TITLE 37.PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS

Part 1. TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Chapter 3. TEXAS HIGHWAY PATROL

Subchapter B. ENFORCEMENT ACTION

37 TAC §3.28

The Texas Department of Public Safety proposes an amendment to §3.28, concerning Citation Disposition Receipt Program. Amendment to the section is necessary in order to clarify the specific circumstances under which a Trooper may utilize the Citation Disposition Program.

Oscar Ybarra, Chief of Finance, has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government, or local economies.

Mr. Ybarra also has determined that for each year of the first five-year period the rule is in effect the anticipated public benefit resulting from adoption of the section would be to allow a nonresident motorist the opportunity to waive immediate appearance before a magistrate by disposing of a fine through alternate methods, such as a money order, cashier's check, traveler's check or cash money. There is no anticipated adverse economic effect on individuals, small businesses, or micro-businesses.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Major David G. Baker, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Highway Patrol Division, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, Texas 78773-0500, (512) 424-2116.

The amendment is proposed pursuant to Texas Government Code, §411.004(3), which authorizes the Public Safety Commission to adopt rules considered necessary for carrying out the department's work.

Texas Government Code, §411.004(3) is affected by this proposal.

§3.28.Citation Disposition Receipt Program.

(a) The citation disposition receipt procedure will [ may ] be used only in those instances where a violator is a nonresident motorist and is licensed in a state that is not a member of the Nonresident Violator Compact of 1977, [ an immediate appearance before a magistrate is not required by statute ] and when in the judgment of the arresting officer, a custody arrest is necessary to ensure [ insure ] the violator's appearance in court and the violator elects to waive his immediate appearance before a magistrate [ by selecting this alternate method ].

(b) Instruments to be accepted in payment of fines:

(1) money order;

(2) cashier's check;

(3) traveler's check; or

(4) cash money.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 14, 2005.

TRD-200500220

Thomas A. Davis, Jr.

Director

Texas Department of Public Safety

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 6, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-2135


Part 3. TEXAS YOUTH COMMISSION

Chapter 85. ADMISSION, PLACEMENT, AND PROGRAM COMPLETION

The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) proposes the repeal of §§85.29, 85.33, 85.35, 85.39, 85.41, 85.43, 85.45, 85.51, 85.61, concerning placement planning and program completion. In each case, the rules proposed for repeal are proposed for re-adoption under new section numbers. The chapter name is also changing from Admission and Placement to Admission, Placement, and Program Completion.

TYC simultaneously proposes new §§85.31, 85.41, 85.45, 85.51, 85.55, 85.59, 85.61, 85.65, 85.69, 85.71, 85.75, 85.79, 85.85, 85.95. The new sections and subchapters are necessary in order to better organize information relating to program completion by offender type and age and placement upon transition or release.

The new sections are also proposed in order to revise existing agency rules relating to the procedures and eligibility criteria for program completion. Specifically, new §§85.45, 85.55, 85.59, 85.61, 85.65, and 85.69 will require that, in order to qualify for transition or release to a community placement, a youth must have no Category I rule violations during the period of time necessary to obtain required administrative approvals for the transition or release, and youth who are identified as having the highest priority for certain types of specialized treatment must complete assigned specialized treatment programs prior to transition or release. Additionally, §85.55 and §85.59 will establish limits on the amount of time administrators have to ensure that youth who have fulfilled program completion requirements are transitioned or released to community placements. Finally, in order to transfer custody to the Parole or Institutions Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, new §85.69 will require that youth who were sentenced for capital murder committed before September 1, 2003, and who have not completed their minimum period of confinement, must return to court for a transfer hearing no later than when the youth reaches 20 years and nine months of age.

TYC also proposes amendments to §85.21 and §85.25 in order to update cross references to other section numbers within Chapter 85.

Section 85.29, Program Completion for Other Than Sentenced Offenders, will be repealed and proposed as new §85.55.

Section 85.33, Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders will be repealed and proposed as four new rules: §85.59, Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under Age 19; §85.61, Program Completion or Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older; §85.65, Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID; and §85.69, Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder. These new sections will establish the agency's program completion requirements for all youth committed to the agency with determinate sentences.

Section 85.35, Maximum Length of Stay for Other Than Type A Violent and Sentenced Offenders, will be repealed and proposed as new §85.41.

Section 85.39, Temporary Admission Awaiting Permanent Placement, will be repealed and proposed as new §85.75.

Section 85.41, Temporary Admission Awaiting Transportation, will be repealed and proposed as new §85.31.

Section 85.43, Home Placement, will be repealed and proposed as new §85.71.

Section 85.45, Parole of Undocumented Foreign Nationals, will be repealed and proposed as new §85.79.

Section 85.51, Interstate Compact for TYC Youth, will be repealed and proposed as new §85.85.

Section 85.61, Discharge/Transfer of Custody, will be repealed and proposed as new §85.95.

New §85.45, Movement Without Program Completion is proposed in order consolidate existing agency rules regarding transition and release without program completion into one new section.

New §85.51, Definitions, is proposed in order to provide definitions of terms used throughout Chapter 85, Subchapter D.

Robin McKeever, Assistant Deputy Executive Director for Financial Support, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the sections.

Neil Nichols, General Counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be a more efficient process for release and transition approval, as well as better organization of and enhanced access to agency rules. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed. No private real property rights are affected by adoption of this rule.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice to DeAnna Lloyd, Chief of Policy Administration, Texas Youth Commission, 4900 North Lamar, P.O. Box 4260, Austin, Texas 78765, or email to deanna.lloyd@tyc.state.tx.us.

Subchapter B. PLACEMENT PLANNING

37 TAC §§85.21, 85.25, 85.31

The amendments and new rule are proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.075, which provides TYC with the authority to order a child's confinement under conditions it believes best designed for the child's welfare and the interests of the public; §61.076, which provides TYC the authority to require a child to participate in correctional training and activities; §61.081, which provides TYC the authority to release under supervision any child in its custody and place the child in his or her home or in any situation or family approved by TYC; and §61.034, which provides TYC the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The proposed amendments and new rule affect the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

§85.21.Program Assignment System.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish an objective, equitable system of program assignment for each youth in Texas Youth Commission (TYC) [ TYC ] care. Based on each youth's offense(s)[ , ] and risk level, TYC has predetermined the most appropriate level of restriction and minimum length of stay requirement for public protection and for promotion of rehabilitation. Youth in coeducational facilities have equal access to agency programs and activities.

(b) Applicability.

(1) For specifics regarding classification, see [ (GAP) ] §85.23 of this title (relating to Classification).

(2) For specifics regarding minimum length of stay, see [ (GAP) ] §85.25 of this title (relating to Minimum Length of Stay).

(3) For specifics regarding restriction levels, see [ (GAP) ] §85.27 of this title (relating to Program Restriction Levels).

(4) For specifics regarding completion of program and movement to another program, and for specifics on movement of sentenced offender options, refer to the following rules: [ see (GAP) §85.29 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Other Than Sentenced Offenders) and (GAP) §85.33 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Sentenced Offenders). ]

(A) §85.55 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Other Than Sentenced Offenders);

(B) §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under Age 19);

(C) §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Age 19 or Older);

(D) §85.65 of this title (relating to Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID);

(E) §85.69 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentence Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder); and

(F) §85.41 of this title (relating to Maximum Length of Stay for Other Than Type A Violent and Sentenced Offenders).

(c) (No change.)

(d) System Description. The determining factors result in the following placement and length of stay determinations for all TYC youth on initial commitment, for youth recommitted for the commission of a felony or high risk offense, and for youth found at an administrative Level [ level ] I hearing to have committed a felony or high risk offense.

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) A chronic serious offender, controlled substances dealer, or firearms offender shall be assigned a minimum length of stay of 12 [ twelve ] months and with any risk level, assigned to a program of high restriction.

(5) A general offender shall be assigned a minimum length of stay of nine (9) months, and with a:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(6) (No change.)

(e) (No change.)

(f) Waivers and Exceptions. Waivers and exceptions may be granted under special circumstances.

(1) A restriction level designation, except that of sentenced offender or Type [ type ] A violent offender, may be waived by the administrator [ director ] of centralized placement unit or designee when a youth is qualified. A designated restriction may be waived in order to provide specialized treatment or when it is determined that a youth is physically handicapped or has a special medical condition, if such handicap or condition would prevent the youth from functioning in the designated restriction level.

(2) Any placement designation except those of sentenced offenders and Type [ type ] A violent offenders may be waived by the administrator [ director ] of the centralized placement unit or designee when population is at or above established capacity.

(3) For waiver of classification, see [ (GAP) ] §85.23 of this title [ (relating to Classification) ].

(4) For movement for population control, see §85.45 of this title (relating to Movement Without Program Completion) [ (GAP) §85.29 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement) ].

(g) Parent Notification. Parents or guardians of youth under the age of 18 will be notified of all movements. Youth 18 or older must give consent to disclose any movement information to a parent. [ Parents/guardians shall be notified of all placements. ]

§85.25.Minimum Length of Stay.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish by policy a minimum period of time a youth will spend in residential placements (high or medium restriction) having reduced access to the public and which is based on the most serious offense the youth committed. The maximum period of time a youth may spend in residential placement is the total time prior to the youth's 21st birthday. [ Release from residential placement anytime prior to age 21 is based on the youth's successful completion of release criteria, one of which is the minimum length of time set by the agency. ]

(b) Applicability.

(1) Except where specifically named, requirements herein do not apply to sentenced offenders. See §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under Age 19), §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older) and §85.69 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder) for additional information. [ See (GAP) §85.33 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Sentenced Offenders) for additional information. ] The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) complies with orders of the committing court regarding sentences for youth sentenced to commitment to TYC.

(2) A disciplinary assigned length of stay of up to six (6) months may be assigned in accordance with [ (GAP) ] §95.11 of this title (relating to Disciplinary Transfer/Assigned Minimum Length of Stay/Demotion of Phase Consequence).

(c) Explanation of Terms Used.

(1) Minimum Length of Stay--the factor in the placement and movement system which is the predetermined minimum period of time a youth will be assigned to live in a residential placement. TYC has established two [ (2) ] types of minimum lengths of stay requirements for TYC youth, classification minimum length of stay, and assigned disciplinary minimum length of stay. This rule primarily addresses classification minimum length of stay.

(2) Minimum period of confinement--the period of time established by law that a youth sentenced to commitment in TYC [ for offenses occurring on or after January 1, 1996, ] shall be confined in a TYC residential placement. The minimum period of confinement is the earliest of:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(3) Classification minimum length of stay--a minimum length of stay directly associated with each classification established on initial commitment, for youth recommitted for the commission of a felony or high-risk offense, and for youth found at an administrative Level [ level ] I hearing to have committed a felony or high-risk offense.

(4) (No change.)

