in the state, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s
Department formed in March 1836.
Description: Brazoria County is situated on the lower Texas Gulf Coast. It consists of 1,597 square
miles and the 2010 population is estimated to be 313,166. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010) The county is home
to a mixture of both rural and urban communities. It is bordered by Harris, Ft. Bend, Matagorda and
Galveston counties. The northern part of the county has experienced phenomenal growth during the last
few years. The City of Pearland experienced a 63% increase in population over the last six years (from
56,690 in 2004 to 92,600 in 2009 within the city limits). In 2007 it was rated by Forbes as the 34th fastest
growing suburb in the nation and 10th in Texas. The population estimates for 2010 census is in excess of
121,000.
Economic Development:
Alvin
The Texas – New Mexico Power Company has completed the construction of its new $6.5 million Systems
Operations Center. Eighteen TNMP employees are located in the new facility. TNMP is an electricity
transmission and distribution service provider with 230,000 accounts in Texas.
In 2012, Team Industrial Services, founded in Alvin and currently the largest specialized industrial services
company in North America, announced plans to construct a 50,000 square foot building adjacent to its
existing facility. The construction of the new building and remodeling of existing buildings represent a
$14.4 million new capital investment. Each year Team brings hundreds of its employees to Alvin for
training and the new and remodeled facilities will allow Team to better accommodate the company’s
growth and its employee training.
Groundbreaking is expected soon on Heritage South, a 40-acre multi-purpose retail development that will
be located on State Highway 6 across from Joe’s Banquet Center. Construction on the multi-phase project
is expected to begin in 2013 and take several years to complete. When completed, Heritage South will
create hundreds of new jobs.
September 13, 2012 was the official groundbreaking for the new International Soccer Development Center.
The soccer complex will have 11 full-size soccer fields, five practice fields and over 1,000 parking spaces.
This premier complex will allow Alvin to host large scale soccer tournaments for all ages and will bring
hundreds of tourists to Alvin. In addition to the soccer fields and parking spaces, a welcome center/office
building and concession stands will be constructed during Phase 1 which is expected to be completed in
2013. In Phase 2, plans are to construct a restaurant, hotel, gym and stadium seating.
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Angleton
In 2011 3M Company began manufacturing fusion bonded epoxy at its 67,600 square foot Angleton facility
that is located on 9.9 acres off of Highway 35. The new 3M facility represents almost $19 million in new
capital investment and it currently has 45 employees and plans to soon grow to 55.
In 2012 the Central Brazoria County Business Park, a 393,592 square foot multi-purpose campus which
includes five separate buildings, announced that BASF Corporation and Mustang Engineering have leased
space in its three-story Class A office building. In the Fall of 2012 BASF moved almost 80 employees into
its 20,000 square foot office space and in late 2012 Mustang Engineering will be moving 15 – 20 employees
into its approximately 4,800 square feet of office space.
Brazosport
Brazosport, located in the southern part of Brazoria County, is a multi-city community that includes the
cities of Brazoria, Clute, Freeport, Jones Creek, Lake Jackson, Oyster Creek, Quintana, Richwood and
Surfside Beach.
In 2012 Freeport LNG, located in Quintana, announced plans to invest at least $4.8 billion to construct a
natural gas liquefaction facility so that it can export liquefied natural gas (LNG). Freeport LNG currently
imports LNG, but with the newly developed ability to drill for, and recover, shale gas, and the resulting
explosion in the supply of natural gas in the U.S., the facility is more viable as an exporting facility.
Freeport LNG is currently going through the federal exporting permit process. The new liquefaction facility
will create 163 new direct jobs and about 3,000 construction jobs at the peak of construction. Construction
on the new facility, which will be phased for each of the three planned production trains, is expected to
begin in November 2013 with the construction of the first train and be completed in May 2019 with the
completion of the third train. On July 31, 2012 Freeport LNG signed 20-year liquefaction tolling
agreements with Osaka Gas and Chubu Electric Power Company in Japan for all of the liquefied natural gas
that will be produced by the first train.
In 2013 The Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, the largest chemical complex in North America, is
expected to complete the construction of its new $850 million chlor-alkali plant. The new plant, which will
create 50 new direct jobs, is a joint venture between Dow and Mitsui.
In 2012 Dow announced plans to build a new propane dehydrogenation (PDH) unit and a new ethylene
cracker. The new PDH unit represents a $1 billion capital investment and 80 new direct jobs. Construction
is expected to be completed in 2015. The new ethylene cracker represents a $1.7 billion capital investment
and 100 new direct jobs. Construction is expected to start in late 2013 and be completed in late 2017. At
the peak of construction the PDH unit and ethylene cracker could create as many as 3,000 construction jobs.
In 2012 Dow AgroSciences announced plans to build a $150 million dichlorophenol plant. The new plant
will create 10 new direct jobs and construction is scheduled to begin in early 2013 and be completed by the
Summer of 2014.
In 2012 BASF Corporation announced plans to construct an $89 million emulsion polymers plant that will
create 25 new direct jobs. Construction on the new plant is scheduled to begin in early 2013 and be
completed by the Summer of 2014. Also in 2012, BASF began construction on an $8 million ammonium
sulfate crystallizer. The construction of the new crystallizer is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
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With the number of large-scale petrochemical projects planned for Brazoria County, developers have begun
to consider new housing developments for the new direct and indirect employees and also the need for more
RV parks to house the construction workers. It is estimated that the petrochemical projects announced in
2011 – 2012 for Brazoria County represent almost 10,000 construction jobs.
Chocolate Bayou
In September 2012 Cyanco International began production at its newly constructed solid sodium cyanide
manufacturing facility at Ascend Performance Materials outside of Alvin. The new facility represents at
least a $47.2 million capital investment and will create at least 20 new direct jobs.
INEOS Olefins & Polymers USA has received permitting and is planning to construct a $75 million
ethylene furnace at its Chocolate Bayou facility. This new furnace could create as many as five new direct
jobs.
Iowa Colony
In the Fall of 2012 Saber Power Services, a company that specializes in high voltage electrical systems,
substation engineering and electrical maintenance, announced that it plans to build a 37,000 square foot
office and shop building on an 8-acre site near the intersection of CR 56 and Highway 288. The new
facility will cost about $2.5 million and is expected to be completed in 2013. Saber Power Services will
move at least 60 of its employees from its Houston facility to the new Brazoria County facility and has
plans to grow to 100 employees.
Pearland
On June 30, 2012 Ref-Chem, a heavy industrial construction and engineering company, broke ground in
Pearland on its new 39,000 square foot office building which is located on an 11-acre site at Beltway 8 and
Tom Bass Parkway. The new facility will house approximately 100 employees, including management
personnel, engineers, designers and administrative staff.
Also in June 2012 Kelsey-Seybold broke ground on its new administration building in Pearland. The
170,000 square foot building will be located on an 18-acre site at Kirby Drive and Shadow Creek Parkway.
The $21 million building will house at least 800 Kelsey-Sebold employees.
Next year HCA Gulf Coast Division is planning to break ground on the construction of a new $71 million,
30-bed, acute care hospital that will be located at Highway 288 and Shadow Creek Parkway in Pearland.
The new 144,000 square foot hospital will be Pearland’s first hospital and it will employee approximately
288 people. The new Pearland Medical Center hospital is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.
Port Freeport
Port Freeport, a deep water port with a 400 foot wide and 45 foot deep ship channel, located three miles
from the Gulf of Mexico is currently the 16th largest port in the U. S. in terms of foreign tonnage. Port
Freeport continues its efforts to deepen and widen its ship channel in anticipation of the opening of the
expanded Panama Canal in 2014. A deeper and wider ship channel will allow the Port to accommodate the
much larger container ships that in 2014 will be able to make passage through the expanded Panama Canal.
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Also to accommodate the expected increase in container ships after the Panama Canal expansion, Port
Freeport continues construction on its Velasco Terminal. The new terminal will have three berths and 90
acres of land to store, load and process the container shipments. It is estimated that the new Velasco
Terminal will generate 3,000 direct jobs and an equal number of indirect jobs.
Sweeny
On April 30, 2012 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company announced that it will build two polyethylene units
at its Sweeny complex. The two units represent a $1 billion capital investment and 92 new direct jobs.
Construction is scheduled to begin during the summer of 2013 and be completed in the summer of 2016. It
is estimated that at the peak of construction there will be 1,000 construction workers working on the units.
Population Survey 2011
Estimated Ethnic make-up for 2011; (US Census Bureau, 2011)
Caucasian 79.2%
Hispanic/Latino 28.3%
African American 12.6%
Asian 5.6%
(Numbers may total more than 100% due to persons reporting more than one race)
Housing units for 2009 increased from 118,336 to 120,579 in 2011
Current public school enrollment as of October 2010: 62,244
8
Community Planning Participants
Juvenile Justice Committee:
Ziehl, Clint
Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
Chief Professional Officer
Smith, Bettye
Youth & Family Counseling Services
Executive Director
Johnson, Margarett
Brazoria County Juvenile Justice Department
Freeman, Janice
Brazoria County Juvenile Justice Department
Mental Health Therapist
Wright, Stacy
Communities In Schools
Tucker, Melissa
Gulf Coast MHMR
Heard, Tonya
Brazosport ISD
Administrative Assistant - Dropout Recovery
Nichols, Claire
Brazosport ISD
Pregnancy Related Services
Lighthouse Learning Center
Babb, Denise
Alvin ISD
Director of Federal Programs
Girdy, Nekeshia
Alvin ISD
Coordinator of Student Engagement and
Completion
Weirich, Perry
Texas Education Agency
Research & Analysis Division
PEIMS Reporting, Manager
Brothers, Bonnie
Angleton ISD
Human Resources
Rhodes, Donald
Damon ISD
Superintendent
Kelley, Lynn
Angleton ISD
Homeless Liaison and Secretary to the Director
of Academic Services
Pages 15 - 32
cziehl@bgcbc.com
979.373.9668
bsmith@yfcs.org
979.849.1577
margarettj@brazoria-county.com
979.864.1210 X114
janicef@brazoria-county.com
979.864.1210 X142
stacywright@comcast.net
713.947.3809
MelissaT@gulfcoastcenter.org
409.944.4382
THeard@Brazosportisd.net
979.730.7031
CNichols@brazosportisd.net
979.730.8000 X31105
dbabb@alvinisd.net
281.245.2453
ngirdy@alvinisd.net
(281) 245-2006
Perry.Weirich@tea.state.tx.us
512.463.9234
bbrothers@angletonisd.net
979.964.8029
drhodes@damonisd.net
(979) 742-3457
lynnk@angletonisd.net
(979) 864-8034
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Jolly, Lisa
Brazoria County Alliance for Children
Sawyer, Brett
Sweeny ISD
High School Principal/Homeless Education
Liaison
Anderson, Greg
Danbury ISD
Superintendent
Holloway, Susan
Pearland ISD
Coordinator of Student Outreach
Cone, Stephanie
United Way of Brazoria County
Luna, Gloria
United Way of Brazoria County
Judge Justin Thomson
Precinct 1, Place 1
Judge Milan Miller
Precinct 1, Place 2
Judge John Vasut
Precinct 2, Place 1
Judge Richard Davis
Precinct 2, Place 2
Judge Jerome Jozwiak
Precinct 3, Place 1
Judge Gordon Starkenburg
Precinct 3, Place 2
Judge Sharon Fox
Precinct 4, Place 1
Judge Sherry Kersh
Precinct 4, Place 2
ljolly@cac-bc.org
979.849.2500
bsawyer@sweenyisd.org
(979) 491-8000
greg.anderson@danburyisd.org
(979) 922-1218
holloways@pearlandisd.org
(832) 736-6903
scone@uwbc.org
979.849.9402
gluna@uwbc.org
979.849.9402
979.297.4650
979.233.4700
281.756.2410
979.864.1402
281.331.3524
281.485.1528
979.798.7777
979.345.2671
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Victim Services Committee:
Couch, Sharon
Brazoria County DA’s Office Crime Victim
Assistance Program
Corsentino, Martha
Brazoria County DA’s Office Crime Victim
Assistance Program
Jeffers, Carrol
Brazoria County DA’s Office Crime Victim
Assistance Program
Smith, Bettye
Youth & Family Counseling Services
Moore, David
Brazoria County CSCD Victim Services
Program
Jolly, Lisa
Brazoria County Alliance for Children
Ennis, Vicki
Brazoria County Women’s Center
Cooper, Maribel
Alvin Police Department
Crime Victims Liaison
Berend, Mari
American Red Cross of Brazoria County
Mendez, Gina
Pearland Police Department – Victim
Assistance Program (Crime Victim Liaison)
Pages 33-49
sharonc@brazoria-county.com
979.864.1792
marthac@brazoria-county.com
979.864.1502
carrolj@brazoria-county.com
979.864.1245
bsmith@yfcs.org
979.849.1577
davidm@brazoria-county.com
979.864.1406
ljolly@cac-bc.org
979.849.2500
v.ennis.wcbc@sbcglobal.net
979.849.9553
mcooper@apd.cityofalvin.com
281.585.7125
mberend@ghac.org
979.849.6439
g.mendez@ci.pearland.tx.us
281.997.4304
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Law Enforcement Committee:
Ashburn, David
Angleton PD
Carlton, Robin
Clute PD
Caudle, Brad
Richwood PD
Dahlstrom, Chris
Angleton PD
Gamboa, Marisol
Freeport PD
Hardy, Joel
City of Pearland
Herbst, Carl
Precinct 2 Constable Dept
Hopkins, Myles
Danbury PD
Jolly, Lisa
Brazoria County Alliance for Children
Lacey, Cecil
Precinct 4 Constable Dept
Laza, Beverly
Brazoria PD
Longbotham, Neil
Brazoria PD
Morris, Kimberly
Jones Creek Marshal’s Office
Peavler, Mary
Brazoria PD
Rhyne, Randy
BCSO
Rush, Quenton
Angleton PD
Tidwell, William
Jones Creek Marshal’s Office
Pages 50-58
dashburn@angletonpd.net
979.849.2383
rcarlton@clutepd.com
979.265.6194
bcaudle@richwoodtx.gov
979.265.8157
cdahlstrom@angletonpd.net
979.849.2383
mgamboa@freeport.tx.us
979.230.8089
jhardy@ci.pearland.tx.us
281.652.1795
carlh@brazoria-county.com
281.756.2491
hopkinsdanburypd@yahoo.com
979.922.1551 / 281.650.3946
ljolly@cac-bc.org
979.849.2500
cecill@brazoria-county.com
979.345.2115
dispatchsupervisor@cityofbrazoria.org
979.798.2195
policechief@cityofbrazoria.org
979.798.2195
Kimberly_7104@yahoo.com
979.233.3091
mpeavler@cityofbrazoria.org
979.798.2195
randyr@brazoria-county.com
979.299.3880
qrush@angletonpd.net
979.849.2383
979.233.3091
Emergency Management/EMS SERVICES Committee:
Rosa, Steve
Office of Emergency Management
Lamont, Glenn
Office of Emergency Management
Ortiz, Fred
Lake Jackson, EMS
steverosa@brazoria-county.com
979.864.1801
glennl@brazoria-county.com
979.864.1801
fred.ortiz@ljems.org
979.415.2714
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Mental Health Committee:
Taylor, Jeanette
NAMI Gulf Coast
Smith, Linda
Gulf Coast MHMR
Fletcher, Carie
BACODA
Smith, Bettye
Youth & Family Counseling Services
Jolly, Lisa
Brazoria County Alliance for Children
Tucker, Melissa
Gulf Coast MHMR
Pages 59-71
namigc@namigulfcoast.org
281.585.3100
lindas@gulfcoastcenter.org
281.549.1477
Carie.Fletcher@bacoda.com
979.215.6990
bsmith@yfcs.org
979.849.1577
ljolly@cac-bc.org
979.849.2500
MelissaT@gulfcoastcenter.org
409.944.4382
13
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In each of the areas below, problems are identified and data is included that supports both the
existence and severity of the problems as they are found in Brazoria County. Below is a
discussion of the problems, the manner in which the problems are being addressed, and
strategically how responses to these community problems could be improved.
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Juvenile Issues (listed in order of priority, greatest need first)
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Lack of mental health care
for juveniles
(First Priority)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
27.5% of 319,973 people in Brazoria County’s population are 18 years and
under (2011 U.S. Census Bureau)
972 unduplicated/unique children were referred to the Brazoria County
Juvenile Justice Department 194 of these youth, 1 out of every 5, have serious
mental health problems
Local school districts report an average of 5% of the Special Education
population and 1% of total school population are identified as emotionally
disturbed
After the initial call is made to Gulf Coast Center (MHMR) appointments are
made 30 to 90 days from the date of the call
Nearly half (45%) of those with any mental disorder meet criteria for 2 or more
disorders, with severity strongly related to co-morbidity
0 adolescent psychiatric inpatient hospital beds in Brazoria County
3 private practice psychiatrists who accept patients under the age of 18 in
Brazoria County (Only one accepts Traditional Medicaid)
3 EFE’s (Extended Forensic Evaluations) were done in Brazoria County by
Brazoria County Alliance for Children
285 victims served (primary and secondary) by Brazoria County Alliance for
Children
2 domestic violence victims were provided services by Brazoria County
Alliance for Children
3 Adult Sexual Abuse victims were provided services by Brazoria County
Alliance for Children
2 Survivors of homicide victims were provided services by Brazoria County
Alliance for Children
367 counseling hours were provided by Brazoria County Alliance for Children
519 child and adolescent services were provided by Gulf Coast Center
287 children received Youth Crisis services from Gulf Coast Center
84 unduplicated count of youth received crisis services in Brazoria County by
the Gulf Coast Center
230 youth between ages 6 to 12 years of age received mental health services
from Gulf Coast Center
269 youth between ages 13 to 18 years of age received mental health services
from Gulf Coast Center
2,691 youth and families received counseling and case management by Youth
& Family Counseling Services from 9/1/2011 – 8/31/2012.
425 or 21% of those unduplicated individuals served were juveniles between
the ages of 7 & 18
4% of all juveniles served were 6 years old or younger
268 students were seen by CIS for emotional crisis, crisis intervention or grief
counseling
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To close the gaps in access to mental health services for adolescents and youth in the Brazoria County
community is a goal for the committee completing the Community Action Plan. Gulf Coast Center’s procedures
are as follows: After the initial call, a face to face screening takes place within 7 to 14 days. This is for routine
calls where crises are handed immediately. The 30 to 90 days is the actual appointment with the psychiatrist for
the admission intake. It is important to understand the length of time is not just about limited doctor or therapy
time for the admission evaluation. This time lag includes families rescheduling, canceling with a plan to call
back “later” and no-showing appointments. This time lag is furthered or improved upon for the admission
evaluation depending on how quickly the family provides several pieces of documentation necessary to begin the
process. So, the initial call for services results in a face to face screening with the caregiver only where
symptoms and overall level of functioning is discussed to assess whether or not it appears the client meets
eligibility. The next step is the admission evaluation once all required paperwork is provided – this is scheduled
based on availability of limited doctor time (16 hours per week for Brazoria County). There continues to be no
adolescent psychiatric beds assigned to the children of Brazoria County. IntraCare Medical Center Hospital in
Houston was closed which further reduced the number of psychiatric beds available for adolescents. For the
children of Brazoria County who have been hospitalized in Houston the continuity of care has continued to be a
problem. Some Brazoria County residents do not have transportation to participate in their child’s treatment nor
do they have resources to continue the child’s medication upon discharge. There are only 3 psychiatrists who
will treat adolescents in Brazoria County and only one accepts Traditional Medicaid. Harris County Psychiatric
Hospital has noted Brazoria County adolescents could be readmitted as the result of a lack of continuity of care.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Brazoria County Homeless Coalition 37.3% of the respondents cited
physical/mental disabilities as the reason they became homeless. Further 48.6% of the respondents say that
physical/mental disabilities are the reason they remain homeless. During this same survey, respondents were asked
why they were not working. Respondents identified 17 reasons, and the #2 reason given for unemployment was
“Mental Health Problems”.
