In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the pressing issue of juvenile arrests in Travis County, particularly those stemming from family violence incidents. The meeting highlighted a pilot program initiated by the Travis County District Attorney's office aimed at diverting youth from the traditional criminal justice system into restorative justice initiatives. This program, which began in July 2022 and is set to conclude in July 2024, has an annual budget of $500,000 funded through private and federal grants.

The program's primary goal is to address the root causes of family violence and prevent future incidents by providing families with support and resources. When law enforcement responds to a family violence call, parents are now given the option to send their child to a respite center instead of arresting them. This respite allows families to cool down and access necessary services, including counseling and psychological evaluations.

Dr. Jasmine Jenkins, the racial and social justice director for the Travis County Juvenile Probation Department, emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it aligns with the department's mission to collaborate with community partners and prevent youth from entering the juvenile justice system. The program has already shown promising results, with a decrease in referrals for assault family violence cases in 2024 compared to previous years.

Community partners, including Lifeworks and the Excellence Project, are integral to the program's success. Lifeworks provides essential respite services and counseling, while the Excellence Project focuses on holistic support for families, including educational and employment resources. Together, these organizations aim to stabilize families and reduce the likelihood of future violence.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued funding to ensure the program's sustainability and expansion, particularly to include younger youth who are currently ineligible for the program. Officials expressed optimism about the program's potential to transform the juvenile justice landscape in Travis County, ultimately fostering safer communities and healthier family dynamics.