(d) Minimum Length of Stay.

(1) Sentenced offenders shall serve the time assessed by the juvenile court, until the earliest of:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(C) completion of the minimum period of confinement [ (for youth committed for acts occurring on or after January 1, 1996 only) ].

(2) - (6) (No change.)

(e) Creditable Time.

(1) (No change.)

(2) On recommitment, the minimum length of stay shall be counted from the first day a youth reaches any TYC operated or assigned facility, and any incomplete minimum length of stay at the time of recommitment is eliminated; unless:

(A) (No change.)

(B) a youth is recommitted for the same conduct for which a Level [ level ] I or II hearing has already been held, in which case the youth shall be given credit toward completion of the new minimum length of stay for the time already served as a result of that Level [ level ] I or II hearing.

(3) - (5) (No change.)

(f) Creditable Time for Sentenced Offenders.

(1) (No change.)

(2) Sentenced offenders will be credited with days detained in connection with the committing case. Time will be credited at the end of the total sentence. Refer to §85.95 [ (GAP) §85.61 ] of this title (relating to Discharge/Transfer of Custody).

(g) Restrictions.

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) Certain youth may be eligible for transition to medium restriction to complete the minimum length of stay requirement in accordance with §85.55 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Other Than Sentenced Offenders). [ (GAP) §85.29 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Other Than Sentenced Offenders). ]

(4) For other procedures affecting minimum length of stay refer to [ (GAP) ]§95.7 of this title (relating to Reclassification Consequence), [ (GAP) ]§95.9 of this title (relating to Parole Revocation Consequence), and [ (GAP) ]§95.11 of this title [ (relating to Disciplinary Transfer/Assigned Minimum Length of Stay/Demotion of Phase Consequence) ].

(h) Waivers and Reductions.

(1) (No change.)

(2) the disciplinary assigned minimum length of stay may be reduced in accordance with [ (GAP) ] §95.11 of this title.

§85.31.Temporary Admission Awaiting Transportation.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to provide for temporary admissions into an institution detention program in Texas Youth Commission (TYC) institutional facilities for youths awaiting transportation.

(b) Applicability. This policy does not apply to the use of the same or adjacent space when used specifically as detention in a TYC institution for other purposes. See §97.43 of this title (relating to Institution Detention Program).

(c) Overnight stays in an institution detention program shall be allowed when a youth's destination cannot be reached in a single day, including transportation:

(1) following a Level I or II hearing that results in transportation to another facility; or

(2) between facilities not resulting from disciplinary actions.

(d) The following procedures shall be utilized.

(1) A youth may be detained in a training school for up to 48 hours pending transportation.

(2) Each request for an institution detention program admission pending transportation must be initiated by the transportation coordinator.

(3) Approval for the admission must be obtained from the institutional superintendent or designee.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 24, 2005.

TRD-200500297

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 6, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6301


37 TAC §§85.29, 85.33, 85.35, 85.39, 85.41, 85.43, 85.45, 85.51, 85.61

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Texas Youth Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The repeals are proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.075, which provides TYC with the authority to order a child's confinement under conditions it believes best designed for the child's welfare and the interests of the public; §61.076, which provides TYC the authority to require a child to participate in correctional training and activities; §61.081, which provides TYC the authority to release under supervision any child in its custody and place the child in his or her home or in any situation or family approved by TYC; and §61.034, which provides TYC the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The proposed repeals affect the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

§85.29.Program Completion and Movement of Other Than Sentenced Offenders.

§85.33.Program Completion and Movement of Sentenced Offenders.

§85.35.Maximum Length of Stay for Other Than Type A Violent and Sentenced Offenders.

§85.39.Temporary Admission Awaiting Permanent Placement.

§85.41.Temporary Admission Awaiting Transportation.

§85.43.Home Placement.

§85.45.Parole of Undocumented Foreign Nationals.

§85.51.Interstate Compact for TYC Youth.

§85.61.Discharge/Transfer of Custody.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 24, 2005.

TRD-200500296

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 6, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6301


Subchapter C. MOVEMENT WITHOUT PROGRAM COMPLETION

37 TAC §85.41, §85.45

The new rules are proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.075, which provides TYC with the authority to order a child's confinement under conditions it believes best designed for the child's welfare and the interests of the public; §61.076, which provides TYC the authority to require a child to participate in correctional training and activities; §61.081, which provides TYC the authority to release under supervision any child in its custody and place the child in his or her home or in any situation or family approved by TYC; and §61.034, which provides TYC the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The proposed new rules affect the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

§85.41.Maximum Length of Stay for Other Than Type A Violent and Sentenced Offenders.

(a) Purpose. The Resocialization program is designed for youth who reasonably apply themselves to complete the program within their assigned minimum length of stay. There are, however, a small number of resistant youth who do not complete the Resocialization program within their minimum length of stay. When the length of institutional stay for these youth becomes disproportionate relative to the severity of their committing offense and level of risk to the community, provision must be made to cut short their Resocialization program in the institution and plan for their supervision and services on parole.

(b) Applicability. This rule does not apply to:

(1) any other movement without program completion;

(2) youth who have completed program requirements. See §85.55 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Other Than Sentenced Offenders);

(3) priority 1 youth who are eligible for admission to specialized treatment programs;

(4) youth who have been returned to high restriction through a due process hearing;

(5) sentenced or Type A violent offenders as defined in §85.23 of this title (relating to Classification); and

(6) youth who are unable to progress further in the agency's rehabilitation program because of mental illness or mental retardation and who have completed their minimum lengths of stay. See §87.79 of this title (relating to Discharge of Mentally Ill and Mentally Retarded Youth).

(c) Explanation of Terms Used.

(1) General Offender--means a youth who is classified as a general offender as defined in §85.23 of this title and has never been classified as a sentenced or Type A violent offender.

(2) Type B Violent Offender, Chronic Serious Offender, Controlled Substances Dealer, and Firearms Offender--means a youth who meets the definition in §85.23 of this title and has never been classified as a sentenced or Type A violent offender.

(3) Minimum Length of Stay--means the assigned minimum length of stay for the youth's classification, see §85.23 of this title, plus any disciplinary extensions to the minimum length of stay. See §85.25 of this title (relating to Minimum Length of Stay).

(4) Individual Case Plan (ICP)--the individualized plan for each youth that assesses a youth's needs and strengths, identifies objectives with specific strategies to address both needs and strengths, and is reviewed and adjusted as the youth progresses or as new needs are identified.

(5) Special Services Committee (SSC) exit review--is a process by which the SSC determines whether the youth meets program completion criteria and whether the release ICP adequately addresses the youth's identified risk factors for re-offending.

(6) Release Packet--includes specific documents for review and approval prior to a youth's release. The documents are organized in tabbed sections in a notebook to form the release packet. The release packet includes the following information:

(A) psychological evaluation (if SSC determines it is necessary);

(B) release plan;

(C) home assessment, if applicable;

(D) incident summary;

(E) specialized treatment summary, if applicable; and

(F) victim involvement information, if applicable.

(d) General Requirements.

(1) TYC shall comply with Chapter 57, Family Code and Article 56.02, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding victim notification. Refer to §81.35 of this title (relating to Rights of Victims).

(2) All residential programs releasing an undocumented foreign national youth must notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Refer to §85.79 of this title (relating to Parole of Undocumented Foreign Nationals) for procedures.

(3) TYC shall comply with the Sex Offender Registration Program, pursuant to Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding youth who are subject to sex offender registration. Refer to §87.85 of this title (relating to Sex Offender Registration).

(4) Parents or guardians of youth under the age of 18 will be notified of all movements. Youth 18 or older must give consent to notify parents or guardians of any movement.

(e) Criteria for Release to TYC Parole.

(1) For General Offenders. General offenders who have completed their minimum length of stay, but have not earned phase 4 on all three components of Resocialization, see §87.3 of this title (relating to Resocialization Program), will be released to TYC parole (home or home substitute) when the following requirements are met:

(A) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing within 90 days prior to the SSC exit review and during the approval process;

(B) four (4) months have elapsed since completion of the minimum length of stay and a current assessment of, at a minimum, Resocialization phase A3, B3, C3;

(C) eight (8) months have elapsed since completion of the minimum length of stay and a current assessment of, at a minimum, Resocialization phase A2, B2, C2; or

(D) 12 months have elapsed since completion of the minimum length of stay and a current assessment of, at a minimum, Resocialization phase A1, B1, C1.

(2) For Type B Violent Offenders, Chronic Serious Offenders, Controlled Substances Dealers, and Firearms Offenders. Type B violent offenders, chronic serious offenders, controlled substances dealers, and firearms offenders who have completed their minimum length of stay, but have not earned phase 4 on all three components of Resocialization, see §87.3 of this title, will be released to TYC parole when the following requirements are met:

(A) no confirmed Category I rule violations within 90 days prior to the SSC exit review and during the approval process;

(B) eight (8) months have elapsed since completion of the minimum length of stay and a current assessment of, at a minimum, Resocialization phase A3, B3, C3;

(C) 12 months have elapsed since completion of the minimum length of stay and a current assessment of, at a minimum, Resocialization phase A2, B2, C2; or

(D) 18 months have elapsed since completion of the minimum length of stay and a current assessment of, at a minimum, Resocialization phase A1, B1, C1.

(f) Decision Authority for Approval of Release.

(1) The final decision authority shall approve the youth's release plan upon a determination that the youth meets the required criteria as set forth in subsection (e) of this section and the release ICP adequately addresses risk factors.

(2) A youth shall be released to TYC parole (home or home substitute) within 45 days of the SSC exit review validating release eligibility. Upon the approval by the final decision authority, additional time may be granted up to 30 days as the need indicates.

(3) The final decision authority is the Department of Sentenced Offenders Disposition, unless the superintendent or quality assurance supervisor appeals the decision. If the decision is appealed, the appropriate director of juvenile corrections is the final decision authority.

§85.45.Movement Without Program Completion.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this policy is to establish criteria and procedures for movement of youth without program completion.

(b) Applicability.

(1) This rules does not apply to sentenced offenders.

(2) This rule does not apply to disciplinary movements. See Chapter 95, Subchapter A of this title (relating to Disciplinary Practices).

(c) General Requirements.

(1) Program staff will explain program completion criteria to every youth during orientation to each placement.

(2) Non-sentenced offenders shall by law, be discharged prior to the youth's 21st birthday. Refer to §85.95 of this title (relating to Discharge/Transfer of Custody).

(3) Prior to a transition, a youth may request and in doing so will be granted a Level II hearing.

(4) TYC shall comply with Chapter 57, Family Code and Article 56.02, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding victim notification. Refer to §81.35 of this title (relating to Rights of Victims).

(5) TYC shall comply with the Sex Offender Registration Program, pursuant to Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding youth who are subject to sex offender registration. Refer to §87.85 of this title (relating to Sex Offender Registration).