17
Identified Problem
Substance Abuse by
Juveniles (Alcohol/Drugs)
(Second Priority)
Data Collection
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
199 children participated in the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County (BGCBC)
SMART Moves (Skills Mastery and Resistance Programs) that help youth resist the
pressure to engage in sexual promiscuity and indulge in alcohol, tobacco, drugs and
truancy (1/11-12/11)
35 court-ordered juveniles attended the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
(BGCBC) SMART Moves program (Skills Mastery and Resistance Programs)
(1/11-12/11)
5 of 8 JP’s in Brazoria County reported that they saw 31 Minors in Possession of
Alcohol Cases in their courts (01/1/11-10/11/12)
5 of 8 JP’s in Brazoria County reported that they saw 3 DUI Minors in their courts
(01/1/11-10/11/12)
5 of 8 JP’s in Brazoria County reported that they saw 25 Minors for Possession of
Drug Paraphernalia Cases in their courts (01/1/11-10/11/12)
5 of 8 JP’s in Brazoria County reported that they saw 27 Minor in Possession of
Tobacco Cases in their courts (01/1/11-10/11/12)
805 school related offenses were filed on students
153 substance abuse referrals to Brazoria County Juvenile Justice Department at
Class B misdemeanor or above (09/11-08/12)
128 substance abuse cases were reported at Class C misdemeanor level during
2010/2011 academic year
249 CIS students who were mandated to receive substance abuse services, an
additional 870 case managed students received services related to Red Ribbon
Week.
Law enforcement, schools and juvenile probation identify juvenile substance abuse as a significant problem in
Brazoria County. Agencies including the Brazoria County Juvenile Justice Department, Boys & Girls Club of
Brazoria County, Communities in Schools and Youth & Family Counseling Services, provide prevention programs to
Brazoria County youth. Collectively, these groups are only serving 3% of the total youth in Brazoria County who
need these services. Only one program, Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County (BGCBC) court-ordered SMART
Moves is serving as a substance abuse intervention program. It is no surprise, then, county school district
administrators claim substance abuse in Brazoria County is reaching an epidemic level. Furthermore, many of the
juveniles referred to existing prevention and intervention programs are involved, either directly or indirectly through
family members, with alcohol or substance abuse. Many times this is a motivator for further crimes such as assault or
theft. Drugs and alcohol abuse contribute to family dysfunction. Children who return to an unsupervised home are
more likely to experiment with drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
Strategies for dealing with juvenile substance abuse include providing more prevention programs to Brazoria
County youth, providing intervention programs to youth already struggling with substance abuse and offering
counseling programs to parents, caregivers and families of children involved in all these programs. Agencies
should investigate partnerships with school districts to most effectively reach the youth population. Partnerships
with law enforcement agencies, as well as interagency cooperatives, would likely prove beneficial in reducing
18
juvenile substance abuse.
19
Identified Problem
Lack of services for
juveniles at-risk of teen
pregnancy & STD’s
(Diseases)
(Third Priority)
Data Collection
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
62,244 (10/11) total public school enrollments in Brazoria County
including: 21,832 students identified as At-Risk, 510 births to teens
In 2011 199 youth age 6-18 received Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria
County (BGCBC) SMART Programs. A prevention education program
that addresses problems such as drugs and alcohol use, premature sexual
activity and promotes a “Say No” message to peer pressure. This includes
programs specifically targeted to girls (SMART Girls) and boys (Passport to
Manhood). (01/11-12/11)
78 girls completed Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County (BGCBC)
SMART Girls prevention & self-esteem building program (10/09-9/10)
105 students received abstinence education by CIS (08/11-07/12)
10 CIS teen parents received case managed services addressing parenting
issues, sex education, social services and pre-natal / infant care
194 female students in all of the 8 county ISD’s received pregnancy related
services during 2011-2012 school year reported by Texas Education Agency
2,691 youth and families received counseling and case management by
Youth & Family Counseling Services (YFCS) from 09/01/2011 –
8/31/2012.
425 or 21% of those unduplicated individuals served were juveniles
between the ages of 7 & 18
Lack of juvenile prevention programs due to barriers including proximity to services, lack of adequate service
providers/programs and costs. Teen parents are at risk of school drop-out due to lack of affordable infant childcare in
Brazoria County. Texas ranks #3 behind only Mississippi and New Mexico respectively in the nation for the number
of births to teens. More must be done by elected officials, schools and community agencies to recognize and not
ignore the plight of teen pregnancy in Brazoria County. Teen pregnancy is a problem that impacts the lives of both
male and female juveniles and their respective families. All groups must be included in prevention programs and
intervention/counseling services. Programs addressing the self-esteem of girls must increase in number so the biology
of reproduction and the psycho-social impact of pregnancy can be addressed before youth become sexually active.
Future programs and services for juveniles at-risk of pregnancy should involve schools whenever possible to mitigate
transportation issues. Since the cost of programs prohibits some youth from participating in some services, future
programs should be offered to juveniles and their families at low to no cost.
20
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Homeless Teens &
Homeless Issues
(Fourth Priority)
•
For the 2011-12 school year in Brazoria County 7 of the 8 school districts
reported the following identified homeless student numbers:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Brazosport ISD – 240
Angleton ISD – 130 (Reported for 2012-2013 school year 112)
Danbury ISD – 27
Alvin ISD – 571
Columbia ISD – 69
Sweeny ISD – 4
Pearland ISD – 40
Northern county school districts report an increasing trend in identified
homeless students at this same time last year.
Housing plays a pivotal role in the well-being of children and families. Stable housing is a critical factor for positive
child and youth development. Unfortunately, the number of homeless families with children has increased in recent
years due to the lack of affordable housing. On top of that, the current economic recession and the housing crisis
further increase the likelihood of homelessness among children and youth. By and large, homeless children and youth
fall into one of two groups: children and youth who experience family homelessness and those identified as
unaccompanied youth. While the definitions of homeless may vary slightly by federal agencies, the Department of
Education has a broad and comprehensive definition of homeless children and youth established under the McKinneyVento Act. The education law defines homeless children and youth as those who “do not have a fixed, regular and
adequate night-time residence.” For the purpose of this brief, children and youth who are homeless with their parents
will be referred as children living in homeless families and those who are homeless who are not in the physical
custody of a parent or guardian due to a history of abuse, substance abuse or family conflict, are referred to as
unaccompanied youth. The McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness also includes families that are temporarily
“doubled up” with another family due to reasons such as unemployment, loss of housing, and family conflict.
Substandard housing is also another qualifier as homelessness under McKinney Vento; this includes families living in
housing situations that lack regular necessities such as water and electricity and overcrowded conditions.
Homelessness represents deprivations from basic human needs. However, while other types of deprivations, such as
hunger, mainly occur as a result of poverty and economic insecurity, factors that contribute to homelessness are multifaceted; the factors also vary by the type of homelessness experienced by children and youth. These factors include
lack of affordable housing, economic insecurity, violence at home, behavioral health, lack of social support, frequent
changes in school and involvement in the child welfare system. (National Center for Children in Poverty). Brazoria
County lacks services for unaccompanied youth; the county does not have a single shelter that will accept
unaccompanied youth under the age of 18. Unaccompanied youth are at an increased risk of dropping out of school
and engaging in delinquent behaviors of substance abuse and at-risk sexual behavior. Of particular concern is the
population of unaccompanied youth with children of their own. Unaccompanied youth who are teen parents often
lack basic needs of food, adequate shelter, medical care, transportation and day care. According to a recent survey
conducted by the Brazoria County Homeless Coalition 37.3% of the respondents cited physical/mental
disabilities as the reason they became homeless. Further 48.6% of the respondents say that physical/mental
disabilities are the reason they remain homeless. During this same survey, respondents were asked why they
21
were not working. Respondents identified 17 reasons, and the #2 reason given for unemployment was “Mental
Health Problems”.
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Lack of services for
families in crisis, child
abuse, parent training,
bilingual programs
(Fifth Priority)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
62,244 (10/11) total public school enrollment in Brazoria County including:
15,520 students identified as At-Risk
39% of all Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County (BGCBC) members are from
single-parent homes and 56% are Economically Disadvantaged
1,781 intakes were received by Children Protective Services (CPS) for child
abuse or neglect (1/11-12/11)
318 investigations were completed by Children Protective Services (CPS)
370 average number of children were removed from their home by Children
Protective Services (CPS)
505 confirmed victims of Child Abuse/Neglect by Childrens Protective Services
(1/11-12/11)
122 average number of children entering Substitute-Care (Total Removals)
care by CPS (1/11-12/11)
1 Child Abuse Related Fatalities (1/11-12/11)
251 children in Foster Care In Brazoria County (1/11-12/11)
519 child and adolescent services were provided by Gulf Coast Center
287 children received youth crisis services from Gulf Coast Center
84 unduplicated count of youth received crisis services in Brazoria County by
the Gulf Coast Center
230 youth between ages 6 to 12 years of age received mental health services
from Gulf Coast Center
269 youth between ages 13 to 18 years of age received mental health services
from Gulf Coast Center
285 forensic interviews conducted by Brazoria County Alliance for Children
88 medical exams were done by Brazoria County Alliance for Children
32 follow up medical exams were done by Brazoria County Alliance for
Children
38 youth ranging from 15 years to 24 years old committed suicide in Brazoria
County (2002-2006)
6 school districts out of 8 reported 1,081 children to be homeless
147 parents received parent education at Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
(BGCBC) Family Nights – including raising a responsible child, How to help
your child with homework, communicating with your child, and Reading with
your child. (01/11-12/12)
22
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1,523 referrals to Brazoria County Juvenile Justice for children in need of
supervision.
719 Communities in Schools (CIS) students and families received supportive
guidance to include parenting classes, ESL, self-esteem, communication, social
skills and behavior modification (08/11-07/12)
2,200 youth and their families received mentoring and structured after school
services from Communities in Schools (CIS) ACE. (08/11-07/12)
49 parents are receiving ESL classes at the Alvin Family Community Center.
64 parents are receiving computer classes at the Alvin Family Community
Center (AFCC).
2,691 youth and families received counseling and case management by Youth
& Family Counseling (YFCS) from 9/1/2011 – 8/31/2012. This represents a
15% increase in the number of individuals served
425 or 21% of those unduplicated individuals served were juveniles between
the ages of 7 & 18
4% of all juveniles served were 6 years old or younger.
193 abused or neglected children were served by Youth & Family Counseling
(YFCS) through the CASA program
193 children served through the CASA program were victims of physical abuse,
sexual abuse or abandonment (10/01/2011-08/31/2012)
The caregivers of juveniles in Brazoria County are frequently single-parents, grandparents or extended family
members rather than the traditional two-parent family. These untraditional family units struggle with typical family
issues that are compounded by single-incomes, lower economic status and fewer hours available for strengthening
families. Few programs in Brazoria County offer comprehensive family strengthening programs. Individual
programs concentrating on parenting skills, counseling, career skills and after-school programs would be strengthened
by collaborations. Increasing family involvement will have a positive impact in areas such as mental health services,
where some service packages include wrap-around services, parent skills training and family partner services (parent
mentoring). These services require involvement and commitment from the entire family. Services which are
provided are at times inadequate for the children of this county. The Brazoria County Alliance for Children provides
forensic interviews, medical examinations and mental health therapy. Unfortunately, Brazoria County only has two
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) certified to conduct acute exams for the entire county whose population
is over 300,000, one is providing examinations as needed at Brazosport Regional Hospital. The CASA program
provided by Youth & Family Counseling Services helps to fill the gaps in services left when a child is assigned to a
different placement or CPS worker. Many times, this court appointed volunteer is the only consistent factor in the life
of the child. Despite the efforts of many of the agencies in Brazoria County there is still a shortage of bilingual
service providers. Brazoria County covers 1,597 square miles. Some agencies have Spanish speaking staff, but usually
they are more centrally located in the county leaving a large part of the population without service. In the northern
part of the county there are also Asian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Pakistani and Indian communities. Juveniles are unable
to participate in community counseling, secure care, day programming, after school programs, tutoring, and
prevention programs due to language barriers, lack of adequate service providers/programs and costs. These
challenges could be addressed by providing all communication incorporated into family programs as it would likely
increase participation; provide a special time for families to eat together and guarantee participants received a wellbalanced meal. Costs for family strengthening programs should be kept low and instruction in English and Spanish
and increasing the availability of and access to ESL classes. Community agencies, schools, city and county
government offices should work together to better reach bilingual families and students. Brazoria County covers a
23
large geographic area. The lack of family strengthening services is complicated by the large expanse families have to
travel to get to the few in-county programs that do exist. When in-county programs do not exist, families are forced to
travel even further to Harris and Galveston counties to access the services they need. Transportation, in its own right,
is a huge obstacle for many at-risk Brazoria County children. The uncertainty of gas prices and the large geographic
area of Brazoria County is an even greater challenge families must hurdle to access programs to mitigate conflict.
Programs should be offered at different times throughout the day to accommodate family members who work multiple
jobs or odd shifts. Care for younger children should be included in all family strengthening activities. Whenever
possible, meals should be incorporated into family programs as it would likely increase participation, provide a
special time for families to eat together and guarantee participants received a well-balanced meal.
24
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Juvenile Delinquency
Gangs
(Sixth Priority)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1,523 referrals for children in need of supervision in Brazoria County
396 juveniles up to age 17 years old participated through (STAR) Services to
At-Risk Youth (CPS Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Programs Report (1/1112/11)
123 juveniles ages 10-17 years old participated through (SYN) Statewide Youth
Services Network (CPS Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Programs Report
(1/11-12/11)
181 juvenile violent crimes occurred between (9/11–8/12), crimes such as
homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery and weapons violations
and assaults
61 gangs have been identified by Brazoria County Juvenile Justice Department
5 of 8 JP’s in Brazoria County reported that they saw 1,222 Failure to Attend
School Cases in their courts (01/1/11-10/11/12)
5 of 8 JP’s in Brazoria County reported that they saw 427 Parent
Contributing to Non-Attendance of School Cases in their courts (01/1/1110/11/12)
5 of 8 JP’s in Brazoria County reported that they saw 113 Disorderly
Language/Fight Cases in their courts (01/1/11-10/11/12)
5 of 8 JP’s in Brazoria County reported that they saw 43 Assault by Contact
Cases in their courts (01/1/11-10/11/12)
5 of 8 JP’s in Brazoria County reported that they saw 11 Disruption of
Classes Cases in their courts (01/1/11-10/11/12)
5 of 8 JP’s in Brazoria County reported that they saw 18 Public Intoxication
Minor Cases in their courts (01/1/11-10/11/12)
35 youth completed court-ordered Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
(BGCBC) SMART Moves programs (1/11-12/11)
In 2011 199 youth age 6-18 received Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
(BGCBC) SMART programs. A prevention education program that addresses
problems such as drugs and alcohol use, premature sexual activity and promotes
a “Say No” message to peer pressure. This includes programs specifically
targeted to girls (SMART Girls) and boys (Passport to Manhood). (1/11-12/11)
78 juveniles participated in Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County (BGCBC)
SMART Girls (building self-esteem for girls) program
1,523 referrals to Brazoria County Juvenile Probation Department (09/1108/12); 236 were at the felony level
1,631 students in Communities In Schools (CIS) were assessed for behavior
issues
1,211 students were referred to Communities In Schools (CIS) for behavior
issues including violence, insubordination, suspected substance abuse, and
potential gang involvement
2,691 youth and families received counseling and case management by Youth
25
•
•
& Family Counseling Services (YFCS) from 9/1/2011 – 8/31/2012.
425 or 21% of those unduplicated individuals served were juveniles between
the ages of 7 & 18
4% of all juveniles served were 6 years old or younger.
As metropolitan Houston expands, gangs, a traditional challenge of inner-cities, are encroaching on outlying areas like
Brazoria County. Police agencies have identified 223 gangs in the Houston area with more than 12,000 documented
gang members. (Source: April 11, 2012 KHOU-TV News) In general, gang-related crimes fall within the jurisdiction
of state and local law enforcement. As gangs have spread across the country, and as their threat has become more
national in nature, the interest in finding solutions to the problem has increasingly included all levels of government.
Gang-related violence is very likely to remain at high levels as gangs expand their criminal operations into suburban
and rural communities. As gangs encounter resistance from other local gangs or drug distributors in these
communities, an increase in violent incidents such as assaults, drive-by shootings, and homicides can be expected.
Neighborhood-based gangs account for the majority of gangs active in the United States; however, national gangs
commit more organized criminal activity and continue to expand their networks. Neighborhood-based gangs will
continue to consume the resources of local law enforcement in communities that report high levels of gang-related
criminal activity, but migration of national gangs into new areas will pose an increasing threat to such communities.
(Source: National Gang Threat Assessment 2009) The Stop Houston Gangs Task Force is made up of street officers,
investigators, instructors and support staff, all of whom were dedicated to eliminating or drastically reducing the gang
and graffiti problem. It collects and reports information on all types of gangs and does not focus on any individual or
gang solely because of ethnic or socioeconomic status. In response to increased gang activity, the Gang Task Force
has created a website to keep Houston a safe place to live and work. The website allows residents to report
anonymous tips and suspicious criminal gang activities in an effort to thwart the threat. (Source: Website:
www.stophoustongangs.org) Houston area streets are active with a growing number of gang members, with police
saying there are almost 20,000 in the region, an increase of 29 percent since 2012. (Source: Houston Chronicle, Friday
– November 2nd, 2012). Drug cartels are enlisting gang members to protect and distribute their loads. In Southeast
Texas they have seen juveniles enlisted and paid well to be their mule. The number of identified gangs in Brazoria
County is growing dramatically. Many community and law enforcement agencies including Communities In Schools,
Brazoria County Juvenile Justice Department and Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County provide programs to deter
juveniles from engaging in pre-gang activities including generalized delinquency and anti-social behaviors. Several
community agencies also offer gang prevention programs but lack of funding has prohibited the expansion of these
services to the population at-large. The Brazoria County Juvenile Justice Department is offering a gang intervention
program to a limited population based on lack of funding. Strategies for reducing the gang problem in Brazoria
County include collaborations between law enforcement and community agencies. More should be done to deter
juveniles from engaging in pre-gang activities such as truancy, substance abuse, violent behaviors and vandalism.
