Atascosa County Judge’s Report




 

 

I am pleased to announce that our plans to move the Juvenile Detention Center under the administration of Commissioners Court are moving forward. The transition will be effective December 1. An important thing this will do is make the effort to start the “post–adjudication” programs (rehab, behavioral, mental, etc.) match up with the governing state statute.

We are going to Austin to meet with the Director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) on Monday. Senator Flores, Ryan Guillen, and Senator Zaffirini will be there or their staff to help us seek their help for the transition and for another major idea on the subject. Senator Flores is so kind to host the meeting. This agreement with the Atascosa County Juvenile Board shares policy and oversight policy with Atascosa Commissioners Court. Judges Ellison, Wilson and Brendel have been super in their support. This agreement with the Board also paves the way to have a legal vehicle (the agreement) to start seeking other counties to partner with us by cost–sharing of operating costs and create a true regional, multi–county facility. I already have three counties very interested and the Judges there want to help me put it together. This could go a long way to assuring the continuance of the facility. It is a major asset to Juvenile Justice. I am the Juvenile Court Judge for Atascosa County and I am intimate with the need.

We will also be seeking the assistance, if any is needed, from TJJD to support the concept of the multi–county concept and operation. We have clear direction from state statutes and the multi–county operation must be run by the member counties. This is exciting, not only because it can keep the center running, but could even see the possibility of expansion, creating more care for juveniles and more employment opportunities for Atascosa County.

Quote, “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Albert Einstein.

Thank you for listening.

We want you to be proud of your county government.

BOB HURLEY is the Atascosa County Judge. You may e-mail him at countyjudge@ atascosacounty.texas.gov.

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