(6) Parents or guardians of youth under the age of 18 will be notified of all movements. Youth 18 or older must give consent to disclose any movement information to a parent.

(d) Transition Movements.

(1) Eligibility. Type A violent offenders and sentenced offenders are not eligible for transition movement. Youth of eligible classifications must meet transition criteria as set forth in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection to qualify for a transition movement.

(2) Transition Criteria for Youth in Programs where Resocialization is Administered. Youth will be eligible for transition from a high or medium restriction (initial placement) facility to a medium restriction placement when the following criteria have been met:

(A) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing within 90 days prior to the exit review; and

(B) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing during the approval process, as outlined in paragraph (4) of this subsection; and

(C) completion of minimum length of stay requirements:

(i) general offenders must complete all but three (3) months of the minimum length of stay; or

(ii) Type B violent offenders, chronic serious offenders, controlled substance dealer offenders and firearms offenders must complete all but six (6) months of the minimum length of stay; and

(D) a current assessment of, at a minimum, Resocialization phase A3, B3, C3 with no main objectives or sub-objective indicators under remediation (not applicable to sex offenders with court orders deferring their sex offender registration requirements who have not previously attained phase A4, B4, C4; see §87.85 of this title); and

(E) for youth committed after April 1, 2005, completion of specialized treatment for Priority 1 youth (unless this requirement is waived by the assistant deputy executive director for rehabilitation services and the assistant deputy executive director for juvenile corrections).

(3) Transition Criteria for Youth in Contract Care Programs where Resocialization is Not Administered. Youth in high restriction contract care programs where Resocialization is not administered will be eligible for transition to a medium restriction placement when the following criteria have been met:

(A) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing within 90 days prior to the exit review; and

(B) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing during the approval process as outlined in paragraph (4) of this subsection; and

(C) completion of minimum length of stay requirements:

(i) general offenders must complete all but three (3) months of the minimum length of stay; or

(ii) Type B violent offenders, chronic serious offenders, controlled substance dealer offenders and firearms offenders must complete all but six (6) months of the minimum length of stay; and

(D) identify personal motivations for delinquent behavior; and

(E) demonstrate an understanding of their personal delinquent behavior patterns and demonstrate the ability to interrupt their offense patterns; and

(F) complete a plan that identifies goals and a plan of action to achieve goals and that identifies obstacles that will support successful re-entry into the community.

(4) Decision Authority for Approval of Transition.

(A) The final decision authority shall approve the youth's transition plan upon a determination that the youth meets all transition criteria and the transition/release ICP adequately addresses risk factors.

(B) The appropriate director of juvenile corrections must approve any modification to the transition/release plan.

(C) A youth shall be transitioned to medium restriction within 14 calendar days of the exit review, regardless of whether or not the release plan is complete. However, if the youth does not meet the program completion criteria at the time of transition or release, the youth will not be transitioned.

(D) With approval from the appropriate director of juvenile corrections, additional time may be granted beyond the 14 calendar days, but not to exceed 30 calendar days from the exit review, as needed to address serious concerns related to the well-being of the youth and/or the community.

(E) The final decision authority is:

(i) the superintendent, for youth assigned to TYC-operated placements; or

(ii) the quality assurance administrator, for youth assigned to contract care placements.

(e) Population Control Releases. When overpopulation occurs in any high restriction facility, certain remedial actions are taken. The deputy executive director may cancel or revise any population control measure in effect or implement any other youth movement option when necessary to control population and/or manage available funds concerning youth in residential placement.

(1) Overpopulation Condition.

(A) When population reaches three percent (3%) above budgeted capacity for general population (excludes youth in specialized treatment), the superintendent may invoke population control release procedures.

(B) When population reaches five percent (5%) above budgeted capacity for general population, the superintendent shall invoke population control release procedures.

(2) Release Criteria.

(A) The following youth are ineligible for population control release:

(i) Type A violent offenders;

(ii) Sentenced offenders;

(iii) Priority 1 specialized treatment youth (unless waived by the assistant deputy executive director for rehabilitation services and the assistant deputy executive director for juvenile corrections); or

(iv) Sex offenders with court orders deferring their sex offender registration requirements.

(B) Youth who are eligible for release to TYC parole (home or home substitute) due to an overpopulation condition must meet the following criteria:

(i) completion of the minimum length of stay; and

(ii) a current assessment of, at a minimum, Resocialization phase A3, B3, C3 with no main objectives or sub-objective indicators under remediation. Priority should be given to those who have mastered the most objectives towards completion of A4, B4, C4 Resocialization goals.

(f) Administrative Transfers. Administrative transfers may be made among programs of equal restriction without a due process hearing. An administrative transfer shall not be made in lieu of a transfer for which a due process hearing is mandatory.

(g) Hardship Cases. In hardship cases, the deputy executive director may approve placing a youth on parole status without meeting program completion criteria.

(h) Mentally Ill and Mentally Retarded Youth. Certain youth shall be discharged following application for appropriate services to address their mental illness or mental retardation. See §87.79 of this title (relating to Discharge of Mentally Ill and Mentally Retarded Youth).

(i) Maximum Length of Stay for Other Than Type A Violent and Sentenced Offenders. Youth who do not complete the Resocialization program within the minimum length of stay, and the length of institutional stay becomes disproportionate relative to the severity of their committing offense, may be considered for movement without program completion. See §85.41 of this title (relating to Maximum Length of Stay for Other Than Type A Violent and Sentenced Offenders).

(j) Notification. TYC will notify the committing juvenile judge, the prosecuting attorney, parole officer, and the county chief juvenile probation officer in the county to which the youth is being moved no later than ten (10) working days prior to the transition or release.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 24, 2005.

TRD-200500298

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 6, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6301


Subchapter D. PROGRAM COMPLETION

37 TAC §§85.51, 85.55, 85.59, 85.61, 85.65, 85.69

The new rules are proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.075, which provides TYC with the authority to order a child's confinement under conditions it believes best designed for the child's welfare and the interests of the public; §61.076, which provides TYC the authority to require a child to participate in correctional training and activities; §61.081, which provides TYC the authority to release under supervision any child in its custody and place the child in his or her home or in any situation or family approved by TYC; and §61.034, which provides TYC the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The proposed new rules affect the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

§85.51.Definitions.

The following words and terms, as used in this subchapter, shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Administrative transfer--a lateral movement, i.e., a movement from one program to another program within the same restriction level for an administrative purpose. Purposes may include but are not limited to proximity to a youth's home, specific treatment needed becomes available, appropriateness of placement due to education needs, age, etc.

(2) Classification--the designation assigned each youth based on the youth's offense history, the classifying offense, and a finding regarding extenuating circumstances incident to the classifying offense. See §85.23 of this title (relating to Classification).

(3) Exit review/interview--is a process by which the Special Service Committee (SSC), for high restriction, or the superintendent/quality assurance supervisor, for medium restriction, determines whether the youth meets program completion criteria and whether the transition/release Individual Case Plan (ICP) adequately addresses the youth's identified risk factors for re-offending. The SSC is required to conduct a face-to-face interview with sentenced and Type A offenders, along with review and approval of the release packet.

(4) High restriction and medium restriction--see definitions in §85.27 of this title (relating to Program Restriction Levels).

(5) Home placement--is a placement in the home of the parent, other relative or individual acting in the role of parent, managing conservator, or guardian, or an independent living arrangement, for youth who have earned parole status. Parole status is defined in paragraph (7) of this section.

(6) Home substitute placement--is a program placement in the community that is not high restriction, for youth who have earned parole status.

(7) Initial Placement--a placement to which youth are assigned following a period of assessment at the Marlin Orientation Assessment Unit (MOAU) upon being committed to TYC.

(8) Minimum length of stay (MLOS) and Minimum period of confinement (MPC)--see definitions in §85.25 of this (relating to Minimum Length of Stay).

(9) Parole status--a status assigned to a youth when program completion criteria have been met, which qualifies the youth for placement in the home or home substitute and ensures that the youth shall not be moved to a high restriction placement without the highest level of due process afforded to Texas Youth Commission (TYC) youth.

(10) Program completion criteria--the criteria which a youth must meet while in the current program in order to move to a placement of equal or less restriction. Program completion criteria are based on youth's classification and the phase of the Resocialization program, which are outlined in Subchapter C of this chapter (relating to Program Completion and Discharge).

(11) Release under supervision--also referred to as "release", is the release of a youth from high restriction to a home or home substitute placement when the youth has earned parole status. The youth remains under the jurisdiction of TYC and is subject to the conditions of parole supervision.

(12) Risk factors--statuses or conditions that are empirically associated with an increased risk of recidivism. Risk factors may be static and unchangeable or dynamic and responsive to interventions.

(13) Release packet--includes specific documents for review and approval prior to a youth's release. The documents are organized in tabbed sections in a notebook to form the release packet. The release packet includes the following information:

(A) psychological evaluation;

(B) release plan;

(C) home assessment, if applicable;

(D) incident summary;

(E) specialized treatment summary, if applicable; and

(F) victim involvement information, if applicable.

(14) Specialized treatment for Priority 1 youth--upon admission to TYC, all youth undergo clinical assessments to determine specialized treatment needs. Youth are prioritized for treatment based on risk, offense classification, and/or diagnosis. Youth with the greatest need for any of the following treatment programs will be required to successfully complete the program prior to release eligibility:

(A) Sexual Behavior Treatment Program;

(B) Chemical Dependency Treatment Program; or

(C) Capital and Serious Violent Offender Treatment Program.

(15) Transfer--is a movement of sentenced offenders to either Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institution Division (TDCJ-ID) or Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Parole Division (TDCJ-PD) when:

(A) ordered by the juvenile court; or

(B) youth at age 21 who was sentenced for capital murder where the offense was committed on or after September 1, 2003 and who has not completed the sentence will be transferred to TDCJ-PD without the juvenile courts approval; or

(C) youth at age 21 who was sentenced for any offense other than capital murder and who has not completed the sentence in high restriction facilities will be transferred to TDCJ-PD without the juvenile courts approval.

(16) Transfer packet--includes specific documents for review and approval prior to transfer of a youth to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutional Division (TDCJ-ID) or Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Parole Division (TDCJ-PD). The documents are organized in tabbed sections in a notebook to form the transfer packet.

(A) The transfer packet for TDCJ-PD includes the following information:

(i) forensic psychological evaluation;

(ii) release plan;

(iii) incident summary;

(iv) specialized treatment summary, if applicable; and

(v) victim involvement information, if applicable.

(B) The transfer packet for TDCJ-ID includes the following information:

(i) forensic psychological evaluation;

(ii) specialized treatment summary, if applicable;

(iii) behavior summary;

(iv) incident summary; and

(v) victim involvement information, if applicable.