Additionally, more outreach programs for adolescent substance abusers and their families and expanded efforts to
successfully reintroduce adolescents to life after incarceration need to be developed. Brazoria County needs to create
fun, safe and respected (both by youth and parents) places for youth to go during the times juveniles typically engage
in risky behaviors. While some organizations do offer such programs, they are overwhelmingly populated by younger
children, not the juveniles who are most-likely to join gangs. Efforts should be made to target this secondary
education population. Additional training is needed for law enforcement officers and service providers to address
issues relating to juvenile gangs. Collaborations between service providers, law enforcement and schools should be
encouraged. Finally, adult volunteers from the community should be recruited to serve as adult mentors to those most
likely to join gangs. **Note: One Juvenile JP reported that between Jan. 1st, 2011 – October 10th, 2011, the court had
received 471 cases involving juvenile aged children. In comparison, between Jan. 1st, 2012 – October 11th, 2012, the
court has only received 348 cases involving juvenile aged children. This is a decrease of 123 cases or about 27%.
26
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Juvenile Delinquency and
at-risk children
(Seventh Priority)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1,523 referrals for children in need of supervision in Brazoria County (09/1108/12)
612 Class A & B Misdemeanors
178 juvenile violent crimes between (09/11 to 08/12) such as homicide, sexual
assault, aggravated assault, robbery and weapons violations and assaults
805 school related offenses were filed against 487 unique children
35 juveniles completed court-ordered Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
(BGCBC) SMART Moves programs (09/09 - 08/10)
1,523 referrals to Brazoria County Juvenile Justice Department (09/11-08/12);
236 were at the felony level
52 Communities in Schools (CIS) students received services related to
delinquent conduct (08/11-07/12)
194 CIS students referred were assessed for truancy and attendance issues.
(08/11-07/12)
194 students were referred to Communities in Schools (CIS) for behavior
issues including violence, insubordination, suspected substance abuse, and
potential gang involvement (08/11-07/12)
2,200 Youth received structured after school mentoring services from
Communities in Schools (CIS) ACE. (08/11-07/12)
1,969 youth ages 6-18 received Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
(BGCBC) Experience at 15 locations in 2010 – including a safe, positive place
to go after school; and, tutoring/home assistance, character and leadership skill
building, health and life skill building, access to art programs, and sports,
fitness and recreation. (1/11-12/11)
2,691 youth and families received counseling and case management by Youth
& Family Counseling Services (YFCS) from 9/1/20110 – 8/31/2011. This
represents a 15% increase in the number of individuals served
425 or 21% of those unduplicated individuals served were juveniles between
the ages of 7 & 18
4% of all juveniles served were 6 years old or younger
62,244 total public school enrollments in Brazoria County including: 21,832
students identified as At-Risk
35 youth completed court-ordered Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
(BGCBC) SMART Moves program
78 juveniles participated in Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County (BGCBC)
SMART Girls (building self-esteem for girls Program)
117 youth and families received counseling and case management by Youth and
Family Counseling Services (YFCS) for runaway & truancy issues
Juvenile crime remains high in Brazoria County. While several agencies offer delinquency prevention programs, few
intervention services are provided. Therefore, the number of intervention programs for juvenile offenders and their
families needs to increase significantly. This rise in the number of intervention programs would be best achieved
27
through collaborations among school districts, agencies and law enforcement. Maintaining and growing the number
of prevention programs for juveniles in Brazoria County would likely reduce the growing need for intervention
programs. Anti-gang instruction, deterring at-risk youth from becoming truant, joining gangs, reducing substance
abuse and preventing youth engagement in violent behaviors are specific areas of prevention that should continue to
be addressed. Additionally, nonprofit agencies should work more closely with law enforcement and the judicial
system in order to leverage resources. Youth & Family Counseling Services, for example, is involved with Justice of
the Peace courts to provide early intervention for the prevention of school truancy. Similarly, Boys & Girls Club of
Brazoria County collaborates with Brazoria County judges by offering SMART Moves classes to at-risk juveniles.
Efforts need to be made to better re-introduce juvenile offenders to the community after incarceration. Law
enforcement officers and service providers alike would benefit greatly from training addressing these juvenile issues.
A shared training in these areas would promote partnerships among participants likely improving the effectiveness of
existing and future programs. While children run away from home for a variety of reasons, at-risk children frequently
runaway to either escape dangerous situations or to engage in risky behaviors. Thus, programs for runaways and
truant juveniles must include parents and caretakers in order to be truly effective. Many juveniles are unable to
participate in services such as community counseling, secure care, residential care, day programming, after-school
programs, tutoring, prevention programs due to barriers, including proximity to services (transportation needs), lack
of adequate service providers/programs and costs. Therefore, future programming and services should be free or lowcost, held at centralized and safe locations like schools, and offer activities for older and younger siblings.
28
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Lack of services for at-risk
children including afterschool programs, tutoring
resources & unstructured
free time for adolescents
(Eighth Priority)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
62,244 (10/11) total public school enrollments in Brazoria County including:
23,070 students identified as At-Risk
1,886 youth ages 6-18 received BGCBC Experience at 15 locations in 2010 –
including a safe, positive place to go after school; and, tutoring/home
assistance, character and leadership skill building, health and life skill building,
access to art programs, and sports, fitness and recreation. (1/10-12/10)
1.523 referrals to Brazoria County Juvenile Justice (09/11-08/12)
1,523 referrals to Brazoria County Juvenile Justice for children in need of
supervision (09/11-08/12)
1,441 youth were directly case managed by CIS and received structured
academic tutoring, youth development, character education, violence
prevention, health and wellness or mentoring services
823 youth received structured academic support from CIS
2,200 youth attended CIS ASAP program during the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. and
received no cost bus transportation home
90 students enrolled in a summer program at the Alvin Family Community
Center (AFCC) and received transportation through AISD.
2,691 youth and families received counseling and case management by YFCS
from 9/1/2011 – 8/31/2012.
425 or 21% of those unduplicated individuals served were juveniles between
the ages of 7 & 18
4% of all juveniles served were 6 years old or younger
There is a high demand for after school programs. Youth today need safe and stimulating places to go to after school.
•
Among the 34.3 million families with children, 84.2% had an employed parent in 2011. (Source: Bureau of
Labor Statistics)
From another perspective, however, it is also clear that a significant majority of children care for themselves or
are with a sibling younger than age 13 during their out-of-school hours. Anywhere from 3.6 million to 4.4
million 6- to 12-year-olds with employed mothers care for themselves on a regular basis each week. In
addition, findings show that:
•
The use of self-care is clearly associated with age; for example, the likelihood that a child will regularly spend
any hours in self-care rises steadily with each year of age—from 7 percent of 6-year-olds to 44 percent of 12year-olds.
•
Though relatively few young school-age children are in self-care, the numbers are not insignificant when
considering how young these children are. In particular, 5 percent of 6- to 9-year-old children (approximately
570,000 children) with employed mothers are in self-care as their primary arrangement, and for an average of
29
•
seven hours a week (the equivalent of about 1.5 hours a day, assuming a 5-workday week). The proportion
grows to 10 percent (approximately 1.2 million children) when looking at those children who are reported to
spend any regular time in self-care.
One in four 10- to 12-year-olds (approximately 2 million children) are reportedly in self-care as their primary
arrangement while their mother works. This number grows to about one in three when looking at the
proportion who spend any number of hours in self-care on a regular basis. Interestingly, older school-age
children who are in self-care are there for the same length of time as younger school-age children. These
findings are important for a number of reasons. First, while some of these children may be mature enough to
care for themselves, research suggests that children who are left alone are at greater risk of physical injury and
psychological and emotional harm. This may be particularly true among certain groups, for example younger
children (such as the 5 percent of 6- to 9-year-olds who are primarily in self-care) or children who are more
likely to live in unsafe neighborhoods (such as 19 percent of low-income 10- to 12-year-olds who are
primarily in self-care).
The self-care findings are also important in light of the growing recognition of the importance of constructive
activities in supporting children’s development and helping to prevent problem behaviors. Finally, the fact that the
self-care estimates are likely to actually under represent the incidence of self-care—due to the unwillingness of some
parents to acknowledge their use of this kind of care—makes these findings even more striking.
Regardless of the reasons behind these patterns, these findings have important implications. They demonstrate
simultaneously that there are many children who are potentially at risk because they are not being supervised and that
the proportion of children participating in before- and after-school programs is relatively small, particularly among
10- to 12-year-olds who may be at risk for problem behaviors
It is clear that these issues will continue to be an important focus for parents, policymakers, and professionals in the
child care field. The growing awareness of the needs of school-age children during their out-of-school-hours has led
to increased public investments in before- and after-school programs, as well as an increased effort to ensure the
quality and appropriateness of these activities. It is also clear that a continued focus on the needs of these children is
essential—for the development and safety of children and young adolescents, for the peace of mind and stable
employment of their parents, and for the well-being of our communities. (Source: Urban Institute Research of Record
2011)
•
•
At least 6 million, and as many as 13 million, "latchkey children" go home to an empty house on any given
afternoon. (Center for Family Policy & Research 2011, Children’s Defense Fund estimate 2011)
Children are more likely to be involved in crime, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy in the hours after
school, particularly between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.
(National Center for Juvenile Justice, 1999)
30
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Lack of transportation
services for at-risk juveniles
(Ninth Priority)
•
•
•
•
•
•
62,244 (10/11) total public school enrollment in Brazoria County including
23,070 students identified as At-Risk
1,523 referrals to Brazoria County Juvenile Justice for children in need of
supervision 09/11-08/12.
2,200 youth received after-school services from Communities in Schools ACE,
of which approximately 20% received no-cost bussing home
2,691 youth and families received counseling and case management by YFCS
from 9/1/2011 – 8/31/2012.
425 or 21% of those unduplicated individuals served were juveniles between
the ages of 7 & 18
4% of all juveniles served were 6 years old or younger
Juveniles are unable to participate in services such as community counseling, secure care, day programming, afterschool programs, tutoring, and prevention programs due to barriers including proximity to services (transportation
needs), lack of adequate service providers/programs and costs. Brazoria County does not have a mass transit system
leaving those who need access to community programs and services without a means of accessing them. Some
organizations like Communities In Schools (serving 24 school sites) and Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
(serving 13 school sites) provide transportation services to their program participants through partnerships with school
districts. Youth & Family Counseling Services, working with individual school districts, has provided teen dad’s the
basic skills required to be a responsible dad. The most promising strategy for addressing the transportation problem
includes agency, school and government collaboration allowing for program delivery at multiple sites that are easily
accessible to at-risk populations. An increase in public funding for public transportation would also prove beneficial.
Finally, providing more dollars for school district transportation departments to access would allow for a greater
number of youth to be bussed home from after-school programs and other specialized at-risk initiatives. Connect
Transit established the Southern Brazoria County Transit with the cities of Angleton, Lake Jackson, Freeport and
Clute in 2010. The city officials budgeted to have a fixed route to transport residents to and from city to city.
Brazosport College also has joined the efforts to allow more access to their facility. Since June 2010 the ridership has
steadily increased to ~6,000 residents accessing the service on a monthly basis. The bus stops now have benches and
some shelters are being built for better accessibility for those using the service. Connect Transit and the City of Alvin
are in the beginning stages of conversation to extend the service and provide transportation to and from Alvin, TX to
Angleton, TX.
31
Identified Problem
Lack of services for at-risk
children with obesity issues
(Tenth Priority)
Data Collection
• 62,244 (10/11) total public school enrollment in Brazoria County including: 23,070
students identified as At-Risk
• 40 percent of children ages 6 – 8 in Texas are at risk of being overweight (>85th
percentile); 20 percent are overweight (95th percentile); Obesity contributes to
many serious healthy conditions and emotional problems
• In 2005, Texas reported it had the 6th highest prevalence in adult obesity in the U.S.
(Source: Strategic Plan for the Prevention of Obesity in Texas: 2005-2010)
• 1,886 youth ages 6-18 received BGCBC programs to promote healthy lifestyles,
including Triple Play a game plan for the mind, body and soul and Wanna Play.
These programs encourage physical activity, improve nutrition education and
strive to improve the overall health of Club members.
• 2,200 Communities in Schools (CIS) ACE youth participated in nutrition, exercise,
health and wellness programs which promoted healthy choices in order to combat
obesity
• 2,200 CIS students received nutritional snacks during group, healthy attitudes
activities or information
• 48 parents are receiving Nutrition classes at Alvin Family Community Center.
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obese children and adults is a serious concern for Texas. Being
overweight increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and
other serious medical conditions that impact quality of life and have substantial economic consequences for the
healthcare system. The economic costs of overweight and obesity in Texas during 2001 were an estimated $10.5
billion. This includes direct healthcare costs, such as medicines and hospital stays, and indirect costs, such as lost
productivity and wages due to illness and death. If the trend in increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity
persists, the annual costs associated with excess weight in Texas is projected to reach $15.6 billion by 2010 and could
skyrocket to $39 billion by the year 2040. (Source: Texas State Health Services – Updated: January 12, 2012)
Brazoria County has a lack of available and accessible resources offering instructions on proper nutrition and physical
fitness for children and youths with obesity issues. Many at-risk juveniles are unable to participate in services that are
offered due to barriers including proximity to services (transportation needs), lack of adequate service
providers/programs and costs. Additionally, research shows children from traditional minority groups and those
identified as Economically Disadvantaged are most likely to suffer from obesity. Partnerships among social service
agencies, city and county government, hospitals and law enforcement agencies should be expanded. Sports-based
clubs should be established in low-income communities allowing at-risk juveniles to participate in sports and fitness
at reduced prices. Additionally, fitness areas should be maintained and improved in communities serving at-risk
youth to encourage active and healthy lifestyles. Involving entire families in health and fitness activities would likely
reduce obesity issues. Partnerships between local law enforcement and social service agencies could result in a
sharing of fitness and recreational resources. Additionally, agencies should reach-out to hospitals, public health
agencies, food pantries and grocery stores to provide nutritional education to at-risk youth.
32
Identified Problem
Juvenile Delinquency –
Bullying
(Eleventh Priority)
Data Collection
• 558 Communities in Schools students received services related to
bullying/anti-bullying. (1/10-12/10)
• In 2011 199 youth age 6-18 received Boys & Girls Club of
Brazoria County (BGCBC) SMART Programs. A prevention
education program that addresses problems such as drugs and
alcohol use, premature sexual activity and promotes a “Say No”
message to peer pressure. (1/11-12/11)
• Estimated that 160,000 children miss school everyday due to fear
of attack or intimidation by other students. (National Education
Association – Alice Newspaper – February 14, 2012)
• American schools harbor approximately 2.1 million bullies and 2.7
million of their victims. (National School Safety Center)
• 1 in 7 students in Grade K-12 either are a bully or a victim of
bullying.
• 56% of students have personally witnessed some type of bullying
at school.
• 15% of all school absenteeism is directly related to fears of being
bullied at school.
• 71% of students report incidents of bullying as a problem at their
school.
• 1 out of 20 students has seen a student with a gun at school.
• 282,000 students are physically attacked in secondary schools each
month.
• 90% of 4th – 8th graders report being victims of bullying.
• Among students, homicide perpetrators were more than twice as
likely as homicide victims to have been bullied by peers.
• Bullying statistics say revenge is the strongest motivation for
school shootings.
• 87% of students said, “Other kids picking on them, making fun of
them or bullying them” causes teenagers to turn to lethal violence
in the schools.
• 61% of students said students shoot others because they have been
victims of physical abuse at home.
• 54% of students said witnessing physical abuse at home can lead to
violence at school.
• According to bullying statistics, 1 out of every 10 students who
drops out of school does so because of repeated bullying.
• Harassment and bullying have been linked to 75% of schoolshooting incidents.
33
Texas’ law now mandates any and all school district employees (including bus drivers, food service
providers, building maintenance employees, teacher’s assistants, coaches and others) report bullying.
School counselors and nurses, who often are keepers of the private concerns of students, are now
required to report bullying. They must report it even if the confiding student is pleading, “Please don’t
tell anyone.” Guidelines direct that counseling should be made available to the victim, witnesses and the
student who engaged in the conduct. “Each school board in Texas is required to adopt local policies that
prohibit discipline of students who, after investigation, are found to be a victim of bullying and were
acting in self-defense in response to the bullying.” Note: Victims are investigated to check for and to
prevent false claims.
Also, parents of the bullied child can now request their child or the bully be placed in another classroom
(or, if serious enough: on another campus) if appropriate and possible. In some cases, such as in special
education when only one class might be offered, it’s not possible to move students to other classrooms or
campuses. In such cases, an ARD committee meets to consider options. Separating students within the
classroom with enhanced supervision might be the only available option.
School districts in Brazoria County are taking an active role in the national movement. To name of few:
as a district, Angleton ISD takes a stand against bullying in every form. During the month of October,
they provided opportunities for staff and students to be reminded of the harmful effects of bullying.
Brazosport ISD created a bullying reporting form for parents and students to report incidents of bullying
along with a bullying Hotline for parents and/or students to call. Pearland ISD has put some anti-bullying
programs in place to teach students to respect their own and others’ differences, whether race, gender,
religious beliefs or other distinctions. Major programs used include No Place for Hate for middle/junior
high schools and Rachel’s Challenge for high schools. In addition, Pearland ISD campuses offer many
other resources to encourage respect and teach students how to identify and respond to bullying:
• Cyber bullying awareness and prevention lessons
• “Project Wisdom” daily announcements
• Empowering Children, Hurdling Obstacles (ECHO) program to increase students’ self-esteem
• Confidential programs to report bullying to school personnel
• Peer mediation
• Lessons about the difference between reporting for safety reasons and tattling
• Recognition/rewards for students with outstanding character throughout the year
Sweeny ISD had a live statewide Webinar on Bullying (Source: The Brazosport Facts – September 22nd,
2012)
34
Victim Issues (listed in order of priority, greatest need first)
Identified Problem
Data Collection
A growing population
means a greater need for
assistance to victims of
domestic violence and
sexual assault.
(First Priority)
2011 monthly averages
Shelter residents: 29
Domestic violence non-residential clients served: 43
Sexual assault victims served: 20
Supervised Visitation families served: 15
The Women’s Center operates 2 shelters for victims of domestic violence. One shelter has been in
existence since 1982 in the south end of the county. The second (funded by VOCA) was opened in
September of 2003 in the north end of the county (where municipalities include Pearland, Alvin, and
Manvel) because of exponential growth and to give victims in that area the opportunity to have safety,
shelter, and services in their home area/county. Brazoria County has a very limited public
transportation system and domestic violence victims are systematically denied privileges, such as cars,
by their batterers, so many had no way to get from the north end of the county to the south end shelter,
a trip of up to 40 miles one-way. Because of the north end’s proximity to Harris and Galveston
counties, many victims were instead going out of county for help, only to discover that because of
residency requirements they did not qualify for certain services essential to many victims fleeing
violent homes. The agency also operates 5 offices for benefit of both domestic violence and sexual
assault victims and 3 transitional living houses. An array of services, including a Supervised Visitation
Program and a gateway to the shelters, are offered at several of these locations. Agency staff of 18
includes 3 Spanish bilingual women. During 2011, 23% of the victims we served were Hispanic; 5%
were African-American; 43% were Caucasian; 1% were Native American; 1% were Asian; and 27%
were mixed race or failed to identify.
To address legal issues, the agency has a special working relationship with the District Attorney’s
office to expedite protective orders for victims. To address law enforcement/judicial concerns of
victims, the Women’s Center facilitates a Sexual Assault Response Team/Sexual Assault Nurse
Examiner program. Currently the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program only has 1 SANE and she
is infrequently utilized because of staffing issues. The Sexual Assault Response Team continues to
meet quarterly to coordinate the efforts of law enforcement, the medical community, and the Women’s
Center to better serve sexual assault victims. The agency also works closely with CPS and assists the
Sheriff’s Office by providing assessments when civil stand-bys are requested. Experts agree sexual
assault and domestic violence are the nation’s 2 most under-reported crimes. The agency believes that
more services mean more victims will come forward; and that more victims coming forward will
translate into more perpetrators being held accountable and an interruption of the very costly cycle of
violence that otherwise passes from one generation to another.
