Juvenile Justice Partners
A Juvenile Probation Officer supervises and guides youth involved in the juvenile justice system, ensuring they follow probation rules while connecting them with resources like counseling and educational support. They hold youth accountable for their actions and help them make positive changes to lead successful lives. Ultimately, a JPO balances community safety with the rehabilitation and well-being of the youth on their caseload.
A Juvenile Public Defender is a lawyer appointed by the court to provide free legal representation to young people who cannot afford an attorney. They work zealously to protect a juvenile's rights, build the best possible legal defense, and advocate for rehabilitation and alternatives to detention. Their goal is to ensure fair treatment and the most positive long-term outcome for the youth they serve.
On behalf of the District Attorney's Office, an Assistant District Attorney who handles juvenile cases represents the state in court and is responsible for reviewing evidence and deciding whether to pursue formal charges against a young person. They work to ensure accountability for offenses while often seeking solutions focused on rehabilitation, treatment, and community safety rather than just punishment. Their primary role is to prosecute delinquency cases and advocate for outcomes that serve justice and the best interests of the community.
The Travis County Office of Parental Representation provides a voice for indigent, primary parents who have had their children removed or are at risk of having their children removed by The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services due to allegations of abuse/neglect. This office can provide parents and families of origin with early, competent, zealous and consistent legal representation and support/case management services. Parents with open CPS cases and a child involved in the juvenile justice system often have an attorney appointed from the Office of Parental Representation.
The Travis County Child Representation team provides legal representation and case management for children who are involved in Child Protective Services cases. This office works to effectively represent their clients' legal interests and serves as a resource for the community on topics related to child welfare law. This attorney works hand-in-hand with the defense attorney working on the juvenile matter for clients involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
CASA of Travis County promotes and protects the best interest of children who have experienced abuse or neglect by empowering volunteers to advocate for their safety, well-being, and for opportunities to thrive. Youth with open CPS cases in Travis County will have CASA appointed as their Guardian ad Litem and will advocate for the youth's best interest in Juvenile Court, for dual status youth.
Child Protective Services (CPS) becomes involved with children and families when they are referred by the DFPS Investigations division, which investigates allegations of child abuse and neglect. When a Travis County youth involved with CPS is also involved in the juvenile justice system, CPS works collaboratively within both systems to support the youth and their caregiver.
The Office of Children Services is dedicated to policy development and coordination of service delivery for Travis County Health and Human Services (HHS) direct services, grant funded efforts, and contracted community services for children, youth and their families residing in Travis County. Travis County HHS supports and helps youth involved in the juvenile justice system whenever they are able to help.
Court Appointed Family Advocates are private attorneys court-appointed to represent parents in child welfare cases. These attorneys may also represent parents of youth who are invovled in the Travis County juvenile justice system.