(17) Transition--is a movement from one program site to another for purposes of facilitating the youth's adjustment to the community when youth who have met the required transition criteria. Transition is always to placement of equal or less restriction than that of the current placement. Transition is not a type of placement or a status. For transition criteria, see §85.45 of this title (relating to Movement Without Program Completion).

(18) Transition/Release individual case plan (ICP)--is an individual case plan that is developed for a youth when he/she is moving from one program to another, or from one facility to a different facility. The transition/release ICP identifies risk factors and protective factors that enable youth and staff to develop plans to minimize risk and take advantage of protective factors.

(19) Transition/Release plan--includes specific documents such as a success plan, risk factors for re-offending; and strategies and recommendations to minimize risk factors.

(20) Type A violent offender, Type B violent offender, Chronic Serious Offender, Controlled Substances Dealer, Firearms Offender, and General Offender--see definitions in §85.23 of this title (relating to Classification).

(21) Type 1 offenses--the offenses for which a youth has been given a determinate sentence, specifically: the commission, attempted commission, conspiracy to commit, solicitation, solicitation of a minor to commit, or engaging in organized criminal activity to commit murder, capital murder, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault.

(22) Type 2 offenses--all other offenses, except Type 1 offenses, for which a youth has been given a determinate sentence.

§85.55.Program Completion for Other Than Sentenced Offenders.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish criteria and the approval process for release of youth upon program completion.

(b) Applicability.

(1) Definitions pertaining to this rule are under §85.51 of this title (relating to Definitions).

(2) This rule does not apply to disciplinary movements. See Chapter 95, Subchapter A of this title (relating to Disciplinary Practices).

(3) This rule does not apply to sentenced offenders. Rules pertaining to sentenced offenders are §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under Age of 19), §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older), §85.65 of this title (relating to Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID), and §85.69 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder).

(4) For movements without program completion, see §85.45 of this title (relating to Movement Without Program Completion).

(5) For discharge criteria, see §85.95 of this title (relating to Discharge/Transfer of Custody).

(c) General Requirements.

(1) Program staff will explain program completion criteria to every youth during orientation to each placement.

(2) Non-sentenced offenders shall by law, be discharged prior to the youth's 21st birthday. Refer to §85.95 of this title (relating to Discharge/Transfer of Custody).

(3) Prior to a transition, a youth may request and in doing so will be granted a Level II hearing.

(4) TYC shall not accept the presence of a detainer as an automatic bar to earned release. The agency shall release a youth to authorities pursuant to a warrant.

(5) TYC shall develop a plan for each youth prior to release which minimizes risk factors for re-offending.

(6) TYC shall comply with Chapter 57, Family Code, and Article 56.02, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding victim notification. Refer to §81.35 of this title (relating to Rights of Victims).

(7) All residential programs releasing an undocumented foreign national youth must notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Refer to §85.79 of this title (relating to Parole of Undocumented Foreign Nationals).

(8) TYC shall comply with the Sex Offender Registration Program, pursuant to Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding youth who are subject to sex offender registration. Refer to §87.85 of this title (relating to Sex Offender Registration).

(9) Parents or guardians of youth under the age of 18 will be notified of all movements. Youth 18 or older must give consent to disclose any movement information to a parent.

(d) Program Completion Criteria.

(1) Youth Whose Classifying Offense is Type A Violent Offender.

(A) A Type A violent offender youth will be eligible for release from a high restriction facility to TYC parole (home or home substitute) when the following criteria have been met:

(i) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing, within 90 days prior to the Special Services Committee (SSC) exit interview; and

(ii) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing during the approval process, as outlined in subsection (e) of this section; and

(iii) completion of the minimum length of stay; and

(iv) the youth is currently assessed at Resocialization phase A4, B4, C4 with no main objectives or sub-objective indicators under remediation; and

(v) for youth committed after April 1, 2005, completion of specialized treatment for Priority 1 youth (unless this requirement is waived by the assistant deputy executive director for rehabilitation services and the assistant deputy executive director for juvenile corrections).

(B) Youth classified as Type A violent offender shall be discharged prior to the 21st birthday, unless the youth is subject to a determinate sentence.

(2) Youth Whose Classifying Offense is Other Than Type A Violent Offender. A youth other than a Type A violent offender will be eligible for transition/release from a high restriction facility to a less restrictive placement or from a medium restriction facility to an equal or less restrictive placement when the following criteria have been met:

(A) For transition from high or medium restriction to medium restriction: For transition criteria, see §85.45 of this title.

(B) For release from high or medium restriction to TYC parole (home or home substitute):

(i) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing, within 90 days prior to the exit review; and

(ii) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing during the approval process as outlined in subsection (e) of this section; and

(iii) completion of the entire minimum length of stay--this includes general offenders whose initial placement is to medium restriction; and

(iv) the youth is currently assessed at Resocialization phase A4, B4, C4 with no main objectives or sub-objective indicators under remediation; and

(v) for youth committed after April 1, 2005, completion of specialized treatment for Priority 1 youth (unless this requirement is waived by the assistant deputy executive director for rehabilitation services and the assistant deputy executive director for juvenile corrections).

(3) Youth in Contract Care Programs Where Resocialization is Not Administered. Youth in high or medium restriction contract care programs where Resocialization is not administered will be eligible for release to TYC parole (home or home substitute) when the following criteria have been met:

(A) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing, within 90 days prior to the exit review; and

(B) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing during the approval process as outlined in subsection (e) of this section; and

(C) completion of the minimum length of stay; and

(D) identify personal motivations for delinquent behavior; and

(E) demonstrate an understanding of their personal delinquent behavior patterns and demonstrate the ability to interrupt their offense patterns; and

(F) complete a plan that:

(i) identifies goals and a plan of action to achieve goals; and

(ii) identifies obstacles that will support successful re-entry into the community.

(e) Decision Authority for Approval of Release.

(1) For Type A Violent Offenders.

(A) A youth shall not be released to TYC parole until the final decision authority has determined that the youth meets program completion criteria and the release Individual Case Plan (ICP) adequately addresses risk factors.

(B) All revisions or corrections as requested by Central Office must be completed and re-submitted to Central Office within the timeframe designated by Central Office.

(C) If modifications are needed to the transition/release ICP and supporting documentation for Type A violent offenders who have been released on TYC parole to a home substitute placement, the appropriate director of juvenile corrections must approve the modification.

(D) The final decision authority is the deputy executive director.

(E) The youth shall be released no later than 120 days following the SSC exit interview validating release eligibility, regardless of whether or not the release packet is complete. However, if the youth does not meet the program completion criteria at the time of release, the youth will not be released.

(2) For Other Than Type A Violent Offenders.

(A) The final decision authority shall approve the youth's release plan upon a determination that the youth meets all program completion criteria and the transition/release ICP adequately addresses risk factors.

(B) The appropriate director of juvenile corrections must approve any modification to the release plan.

(C) A youth shall be released to TYC parole within 14 calendar days of the exit review, regardless of whether or not the release plan is complete. However, if the youth does not meet the program completion criteria at the time of release, the youth will not be released.

(D) Upon the approval by the appropriate director of juvenile corrections, additional time may be granted beyond the 14 calendar days, but not to exceed 30 calendar days from the exit review, as needed to address serious concerns related to the well-being of the youth and/or the community.

(E) The final decision authority is:

(i) the superintendent, for other than Type A violent offenders; or

(ii) the quality assurance administrator, for other than Type A violent offenders assigned to contract placements.

(f) Notification. TYC will notify the committing juvenile judge, the prosecuting attorney, parole officer, and the county chief juvenile probation officer in the county to which the youth is being moved no later than ten (10) working days prior to the transition or release.

§85.59.Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under Age 19.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish criteria and approval process for release of youth upon program completion.

(b) Applicability.

(1) Definitions pertaining to this rule are under §85.51 of this title (relating to Definitions).

(2) This rule does not apply to disciplinary movements. See Chapter 95, Subchapter A of this title (relating to Disciplinary Practices).

(3) This rule does not apply to youth committed to TYC on indeterminate commitments. See §85.55 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Other Than Sentenced Offenders).

(4) This rule does not apply to the transfer of sentenced offenders to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutions Division (TDCJ-ID) or Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Parole Division (TDCJ-PD). See §85.65 of this title (relating to Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID) and §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older).

(5) This rule does not apply to sentenced offenders adjudicated for capital murder. See §85.69 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder).

(6) For discharge criteria, see §85.95 of this title (relating to Discharge/Transfer of Custody).

(c) General Restrictions. Due to the nature of determinate sentences, some rules governing the classification, placement, release, transition, parole status, and disciplinary movement of sentenced offenders must be applied differently. Specifically:

(1) Classification. A youth classified at commitment as a sentenced offender shall retain a sentenced offender classification as long as the youth remains under the jurisdiction of TYC as a result of that commitment. The offense for which the youth received the determinate sentence will remain the youth's classifying offense until the sentence has expired even if the youth's TYC parole is revoked following a Level I hearing. See §85.23 of this title (relating to Classification).

(2) Initial Placement. On initial placement, all sentenced offenders shall be assigned to high restriction facilities unless the deputy executive director waives such placement for a particular youth.

(d) General Requirements.

(1) Program staff will explain program completion criteria to every youth during orientation to each placement.

(2) TYC shall not accept the presence of a detainer as an automatic bar to earned release. The agency shall release a youth to authorities pursuant to a warrant.

(3) The Special Services Committee (SSC) shall evaluate the youth's progress toward program completion criteria six (6) months after admission to TYC, when the minimum period of confinement (MPC) is complete, and at other times as requested by the committee.

(4) TYC shall develop a plan for each youth prior to release which minimizes risk factors for re-offending.

(5) TYC shall comply with Chapter 57, Family Code and Article 56.02, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding victim notification. Refer to §81.35 of this title (relating to Rights of Victims).

(6) All residential programs releasing an undocumented foreign national youth must notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Refer to §85.79 of this title (relating to Parole of Undocumented Foreign Nationals) for procedures.

(7) TYC shall comply with the Sex Offender Registration Program, pursuant to Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding youth who are subject to sex offender registration. Refer to §87.85 of this title (relating to Sex Offender Registration).

(8) Parents or guardians of youth under the age of 18 will be notified of all movements. Youth 18 or older must give consent to notify parents or guardians of any movement.

(9) Placement. Sentenced offenders shall serve the entire MPC applicable to the youth's classifying offense in high restriction facilities unless:

(A) the youth is transferred to TDCJ earlier in accordance with legal requirements or committing court approval. See §85.65 of this title; or

(B) waived by the executive director; or

(C) the youth is approved by the committing court to attain parole status prior to completion of serving the MPC.

(10) Jurisdiction Termination. TYC jurisdiction shall be terminated and a sentenced offender discharged when he/she is transferred to TDCJ (before or at age 21) or his/her sentence is complete (except as specified in subsection (d)(11) of this section).