35
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Insufficient services for
crime victims and lack of
full-time victim programs at
many of the law enforcement
agencies (Second Priority)
Total number of law enforcement agencies: 26. Number of law
enforcement agencies that have full-time victim programs: 2 – Alvin P.D.
and Pearland P.D. The Sheriff’s Department does have a victim liaison
officer whose duties include assisting crime victims and managing the
Crime Stoppers Program.
Number of total victims provided service by the DA’s Office Victim
Program for grant years:
2012: 3,886 of these 2,737 were provided services by VOCA grant funds.
2011: 4,384 of these 3,179 were provided services by VOCA grant funds.
Number of victims served by Brazoria County Community Supervision in:
2004: 666
2005: 674
2006: 688
2007: 695
2008: 775
2009: 733
2010: 736
2011: 733
Number of victims who received services from Pearland Police
Department’s Victim Assistance Program:
•
•
•
•
January to December 2009 Annual stats: 1,534 victims provided
direct services
January to December 2010 Annual stats: 1,141 victims provided
direct services
January to December 2011 Annual stats : 902 victims provided
direct services
January to September 2012 stats: 835 victims provided direct
services
Number of victims who received services from Alvin Police Department
Comprehensive Victim Assistance Program from:
January thru Oct. 2012: 602
January thru Oct. 2011: 756
January thru Dec. 2010: 1,052
January thru Dec. 2009: 1077
The District Attorney’s Office Crime Victim Program is staffed by three full-time coordinators. One is a
Spanish speaker. During the 2011-2012 grant year our program saw a decrease in the total number of
victims assisted. However, there was an increase in the number of victims assisted in person. VOCA
coordinators assisted 777 victims in the office, field or in court and the VCLG coordinator assisted 426
for a total of 1,233. Victims appear to be more fearful and have difficulty comprehending the judicial
process. They tend to be more over-whelmed, emotional and require more individual attention. Meeting
with victims in person helps to establish a bond with DA staff and while rewarding it is also very time
36
consuming. Depending on their needs, meetings can last from 30 minutes to 4 hours. Phone calls take
longer when assisting emotionally distressed victims. More domestic violence victims are requesting to
drop charges because of concerns regarding the family’s financial stability. Coordinators meet with as
many of these victims as possible to ascertain the reason for dropping charges and to also inform them of
available resources. On occasion it is necessary to contact victims many years after their case has been
disposed. Last year we began scanning closed cases into our database and contacted victims for the
purpose of updating information. Our program continues to provide information regarding court hearing,
courtroom procedures, parole protest letters and refer victims who need assistance with rent, utilities and
counseling to the appropriate agencies. We also provide assistance with Crime Victim Compensation,
court accompaniment and furnish information regarding courtroom procedures. We continue to see an
increase in the level of violence in assault and domestic violence cases. The abuse of alcohol,
prescription drugs, synthetic marijuana, bath salts and other illegal substances continue to be a factor in
the escalation of violence. Mental health issues have also continued to be a factor with both defendants
and victims.
Alvin Police Department’s Comprehensive Victim Assistance Program has seen an increase in family
violence and identity theft cases. When the economy suffers, domestic violence tends to increase. More
children are being targeted for abuse and injury in family violence cases. Many family violence cases
face legal issues concerning custody and divorce. Due to lack of financial and legal assistance, the
majority of these cases fail to proceed, and the majority of victims return to their abusive environment.
Even with assistance through the office, the paperwork necessary to receiving certain kinds of relief pro-se divorces, rental assistance to get established independently, etc. - is difficult for them. The
program also experienced an increase in child sexual abuse cases and averaged 3 per month. In addition,
more cases involved weapons and other factors that contribute to violence. While identity theft cases are
non-violent, they are more time consuming to process. Due to the nature of the crime, victims are
required to provide affidavits, a copy of the police report, and proof of theft to three different credit
agencies. Victims are assisted in obtaining the required documentation for the required mailings. This
year more elderly are being targeted for these types of crimes as they are most vulnerable. They trust that
they are being taken care of and they realize too late that they have no money left from their social
security and retirement checks.
There was an increase in the number of cases involving abuse of prescription drugs. A number of these
cases involved homeless victims seeking shelter and other services. Lack of services for the homeless is
still an issue in the county. Finding homes for victims who are out of their homes because of financial
reasons is both difficult and time-consuming.
Because so few other law enforcements agencies in Brazoria County have full-time victim assistance
programs, victims from other municipalities seek assistance from the Alvin Victim Assistance Program.
This year, 45 crime victims from other municipalities have sought assistance through the program. We
have helped with crime victim compensation applications, funds for funerals, housing, immigration
issues, translation services, etc.
The program also supports the Brazoria County Crime Victim Outreach Support Group. This group
supplies emotional support and information to other crime victims. The number of victims attending has
steadily increased. On average, fifteen victims, including teenagers, attend monthly meetings. This year,
group members became more involved by attending each other’s court trials, as well as candlelight vigils,
37
fund raising memorial activities, ceremonies, and memorial walks. As a group, they also were supportive
of victim events in other counties. They did so to draw awareness to their existence and to offer help to
victims out of county. The Alvin Police Department’s Comprehensive Victim Assistance Program is
involved in these group events and supportive of all Brazoria County Crime Victim Outreach activities.
Brazoria County Community Supervision and Corrections Department provides judicial support and
advocacy services to victims whose offenders have been placed on probation. Probation typically ranges
from one to ten years, depending on the term of the defendant’s court ordered probation. Within the past
year, the department has seen an increase in the number of victim contacts over prior years. The Brazoria
County Community Supervision and Corrections Victim Services also facilitated an increase in
restitution disbursed to victims. Restitution paid to victims: $610,296 paid in FY 2005-06; $717,207
paid in FY 2006-07; $717,471 in FY 2007-2008; $770,267 paid in FY 2008-2009; $723,837 paid in
FY 2009-2010; $659,499 paid in FY 2010-2011; and $754,848 paid in FY 2011-2012. Brazoria County
Community Supervision and Corrections Victim Services Program provided 1,425 different services to
victims in FY 2011-2012 compared to 1,357 in FY 2010-2011; 1,228 in FY 2009-2010; 1,306 in FY
2008-2009 (a 14 month period); 1,138 in FY 2007-2008; 1,216 in FY 2006-2007; and 1,119 in FY 20052006. Due to increased awareness through public and private media in Texas, crime victims are
becoming more aware of their rights and are beginning to request more services, including victimoffender mediation. Brazoria County Community Supervision & Corrections Department received more
than one such request during the last year.
The City of Pearland is the 3rd largest city in the Greater Houston area. Pearland is also the fastest
growing city in Brazoria County, the fastest growing suburb in the Greater Houston area, the 10th fastest
growing suburb in Texas and according to Forbes magazine the 34th fastest growing suburb in the nation
(July, '07). The Congressional Quarterly publication ranked Pearland 34th in their 2009 "City Crime
Ranking" report with a composite crime rate below the national average. Pearland is situated on the
south side of Houston, Texas and encompasses territory in Brazoria, Fort Bend, and Harris counties.
According to the 2010 Census, Pearland grew by 142% over 10 years to a population of 91,252. The
Pearland Police Department was created in 1960 and today the department has 138 sworn police
personnel. The men and women serving the community as police officers are supported by dozens of
civilian employees including Telecommunication Operators, Jailers, Clerks, Administrative Assistants
and Liaisons. The Pearland Police Department Victim Assistance Program currently has two full-time
Crime Victim Liaisons to assist crime victims. These positions are maintained by a combination of
federal pass-thru, State and City-allocated funds. The Governor’s Criminal Justice Division and the
Office of the Attorney General provide substantive support for the Pearland Police Department’s Victim
Assistance Program. The goal of the Victim Assistance Program is to assist victims of crime, protect and
advocate the rights of victims, provide necessary information, and prevent further victimization. Crime
victims who make a police report are subsequently contacted by phone, mail or in person. The liaisons
inform victims about police procedures, community resources, and available programs that will assist
victims during the aftermath of a crime. The liaisons are also on call to respond to after-hour
emergencies, and to provide assistance. Oftentimes, crime victims want to know what will happen next,
and the liaisons are available to answer those questions. Other services provided include case status,
information about the criminal justice system, assistance with Crime Victims’ Compensation
applications, court and hospital accompaniment, and emergency transportation to women shelters.
Depending on the type of crime that has occurred, victims can receive information on shelters, counseling
services or referrals to support and social service agencies. The liaisons can also assist with information
38
about parole notification, and assist with a parole protest. The Pearland Police Department continues to
meet the challenges faced by its rapid growth and its proximity to the fourth most populous city in the
United States. As the city continue to grow so does the crime. The Victim Assistance Program has seen
an increase in Family Violence, DWI and Murder cases. As of September 1, 2009, the Victim
Assistance Program no longer provided services to victims of property crime due to the shortage of time
and manpower. With the increase in case load, the liaisons contact only victims of violent crime. To
date, 607 direct victim services have been provided. This is half of the contacts made in 2010.
39
Identified Problem
Insufficient free local
professional counseling
services for victims
(Third Priority)
Data Collection
Total number of victims served between July 2007 and June 2008 by
Youth & Family Services was 148. This included 62 victims of child
sexual abuse; 12 victims of physical child abuse; 32 victims of domestic
abuse; 15 adults molested as children; 17 adults sexually molested; 148
victims were seen in crisis counseling. Of these victims, 88 were
Caucasian, 40 were Hispanic, 19 were black and 1 was Asian/Pacific
Islander.
Brazoria County Alliance for Children received 113 referrals in 2011
and provided 367 counseling hours.
Ethnicity:
• (69) Caucasian (24) Hispanic (2) Native Americans
(7) Multi-Racial (1) Other
Gender
• 26 Male
87 Female
Age:
• 15 0-5 years of age
• 48 6-12 years of age
• 25 13-17 years of age
• 25 18-64 years of age (Secondary Victims included)
Youth and Family Counseling Services and Brazoria County Alliance for Children use VOCA funding
to provide free professional counseling to victims of crimes in Brazoria County. These non-profit
agencies are the only organizations in the county that offer free counseling by licensed professionals.
Professional counseling helps victims and their families who have experienced sexual abuse, domestic
violence, drunk driving accidents, homicide and burglaries, recover from the trauma suffered because
of a criminal event. If left untreated, victims can become unable to function in their everyday life.
Child victims frequently have problem behaviors later in life as a result of their early trauma. Some
even become perpetrators. Assistance in recovering from victimization is critical to many individuals
and families so that they can resume their normal life. A Case Management component of this program
provides information and referral to victims, support during prosecution of the crime, assistance with
Crime Victims Compensation paperwork and victim’s rights information, if needed, and assistance
with location of help and services for any other needs of the victims and family members. Continuation
of these counseling and case management services and growth of the program are essential to Brazoria
County victims. Without these case management and counseling services, the judicial and law
enforcement advocates would not be able to refer victims to free, local professional counseling
program services.
40
Identified Problem
Data Collection
There is a need for a pediatric
Sexual
Assault
Nurse
Examiner to provide acute
sexual exams for child
victims. There is also a need
for additional medical and
follow-up services for child
victims of abuse and neglect,
specifically assault child
victims. (Fourth Priority)
January 2011 – December 2011
Non-Acute Medical Exams
New Medical Exams:
88
Follow-Up Medical Exams: 33
There are 23 law enforcement agencies in Brazoria County who have to
send sexual assault victims to facilities in either Harris or Galveston
County for SANE exams.
Children who are victims of abuse need medical attention from personnel with specialized skills
and the ability to provide appropriate care. Children within the county that have made a disclosure
to Brazoria County Alliance for Children forensic interviewers are referred to an on-site medical
program for a non-acute sexual assault exam. Acute medical exams must be referred to facilities in
Houston or Galveston. Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are specifically trained
in caring for child victims of sexual assault. The main objective is to tend to the victims’ physical
and emotional needs, as well as assist with evidence collection to help prosecute the assailant. The
need for SANE nurses is evident in the current lack of support available to child sexual assault
victims, as well as the lack of trained personnel capable of collecting forensic evidence properly in
cases of sexual assault. Unfortunately, Brazoria County only has two Sexual Assault Nurse
Examiners (SANE) certified to conduct acute exams for the entire county whose population is over
300,000, one is providing examinations as needed at Brazosport Regional Hospital. Victims and
their families, law enforcement and CPS personnel must drive approximately 45 miles into
Houston or Galveston to obtain these services when they are not available in Brazoria County.
There is a critical need for additional pediatric SANE nurses in the county. Children within the
county who have made a sexual abuse disclosure to a Brazoria County Alliance for Children
forensic interviewer are now referred to the on-site medical component for a non-acute sexual
assault exam. Since the opening of Brazoria County Alliance for Children’s medical component in
August 2005, the center has hired a pediatric/adult SANE certified Forensic Nurse Examiner who
has conducted child abuse and/or neglect as well as non-acute sexual abuse exams to child victims,
and who provides follow-up care to these children. Non-acute sexual assault exams are conducted
on site at Brazoria County Alliance for Children’s office utilizing a colposcope, a specialized piece
of equipment used specifically in sexual assault exams. The Forensic Nurse Examiner is available
2 days a week and is supervised by a medical director who oversees clinical services.
41
Identified Problem
Data Collection
There is a continued need for
forensic interviewing, family
advocacy, medical and
mental health services as
well as crime victim’s
assistance services to child
abuse victims and their
families through a Children’s
Advocacy Center model.
There is also a need for the
provision of bilingual
services for these clients.
(Fifth Priority)
Since the opening of Brazoria County Alliance for Children (BCAC) in March
2004 through December 2011 the organization has served over 3,735 total
victims. Services include conducting forensic interviews, providing both medical
exams and mental health therapy, family advocacy, crisis intervention, case
review team staffing, crime victim’s assistance and coordination of services to
partnering agencies. Brazoria County Alliance for Children provides services to
victims of abuse and neglect from the point of the initial outcry to the final
disposition of each case referred to the center. BCAC understands the critical
importance of continuing to provide services that otherwise are not provided for
children in Brazoria County; a comprehensive array of services not provided by
any other single organization. In addition, BCAC serves as a first responder to
children and families in crisis, as it is one of the first organizations utilized by
partnering investigative agencies charged with cases of child abuse and neglect.
Through forensic interviews, children who have experienced abuse and or
neglect are able to relay their traumatic experience to a trained forensic
interviewer while the information is recorded and is later utilized by Children’s
Protective Services, the assigned law enforcement agencies and the office of the
District Attorney for case determination and completion. The forensic
interviewer is also responsible for facilitating the Case Review Team meetings
where discussions are held regarding updates and recommendations are made for
each of the cases.
Crime Victims Assistance services are provided by a
designated staff member at BCAC. As a first responder, the Crime Victims
Program Assistant greets families and upon finding that a victim has disclosed
abuse and or neglect through the forensic interviewing process, assists the
families with the process of Crime Victims intake forms and tracks information
through the office of the Attorney General. The program assistant provides
constant updates to the families and furnishes them with information regarding
the progress of the Crime Victims Compensation application. The Family
Advocate serves as the case liaison with non-offending family members,
providing support in the form of referrals to needed social services, court
accompaniment and case updates. Follow-up services, including medical and
mental health services, as well as referrals to needed social services are
facilitated through our family advocacy program. Referrals and continued
support are essential to families in order for them to receive a continuum of
services that may be unaffordable to a family in crisis. These services are
essential in the healing process and for the future well being of the victim and
their non-offending family members. The family advocate is the primary source
of information and assistance for the victim and non-offending family members
and continues to coordinate service contacts between victim/family and their
investigative agency (ies).
42
Identified Problem
Data Collection
There is currently a lack of
no/low
cost
emergency
therapeutic
services
and
follow-up mental health case
management for child victims
of
abuse
and
neglect
specifically child victims of
sexual assault.
(Sixth Priority)
January 2011 – December 2011
• 113 Victims Referrals (Primary & Secondary)
• 73 Victims Seen For Therapy
• 367 Counseling Hours
• 3 Extended Forensic Assessment
The mental health therapist has a caseload of 25 clients and is currently
at 80% capacity. BCAC anticipates the need for another full time
therapist within the next year.
Children within the county who have made a discloser of abuse to Brazoria County Alliance for
Children forensic interviewers are referred to an on-site therapist following the interview to lessen the
trauma experienced after the child’s outcry. The therapist speaks with the clients in an initial session to
assess their needs and schedules follow up appointments as needed. The need for mental health
services at no cost is critical since the inability to pay for services often prevents clients from seeking
these critical services, which in turn prevents the child from beginning the much needed journey of
recovery. The growing demand for these services and only having one full time staff member who can
provide these services requires that we make referrals to outside counseling services. Since no-cost
therapy services are only available at one other agency, many families don’t pursue seeking counseling
services and the children are left to struggle with coping with the residual effects of abuse. For those
clients who are referred to alternative services, the on-site therapist places follow up calls to ensure that
clients referred for off-site counseling services are receiving treatment. BCAC employs one full time
therapist to see children (at no charge to the family) whose lives are impacted by abuse or neglect. The
earlier abused children receive help, the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not
perpetuate the cycle of abuse. Individuals whose lives have been impacted from child abuse are more
likely to develop responses such as chronic depression, substance abuse, anxiety disorders, problems
with identity, post-traumatic disorder and other symptoms. Children experience feelings of shame,
distrust, a sense of powerlessness and feelings of isolation and alienation. Psychological effects of
abuse may appear immediately or may take years to surface. Young people who have survived sexual
abuse can just as easily learn more positive behaviors when the community provides them with
appropriate interventions and support. Working with children who have been abused requires special
skills and expertise, including proven best practices in counseling. BCAC hired a full-time therapist
who is trained in the best practice of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in 2009 and
anticipates the need for another full time therapist within the next year.
43
Identified Problem
Data Collection
There is a critical need for a 2006-2008 Child Deaths
Child Fatality Review Team
(CFRT) in Brazoria County. Age
Number of Deaths
The purpose of a child fatality 1
93
review team is to develop an
understanding of the causes 1-5
23
and incidence of child deaths,
promote public awareness and 6-10
7
make recommendations to the
governor and legislature for 10-17
23
changes in law, policy and
practice to reduce the number 64% of child deaths in Brazoria County occurred among infants. The
of preventable child deaths. total number of deaths increased each year from 39 in 2006 to 62 in
(Seventh Priority)
2008.
According to Texas Department of State Health records, the following
information indicating the year 2009 deaths from accidents, suicide, and
homicide was determined to be:
Age
Under age 1
Number of Deaths
1
1-4
1
5-14
5
15-24
23
CFRTs are multidisciplinary, multiagency working groups that review child deaths on a local level
from a public perspective. By reviewing circumstances surrounding child deaths, teams identify
prevention strategies that will decrease the incidence of preventable child deaths by:
• Developing an understanding of the causes and incidence of child deaths in the county
• Recommending changes to agencies through an agency representative member, in order to
reduce child deaths,
• Advising state committees on potential changes to law, policy or practice that will assist the
team and the agencies represented on the team in fulfilling their duties.
• Providing assistance, direction, and coordination to investigation of child deaths.
• Promoting cooperation, communication and coordination among agencies involved in
responding to child fatalities.
44
The rate of suicide in the United States rose sharply during the first few years since the start of the
recession, a new analysis has found. In the report, which appeared Sunday on the Web site of The
Lancet, a medical journal, researchers found that the rate between 2008 and 2010 increased four times
faster than it did in the eight years before the recession. The rate had been increasing by an average of
0.12 deaths per 100,000 people from 1999 through 2007. In 2008, the rate began increasing by an
average of 0.51 deaths per 100,000 people a year. Without the increase in the rate, the total deaths from
suicide each year in the United States would have been lower by about 1,500, the study said. The
finding was not unexpected. Suicide rates often spike during economic downturns, and recent studies of
rates in Greece, Spain and Italy have found similar trends. The new study is the first to analyze the rate
of change in the United States state by state, using suicide and unemployment data through 2010. “The
magnitude of these effects is slightly larger than for those previously estimated in the United States,”
the authors wrote. That might mean that this economic downturn has been harder on mental health than
previous ones, the authors concluded. The research team linked the suicide rate to unemployment, using
numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Every rise of 1 percent in unemployment was accompanied by an increase in the suicide rate of roughly
1 percent, it found. A similar correlation has been found in some European countries since the
recession. The analysis found that the link between unemployment and suicide was about the same in
all regions of the country. The study was conducted by Aaron Reeves of the University of Cambridge
and Sanjay Basu of Stanford, and included researchers from the University of Bristol, the London
School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and the University of Hong Kong. (Source: NY Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/05/health/us-suicide-rate-rose-during-recession-study-finds.html)
45
Identified Problem
Data Collection
High volume court system No. of cases added to District Court September 1 to August 31
2011: 3,531 2010: 3,162 2009: 3,177
(Eighth Priority)
No. of cases added to County Court at Law September 1 to August 31
2011: 8,179 2010: 7,398 2009: 7,434
The 2012 estimated population for Brazoria County is 319,973. Currently the county has five District
and four County Courts at Law. District Court judges preside over criminal, family and civil cases
while County Courts are responsible for criminal, civil, juvenile and probate cases. In comparison,
Denton County’s population (868,406) is twice the size of Brazoria County’s. It has seven district and
five county courts. In 2011 Brazoria County’s District Courts disposed of 3,572 cases compared to
Denton County’s 3,143. The number of cases we added in district court 2011 was 3,531. Denton
added 3,332. Brazoria County’s District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases
involving adults and juveniles. Other departments within the DA’s Office are a civil division which
addresses civil issues involving the county, a CPS division which handles cases of abuse and neglect of
the county’s children and an appellate division which addresses criminal appeals. The ever increasing
demands associated with substance abuse far exceed present criminal justice system capacity.
Subsequently, a grant was awarded creating a drug court which assists defendants with substance abuse
issues. Mental Health issues are an ever growing concern. Mental Health Deputies are assigned at the
jail to identify individuals with mental health needs. Probationers with mental health issues are
assigned to a mental health case load through the probation department.
.
46
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Insufficient bilingual
services for crime victims
(Ninth Priority)
Number of agencies with bilingual crime victim service providers: 4
27.7% of county citizens are Hispanic (an increase of 22% over the last
10 years). The only agencies that offer full time bilingual services to
crime victims are Alvin PD Comprehensive Crime Victim Program,
Pearland PD Crime Victim Program, The Women’s Center and the
D.A.’s office.
Despite the effort of many of the agencies in Brazoria County, there is still a shortage of bilingual
front-line service providers. Brazoria County covers 1,597 square miles. Staff from the above
mentioned agencies are frequently dispatched all over the county in order to meet the needs of nonEnglish-speaking victims. In the northern part of the county, there are also Asian, Vietnamese,
Chinese, Pakistani and Indian communities.
47
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Insufficient low cost legal
services for victims of
domestic violence and
related violent crimes
(Tenth Priority)
Currently there is only one agency – Lone Star Legal Aid - that offers
no cost or low cost assistance for victims who need help with family
law matters. Lone Star Legal Aid services 3 other counties, in addition
to Brazoria Co. (population 313,166 – U.S. Census Bureau), with only
2 attorneys. The number of requests for service far exceeds the
agency’s ability to provide services for all – or even most – victims.
Domestic violence victims and families that have been victimized by violent crime often have no
financial resources to hire private attorneys to assist with divorce, child custody and community
property issues. Their perpetrator is their breadwinner, the controller of the family’s resources.
Victims frequently have bank accounts emptied, utilities disconnected, vehicles repossessed, eviction
notices served, and potentially no school supplies or shoes for the kids, all for lack of legal counsel.
Catholic Charities sends a representative to the Women’s Center every 2 months to help victims with
immigration issues and the Legal Aid office in Houston has recently begun a series of seminars to
help people with eviction issues; the D.A.’s office provides the Women’s Center with 2 attorneys to
do protective orders. But these services neither address all the areas of law in which help is needed by
victims in order to be productive citizens, nor do they, because resources named are so limited, meet
the demand.
48
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Insufficient affordable
housing for the indigent,
including crime victims who
are displaced because of
their victimization
(Eleventh Priority)
Currently there are 477 individuals or families on the county’s waiting
list for subsidized (Section 8) housing. Last year (2011), there were
1,565 individuals or families; in 2010, 1,664 individuals or families; in
2009, 1,110; in 2008, 948. Brazoria County holds 586 vouchers, but
funding has been reduced by $25,000 - $30,000 a month, so only 550 –
580 units are available. Our attrition rate is roughly 5 families or
individuals per month. New applicants are not being added to the
waiting list at this time, but it is expected to be reopened in April of
2013. The list was recently purged and is smaller because of deaths, a
change in applicant circumstances, and increased monitoring of criminal
activity, unreported income, and other fraudulent issues.
County Welfare reports a critical need attributable to different causes. They are seeing more indigent
families and individuals. People have lost jobs; families have been foreclosed on, and there are more
victims. Domestic violence and sexual assault victims frequently need to move for safety reasons or
because they experience loss of support or reduced income when the perpetrator is missing or
incarcerated or they lose their job because of time spent away from work necessitated by court
hearings, witness interviews, etc. or because of harassment on the job by the perpetrator. While Crime
Victim Compensation offers relocation costs for domestic violence victims (and sexual assault victims,
under certain circumstances), it does not provide assistance to stop repossession of cars, foreclosure on
homes, or other necessities that contribute to community stability and productivity. There are 3 shelters
in the county – 2 for domestic violence victims and 1 for individuals who are homeless. But both are
only temporary shelters. Finally, while available low-to-moderate income housing has always been
scarce, it is now practically non-existent.
49
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Limited public transportation Connect Transit recently began bus routes in southern and western
for county residents,
Brazoria County. Taxi service is also limited.
including victims and the
indigent (Twelfth Priority)
Connect Transit does not provide service in the evening, on weekends, or on established holidays. It is
not unusual for riders to wait as long as 1 ½ hours after their appointed time for Connect to arrive.
There are two taxi services in Brazoria County one in the Brazosport area and the other located in
Alvin. The taxi service is of no use to the neediest citizens. They can’t afford a car; they can’t afford a
taxi, either. The newly instituted bus routes in central and southern Brazoria Co. connecting Angleton,
Freeport, Lake Jackson, and Clute and a portion of the county west of the Brazos operate 6 a.m. to 6
p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents who do not own reliable transportation or to whom taxis and
the bus routes are out of reach have their access to jobs, service providers, social services, medical
care, courts, daycare and schools restricted due to lack of public transportation. Victims of domestic
violence, often forced to leave their homes and possessions behind, have difficulty finding
transportation to appear for court proceedings or, especially on the weekends, to take care of everyday
needs, like going to the grocery store. Limited, inadequate public transportation results in staff from
agencies like the Women’s Center, police departments, and the DA’s Crime Victim Department
providing transportation to victims. Not only does this result in a much higher cost for transportation
services, but regular duties are postponed while these staff members are providing transportation.
The lack of public transportation, including limited taxi service, during evening and weekend hours has
other consequences. DWI incidents within the county increase because intoxicated individuals have
limited options when facing the decision how to get home after becoming intoxicated. Each
intoxicated driver on the road increases the possibility of creating future victims. One preventive
measure that is being taken in other communities throughout the nation is the promotion of accessible
taxi service to provide transportation to individuals who have become intoxicated. Brazoria County
will prevent victimization by promoting and developing more public transportation options for the
evening and weekend hours.
50
Identified Problem
Data Collection
An insufficient number of
crime victim support groups
(Thirteenth Priority)
The Brazoria County Crime Victim Outreach – Volunteer Crime Victim
Support Group- offers emotional support and assists victims with
understanding the process of the Criminal Justice System. They meet
every month on the third Tuesday. Identified Problem: An insufficient
number of crime victim support groups. There is only one volunteer
group in the county. Brazoria County Crime Victim Outreach is located
in Angleton, the central part of the county. Currently it has 14 active
members. As support group members, 28 to 30 participate in events in
Brazoria and other surrounding counties during crime victims’ rights
week. This organization consists of victims of crime who volunteer
their time and efforts to assist other crime victims.
Brazoria County is geographically large covering 1,597 square miles. Currently there is only one
volunteer support group in the county. It meets in the central part of the county, so this leaves the
northern and far southern parts of the county without peer support. There is a need for additional
volunteer support groups within the county where victims can meet, share their experiences, and began
the healing process. Going through the judicial process can be extremely stressful and it is helpful to
victims to meet and discuss their situation with others who have done so. Knowing they are not alone
and that they have support from others who have experienced tragedy can facilitate healing. Even with
offenses being different, victims find a common connection within the group. Recently, the crime
victims in the group created their own private events to memorialize their loved ones. All support
group members share in these events to demonstrate that they are all in this together.
The support group has seen an increase from month to month of crime victims seeking crime-related
assistance. Crimes include sexual assault of adults and children, homicides, intoxicated manslaughter,
and family violence. A number of teens now participate in the group. Group members are active all
year long and participate in helping other victims with court accompaniments, fundraising events for
memorial ceremonies, and more. They also assist victims with parole board meetings and they send
out petitions and letters to help victims seeking other kinds of assistance. The group hosts an annual
Thanksgiving dinner that includes community members from outside their group in an effort to
strengthen their voice for victims within the community. And during National Crime Victims’ Rights
Week, they are active in numerous activities, including the annual dinner hosted by the Alvin Police
Dept.’s Comprehensive Victim Assistance Program and the Crime Victims’ Program of the D.A.’s
office.
51
Law Enforcement Issues (listed in order of priority, greatest need first)
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Lack of Interoperable
communications within the
county. (First Priority)
Brazoria County’s population increased over thirty percent in the last
decade; and it is now home to over 330,000 people. Within the county
there are minimum of 26 law enforcement agencies, over 25 fire
departments, at least 12 ambulance services, 4 hospitals, and numerous
emergency operation centers. In addition, there are approximately 17
chemical plants, the Port of Freeport, one of the largest LNG plants in
the world, and the nation’s largest federal oil reserve. Many of those
agencies and/or entities utilize communication equipment that is not
compatible with neighboring departments, which limits
communications throughout the county.
There is a need for enhanced communications between larger organizations and chemical plants that
are served and protected throughout Brazoria County. The existing communications infrastructure
needs to be improved upon; and one of the three towers that are currently being utilized is leased.
There is a need for an additional communications tower in the west end of the county and two more in
the north end. Technological improvements in communications equipment have evolved, and the need
to equip the towers with more 700 MHz systems has become a concern. The 800 MHz systems that
are now being used will soon need to be replaced by 700 MHz systems. Those upgrades will also
allow different types of agencies to communicate with each other through the use of a single
communications system. Communication is paramount while responding safely and properly to any
type of major incident, and the responses would be severely limited without adequate infrastructure
and equipment.
52
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Need to upgrade technology, Much of the computerized equipment used by Brazoria County
emergency responders and public safety organizations is antiquated, or
hardware and software
does not have supporting capabilities to drive current software
(Second Priority)
programs. Within the past year, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s
Department and the 4 Constable Departments were forced to procure a
new Computer-aided Dispatch and Records Management System
software program. The software is capable of supporting many other
agencies that will benefit by sharing a county-wide database. It is
paramount the county’s emergency responders have access to current
technology and equipment to allow them to respond and perform at
optimal levels. Not only have the Brazoria County law enforcement
agencies had to change software programs, but the County government,
as a whole, is also being required to change software programs, as the
one it currently utilizes will no longer be supported within the next 2
years.
With the five largest public safety agencies in the county now utilizing the same, sharable CAD, RMS,
and communications software program, the ability to gather, collaborate, analyze and share information
is creating an overwhelming demand from the smaller, rural agencies to merge with one of those five.
This software will not only benefit law enforcement agencies, but fire departments and EMS
organizations as well. Information such as photos, common methods of operation, fingerprint
classifications, DNA types, commonly used addresses, vehicle types, and past contacts, will become
invaluable investigative tools. The software also allows agencies to dispatch the closest available units
by proximity and to visually see a unit’s location on a map; thus improving response times and safety,
and decreasing the possibilities of risk or loss. Due to budget constraints, smaller rural agencies in the
county are essentially prohibited from purchasing the same software for their own entities or
departments; however, the need to help them to obtain the same, common equipment and capabilities is
great.
53
Identified Problem
Insufficient computer
database and reporting
software. (Third Priority)
Data Collection
Of the 26 law enforcement agencies in Brazoria County, only the
Sheriff’s Office and the 4 Constable Departments currently share a
standardized records database and reporting software. The County has
had to purchase new software for the Sheriff’s Office and Constable
Departments because the software they had been using was no longer
going to be supported by the vendor. None of the fire reporting agencies
share a common records database. Such a common medium would
greatly benefit all public safety organizations.
Shared data is an invaluable tool, whether conducting a criminal investigation, a fire investigation, or
trying to locate the address of someone in need. As criminals are becoming more mobile, the need to
access shared data is becoming more crucial. As requests for agency assists are growing, so is the need
for those responders to quickly be able to access pertinent information.
54
Identified Problem
Data Collection
The need for certified
SANE nurses, pediatric
SANE nurses, and followup services.
(Fourth Priority)
Brazoria County only has two Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE)
certified to conduct acute exams for the entire county whose population
is over 300,000, one is providing examinations as needed at Brazosport
Regional Hospital.
Currently the SANE nurses of Harris and Galveston counties have to carry an additional burden of
conducting most of the SANE investigations that are needed for Brazoria County Sexual Assault
investigations. Law enforcement agencies, victims’ families, and CPS investigators from Brazoria
County have to spend many hours transporting most victims to facilities in an adjacent county and
waiting for the medical examination process so that evidence can be retrieved and handled properly.
The smaller, rural cities lose their manpower off of the streets for many hours if a victim has to be
transported out of the county for an exam.
Brazoria County has been able to contract the services of one SANE nurse at the Children’s
Assessment Center (CAC); however, there is still a need for more nurses. Additionally, the
examination room at the CAC lends itself to distractions for a victim because of the activities of noisy
children who are there occupying an adjacent room for assessment purposes. Lastly, if medical care,
other than only a SANE exam is necessary, a victim has to be treated at a medical facility.
The county is in the process of negotiating contract services for more SANE services at local medical
facilities. Sexual Assault victims would more comfortable, more cooperative, and less traumatized
during a SANE examination and the investigation process if there were a closer, more localized facility
that could utilized. Procuring more local services would shorten the investigation process for all
involved and benefit the Brazoria County justice system.
55
Identified Problem
Need to upgrade training
and equipment for
emergency responders
(Fifth Priority)
Data Collection
Due to state budget cuts and the loss of state-funded LEOSE training
funds, law enforcement agencies across the state have had to either
reduce the amount of training or adjust their own budgets to provide
necessary and mandated training to their officers. Additionally, as
technology has evolved, new types of equipment have become available
and new methods of responding to and handling incidents have also been
created. The forethought of increasing safety and minimizing liability
are two goals that are constantly considered by every department, as
policies and procedures have to be revised to coincide with any new
advancement.
The loss of LEOSE training funds has hurt every law enforcement agency throughout the state. The
Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office has planned a regional public safety training facility that will aide in
making training more accessible and affordable for smaller departments and many surrounding
agencies. Training would be offered in the areas of emergency and defensive driving, firearms
proficiency, physical tactics, DWI investigation, and other supplemental and mandated topics. The
Angleton Police Department is also in the process of constructing a firearms qualification range.
56
Identified Problem
Lack of training and
treatment options for
emergency responders who
deal with mental health
consumers (Sixth Priority)
Data Collection
The State of Texas provides less funding for mental health services than
over ninety percent of all 50 states in the nation. Emergency responders,
law enforcement agencies, and service providers have seen an increase in
the number of mental health cases they have had to handle. The increase
in juvenile consumer cases has also had a major impact as parental
consent concerns and a difference in treatment options have to be
addressed. Local treatment options have not increased consistently with
the increase in mental health calls.
There is a growing need for more emergency responder training in quickly identifying and properly
handling consumers who suffer from mental health illnesses. There is currently a lack of mental health
treatment options within Brazoria County; and the county has had to contract with out-of-county
facilities for treatment of those who require immediate in-patient attention. The six Sheriff’s Office
Mental Health Deputies who handle the county’s most extreme mental health calls are overworked.
There is a growing need for more emergency responder training in quickly identifying and properly
handling consumers who suffer from mental health illnesses. There is currently a lack of mental health
treatment options within Brazoria County; and the county has had to contract with out-of-county
facilities for treatment of those who require immediate in-patient attention. The six Sheriff’s Office
Mental Health Deputies who handle the county’s most extreme mental health calls are overworked.
57
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Lack of traffic enforcement
units and crash investigation
capabilities
(Seventh Priority)
The Texas Department of Public Safety provides the majority of traffic
law enforcement and traffic crash investigation in the rural parts of
Brazoria County. The recent population boom in the north end of the
county has created a greater need for traffic enforcement. Most agencies
in the county do not currently have the personnel or equipment to
effectively accommodate such an increase in traffic violations, Driving
While Intoxication offenses, necessary DOT enforcements, and motor
vehicle crash investigations. The Port of Freeport is also enlarging its
facility by approximately 1/3 of its current size, adding to the already
heavy amount of commercial vehicle traffic through the county.
While the Sheriff’s Office does not investigate some traffic crashes in rural areas, the Department of
Public Safety investigates the majority of those. Most law enforcement agencies do not have a
designated Traffic Division; thus they rely on patrolmen to, between assigned calls and various other
duties, patrol the roadways for traffic violations, enforce laws of the road, conduct DWI investigations,
and investigate crashes that occur within their jurisdictions. The Department of Public Safety provides
the majority of traffic law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. Most agencies in the
county receive calls daily regarding traffic complaints; and having sufficient personnel throughout the
county who concentrate on traffic enforcement would be an asset to insure the safety of all drivers on
the roadways. The presence of the additional officers on the roadways not only ensures safer roadways,
quicker response times, and more local resources for investigations, but it also deters other type of
crime.
58
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Need to expand and upgrade
training and equipment for
evidence collection,
processing and analysis.