(11) Concurrent Commitments. In the event that a youth is committed to TYC under concurrent determinate sentence and indeterminate commitment orders, both commitment orders will be given effect, with the determinate sentence order having precedence. Other exceptions are as follows:

(A) The youth will be classified and managed as a sentenced offender until such time as the determinate sentence order is completed or TYC jurisdiction expires, whichever occurs first. If a youth's determinate sentence is complete prior to the expiration of TYC jurisdiction, the youth will be newly classified in accordance with the classifying offense associated with the indeterminate commitment.

(B) The youth is discharged from the determinate sentence order upon completion of the determinate sentence, but the indeterminate commitment order will be given effect until normal discharge criteria are met.

(C) Both orders are given effect, i.e., the MPC under the determinate sentence and the minimum length of stay associated with the indeterminate commitment will run concurrently. If the applicable MPC under the determinate sentence is completed before the applicable minimum length of stay under the indeterminate commitment, the youth will not be considered for release until the minimum length of stay has also been completed.

(12) Military Enlistment. A sentenced offender may be allowed to enlist in the military while on TYC parole if certain conditions are met. A sentenced offender who is accepted for enlistment by the military will not be discharged from the determinate sentence until the sentence is complete. His/her TYC parole supervision will be conducted via phone calls, letters, and through face-to-face contacts (when possible) until the sentence is completed. The following conditions must be met:

(A) the youth must be able to complete his/her sentence prior to his/her 21st birthday; and

(B) the youth must have served at least 12 months consecutively on TYC parole prior to the enlistment date; and

(C) the youth must have been assigned to the minimum level of parole supervision for at least three (3) months consecutively prior to the enlistment date; and

(D) the youth must have no more than six (6) months left to serve on the sentence on the enlistment date; and

(E) the youth must reside in Texas at the time of enlistment.

(e) Program Completion Criteria. A sentenced offender youth who is under age 19 will be eligible for a release from a high restriction facility to TYC parole (home or home substitute) when the following criteria have been met:

(1) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing, within 90 days prior to the SSC exit interview; and

(2) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing during the approval process as outlined in subsection (f) of this section; and

(3) completion of the MPC; and

(4) the youth is currently assessed at Resocialization phase A4, B4, C4 with no objectives or sub-objectives under remediation; and

(5) for youth committed after April 1, 2005, completion of specialized treatment for Priority 1 youth (unless this requirement is waived by the assistant deputy executive director for rehabilitation services and the assistant deputy executive director for juvenile corrections).

(f) Decision Authority for Approval of Release. For Type 1 and Type 2 sentenced offenders under age 19.

(1) A youth shall not be released to TYC parole until the final decision authority has determined that the youth meets program completion requirements and the release packet adequately addresses risk factors.

(2) All revisions or corrections as requested by Central Office must be completed and re-submitted to Central Office within the timeframe designated by Central Office.

(3) If modifications are needed to the release ICP and supporting documentation for sentenced offender youth who have been released on TYC parole to a home substitute placement, the modification must be approved by the appropriate director of juvenile corrections.

(4) The final decision authority for approval of release is:

(A) the deputy executive director, for Type 1 sentenced offenders;

(B) the appropriate director of juvenile corrections, for Type 2 sentenced offenders.

(5) A youth shall be released no later than 120 days following the SSC exit interview validating release eligibility, regardless of whether or not the release packet is complete. However, if the youth does not meet the program completion criteria at the time of release, the youth will not be released.

(g) Notification. TYC will notify the committing juvenile judge, the prosecuting attorney, parole officer, and the county chief juvenile probation officer in the county to which the youth is being moved no later than ten (10) working days prior to the release.

§85.61.Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish criteria and approval process for transferring a sentenced offender youth age 19 or older upon program completion to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Parole Division (TDCJ-PD).

(b) Applicability.

(1) Definitions pertaining to this rule are under §85.51 of this title (relating to Definitions).

(2) This rule does not apply to disciplinary movements. See Chapter 95, Subchapter A of this title (relating to Disciplinary Practices).

(3) This rule does not apply to youth committed to TYC on indeterminate commitments. See §85.55 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Other Than Sentenced Offenders).

(4) This rule does not apply to sentenced offenders who are under the age of 19. See §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under Age 19).

(5) This rule does not apply to the transfer of sentenced offenders to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutions Division (TDCJ-ID). See §85.65 of this title (relating to Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID).

(6) This rule does not apply to the transfer of sentenced offenders committed for capital murder. See §85.69 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder).

(7) For discharge criteria, see §85.95 of this title (relating to Discharge/Transfer of Custody).

(c) General Restrictions. Refer to §85.59 of this title for the list of general restrictions.

(d) General Requirements.

(1) Program staff will explain program completion criteria to every youth during orientation to each placement.

(2) The Special Services Committee (SSC) shall evaluate the youth's progress toward program completion criteria six (6) months after admission to TYC, when the minimum period of confinement (MPC) is complete, on or about the youth's 20th birthday, and at other times as requested by the committee.

(3) TYC shall comply with Chapter 57, Family Code, and Article 56.02, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding victim notification. Refer to §81.35 of this title (relating to Rights of Victims).

(4) All residential programs releasing an undocumented foreign national youth must notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Refer to §85.79 of this title (relating to Parole of Undocumented Foreign Nationals) for procedures.

(5) TYC shall comply with the Sex Offender Registration Program, pursuant to Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding youth who are subject to sex offender registration. Refer to §87.85 of this title (relating to Sex Offender Registration).

(6) Parents or guardians of youth under the age of 18 will be notified of all movements. Youth 18 or older must give consent to disclose any movement information to a parent.

(7) Placement. Sentenced offenders shall serve the entire MPC applicable to the youth's classifying offense in high restriction facilities unless the youth is:

(A) transferred to TDCJ earlier in accordance with legal requirements or committing court approval. See §85.65 of this title; or

(B) approved by the committing court to attain parole status prior to completion of serving the MPC.

(8) Jurisdiction Termination. TYC jurisdiction shall be terminated and a sentenced offender discharged when he/she is transferred to TDCJ or his/her sentence is complete (except as specified in subsection (d)(9) of this section).

(9) Concurrent Commitments. In the event that a youth is committed to TYC under concurrent determinate sentence and indeterminate commitment orders, both commitment orders will be given effect, with the determinate sentence order having precedence. Other exceptions are as follows:

(A) The youth will be classified and managed as a sentenced offender until such time as the determinate sentence order is completed or TYC jurisdiction expires, whichever occurs first. If a youth's determinate sentence is complete prior to the expiration of TYC jurisdiction, the youth will be newly classified in accordance with the classifying offense associated with the indeterminate commitment.

(B) The youth is discharged from the determinate sentence order upon completion of the determinate sentence, and the youth is discharged from the indeterminate commitment order upon completion of the indeterminate offense.

(C) The determinate sentence and the minimum length of stay associated with the indeterminate commitment will run concurrently. If the applicable MPC under the determinate sentence is completed before the applicable minimum length of stay under the indeterminate commitment, the youth will not be considered for transfer to parole status until the minimum length of stay has also been completed.

(10) Military Enlistment. Refer to §85.59 of this title for procedures.

(e) Program Completion Criteria.

(1) Transfer of a youth from a high restriction facility to TDCJ-PD shall occur (court approval is not required) based on the youth's age.

(A) Youth Between Age 19 and 21. Youth between age 19 and 21 in high restriction facilities will be transferred to TDCJ-PD when the following criteria have been met:

(i) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing, within 90 days prior to the SSC exit interview; and

(ii) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing during the approval process as outlined in subsection (g) of this section; and

(iii) completion of the MPC; and

(iv) the youth is currently assessed at Resocialization phase A4, B4, C4 with no main objectives or sub-objectives indicators under remediation; and

(v) for youth committed after April 1, 2005, successful completion of specialized treatment for Priority 1 youth (unless this requirement is waived by the assistant deputy executive director for rehabilitation services and the assistant deputy executive director for juvenile corrections).

(B) Youth at age 21 who were sentenced for any offense other than capital murder, and have not completed the sentence in high restriction facilities, will be transferred to TDCJ-PD to complete the sentence.

(2) Transfer from TYC parole (home or home substitute) to TDCJ-PD shall occur (court approval not required) at age 21 if the youth has not completed his/her sentence.

(f) Decision Authority for Approval of Transfer.

(1) For Youth Between Age 19 and 21.

(A) Youth between age 19 and 21 shall not be transferred to TDCJ-PD until the final decision authority has determined that the youth meets program completion criteria and the transfer packet adequately addresses risk factors.

(B) All revisions or corrections as requested by Central Office must be completed and re-submitted to Central Office within the timeframe designated by Central Office.

(C) The final decision authority is the deputy executive director.

(D) TYC will request the transfer to TDCJ-PD no later than 30 days from the final approval date.

(2) For Youth At Age 21. State law requires transfer of custody for sentenced offenders at age 21; therefore no decision authority is necessary.

(g) ICP Modification Approval. If modifications are needed to the transition/release ICP and/or supporting documentation for sentenced offender youth who have been released on TYC parole to a home substitute placement, the modification must be approved by the appropriate director of juvenile corrections.

(h) Transfer Process to TDCJ-PD.

(1) TYC will submit the required documentation requesting a transfer of the offender to TDCJ-PD along with an adjudication form and a case summary, which includes recommendations for parole conditions within 30 days from the final approval date.

(2) TDCJ will process the information and forward to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles who will set the conditions for parole within 90 days of receiving TYC's transfer notification.

(3) On receipt of the conditions from TDCJ, the TYC/TDCJ liaison will contact TDCJ-PD to confirm the transfer date, notify the sending facility of the parole conditions and the transfer date, coordinate the transfer process and make final arrangements for the discharge.

(4) TDCJ personnel will serve their Order of Transfer in person on the scheduled day, at which time the sentenced offender youth is transferred to the TDCJ-PD and discharged from the TYC.

(i) Notification. TYC will notify the committing juvenile judge, the prosecuting attorney, parole officer, and the county chief juvenile probation officer in the county to which the youth is being moved no later than ten (10) working days prior to the transfer.

§85.65.Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish criteria and approval process for transferring a sentenced offender youth to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutions Division (TDCJ-ID).

(b) Applicability.

(1) Definitions pertaining to this rule are under §85.51 of this title (relating to Definitions).

(2) This rule does not address all types of disciplinary movements. See Chapter 95, Subchapter A of this title (relating to Disciplinary Practices).

(3) This rule does not apply to the transfer of sentenced offenders to TDCJ-Parole Division (TDCJ-PD). See §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older).

(4) This rules does not apply to the transfer of sentenced offenders adjudicated for capital murder to TDCJ-ID. See §85.69 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder).