(Eighth Priority)
Many of the county’s law enforcement agencies are located in smaller,
rural communities, and they do not have access to the resources that are
available to the larger agencies for the collection of evidence. Those
smaller agencies also have to rely on the Sheriff’s Office for the
collection, processing and analysis of evidence. Technological and
scientific advancements have brought about stricter standards and
expectations of those who handle and process evidence. The Chemists
and Analysts at the Sheriff’s Office not only process and analyze
evidence for law enforcement agencies throughout the county, but they
also process specimens submitted by the Probation Department.
As a precedent, several years ago DPS and FBI laboratories standardized many evidence collection and
submission processes. This, along with changing technological advances, has required the law
enforcement community to stay abreast of the most recent methods of collecting, processing, and
analyzing physical evidence. The municipal agencies that operate crime laboratories in the county need
up-to-date equipment, such as working vent hoods and latent fingerprint processing booths, so the
integrity of their processing and analysis procedures is maintained.
The Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab is in dire need of upgraded equipment. As it currently stands, due to
age of some of their equipment, the life expectancy of their Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrograph
(GCMS) is only one-to-two more years. The current GCMS, which analysis blood and urine is so old
that it only allows for the analysis of types of drugs, rather than for a specific drug of a specific type. A
replacement Liquid Chromatographer Mass Spectrograph (LCMS) would enable the lab to perform
tests that are currently sent out of state for processing. Additionally, the increased demand that is put
upon them far outweighs their ability to produce timely results on a consistent basis. Lastly, the
addition of one more Chemist at the lab would allow more tests to be conducted, thus improving
productivity.
59
Identified Problem
Lack of equipment to
upgrade Emergency
Operations Centers and
Mobile Command Posts.
(Ninth Priority)
Data Collection
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office and police departments from
several of the larger cities in the county have Mobile Command Posts
that can be utilized during a disaster or major incident; however, there is
a need for equipment and improvements in those facilities. There is also
a need for updated and improved Emergency Operations Centers
(EOC’s) in most entities throughout the county to support Emergency
Management Teams.
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office maintains one fully operational Mobile Command Post, which is
available for major incidents and emergency operations and is loaned out to other agencies when
requested. Additionally, various entities throughout the county can also use updated or additional
equipment so that their Mobile Command Posts and EOC’s can function at optimal levels.
60
Mental Health Issues (listed in order of priority, greatest need first)
Identified Problem
Data Collection
An insufficient number of
health/substance abuse
mental clinical facilities
(First Priority)
A total of 85 beds are available for adults with substance abuse issues
and 0 beds available in-county for adults with mental health issues
The county currently has two substance abuse facilities, Brazos Place and Pathways to Recovery.
Both have a long waiting list and it is not uncommon for it to take several weeks before a space is
available.
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Insufficient mental health
services (Second Priority)
Mental Health Professional Shortage:
17.6 per 100,000 population vs. the state average of 27.7 per 100,000
population
Local law enforcement has seen an increase in the number of individuals processed through the
criminal justice system. Reduction of state funding for mental health services has increased the
number of individuals processed through the criminal justice system. This increases the burden on
law enforcement and victim services with more individuals with mental health issues making their
way into the criminal justice system.
61
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Lack of access to
medications, psychiatric
doctors, case management
and/or community support
available to serve Brazoria
County. (Third Priority)
An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older about one
in four adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given
year. Many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a
given time. People with mental illness and substance use disorders are
prevalent in the uninsured population.
Approximately one-third of people with mental illness, substance use
disorders, or both who are under the federal poverty level (FPL) are
uninsured. Not having insurance is a significant roadblock for people
with mental illness and/or substance disorders. Almost 80 percent of
people with these disorders who needed mental health treatment but
did not receive it cited cost as the reason. Underinsurance is also a
problem: 34 percent of insured people who had unmet mental health
needs indicated that cost was a barrier to seeking treatment.
The consequences of untreated or under-treated mental illness,
substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders can be quite
severe. Almost one-fourth of all stays in U.S. community hospitals 7.6
million of nearly 32 million stays involved depression, bipolar
disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health disorders or
substance use disorders.
On any given month the Brazoria County jail provides mental health
screenings and psychiatric evaluations to an average of 10% of the
inmates. This is typically done for severe mental health issues.
62
Identified Problem
Lack of programs that
provide continuity of services
for suicide programs. Full
scope suicide programs
should include education,
intervention, prevention and
bereavement support.
(Fourth Priority)
Data Collection
•
•
•
•
13.2% suicide rate in Brazoria County
10.9% suicide rate in the State of Texas
14,991 suffer from severe depression
15,940 are recent drug users (within the past month)
Data developed by the massive Global Burden of Disease study conducted by the World Health
Organization, the World Bank, and Harvard University, reveals that mental illness, including suicide,
accounts for over 15 percent of the burden of disease in established market economies, such as the
United States. This is more than the disease burden caused by all cancers. Suicide is a major,
preventable public health problem. The overall rate was 10.9 suicide deaths per 100,000 people and an
estimated 12 to 25 attempted suicides occur per every suicide death. For Brazoria County this means
360 to 750 attempts resulting in almost 30 deaths by suicide per year. Addressing the need for
education, intervention, prevention and bereavement support will relieve local law enforcement from
handling the amount of situations where suicide is a possibility and can be addressed through another
platform.
63
Child & Adolescent Mental Health
Most families are not aware
MHMR (Mental Health Mental Retardation) Gulf Coast Center:
that an evaluation may be
needed until crisis.
• 453 total unduplicated clients served.
Diagnostic services are
• 81 families caring for children received crisis services.
limited and a need for the
• 4761 children attended doctor visits.
county. Education for
families who are managing a
• 3549 children received routine case management.
mental health disorder in
• 126 children received intensive case management.
children need the tools and
• 2429 families received mental health skills training.
resources to maneuver an
• 101 families received Family Partner program support.
often confusing mental health
• 981 children received Therapy/Counseling.
system. (First Priority)
• 306 families received medical training & individual support.
• 88 families received parent training.
Many children depend on
mental health services to help
them function in school, in
their family, and among peers
NAMI National Numbers: (2011 NAMI Gulf Coast Annual Report)
in the community. Youth
who do not receive essential
• 7.5 million Children are affected by mental, developmental or
medication and
behavior disorders (NAMI Texas).
accompanying cognitive• 2,585 youth in the Texas Youth Commission and (50%) and
behavioral therapy frequently
nearly half referred to the Juvenile Probation Commission
find themselves expelled
(48%) had a mental illness. (Mental Health Association in
from school, delinquent in
Texas).
the community, or runaways.
• In the general population of Texas in 2003, the Mental Health
The suicide rate among
children is a major cause of
Association estimated that there were 151,464 children in the
death. Approximately half of
state who had a significant impairment due to mental illness,
youth in the juvenile justice
but only 39,598 (26%) received any services.
system have at least one
mental disorder (Juvenile
Probation Commission,
2003). (Second Priority)
Limited access and high costs
of counseling and therapy
decrease the ability for
families to get help for a
child who may be in crisis.
(Third Priority)
While this data does not speak directly to youth in the juvenile justice system, there is reason to
suppose that a disproportionate number of youth with mental illness do come in contact with
the police and courts. If youth with mental illnesses were identified early and appropriate
mental health services provided, some youth would not advance further in the juvenile, and
64
later, adult justice systems. Community based services designed to break longstanding behavioral
patterns that result in criminal justice involvement are needed. To close the gaps in access to mental
health services for adolescents and youth in the Brazoria County community is a goal for the
committee completing the Community Action Plan. Gulf Coast Center’s procedures are as follows:
After the initial call, a face to face screening takes place within 7 to 14 days. This is for routine calls
where crises are handed immediately. The 30 to 90 days is the actual appointment with the
psychiatrist for the admission intake. It is important to understand the length of time is not just about
limited doctor or therapy time for the admission evaluation. This time lag includes families
rescheduling, canceling with a plan to call back “later” and no-showing appointments. This time lag
is furthered or improved upon for the admission evaluation depending on how quickly the family
provides several pieces of documentation necessary to begin the process. So, the initial call for
services results in a face to face screening with the caregiver only where symptoms and overall level
of functioning is discussed to assess whether or not it appears the client meets eligibility. The next
step is the admission evaluation once all required paperwork is provided – this is scheduled based on
availability of limited doctor time (16 hours per week for Brazoria County). There continues to be
no adolescent psychiatric beds assigned to the children of Brazoria County. IntraCare Medical Center
Hospital in Houston was closed which further reduced the number of psychiatric beds available for
adolescents. For the children of Brazoria County who have been hospitalized in Houston the
continuity of care has continued to be a problem. Some Brazoria County residents do not have
transportation to participate in their child’s treatment nor do they have resources to continue the
child’s medication upon discharge. There are only 3 psychiatrists who will treat adolescents in
Brazoria County and none of them accept Medicaid. Harris County Psychiatric Hospital has noted
Brazoria County adolescents will be readmitted as the result of a lack of continuity of care.
In addition, we need to address the need for education, intervention, prevention and bereavement
support as it will relieve local law enforcement from handling the amount of situations where suicide
is a possibility and can be addressed through another platform.
65
Adult Mental Health
Identified Problem
Data Collection
There is a need for funding to Gulf Coast Center/MHMR (Mental Health Mental Retardation) Crisis
expand wraparound services Service's Detail
to reduce recidivism and alter
the trajectory of families
• 80 clients received crisis ACT out and home respite
destined for criminal justice
• 814 clients received crisis follow-up and prevention.
involvement. Community
• 225 clients received crisis follow-up and prevention for a
based sentencing has proven
second time.
far more effective and
• 2256 calls were made to the county Crisis Hotline
cheaper than jails.
• 259 clients received CRISIS incident pharmacy management
(First Priority)
• 432 clients received crisis out and home respite.
• 415 clients received CRISIS supplemental nursing services.
People experiencing mental
• 170 clients received CRISIS TELEMED diagnostic
health issues who reach out
evaluations.
for help are directed to an up
• 130 clients received CRISIS Telmed pharmacy management.
to 2 year waiting list. While
• 1000 clients received mental health crisis intervention.
waiting the possibility of
crisis, hospitalization, jail,
homelessness, etc. become a NAMI GC (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
• 68
mental health Education classes
reality. The local MHMR
• 531 ASK (Suicide Prevention)
authority continues to serve
• 595 mental health Professional trainings
almost double the clients
• 313 information and referrals
state funding has provided
• 1672 newsletters
for. State funding is stretched
to maximum capacity and
• 578 health fairs
local resources are limited.
• 1000 Resource manuals
This places an additional
• 195 family support meetings
burden on local mental
• 117 peer support
health/recovery non-profit
• 316 emergency financial assistance
agencies. (Second Priority)
• 217 Holiday activities for people with mental illness
• 300 Hygiene bags for Fil-a-Sac (for people affected by
Crisis response services are
mental illness)
the focus of mental health
only services for Brazoria
County residents. Crisis
oriented services versus
prevention services are a
huge concern when healthy
community approaches are
proven to reduce the number
of catastrophic incidences.
(Third Priority)
66
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Inpatient psychiatric beds
remain a need for Brazoria
County. In many instances,
beds are limited and scarce
with mental health deputies
calling area hospitals to find
an open bed for people who
are a danger to themselves or
others. People looking for
inpatient psychiatric
treatment do not have many
options until they become a
danger to themselves or
others. (Fourth Priority)
Galveston and Brazoria Counties share 18 in-patient psychiatric beds
located at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston. Down from 20 beds in
2010.
67
Identified Problem
Veteran access to mental
health programs and benefits
are often complicated and
overwhelming to those in the
most serious need. Additional
Veteran programs need to be
available and more
accessible. County
collaborative Veteran’s
initiatives do exist but are
limited and some are time
restricted grants.
(Fifth Priority)
Data Collection
• Approximately 20,000 veterans have been identified in
Brazoria County through the Brazoria County Veterans
Service Office
• 9.3% homeless veterans were identified by the Brazoria
County Homeless Coalition (January 2012)
• 78,291 people in Brazoria County are affected by mental
illness. (National NAMI: 1 in 4 people are affected by mental
illness).
• 45% of those with any mental disorder meet criteria for two or
more disorders, with severity strongly related to co-morbidity.
• Nearly two-thirds of all people with a diagnosable mental
disorder do not seek treatment. That means 26,097 people in
Brazoria County may be seeking treatment within a year.
• PTSD/Head Injuries diagnosis is at high for veterans.
(Different injuries due to nature of the 2 current wars).
The region’s psychiatric care is coordinated by a number of community mental health and mental
retardation (MHMR) centers affiliated with the Texas Department of State Health Services. These
community MHMR centers provide the usual entry point for mental health treatment in the state.
They provide a number of services that can be divided into two general categories: mental health
assessment and referral and outpatient treatment and counseling. Each community MHMR center
provides assessment and treatment services to both children and adults through interdisciplinary
treatment teams that either refer clients to specialized service providers or develop treatment plans
to serve their individual needs.
(Source: http://www.window.state.tx.us/specialrpt/tif/gulf/healthcare.php)
The Lake Jackson VA Outpatient Clinic which is located in Lake Jackson has already made a
difference in the lives of Veterans living nearby. In fact, some Veterans were treated even before the
clinic officially opened. During the “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony” a social worker at the Lake Jackson
clinic received word of a mental health emergency during the ceremony and took care of it
immediately.
The particular Veteran met with a mental health professional without delay, despite the clinic not
being officially opened. The Veteran was among the first to be treated by the clinic’s staff and take
advantage of all of the programs and resources the clinic has to offer.
When a Veteran goes to the Lake Jackson VA Outpatient Clinic , the first thing that happens is the
nurse takes the Veteran’s vitals and then if referred for mental services the clinic conducts a
comprehensive mental health examination; and if necessary, prescribes appropriate medication. Then
Veteran is referred to other staff members such as the social worker for further evaluation and followup.
They try to refer Veterans to local treatment programs so they do not have to drive all the way to
Houston and other referral sources such as Brazosport Memorial Hospital outpatient program for
substance abuse issues, community-based resources to pursue job placement and vocational
rehabilitation.
68
Health care at the clinic is provided by a small, but engaged, collaborative team that supports learning,
discovery, and continuous improvement with a focus on providing the highest quality health care
possible to Veterans. In conversations with members of the clinic’s health care team, the value of
teamwork was a major theme.
The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is located at 208 South Oak Drive,
Suite 700, Lake Jackson, Texas. For more information, call 979-230-4852. (Source: United States
Department of Veterans Affairs - November 1, 2011 Press Release
http://www.houston.va.gov/pressreleases/News_20111101.asp )
After a year of being open to the public, the VA clinic still is looking to increase its number of patient.
The clinic now has a total of 1,727 patients. The VA clinic is a satellite of Houston’s Michael E.
DeBakey VA Medical Center. Its presence in Lake Jackson was heralded as a way to bring healthcare
closer to veterans. The Lake Jackson VA Clinic is the seventh outpatient clinic to open in southeast
Texas. A need for health care among Veterans in Brazoria County was observed and addressed in
accordance with the VA’s mission to provide exceptional health care that improves health and wellbeing. The VA-staffed facility provides primary health care, mental health care and women’s health
services in addition to phlebotomy, X-ray, and telemedicine services.
The Telehealth services allow patients in Lake Jackson to communicate with doctors in Houston.
Post-traumatic stress disorder patients can be counseled using this system. Patients can also receive
Telesleep care, which allows them to get a device to record their sleep patterns from home. Other
services include mental health care and weight-loss programs. (Source: The Brazosport Facts –
Monday, October 8, 2012).
69
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Families and consumers need Gulf Coast Center/MHMR (Mental Health Mental Retardation) Crisis
guidance when maneuvering Service's Detail
through a complicated mental
• 80 clients received crisis ACT out and home respite
health system.
• 814 clients received crisis follow-up and prevention.
(Sixth Priority)
• 225 clients received crisis follow-up and prevention for a
second time.
Therapy/counseling services
• 2256 calls were made to the county Crisis Hotline
are extremely limited. If
• 259 clients received CRISIS incident pharmacy management
families are fortunate enough
• 432 clients received crisis out and home respite.
to find these services then
• 415 clients received CRISIS supplemental nursing services.
transportation many times
• 170 clients received CRISIS TELEMED diagnostic
becomes another challenge
evaluations.
within a county that covers
• 130 clients received CRISIS Telmed pharmacy management.
1597 square miles.
• 1000 clients received mental health crisis intervention.
(Seventh Priority)
NAMI GC (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Families from all socio
economic levels need
• 89 people affected by mental illness attended consumer
education and support so they
support groups.
can learn how to navigate the
•
309 families and consumers received mental health service
county mental health system
information and referrals to local resources.
when trying to get their
•
86 consumers received emergency financial assistance with
family member care and
utilities, moving assistance and/or food or clothing assistance.
services.
• 112 Brazoria county professionals received training or mental
Suicide prevention education
health information and/or community outreach.
through the state is a system
• 154 families attended monthly family support meetings.
or concept of volunteer
organizations and
• 12 consumers received a 12 week Peer 2 Peer recovery class.
individuals. With little to no
• 129 consumers attended holiday social events.
funds that trickle down to
county suicide prevention
• 457 resource manuals were distributed to case managers,
education training is difficult
families and/or community.
to meet the need in
• 61 families and/or consumers received intense mental health
comparison to Brazoria
service advocacy.
county deaths by suicide
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 25-34 year
statistics (Eighth Priority)
olds.(Center for Disease Control)
• Over 1000 schools, professionals and organizations received
ASK trainings (suicide prevention education)
• 12 students participated in mental health recovery education
classes.
• 10 families attended classes to learn about how to manage a
child”
70
Identified Problem
Data Collection
Consumers (people affected Gulf Coast Center/MHMR (Mental Health Mental Retardation) Crisis
by mental illness) are in
Service's Detail
need and interested in
• 80 clients received crisis ACT out and home respite
support groups but face
• 814 clients received crisis follow-up and prevention.
many challenges when it
• 225 clients received crisis follow-up and prevention for a second
come to transportation and
time.
location of services.
• 2256 calls were made to the county Crisis Hotline
(Ninth Priority)
• 259 clients received CRISIS incident pharmacy management
• 432 clients received crisis out and home respite.
• 415 clients received CRISIS supplemental nursing services.
• 170 clients received CRISIS TELEMED diagnostic evaluations.
• 130 clients received CRISIS Telmed pharmacy management.
• 1000 clients received mental health crisis intervention.
NAMI GC (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
89 people affected by mental illness attended consumer support
groups.
309 families and consumers received mental health service
information and referrals to local resources.
86 consumers received emergency financial assistance with
utilities, moving assistance and/or food or clothing assistance.
112 Brazoria county professionals received training or mental
health information and/or community outreach.
154 families attended monthly family support meetings.
12 consumers received a 12 week Peer 2 Peer recovery class.
129 consumers attended holiday social events.
• 457 resource manuals were distributed to case managers, families
and/or community.
• 61 families and/or consumers received intense mental health
service advocacy.
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 25-34 year
olds.(Center for Disease Control)
• Over 1000 schools, professionals and organizations received ASK
trainings (suicide prevention education)
• 12 students participated in mental health recovery education
classes.
• 10 families attended classes to learn about how to manage a
child”
71
The 2010 census Brazoria county population count was 313,166. That means that there are 78,291
people in Brazoria County affected by mental illness (National NAMI: 1 in 4 people are affected by
mental illness). There are two distinct types of mental illnesses. First, is serious to persistent mental
illnesses which are caused by psychological, biological, genetic, or environmental conditions, and
second, situational mental illnesses due to severe stress which may be only temporary. Serious mental
illness consists of Depression, Bipolar disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorder (OCD), Schizophrenia,
Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, ADHD and more.