(5) This rule does not apply to new charges incurred by sentenced offenders while committed to Texas Youth Commission (TYC), but only to the disposition of the original determinate sentence.

(6) For discharge criteria, see §85.95 of this title (relating to Discharge/Transfer of Custody).

(c) General Restrictions. Refer to §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under Age 19) for the list of general restrictions.

(d) General Requirements.

(1) Program staff will explain transfer criteria to every youth during orientation to each placement.

(2) The Special Services Committee (SSC) shall evaluate the youth's progress toward program completion criteria six (6) months after admission to TYC, when the minimum period of confinement (MPC) is complete, on or about the youth's 20th birthday, and at other times as requested by the committee.

(3) TYC program staff where the youth is assigned shall determine when transfer criteria have been met.

(4) TYC shall comply with Chapter 57, Family Code, and Article 56.02, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding victim notification. Refer to §81.35 of this title (relating to Rights of Victims).

(5) All residential programs releasing an undocumented foreign national youth must notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Refer to §85.79 of this title (relating to Parole of Undocumented Foreign Nationals) for procedures.

(6) TYC shall comply with the Sex Offender Registration Program, pursuant to Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding youth who are subject to sex offender registration. Refer to §87.85 of this title (relating to Sex Offender Registration).

(7) Parents or guardians of youth under the age of 18 will be notified of all movements. Youth 18 or older must give consent to disclose any movement information to a parent.

(e) Transfer Criteria.

(1) Sentenced Offender Youth Whose Parole has been Revoked. A transfer shall occur if ordered by the juvenile court. TYC may request a juvenile court hearing for a youth whose parole has been revoked and the following criteria have been met:

(A) youth is at least age 16; and

(B) youth has not completed his/her sentence; and

(C) youth's conduct indicates that the welfare of the community requires the transfer.

(2) Sentenced Offender Youth in Residential Placement. A transfer shall occur if ordered by the juvenile court. TYC may request a juvenile court hearing for any other youth if the following criteria have been met:

(A) youth is at least age 16; and

(B) youth has spent at least six (6) months in a high restriction facility; and

(C) youth has not completed his/her sentence; and

(D) youth has met at least one of the following behavior criteria:

(i) youth has committed a felony or Class A misdemeanor; or

(ii) youth has committed Category I rule violations (on three or more occasions); or

(iii) youth has engaged in chronic disruption of program (five security admissions or extensions in one month or ten in three months); or

(iv) youth has demonstrated an inability to progress in his/her Resocialization Program due to persistent non compliance with treatment objectives; and

(E) alternative interventions have been tried without success. (For example: special treatment plans, disciplinary transfer, extended stay); and

(F) youth's conduct indicates that the welfare of the community requires the transfer.

(f) Decision Authority for Approval to Transfer. Transferring from a high restriction facility the following procedures will occur:

(1) A youth shall not be transferred to TDCJ-ID until the final decision authority has determined that the youth meets program completion requirements and the transfer plan adequately addresses risk factors.

(2) The final TYC decision authority is the deputy executive director

(3) The deputy executive director must approve the request for a hearing by the committing juvenile court for early transfer.

(4) The final transfer approval authority for early transfer to TDCJ-ID, prior to the completion of the MPC, is the committing juvenile court.

(g) Transfer Process.

(1) Following the committing court's decision to transfer a sentenced offender to TDCJ-ID, the youth is returned to the assigned program location and then transported to TDCJ-ID.

(2) The youth will be transported to the diagnostic unit at TDCJ in Huntsville, Texas. The TYC court liaison in Central Office will provide the address or location to the diagnostic unit, if needed.

(3) Upon transfer to TDCJ-ID, the youth may bring only the following personal property items to TDCJ-ID:

(A) Bible/Other Religion Text--some offenders write addresses and telephone numbers in it since they cannot take separate paper into TDCJ-ID;

(B) Trust fund--offender must use TDCJ personal property envelopes. Use the TDCJ Inmate Trust Fund form, ITF-16 (available through TDCJ) when sending offender's trust fund after the offender has already been transported to TDCJ-ID. The guards at the Diagnostic Unit can provide the Inmate Trust Fund form, ITF-16, if needed.

(h) Notification. TYC will notify the committing juvenile judge, the prosecuting attorney, parole officer, and the county chief juvenile probation officer in the county to which the youth is being moved no later than ten (10) working days prior to the discharge.

§85.69.Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish criteria and an approval process for transferring, upon program completion, sentenced offenders adjudicated for capital murder to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Parole Division (TDCJ-PD) or the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Institutions Division (TDCJ-ID).

(b) Applicability.

(1) Definitions pertaining to this rule are under §85.51 of this title (relating to Definitions).

(2) This rule does not apply to disciplinary movements. See Chapter 95, Subchapter A of this title (relating to Disciplinary Practices).

(3) This rule does not apply to youth committed to Texas Youth Commission (TYC) on indeterminate commitments. See §85.55 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Other Than Sentenced Offenders).

(4) This rule does not apply to the release of sentenced offender youth adjudicated for any offense other than capital murder. See §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under Age 19) and §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older).

(5) For discharge criteria, see §85.95 of this title (relating to Discharge/Transfer of Custody).

(c) General Restrictions. Refer to §85.59 of this title for the list of general restrictions.

(d) General Requirements.

(1) Program staff will explain the program completion criteria to every youth during orientation to each placement.

(2) TYC shall not accept the presence of a detainer as an automatic bar to earned release. The agency shall release a youth to authorities pursuant to a warrant.

(3) The Special Services Committee (SSC) shall evaluate the youth's progress toward program completion criteria six (6) months after admission to TYC, when the minimum period of confinement (MPC) is complete, on or about the youth's 20th birthday, and at other times as requested by the committee.

(4) TYC program staff where the youth is assigned shall make the recommendation for a release when program completion criteria have been met or a transfer to TDCJ-ID.

(5) TYC shall comply with Chapter 57, Family Code, and Article 56.02, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding victim notification. Refer to §81.35 of this title (relating to Rights of Victims).

(6) All residential programs releasing an undocumented foreign national youth must notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Refer to §85.79 of this title (relating to Parole of Undocumented Foreign Nationals) for procedures.

(7) TYC shall comply with the Sex Offender Registration Program, pursuant to Chapter 62, Code of Criminal Procedure, regarding youth who are subject to sex offender registration. Refer to §87.85 of this title (relating to Sex Offender Registration).

(8) Parents or guardians of youth under the age of 18 will be notified of all movements. Youth 18 or older must give consent to disclose any movement information to a parent.

(9) Minimum Period of Confinement. The MPC is ten (10) years for youth sentenced for capital murder or completion of the sentence, whichever occurs first.

(10) Placement. Sentenced offenders shall serve the entire MPC applicable to the youth's classifying offense in high restriction facilities unless the youth is:

(A) transferred to TDCJ-ID earlier in accordance with legal requirements or committing court approval. See §85.65 of this title (relating to Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID); or

(B) approved by the committing court to attain parole status prior to completion of serving the MPC.

(11) Jurisdiction Termination. TYC jurisdiction shall be terminated and a sentenced offender discharged when the youth is transferred to TDCJ (by age 21) or his/her sentence is complete (except as specified in subsection (d)(12) of this section).

(12) Concurrent Commitments. In the event that a youth is committed to TYC under concurrent determinate sentence and indeterminate commitment orders, both commitment orders will be given effect, with the determinate sentence order having precedence. Other exceptions are as follows:

(A) The youth will be classified and managed as a sentenced offender until such time as the determinate sentence order is completed or TYC jurisdiction expires, whichever occurs first. If a youth's determinate sentence is complete prior to the expiration of TYC jurisdiction, the youth will be newly classified in accordance with the classifying offense associated with the indeterminate commitment.

(B) The youth is discharged from the determinate sentence order upon completion of the determinate sentence, and the youth is discharged from the indeterminate commitment order upon completion of the indeterminate offense.

(C) The determinate sentence and the minimum length of stay associated with the indeterminate commitment will run concurrently.

(13) Military Enlistment--See §85.59 of this title.

(e) Program Completion Criteria. Transfer of a youth from high restriction (prior to the completion of the MPC) to TDCJ-PD/TDCJ-ID before age 21.

(1) For Transferring to TDCJ-PD (Before Age 21). A transfer shall occur if ordered by the juvenile court. TYC may request a court hearing if the following criteria have been met:

(A) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing, within 90 days prior to the SSC exit interview; and

(B) no confirmed Category I rule violations through a due process hearing during the approval process as outlined in subsection (f) of this section; and

(C) completion of three (3) years toward the MPC, and

(D) the youth is currently assessed at Resocialization phase A4, B4, C4 with no main objectives or sub-objectives indicators under remediation; and

(E) for youth committed after April 1, 2005, successful completion of specialized treatment for Priority 1 youth (unless this requirement is waived by the assistant deputy executive director for rehabilitation services and the assistant deputy executive director for juvenile corrections).

(2) For Transferring to TDCJ-ID (Before Age 21). A transfer shall occur if ordered by the juvenile court. TYC may request a court hearing if the following criteria have been met:

(A) youth is at least age 16; and

(B) youth has spent at least six (6) months in a high restriction facility; and

(C) youth has not completed his/her sentence; and

(D) youth has met at least one of the following behavior criteria:

(i) youth has committed a felony or Class A misdemeanor while assigned to residential placement; or

(ii) youth has committed Category I rule violations (on three or more occasions); or

(iii) youth has engaged in chronic disruption of program (five security admissions or extensions in one month or ten in three months); or

(iv) youth has demonstrated an inability to progress in his/her Resocialization program due to persistent non compliance with treatment objectives; and

(E) alternative interventions have been tried without success. (For example: special treatment plans, disciplinary transfer, extended stay); and

(F) youth's conduct indicates that the welfare of the community requires the transfer.

(3) For Transferring to TDCJ-ID/TDCJ-PD When the Offense was Committed Before September 1, 2003. (Before age 21) A youth who was sentenced for capital murder where the offense was committed before September 1, 2003, who has not completed the ten (10) year MPC must return to court for a transfer hearing no later than age 20.9. (court approval is required)

(4) For Transferring to TDCJ-PD (At Age 21). At age 21, a youth who was sentenced for capital murder where the offense was committed on or after September 1, 2003 who has not completed the sentence will be transferred to TDCJ-PD. (court approval is not required)

(f) Decision Authority for Approval of Transferring to TDCJ-PD/TDCJ-ID (Before Age 21). In order to achieve the transfer from a high restriction facility to TDCJ-PD/TDCJ-ID, prior to the completion of the MPC and before age 21, a hearing request must be made to the committing juvenile court for transferring to TDCJ-PD/TDCJ-ID. The following procedures will occur:

(1) A youth shall not be transferred to TDCJ-PD until the final decision authority has determined that the youth meets program completion requirements and the transfer plan adequately addresses risk factors.

(2) A youth shall not be transferred to TDCJ-ID until the final decision authority has determined that youth meets transfer criteria.

(3) The final decision authority for transferring to TDCJ-PD is the executive director.

(4) The executive director must approve the request for a hearing by the committing juvenile court to transfer youth to TDCJ-ID.

(5) The court is the final authority for transferring to TDCJ-ID.

(g) Transfer Process.

(1) Transferring to TDCJ-PD.

(A) TYC will submit the required documentation requesting a transfer of the offender to TDCJ-PD along with an adjudication form and a case summary, which includes recommendations for parole conditions.

(B) TDCJ will process the information and forward to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles who will set the conditions for parole or transfer within 90 days of receiving TYC's transfer notification.

(C) On receipt of the conditions, the TYC/TDCJ liaison will contact TDCJ-PD to confirm the transfer date, notify the sending facility of the parole conditions and the transfer date, coordinate the transfer process and make final arrangements for the discharge.

(D) TDCJ personnel will serve their Order of Transfer in person on the scheduled day, at which time the sentenced offender youth is transferred to the TDCJ-PD and discharged from the TYC.

(2) Transferring to TDCJ-ID.

(A) Following the committing court's decision to transfer a sentenced offender to TDCJ-ID, the youth is returned to the assigned program location and then transported to TDCJ-ID.

(B) The youth will be transported to the diagnostic unit at TDCJ in Huntsville, Texas. The TYC court liaison in Central Office will provide the address or location to the diagnostic unit, if needed.

(C) Upon transfer to TDCJ-ID, the youth may bring only the following personal property items to TDCJ-ID:

(i) Bible/Other Religion Text--some offenders write addresses and telephone numbers in it since they cannot take separate paper into TDCJ-ID;

(ii) Trust fund--offender must use TDCJ personal property envelopes. Use the TDCJ Inmate Trust Fund form, ITF-16 (available through TDCJ) when sending offender's trust fund after the offender has already been transported to TDCJ-ID. The guards at the Diagnostic Unit can provide the Inmate Trust Fund form, ITF-16, if needed.

(h) Notification. TYC will notify the committing juvenile judge, the prosecuting attorney, parole officer, and the county chief juvenile probation officer in the county to which the youth is being moved no later than ten (10) working days prior to the discharge.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 24, 2005.

TRD-200500299

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 6, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6301


Subchapter E. PAROLE PLACEMENT AND DISCHARGE

37 TAC §§85.71, 85.75, 85.79, 85.85, 85.95

The new rules are proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.075, which provides TYC with the authority to order a child's confinement under conditions it believes best designed for the child's welfare and the interests of the public; §61.076, which provides TYC the authority to require a child to participate in correctional training and activities; §61.081, which provides TYC the authority to release under supervision any child in its custody and place the child in his or her home or in any situation or family approved by TYC; and §61.034, which provides TYC the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The proposed new rules affect the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

§85.71.Home Placement.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish criteria and procedures used by Texas Youth Commission (TYC) staff to determine whether a youth in TYC jurisdiction will be allowed to return to his/her home on completion of program requirements or whether alternative living arrangements must be sought.

(b) Applicability.

(1) This policy applies to all committed youth who will be placed on parole prior to age 21.

(2) For Determinate Sentenced offenders, if the minimum period of confinement date will occur on or after the youth's 19th birthday, the parole officer is exempt from completing home assessments or updates since the youth, if released to parole, will be under the supervision of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Parole Division (TDCJ-PD).

(3) Other related policies may apply such as §87.91 of this title (relating to Family Reintegration of Sex Offenders) and §85.79 of this title (relating to Parole of Undocumented Foreign Nationals).

(c) Explanation of Terms Used.

(1) Approved Home Placement Status--occurs when the assessment indicates conditions that could facilitate the rehabilitative adjustment of the youth.

(2) Disapproved Home Placement Status--occurs when the assessment indicates conditions that would impede the rehabilitative adjustment or threaten safety of the youth and/or other individuals in the home.

(3) Incomplete Home Placement Status--the assessment process is not complete.

(4) Placement Objection--occurs when a home assessment indicates that none of the criteria for disapproval of the home exists but:

(A) the parent provides in writing that he/she cannot or will not supervise the youth; or

(B) the parent provides in writing that the youth is not welcome in the home; or

(C) a parent refusing to accept supervision of his/her child under the age of 18, and/or a TYC youth claiming abuse in the home, will be reported to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).

(5) Sexual Abuse Victim--a person who, as the result of a sexual offense, suffers a pecuniary loss or personal injury or harm.

(6) Potential Sexual Abuse Victim--a person who has a profile similar to that of the victim of the sexual offense, such as gender, age, etc., or who has a profile that triggers the delinquent's deviant or abusive sexual arousal patterns.

(d) Home Placement Assessment.

(1) The assigned parole officer shall assess the home of each youth in his/her jurisdiction and shall determine whether the home is approved or disapproved for placement. The assigned parole officer will also determine whether the youth will be returned to his/her home upon release from residential placement. Each home assessment will be completed in the home of the youth's legal parent(s), guardian, or relative who has volunteered to have the youth placed in his/her home. The home assessment process is also applicable to all youth properly referred to parole officers through the Texas Interstate Compact on Juveniles (ICJ) Office.

(2) Within 90 days of admission to TYC, all homes shall be either approved or disapproved as a result of a completed home placement assessment.

(3) The home placement assessment status may be changed but only as a result of a follow-up home placement assessment by the assigned parole officer.

(4) A completed home placement assessment shall be considered current for any youth released to his/her home within 12 months of the first day counted on the minimum length of stay. Home placement assessment follow-ups will be conducted annually thereafter.

(5) For Type A violent offenders who have a minimum length of stay of 24 months, the follow-up home assessment is to be conducted within 45 days after completion of phase A2, B2, C3 and be incorporated into the transition plan.

(6) Any time new evidence or special circumstances warrant, a follow-up home placement assessment may be conducted.

(e) Home Approval/Disapproval Criteria. A youth's home shall be considered approved unless one or more of the following disapproval criteria exists, and can be documented:

(1) physical abuse;

(2) sexual abuse;

(3) physical absence of parent caretaker due to criminal incarceration or physical/psychiatric hospitalization;

(4) serious physical/survival neglect;

(5) legal termination of parental rights for youth under 18 years of age;

(6) the youth is a sex offender and criteria/requirements in §87.91 of this title have not been met;

(7) the youth is an undocumented foreign national and a copy of the notice from TYC to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) has not been received by the parole officer as outlined in §85.79 of this title.

(f) Parole Placement.

(1) Approved Home--Placement Objection Exists. An approved home with objections exists when the parents/guardian refuse or is unable to accept supervision and placement in the home. The parole officer and primary service worker (PSW) will determine alternative home placements. Alternative home placements may be determined depending on whether or not the youth is over 18 years of age.

(2) Disapproved Home Placement.

(A) Youth with disapproved homes will not be returned/placed in their homes.

(B) A disapproved home may be reversed if the TYC parole staff determines specific actions have been taken to correct any deficiencies.

(C) Parents are immediately informed in writing when the home is disapproved for placement and the reasons for such. Any action that the parent may take to correct a deficiency is included.

(D) Emergency furloughs of youth with a current disapproved home may be granted if necessary.

(E) TYC parole staff will seek documented evidence of relevant problems found by another agency to determine if disapproval criteria exist.

(F) If the youth is under 18 years of age and will not be returning home, staff will seek assistance from the parent(s) in locating a relative who might be willing to have the youth placed in their home. If the home of the relative is approved, a youth may be placed in the home unless the parent(s) strongly objects to such placement in which case alternatives are sought. When a suitable relative cannot be located, an alternative program placement will be required.

(3) Alternative Home Placement for Youth at the Age of 18 and over with an Approved Home with Objections or a Disapproved Home Placement.

(A) For youth at the age of 18 and over whose parent/guardian has refused placement, the parole officer may place the youth in an approved home location of a non-relative. If the parent/guardian has an objection to the non-relative placement, the objections will be considered in the final decision, however, placement may still occur in spite of the parental objections.

(B) An alternative home placement for youth at the age of 18 and over shall be considered approved unless one or more of the following criteria exist, and can be documented:

(i) there is physical absence of a dwelling;

(ii) the legal head of household is unwilling to allow youth to live in the home;

(iii) the youth is a sex offender and the victim or potential victim presently resides in the home and requirements for placement have not been met as per §87.91 of this title;

(iv) the individuals residing in the home are on adult probation or parole and are not related to the youth;

(v) there is documented evidence that the individual(s) residing in the home have had negative and/or unsafe influence or impact on the youth.

(C) When an alternative home placement cannot be approved, the assigned parole officer shall immediately inform the residential PSW so that a second viable alternative home placement may be identified.

§85.75.Temporary Admission Awaiting Permanent Placement.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to provide for temporary placement for a youth whose assigned placement is no longer a valid placement but a new placement has not been secured.

(b) Applicability. This rule does not apply to placement as detention in a Texas Youth Commission (TYC) high restriction facility. See §97.43 of this title (relating to Institution Detention Program).

(c) Staff may place a youth temporarily at the Marlin Orientation and Assessment Unit (MOAU) while waiting for assignment to a permanent placement if no disciplinary hearing is involved and if no alternative temporary placement within the youth's placement region can be found.

(d) A youth may remain at the unit as a temporary admission for up to 14 days. Extensions may be granted.

(e) The youth will be assigned a caseworker and will participate in regular activities at the unit.

§85.79.Parole of Undocumented Foreign Nationals

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish procedures whereby the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) works with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for parole release of youth who are undocumented foreign nationals. No youth who are undocumented foreign nationals shall be detained in a secure facility for the sole purpose of deportation.

(b) Applicability. Procedures herein apply to all programs releasing TYC youth who are undocumented foreign nationals.

(c) Explanation of Terms Used.

(1) Undocumented Foreign Nationals--youth who do not have legal residence in the United States as determined by the ICE.

(2) Primary Service Worker (PSW)--the generic title given to persons at each TYC operated institution or residential contract care program who are assigned the primary responsibility for the case work for individual youth and for the administration of the case management standards. These are usually caseworkers, parole officers, and quality assurance specialists. Other designated staff in the system may also be considered as a PSW.

(d) Undocumented foreign nationals will not be placed in a minimum restriction parole location (home or home substitute) until a copy of the referral letter from the residential program to ICE is received by the assigned parole officer.