Anyone can have mental illness, regardless of age gender race or socioeconomic level. Many people
suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time.
Nearly 45% of those with any mental disorder meet criteria for two or more disorders, with severity
strongly related to co morbidity. Mental illness can and should be treated. Nearly two-thirds of all
people with a diagnosable mental disorder do not seek treatment. That means 26,097 people in Brazoria
County may be seeking treatment within a year. With proper treatment, many people affected with
mental illness can return to normal, productive lives.
Community based services designed to break longstanding behavioral patterns that result in criminal
justice involvement are needed in the following areas:
•
Re-entry Services: Individuals returning to Brazoria County after incarceration recognize both
direct service needs and capacity building service needs for self sufficient independent living in
the County after a period of incarceration.
•
Offenders who have a serious mental illness released with full-time served receive no mental
health treatment. Both substance abuse treatment and mental health services are limited in
Galveston County and target individuals only with long term compromise to their ability to
function.
•
Prevention and early intervention services are needed to re-direct the path of addiction and
mental illness for a substantial portion of the population. When the severity and prevalence of
substance abuse and mental illness is reduced collateral damage to co-existing vulnerable
populations is diminished.
•
Nonviolent offenders need to be assigned to community based programs instead of jail time
which ultimately cost the county $80 per day (Marketplace Morning Report, Tuesday, August
11, 2009) versus community programs that can run $12 – $13 per day (Health Management
Associates, Impact of Proposed Budget Cuts to Community-Based Mental Health Service,
March 2011) and with minimal reentry challenges to face upon release.
Fostering healthy community approaches seems to show the most success. With prevention, education
and information families can look to healthy living styles. Without these elements the possibility of
crisis only related services continues to be the norm for many in Brazoria County.
7.5 million Children are affected by mental, developmental or behavioral disorders (NAMI Texas).
There are 2,585 youth in the Texas Youth Commission and (50%) and nearly half referred to the
72
Juvenile Probation Commission (48%) had a mental illness (Mental Health Association in Texas).
In the general population of Texas in 2003, the Mental Health Association estimated that there were
151,464 children in the state who had a significant impairment due to mental illness, but only 39,598
(26%) received any services. While this data does not speak directly to youth in the juvenile justice
system, there is reason to suppose that a disproportionate number of youth with mental illness do come
in contact with the police and courts. If youth with mental illnesses were identified early and
appropriate mental health services provided, some youth would not advance further in the juvenile, and
later, adult justice systems.
There has been considerable attention given to the mental health needs of juveniles in the justice
system. A recent article in the Houston Chronicle (11-28-2009) reports that an increasing number of
youths appear to be in trouble with the law because of their underlying mental health needs. In 2008,
32% of juveniles in the juvenile probation pipeline had diagnosable mental health needs, and about
60% of youth in Texas Youth Commission facilities have mental health diagnoses, suggesting that
there is a correlation between mental health needs and seriousness of offenses. In 2001, the Texas
Criminal Justice Policy Council estimated that 22.4% of Texas youth under the supervision of a
juvenile probation agency had identifiable mental health needs, so the numbers appear to be rising. This
scenario is generating interest in collaborative efforts with mental health providers.
73
Resources Available
Included below are resources identified by the Brazoria County Community Planning Team that are
available to provide services that could potentially help in closing criminal justice gaps:
74
Name of Agency
Agency Type
Focus Group
Description
Alvin ISD
(281) 245-2006
Independent
School District
Juvenile Justice
Independent
School District
Juvenile Justice
Federal and Special Programs
professional staff facilitate a
wide range of programs and
activities designed to address
fundamental social,
emotional, behavioral, and
academic barriers on a child’s
educational path. Teacher and
parental support, as well as
universal and targeted
interventions are provided to
meet student’s primary needs;
thereby maximizing their
potential for greater academic
success.
Federal and Special Programs
professional staff facilitate a
wide range of programs and
activities designed to address
fundamental social,
emotional, behavioral, and
academic barriers on a child’s
educational path. Teacher and
parental support, as well as
universal and targeted
interventions are provided to
meet student’s primary needs;
thereby maximizing their
potential for greater academic
success.
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Nekeshia Girdy, Coordinator of
Student Engagement and Completion
ngirdy@alvinisd.net
Alvin ISD
(281) 245-2453
Denise Babb, Director of Federal
Programs
dbabb@alvinisd.net
Alvin Police Department
(281) 388-4370
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
75
Alvin Police Department
Comprehensive Crime Victim
Assistance Program
(281) 585-7125
Maribel Cooper
mcooper@apd.cityofalvin.com
American Red Cross
(979) 849-6439
Law
Enforcement
Providing information to
victims regarding the
investigation of their case and
assistance with Crime Victim
compensation.
Non-Profit Agency Law
Enforcement
Red Cross Disaster Services
provides material assistance
that may include feeding,
shelter, clean-up kits, comfort
kits and financial assistance.
Law Enforcement
Mari Berend, Executive Director
mberend@ghac.org
Angleton ISD
(979) 864-8029
Bonnie Brothers, Human Resources
bbrothers@angletonisd.net
Independent
School District
Juvenile Justice
In addition, Red Cross
Disaster Services also
minimizes immediate
disaster-caused suffering
through listening, guidance,
advocacy, and counseling.
Angleton
ISD
has
a
mission—to prepare each
student academically and
socially
to
become
a
responsible and productive
citizen. AISD constantly
reviews and updates district
and campus goals to make
sure they are aligned with
that mission. Each year, the
district
creates
an
improvement
plan
that
determines priorities for the
school year and helps AISD
raise the achievement and
performance of every student
in the district. AISD has
implemented a Goal Focus
campaign,
making
sure
students,
staff
and
community members are
aware of the district’s
mission, vision, values, goals
and strategies.
76
Angleton Police Department
(979) 849-2383
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Non-Profit Agency Law
Enforcement
The Bay Area Council on
Drugs & Alcohol has been
serving the Bay Area
since 1974. A group of
concerned citizens met and
established an agency that
continues today to address an
issue that impacts the entire
community. BACODA’s
four coalitions work together
to affect change. Each
coalition responds to the
specific issues of their target
area. Their mission is to
mobilize community
resources in an effort to
reduce the harmful impact of
underage alcohol
use in our communities.
BACODA’s coalitions
include the following:
Chris Dahlstrom
cdahlstrom@angletonpd.net
David Ashburn
dashburn@angletonpd.net
Rush Quenton
qrush@angletonpd.net
Bay Area Council on Drug & Alcohol
(BACODA)
(979) 215-6990
Carie Fletcher
Carie.Fletcher@bacoda.com
Brazoria County Coalition
Galveston County Coalition
Matagorda County Coalition
Southeast Harris County
Coalition
77
Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County Non-Profit Agency Juvenile Justice
(979) 373.9668
Clint Ziehl
Executive Director
cziehl@bgcbc.com
Brazoria County Alliance for Children
(BCAC)
(979) 849-2500
Lisa Jolly
ljolly@cac-bc.org
Kristi Belluomini
cfs@cac-bc.org
Multidisciplinary
team approach to
child abuse
Investigations
Juvenile Justice
Mental Health
Provides programs for youth
ages 6-18 after school and in
summer at 15 locations in
Brazoria County. The agency
is a safe place to learn and
grow – while having fun.
The focus is on the young
people that need services that
most and provide them with
and outcome-driven club
experience with focus on
academic success, good
character and citizenship, and
healthy lifestyles. BGCBC is
a place where great futures
are shared each and every
day.
Brazoria County Alliance for
Children, in partnership with
the District Attorney’s
Office, Child Protective
Services and 23 Law
Enforcement Agencies
provide victim services to
child abuse victims that are
referred to BCAC. Referrals
to BCAC are made from the
above partnership agencies.
BCAC and its partner
agencies work together under
an agreed protocol to provide
services to child victims and
their families to reduce the
effects and trauma of
childhood sexual and /or
physical abuse
78
Brazoria County Crime Stoppers
Law Enforcement / Law
Citizen Program
Enforcement
Brazoria County Crime Victim
Outreach
Volunteer Crime
Victim Support
Group
Law
Enforcement
Brazoria County Community
Supervision Crime Victim Assistance
Program
Adult Supervision
Law
Enforcement
Prosecution
Law
Enforcement
David Moore
davidm@brazoria-county.com
Brazoria County District Attorney’s
Office Crime Victim Assistance
Program - (979) 864-1762
Sharon Couch
sharonc@brazoria-county.com
Provides monetary incentives
to witnesses to come forth
with information to solve
crimes.
Brazoria County Crime
Victim Outreach – Volunteer
Crime Victim Support GroupOffers emotional support and
assists victims with
understanding the process of
the Criminal Justice System.
They meet every month on
third Tuesday.
The Brazoria County
Community Supervision and
Corrections Victim Services
Program provides justice
support, personal advocacy,
court accompaniment,
interagency referrals, Crime
Victim Compensation
assistance, education, liaison
assistance with payment of
court ordered restitution.
Services may be for a period
up to 10 years of probation to
protect, guide and empower
victims of crime. Bilingual
staff is available to assist
Provides information,
referrals, assistance with
Crimes Victim Compensation,
court notification, court
accompaniment
Carroll Jeffers
carrollj@brazoria-county.com
Martha Corsentino
mcorsentino@brazoria-county.com
79
Brazoria County
Economic Development Alliance
for Brazoria County
(979) 848-0560
The Economic
Development
Alliance For
Brazoria County
Brief
Description and
History of
Brazoria County
"To promote and diversify the
economic base, attract highwage jobs in target industries
to Brazoria County, and
support and champion the
interests of existing
businesses."
Emergency
Management
Law
Enforcement
Emergency
Management
Law
Enforcement
To save lives and prevent loss
of property. The community
needs to be aware of the
elements that can threaten
their lives and property. Once
the threat is identified, the
essential resources can be
determined to assist in
restoring the area back to an
acceptable status.
Accomplished through
education and disaster
planning.
To save lives and prevent loss
of property. The community
needs to be aware of the
elements that can threaten
their lives and property. Once
the threat is identified, the
essential resources can be
determined to assist in
restoring the area back to an
acceptable status.
Accomplished through
education and disaster
planning.
Debbie Pennington, VP of Operations
debbiep@eda-bc.com
Gary Basinger, Vice President,
Existing Business
garb@eda-bc.com
Brazoria County Office
(Emergency Management)
(979) 864-1801
Glenn Lamont
glennl@brazoria-county.com
Brazoria County Office
(Emergency Management)
(979) 864-1801
Steve Rosa
stevenrosa@brazoria-county.com
80
Brazoria County (Judge’s Office)
(979) 864-1200
Judge’s Office
Judge E.J. “Joe” King
joek@brazoria-county.com
Brazoria County (Judge’s Office)
(979) 864-1200
Judge’s Office
Arthur Velasquez, Chief
Administrator
arthurv@brazoria-county.com
Brazoria County (Judge’s Office)
(979) 864-1200
Becky Bosco, Community Planning
Coordinator
beckyb@brazoria-county.com
Judge’s Office
A county judge serves as both
presiding officer of the
commissioner's court with
voting rights and as a judge of
the county court. They are
often thought of as an
executive official in county
government, offering advice
and guidance on county issues
when required. A county
judge's duties entail a rich
mixture of both administrative
and judicial duties.
A county judge serves as both
presiding officer of the
commissioner's court with
voting rights and as a judge of
the county court. They are
often thought of as an
executive official in county
government, offering advice
and guidance on county issues
when required. A county
judge's duties entail a rich
mixture of both administrative
and judicial duties.
A county judge serves as both
presiding officer of the
commissioner's court with
voting rights and as a judge of
the county court. They are
often thought of as an
executive official in county
government, offering advice
and guidance on county issues
when required. A county
judge's duties entail a rich
mixture of both administrative
and judicial duties.
81
Brazoria County Juvenile Justice
Department
(979) 864-1210 X114
Juvenile Justice
Juvenile Justice
Medical / Social
Services
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Margarett Johnson
margarettj@brazoria-county.com
Janice Freeman, Mental Health
Therapist
janicef@brazoria-county.com
Brazoria County SANE Program/the
Women’s Center
(979) 849-9553
Vicki Ennis,
Executive Director
v.ennis.wcbc@sbcglobal.net
Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office
Crime Victim Program
(979) 864-2343
The Texas Education Code
requires the development of a
“juvenile justice alternative
education program” by the
juvenile board of a county
with a population of 125,000.
In 1995, the Brazoria County
Juvenile Board and the eight
school districts throughout
Brazoria County entered into
an agreement establishing the
Brazoria County Juvenile
Justice Alternative Education
Program. The Brazoria
County Juvenile Probation
Department provides juvenile
probation officers, advisors,
support staff and the physical
facility necessary to operate
the program. The Angleton
Independent School District
provides the educational
aspects.
Provides sexual assault exams
for victims of sexual assault
Provides information to
victims regarding the
investigation of their case and
assistance with Crime Victim
Compensation
82
Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office
(979) 299-3880
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Independent
School District
Juvenile Justice
Randy Rhyne
randyr@brazoria-county.com
Mollie Wilson
mwilson@brazoria-county.com
Brazoria Police Department
(979) 798-2195
Beverly Laza
dispatchsupervisor@cityofbrazoria.org
Neil Longbotham
policechief@cityofbrazoria.org
Mary Peavler
mpeavler@cityofbrazoria.org
Brazosport ISD
(Lighthouse Learning Center)
(979) 730-7031
Tonya Heard, Administrative
Assistant – Dropout Recovery
THeard@Brazosportisd.net
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
The mission of the Lighthouse
Learning Center is to provide
hope through educational
opportunities designed to meet
student’s diverse social and
academic needs in a structured
but compassionate learning
environment. The Lighthouse
meets the unique emotional
and social needs of students
through counseling creating
self-worth, personal goal
setting, and behavioral
interventions. Instrumental to
our mission is a school
atmosphere that empowers
students to create attitudes of
tolerance and respect and to
recognize the need for
becoming men and women of
good character in our society.
83
Brazosport ISD
(Lighthouse Learning Center)
(979) 730-7031 X31105
Independent
School District
Juvenile Justice
Independent
School District
Juvenile
Claire Nichols
CNichols@brazosportisd.net
Pregnancy Related Services
Brazosport ISD
(979) 730-7000 X19247
Stacey McCoy
smcoy@brazosportisd.net
The mission of the Lighthouse
Learning Center is to provide
hope through educational
opportunities designed to meet
student’s diverse social and
academic needs in a structured
but compassionate learning
environment. The Lighthouse
meets the unique emotional
and social needs of students
through counseling creating
self-worth, personal goal
setting, and behavioral
interventions. Instrumental to
the mission is a school
atmosphere that empowers
students to create attitudes of
tolerance and respect and to
recognize the need for
becoming men and women of
good character in society.
The mission of BISD is to
inspire continuous learning
and ensure academic success
for all students by working as
a team to focus on the diverse
strengths and needs of our
community.
84
Brazos Place
(979) 233-3826
Non-Profit Agency Law
Enforcement
Linda Buechter, Executive Director
linda.buechter@brazosplace.org
Brazos Place is a residential
and outpatient treatment
facility for adults, male and
female, 18 years and older,
who meet the admission
criteria and who express a
desire to begin the process of
recovery from addiction to
alcohol or other drugs. The
program focuses on
developing and maintaining
sobriety, acquiring the
knowledge, understanding and
skills to change personal
behaviors, and establishing a
commitment to a personal
program of recovery.
Brazos Place is licensed by the
Department of State Health
Services (DSHS), and is a
United Way Agency
Brookside Village Police Department
(281) 485-34844
Ray Trevino
rtrevinobrpd@sbcglobal.net
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
85
Charlie Brown Heritage
(979) 345-2953
Non-Profit Agency Juvenile Justice
Veronica Davis
vldavis57@yahoo.com
Christie Bowden
(832) 795-3662
christie.bowden@yahoo.com
City of Pearland
(281) 652-1795
Community
Volunteer
Juvenile Justice
Grant
Administration
Juvenile Justice
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Joel Hardy
jhardy@ci.pearland.tx.us
Clute Police Department
(979) 265-6194
Robin Carlton
rcarlton@clutepd.com
Mark Wicker
mwicker@clutepd.com
The Charlie Brown Heritage
Foundation is a group of
community members
dedicated to providing
educational and recreational
resources for the West
Columbia area as a way to
preserve the legacy of Charlie
Brown.
Responsible for budget
analysis and project
management of federal, state
and private grants
administration and resource
development for the City of
Pearland's public safety,
emergency management,
emergency medical services,
parks and recreation,
transit/transportation/CIP,
economic development,
juvenile justice, watershed
management and other
functions.
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
86
Communities in Schools
Non-Profit Agency Juvenile Justice
Bob Garcia, Executive Director
(979) 849-0321
bgarcia@cistxjv.org
Stacy Wright
stacywright@comcast.net
Fannie Reece
freece@alvinisd.net
Congressman Ron Paul
(979) 285.9374
Dianna Kile, Deputy District Director
Dianna.Kile@mail.house.gov
Government
Juvenile Justice
Conducts community, school
and student assessments.
Provides supportive guidance,
health and human services,
parental involvement, career
awareness, educational
enhancement and enrichment,
structured after-school
tutoring, youth development,
character education and
recreation
The 14th congressional district
of Texas stretches from the
Gulf Coast in Galveston and
Chambers counties almost to
Corpus Christi; north through
Victoria; and east through
Jackson and Wharton counties
toward Houston. It includes
parts of Fort Bend county,
then slopes south through
Brazoria county.
The 14th District has the
distinction of being, literally,
where Texas began. The first
capital of the Republic of
Texas was located in Brazoria
county. And Texas' founding
father, Stephen F. Austin, was
from the small town of Jones
Creek, located outside of
Freeport. Besides the 14th
District's rich history, it is also
home to a rich diversity of
economic interests. From the
petrochemical companies and
rice farmers along the coast, to
ranchers and cotton growers
inland, from small businesses
to oil producers, the district
represents not only a crosssection of Texas' economy,
but is vital to the nation.
87
Danbury Police Department
(979) 922-1511
(281) 650-3946
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Government
Juvenile Justice
Myles Hopkins
hopkinsdanburypd@yahoo.com
Department of Family Protective
Services (CPS)
(979) 864-1428 X2228
elderly, and people with
disabilities
from abuse, neglect, and
JoAnn Simpson
joann.simpson@dfps.state.tx.us
Department of Family Protective
Services (CPS)
(712) 394-4010
exploitation.
Government
Juvenile Justice
Protecting children, the
elderly, and people with
disabilities
from abuse, neglect, and
Gwen Carter, Media Specialist
GWEN.CARTER@dfps.state.tx.us
Department of Family Protective
Services (CPS)
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Protecting children, the
exploitation.
Government
Juvenile Justice
Protecting children, the
elderly, and people with
disabilities from abuse,
Maria Sneed, Board President
hrsc_inc@swbell.net
Freeport Police Department
(979) 230-8089
Tyrone Morrow
tmorrow@freeport.tx.us
Marisol Gamboa
mgamboa@freeport.tx.us
neglect and exploitation.
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Vincent Garcia
Jjdb99@yahoo.com
88
Gulf Coast MHMR Service Center
(409) 944-4382
Melissa Tucker
MelissaT@gulfcoastcenter.org
MHMR Authority
for Brazoria and
Galveston
Counties
Juvenile Justice
Mental Health
The Center is one of 39
community centers in the
State. It continues to offer
substance abuse recovery
services under the auspices of
the Department of State
Health Services. Among the
Center’s many services and
programs are day activity
programs, coordination of
services and employment
assistance for individuals
with intellectual and
developmental disabilities
and mental illness. There are
several programs for
individuals diagnosed with
intellectual and
developmental disabilities
and mental health issues
(dual diagnosis), a
transitional and permanent
housing program for
homeless individuals with
mental illness, and HIV
outreach services in
Galveston and Brazoria
Counties. The Center
continues to provide
treatment for individuals
within their community while
minimizing the number
admitted to state facilities.
Although the programs and
services offered by the Center
have changed through the
years, much progress has
been made toward enabling
and empowering individuals
and their families to live
quality lives.
89
Gulf Coast MHMR Service Center
(979) 549-1477
Linda Smith
lindas@gulfcoastcenter.org
MHMR Authority
for Brazoria and
Galveston
Counties
Juvenile Justice
Mental Health
The Center is one of 39
community centers in the
State. It continues to offer
substance abuse recovery
services under the auspices of
the Department of State
Health Services. Among the
Center’s many services and
programs are day activity
programs, coordination of
services and employment
assistance for individuals
with intellectual and
developmental disabilities
and mental illness. There are
several programs for
individuals diagnosed with
intellectual and
developmental disabilities
and mental health issues
(dual diagnosis), a
transitional and permanent
housing program for
homeless individuals with
mental illness, and HIV
outreach services in
Galveston and Brazoria
Counties. The Center
continues to provide
treatment for individuals
within their community while
minimizing the number
admitted to state facilities.
Although the programs and
services offered by the Center
have changed through the
years, much progress has
been made toward enabling
and empowering individuals
and their families to live
quality lives.
90
Hillcrest Village Marshall’s Office
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
(281) 585-6299
Patrick Calaway
Iowa Colony Police Department
(281) 369-2471 X13
Luis Hearn
chief@cityofiowacolony.com
Jones Creek Police Department
(979) 233-3091
William Tidwell
Kimberly Morris
Kimberly_7104@yahoo.com
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
91
Judge Justin Thomson
Precinct 1, Place 1
(979) 297-4650
Government
Juvenile Justice
In the United States, a justice
of the peace is an appointed
judicial officer who handles
many kinds of minor legal
issues. Justices are often
people who have a degree in
law or have experience
working in the local court
system. The duties of a
justice of the peace differ
according to state and
municipality. They may also
differ according to
jurisdiction.
Judge Milan Miller
Precinct 1, Place 2
(979) 233-4700
Government
Juvenile Justice
In the United States, a justice
of the peace is an appointed
judicial officer who handles
many kinds of minor legal
issues. Justices are often
people who have a degree in
law or have experience
working in the local court
system. The duties of a
justice of the peace differ
according to state and
municipality. They may also
differ according to
jurisdiction.
92
Judge John Vasut
Precinct 2, Place 1
(281) 756-2410
Government
Juvenile Justice
In the United States, a justice
of the peace is an appointed
judicial officer who handles
many kinds of minor legal
issues. Justices are often
people who have a degree in
law or have experience
working in the local court
system. The duties of a
justice of the peace differ
according to state and
municipality. They may also
differ according to
jurisdiction.
Judge Richard Davis
Precinct 2, Place 2
(979) 864-1402
Government
Juvenile Justice
In the United States, a justice
of the peace is an appointed
judicial officer who handles
many kinds of minor legal
issues. Justices are often
people who have a degree in
law or have experience
working in the local court
system. The duties of a
justice of the peace differ
according to state and
municipality. They may also
differ according to
jurisdiction.
93
Judge Jerome Jozwiak
Precinct 3, Place 1
(281) 331-3524
Government
Juvenile Justice
In the United States, a justice
of the peace is an appointed
judicial officer who handles
many kinds of minor legal
issues. Justices are often
people who have a degree in
law or have experience
working in the local court
system. The duties of a
justice of the peace differ
according to state and
municipality. They may also
differ according to
jurisdiction.
Judge Gordon Starkenburg
Precinct 3, Place 2
(281)485-1528
Government
Juvenile Justice
In the United States, a justice
of the peace is an appointed
judicial officer who handles
many kinds of minor legal
issues. Justices are often
people who have a degree in
law or have experience
working in the local court
system. The duties of a
justice of the peace differ
according to state and
municipality. They may also
differ according to
jurisdiction.
94
Judge Sharon Fox
Precinct 4, Place 1
Government
Juvenile Justice
In the United States, a justice
of the peace is an appointed
judicial officer who handles
many kinds of minor legal
issues. Justices are often
people who have a degree in
law or have experience
working in the local court
system. The duties of a
justice of the peace differ
according to state and
municipality. They may also
differ according to
jurisdiction.
Government
Juvenile Justice
In the United States, a justice
of the peace is an appointed
judicial officer who handles
many kinds of minor legal
issues. Justices are often
people who have a degree in
law or have experience
working in the local court
system. The duties of a
justice of the peace differ
according to state and
municipality. They may also
differ according to
jurisdiction.
(979) 798-7777
Judge Sherry Kersh
Precinct 4, Place 2
(979) 345-2671
95
Lake Jackson (EMS)
(979) 415-2714
Fred Ortiz
fred.ortiz@ljems.org
Lake Jackson Police Department
(979) 415-2700
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Paul Hromadka
chief@lakejacksonpd.net
Liverpool Police Department
(281) 581-2233
Heath Smith
The City of Lake Jackson has
contracted with LJEMS to
provide ambulance services
to the City. LJEMS is a
separate organization and
there are 15 part-time
members in the service. The
service is responsible for
staffing city provided
ambulances.
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
96
MICSA (Multi-County Interagency
Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Coalition of
Service Providers
Law
Enforcement
MICSA is working towards
eliminating sexual assault and
reducing its effects on our
community through crisis
intervention, services,
education and community
involvement. MICSA serves
several counties including
Brazoria, Galveston, Harris,
Ft. Bend and Montgomery.
MICSA is prepared to work
with other agencies by
providing special guest
speakers. Their presentations
help to enhance the
knowledge of services by
hosting regional meetings to
promote interagency
communication to better
serve the sexual assault
survivors. MICSA each year
hosts two annual conferences
which provide training and
education to all surrounding
counties. The conferences
have 73 participants attend in
the past.
MICSA has noticed a need
for the conferences due to
more attendees seeking out
services to assist victims of
sexual crimes. MICSA has
hosted training on Working
with Victims of Intimate
Partner sexual assaults,
Juvenile Victimization,
Criminal Justice Process,
Human trafficking, Sexting
and Sextortion, Mind of the
Sexual Predator and
Psychopaths Among Us.
97
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
(MADD)
(281) 590-2222
NAMI Gulf Coast
(281) 585-3100
Non-Profit agency
for victims of
Intoxicated /
Assault /
Manslaughter
Non-Profit
Law
Enforcement
Provides information and
support to individuals who
are victims of drunk/drugged
drivers
Juvenile
Provides education and
support to individuals and
families affected by mental
illness
Mental Health
Jeanette Taylor
namigc@namigulfcoast.org
Jas Melis
jmelis@namigulfcoast.org
Oyster Creek Police Department
(979) 233-8481
Pct. 1 – Constable Department
(979) 233-4188
Robin Rape
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
98
Pct. 2 – Constable Department
(281) 756-2491
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Carl Herbst
carlh@brazoria-county.com
Willie Howell
willieh@brazoria-county.com
Pct. 3 – Constable Department
(281) 997-9777
Buck Stevens
buckstevens@gmail.com
bucks@brazoria-county.com
Pct. 4 – Constable Department
(979) 345-2115
Fred Kanter
fredk@brazoria-county.com
Pearland Police Department
(281) 997-4100
Velma Guadiana – CID Secretary
vguadiana@ci.pearland.tx.us
J.C. Doyle
cdoyle@ci.pearland.tx.us
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
99
Pearland Police Department Crime
Victim Assistance Program
Gina Mendez
(281) 997-4304
Richwood Police Department
(979) 265-8157
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Brad Caudle
bcaudle@richwoodtx.gov
Surfside Police Department
(979) 239-1531
Gary Phillips
chief@surfsidetx.org
Sweeny Police Department
(979) 548-3112
Tim Wells
twells@ci.sweeny.tx.us
Provides information to
victims regarding the
investigation of their case and
assistance with Crime Victim
Compensation
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
100
Texas Department of Public Safety
(Angleton Region)
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Texas Department of Public Safety
(Freeport Region)
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Texas Department of Public Safety
(Manvel Region)
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Texas Department of Public Safety
(Texas City Region)
(Covers Part of Brazoria County)
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
Provides law enforcement,
criminal investigation,
juvenile crime investigations,
crime prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal
control/enforcement and
emergency management
operations
The Texas Department of
Public Safety (DPS) is a
department of Texas
government. Provides law
enforcement, criminal
investigation, juvenile crime
investigations, crime
prevention & victim
assistance, as well as code
enforcement, health
inspections, animal control
/enforcement and emergency
management operations
The Texas Department of
Public Safety (DPS) is a
department of Texas
government. The DPS is
responsible for statewide law
enforcement and vehicle
regulation.
The Texas Department of
Public Safety (DPS) is a
department of Texas
government. The DPS is
responsible for statewide law
enforcement and vehicle
regulation.
101
Texas Education Agency (TEA)
(512) 463-9234
Juvenile Justice
Perry Weirich, Reporting Manager
Research & Analysis Division
Perry.Weirich@tea.state.tx.us
Texas Department of Public Safety
(Texas City Region)
(Covers Part of Brazoria County)
Law Enforcement
Law
Enforcement
United Way of Brazoria County
(800) 971-6677
Non-Profit
Juvenile Justice
Non-profit agency
serving domestic
violence and
sexual assault
victims
Law
Enforcement
Stephanie Cone, Executive Director
scone@uwbc.org
Gloria Luna,
Director of Community Services
gluna@uwbc.org
Women’s Center of Brazoria County
(979) 849-9553
Vicki Ennis,
Executive Director
v.ennis.wcbc@sbcglobal.net
The mission of the Texas
Education Agency is to
provide leadership, guidance
and resources to help schools
meet the educational needs of
all students. The agency’s
mission statement is included
in the current strategic plan.
The Texas Department of
Public Safety (DPS) is a
department of Texas
government. The DPS is
responsible for statewide law
enforcement and vehicle
regulation.
Provides community
resources and referrals to
other agencies that assist
citizens in need.
Services include shelter,
counseling, advocacy,
transitional housing,
protective orders,
transportation,
accompaniment to hospital
and court, a 24-hr. toll-free
HOTLINE, a Supervised
Visitation Program, a SANE
and SART program
102
Youth & Family Counseling Services
(979) 849-1577
Bettye Smith, Executive Director
bsmith@yfcs.org
Non-Profit
Juvenile Justice
Offers no cost programs for
at risk children and their
families. These services are
available to the family during
and after normal business
hours. YFCS has 6 offices
throughout the county to
assist those with limited
transportation. YFCS offers
24 hour, 7 days a week crisis
intervention and crisis
assessment, temporary shelter
services, assessment,
individual and family
counseling, case
management, and community
outreach
103
Interagency Cooperation
In the space below is a description of how the various resources listed in the
previous pages could cooperatively work together to accomplish the goal of
closing identified gaps in services:
•
Cooperative Working Agreements between the agencies insure that victims will receive
adequate assistance by (1) reducing duplication of services, (2) promoting interagency
networking, (3) providing for a collaborative exchange of information and (4) fostering
coordination between agencies and businesses within the community.
•
The Women’s Center provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence and
sexual assault at 2 shelters, 5 offices, 3 transitional living homes, through its 2 24 hour tollfree HOTLINE. To do so, the Women’s Center staff (both paid and volunteer) rely on
special working relationships with the D.A.’s office, Brazosport Regional Health System,
area police departments and the Sheriff’s Office, CPS, certain Brazoria County courts,
Communities in Schools, Adult Probation, Brazos Place, local apartment complexes and the
Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) board.
•
The Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office Crime Victims Assistance Program, Alvin
Police Department Comprehensive Victim Assistance Program, Pearland Police Department
Crime Victim Assistance Program, Brazoria County Community Supervision and
Corrections Department Victim Services Program, Brazoria County Juvenile Probation
Department, Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Victim Program, Youth & Family Counseling
Service and The Women’s Center of Brazoria County work together in an effort to reduce
duplication of services.
•
The Brazoria County Juvenile Probation Department works with all County ISDs to provide
the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program. (Boot Camp)
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Brazoria County Alliance for Children works in partnership with the District Attorney’s
Office, Child Protective Services and 26 Law Enforcement Agencies to provide victim
services to child abuse victims that are referred to the CAC. Referrals to the CAC are made
from the above partnership agencies. The Children’s Advocacy Center and its partner agencies work together under an agreed protocol to provide services to child victims and their
families to reduce the effects and trauma of childhood sexual and/or physical abuse.
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Brazoria County Crime Stoppers, Inc. is a citizen-based program that works in conjunction
with law enforcement and the media to raise awareness of crimes and provide monetary
incentives to witnesses to come forth with the information to solve crimes. Brazoria County
Crime Stoppers Inc. acts as a parent organization and supports, administratively and
financially, programs in area schools. Campus crime stoppers programs work with school
districts preventing and solving crimes and school policy issues on campus. Crime Stoppers
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works closely with Brazoria County Community Supervision and Corrections Department to
solicit information about people who are not fulfilling their probation obligations to the
county.
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MICSA is working towards eliminating sexual assault and reducing its effects on our
community through crisis intervention, services, education and community involvement.
MICSA serves several counties including Brazoria, Galveston, Harris, Ft. Bend and
Montgomery. MICSA is prepared to work with other agencies is provided by special guest
speakers. Their presentations help to enhance the knowledge of service providers when
working with survivors of sexual assault. MICSA presently expanded services to host
regional meetings to promote interagency communication to better serve sexual assault
survivors.
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Youth and Family Counseling Services provides out-patient counseling and case
management services to victim of crime.
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Youth and Family Counseling Services provides child abuse prevention services in the eight
area ISD’s.
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Youth and Family Counseling Services provides Court Appointed Special Advocates
(CASA) for children in foster care.
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Youth and Family Counseling Services works with schools, probation departments and other
community resources to provide intervention services on gangs and juvenile delinquency.
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Youth and Family Counseling Services works with the Brazoria County Juvenile Probation
Department to provide services to runaway and homeless youth.
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Youth and Family Counseling Services works with Gulf Coast MHMR and Juvenile
Probation to provide programming for juvenile first offenders.
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Youth and Family Counseling Services works with Justices of the Peace and local school
districts to decrease truancy and high school dropout rates.
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Youth and Family Counseling Services provides the For Kids Sake Curriculum (required for
divorcing parents of young children) which helps responsible parents to reduce the impact of
a divorce on their children.
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Youth and Family Counseling Services administers the Dad’s Club which focuses on
mentoring teen fathers. This newly implemented program reduces juvenile delinquency, and
reduces child abuse by teaching financial responsibility, and basic nurturing skills. The
Dad’s Club will make a longitudinal impact on juvenile delinquency as well as child abuse
prevention by making certain that there is paternal involvement in their children’s lives.
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•
Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County works with judges across the county to relieve the
overloaded juvenile justice system through SMART Moves classes.
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Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County works with county schools to provide a positive and
safe place for juveniles and to provide after-school youth programs for education
enhancement and career development, character and leadership, recreational programs, the
arts, health and life skill development.
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Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County works with agencies and companies including (but
not limited to) Youth & Family Counseling, Adult Reading Center, Brazosport Medical
Center, United Way of Brazoria County, Independent School Districts in Brazoria County,
Texas Parks & Wildlife, JC Penney’s, The Dow Chemical Company, BASF, Target, WalMart, American Chemical Society, Coastal Conservation, Zachry Construction Company,
Brazos Mall, various refuges, Gulf Coast Birding Observatory, Brazoria County Historical
Museum, Lions, Rotary and many more community members to provide youth education and
life skill programs.
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Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County provides all day summer camp for youth.
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United Way Helpline works with community resources and services to refer consumers to
locate appropriate resources.
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Communities in Schools is designed as a case management approach to helping students stay
in school, successfully learn and prepare for life.
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Communities in Schools works with agencies including but not limited to Boy Scouts, Girl
Scouts, Youth and Family Counseling and The Women’s Center to provide students with
valuable skills and education.
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Communities In Schools works with Alvin ISD, Columbia–Brazoria ISD, Pearland ISD and
Sweeny ISD to provide students with supportive guidance/counseling, health and human
services, parental involvement, career awareness, educational enhancement and enrichment.
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Communities in Schools provides intervention and prevention programs to address teen
pregnancy, gang involvement, substance abuse, delinquent conduct, violence and other risky
behaviors.
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Communities in Schools collaborates with United Way, government, faith based organizations, health providers, Independent School Districts and other non-profit agencies to bring
services into the schools that students would not have otherwise received.
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Communities in Schools ACE program provides extensive services with counseling/supportive guidance for expelled students and their guardians, anger management, drug
& alcohol intervention, community service and basic needs.
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•
Communities in Schools After-School Academic Centers on Education (ACE) provides a
broad array of structured after-school programs such as academic tutoring, youth
development, character education, technology, fine arts, health and wellness and recreation
which enhances and complements the regular school day.
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving fills the gap in the community providing victims services
that are specifically designed to address the needs of the victims during the grief and criminal
justice/judicial process. The crime of drunk/drugged driving is underserved within the
community. MADD works with the Brazoria County DA’s Office Crime Victim Program
and also with Brazoria County CSCD Victim Services Program to staff and implement
Victim Impact Panels which highlight the effect of drunk driving on victims and their loved
ones.
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Long-Range Plan Development, Monitoring and Evaluation
The Brazoria County Community Planning Team works in conjunction with other planning
groups in the county to ensure a regular exchange of ideas. Individuals active in the planning
process generally serve on many of these committees and share mutual concerns.
The Brazoria County Community Planning Team strives to meet periodically to review the plan
and make necessary additions and deletions. At least one formal meeting of the entire group is
held each fall, but agency and community representatives typically submit suggestions and
changes via telephone and e-mail throughout the year to the Community Planning Coordinator.
Drafts and annual updates of the Community Plan are circulated by e-mail with requests for
comments, changes, etc. Whenever possible, e-mail is used to reduce the need for meetings,
printing, postage, etc.
It is the intent of the Community Planning Group to improve outcomes for Brazoria County
families struggling with problems described in the plan’s focus areas. Efforts are being made by
many Brazoria County agencies and organizations to address problems with local funds as well
as grant funds from multiple state and federal sources. To the extent that these funds are
available, the Community Planning Team will continue to urge agencies to provide programming
that addresses the outlined focus areas.
Contact Information
Brazoria County Community Planning Coordinator
Becky Bosco, 111 E. Locust, Suite, 102A, Angleton, TX 77515 (979) 864-1200
Brazoria County Community Planning Liaison
From Houston-Galveston Area Council
Jim Mahood, Criminal Justice Planner (832) 681-2511
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