(e) In anticipation of completion of required release criteria and not less than 45 days prior to anticipated release date, the releasing authority shall inform ICE of the pending release of any undocumented foreign national youth and request a residency and deportation status determination within 15 days of receipt of notification. Forty-five (45) days before parole release the TYC staff of the releasing program shall:

(1) complete the parole release packet and schedule a date for release;

(2) send to the ICE in the region written notice of the release date, request for confirmation of the date and of transportation within 15 days of receipt of notification, and request that ICE meet with the youth prior to the date; and send a copy of the notice to the receiving PSW;

(3) notify the receiving PSW and appropriate consulate of release arrangements and all pertinent information; send the family notification of parole release, and make reasonable attempts to provide translation where necessary; and

(4) send notification of parole release to the appropriate authorities.

(f) On the day of parole release, ICE is responsible for transporting the youth to a port of entry.

(g) If the release of a youth is canceled for any reason, the releasing program shall immediately notify ICE, receiving PSW, and other affected parties.

(h) If the youth is not deported by ICE or if ICE fails to respond within 15 days of receipt of notification with a date of transportation, the receiving PSW and institutional placement coordinator will proceed with placement options at least 30 days prior to the release date.

(i) The case of a deported youth must be transferred to a designated caseload and supervised by a parole officer responsible for the youth in the committing county.

§85.85.Interstate Compact for TYC Youth.

(a) The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) staff complies with rules of the Uniform Interstate Compact on Juveniles (ICJ) enacted by the Texas Legislature in 1965, now codified as Chapter 60, Texas Family Code. The executive director of TYC is the compact administrator, appointed by the Governor of Texas. The deputy administrator, interstate compact on juveniles, is responsible for the daily operations of the Compact. ICJ staff are responsible for ensuring that supervision services are provided to TYC youth who move to other states. TYC staff are responsible for providing supervision services to parolees who move to Texas and work with the Texas ICJ office in the return to Texas of TYC absconders and escapees who are found in other states.

(b) Procedures are consistent with procedures in Chapter 117 of this title (relating to Interstate Compact on Juveniles).

§85.95.Discharge/Transfer of Custody.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to establish criteria for discharge from agency jurisdiction for any youth committed to the Texas Youth Commission (TYC).

(b) Non-sentenced offenders shall by law, be discharged prior to the youth's 21st birthday.

(c) Sentenced offenders shall by law, be transferred from TYC's custody no later than the youth's 21st birthday.

(d) Youth may be recommended for early discharge when specific criteria have been met. Discharge criteria shall be applied according to classification or to special circumstance. Eligibility for discharge according to classification is controlled by the most serious offense for which the youth has ever been classified.

(e) Discharge Criteria.

(1) Classification.

(A) A sentenced offender youth shall be discharged from TYC jurisdiction when one of the following occurs:

(i) expiration of the sentence imposed by the juvenile court unless under concurrent commitment orders as specified in §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under Age 19), §85.61 of this (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older) and §85.69 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder). Time on the sentence includes the time spent in detention in connection with the committing case plus time spent at TYC under the order of commitment:

(I) Time spent in detention in connection with the committing case includes all time in detention from the time of arrest for the committing offense until admission to TYC, including pre-hearing detention for adjudication/disposition of the offense or for modification of the disposition, but excluding detention time that is ordered as a condition of probation.

(II) For youth committed under concurrent determinate and indeterminate commitment orders, refer to §85.59 of this title, §85.61, and §85.69 of this title.

(ii) the youth is transferred to TDCJ consistent with §85.61 of this title, §85.69 of this title, and §85.65 of this title (relating to Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID).

(B) Unless the youth is subject to a determinate sentence, a youth ever classified as a Type A violent offender shall be discharged on:

(i) the day before the 21st birthday, if the youth is assigned to a residential placement; or

(ii) the last working day prior to the 21st birthday, if the youth is assigned to a non-residential placement.

(C) Youth classified as a Type B violent offender, chronic serious offender, controlled substance dealer, or firearms offender and never classified as Type A violent or sentenced offender, shall be discharged:

(i) when the youth:

(I) completes 12 consecutive months on parole status in the home or home substitute;

(II) has had no delinquency adjudications or criminal convictions during the period;

(III) has no pending delinquency petitions or criminal charges;

(IV) is on minimum supervision level; and

(V) has had a positive parole adjustment, as defined in this policy; or

(ii) on the day before the 21st birthday, if the youth is assigned to a residential placement; or

(iii) on the last working day prior to the 21st birthday, if the youth is assigned to a non-residential placement.

(D) General offenders and violators of CINS probation and never classified as Type A violent or sentenced offender, shall be discharged:

(i) when the youth:

(I) completes the initial six (6) consecutive month period or nine (9) consecutive months on parole status in the home or home substitute;

(II) has had no delinquency adjudications or criminal convictions during the period;

(III) has no pending delinquency petitions or criminal charges;

(IV) is on minimum supervision level; and

(V) has had a positive parole adjustment as defined in this policy; or

(ii) when the following occurs after a youth reaches 20 years and six (6) months of age:

(I) 30 days on parole status; and

(II) two (2) face-to-face contacts within 30 days; and

(III) no pending criminal charges; or

(iii) on the day before the 21st birthday, if the youth is assigned to a residential placement; or

(iv) on the last working day prior to the 21st birthday, if the youth is assigned to a non-residential placement.

(2) Special Circumstances.

(A) Youth of any classification except sentenced offenders shall be discharged under the following circumstances:

(i) court ordered reversal of commitment;

(ii) the youth being sentenced to TDCJ--Institutional Division;

(iii) enlistment in the military;

(iv) closing of records following a youth's death or recommitment;

(v) discharge by the executive director or his designee for any other reason, such as an illness or injury which prevents a youth's return to active program participation;

(vi) youth who have completed length of stay requirements and who are unable to progress in the agency's rehabilitation programs because of mental illness or mental retardation as specified in §87.79 of this title (relating to Discharge of Mentally Ill and Mentally Retarded Youth).

(B) Youth placed out of the state who are of any classification except sentenced offender may be discharged when requested by the placement state for satisfactory adjustment or when court action is taken by the placement state in accordance with §85.85 of this title (relating to Interstate Compact for TYC Youth).

(C) Youth of any classification except sentenced offender and Type A violent offender shall be discharged under the following circumstances:

(i) placement on adult probation for conduct which occurred while on parole status; or

(ii) sentenced for a minimum of six (6) months in a state or county jail as part of the disposition of a criminal case.

(D) Youth may be discharged for special circumstance, other than those addressed here, if approved by the executive director.

(f) Positive Parole Adjustment. For purposes of discharge, positive parole adjustment shall be shown by documentation that a youth:

(1) has completed ICP objectives including substantial completion of parole phase of Resocialization and community service requirements; and

(2) has, for 90 consecutive days, been:

(A) enrolled and participating in an appropriate educational or training program; or

(B) satisfactorily employed.

(g) Waiver. Youth of any classification except sentenced offender and Type A violent offender who are age 18 or older may be discharged prior to completion of discharge criteria for the purpose of obtaining services that cannot be obtained for a juvenile. Such early discharge must be justified to and approved by the deputy executive director.

(h) A youth's primary service worker (PSW) shall immediately notify the youth of the discharge. The PSW shall provide the youth a written explanation on procedures for sealing records utilizing the Sec. 58.003 Sealing of Files and Records form and a copy will be provided to the parent/guardian or custodian.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 24, 2005.

TRD-200500300

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 6, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6301


Chapter 87. TREATMENT

Subchapter B. SPECIAL NEEDS OFFENDER PROGRAMS

37 TAC §87.75, §87.79

The Texas Youth Commission (the commission) proposes amendments to §87.75, concerning Mentally Retarded Offender Program, and §87.79, concerning Discharge of Mentally Ill and Mentally Retarded Youth. The sections will be amended to incorporate updated references to sections in Chapter 85.

Robin McKeever, Assistant Deputy Executive Director for Financial Support, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended sections.

Neil Nichols, General Counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended sections will be the availability of up-to-date policy. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendments as proposed. No private real property rights are affected by adoption of the amendments.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice to DeAnna Lloyd, Chief of Policy Administration, Texas Youth Commission, 4900 North Lamar, P.O. Box 4260, Austin, Texas 78765, or e-mail to deanna.lloyd@tyc.state.tx.us.

The amendments are proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, which provides the Texas Youth Commission with the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The proposed amendments affect the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

§87.75.Mentally Retarded Offender Program.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Applicability.

(1) See §85.55 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Other than Sentenced Offenders). [ (GAP) §85.29 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Other than Sentenced Offenders). ]

(2) See §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under Age 19).

(3) See §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older).

(4) See §85.65 of this title (relating to Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID).

(5) See §85.69 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder).

[(2) See (GAP) §85.33 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Sentenced Offenders).]

(6) [ (3) ] See [ (GAP) ] §87.79 of this title (relating to Discharge of Mentally Ill and Mentally Retarded Youth).

(d) Admissions.

(1) (No change.)

(2) Admission Process.

(A) If youth is referred from a facility other than the Marlin Orientation and Assessment Unit (MOAU), the action is considered an administrative transfer according to §85.45 of this title (relating to Movement Without Program Completion) [ (GAP) §85.29 of this title ].

(B) (No change.)

(e) (No change.)

(f) Release and Transition Options.

(1) Youth in the MROP who meet criteria for transfer or release according to §§85.55, 85.59, 85.61, 85.65, or 85.69 of this title [ (GAP) §85.29 of this title or (GAP) §85.33 of this title ] may be transitioned to a less restrictive setting or paroled to the community.

(2) - (3) (No change.)

§87.79.Discharge of Mentally Ill and Mentally Retarded Youth.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Applicability.

(1) Requirements in this policy do not apply to sentenced offender youth. See §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under 19), §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older), §85.65 of this title (relating to Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID), and §85.69 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder). [ See (GAP) §85.33 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Sentenced Offenders) for policies relating to sentenced offenders. ]

(2) See §85.95 [ (GAP) §85.61 ] of this title (relating to Discharge/Transfer of Custody) for discharge requirements for youth qualified herein and all other TYC youth.

(c) - (f) (No change.)

(g) Procedure for Discharge of Youth with Mental Disability.

(1) Mental Illness.

(A) For youth who meet discharge criteria for mental illness and not already receiving court-ordered mental health services, a TYC psychiatrist shall examine the youth to determine if he/she meets eligibility criteria for court-ordered mental health services listed in §574.034, Health and Safety Code.

(i) (No change.)

(ii) If the youth does meet criteria for court-ordered mental health services, the agency will file a sworn application for such services as provided in Subchapter C, Chapter 574, Health and Safety Code.

(I) The application for court-ordered services shall be filed in the youth's committing county, where the youth resides, or where the youth is found for determination of appropriate mental health services. Also see [ (GAP) ] §87.69 of this title (relating to Commitment to State Mental Hospitals) for relevant procedures.

(II) (No change.)

(B) If a child is already receiving court-ordered mental health services, discharge is effective immediately upon becoming eligible for discharge under subsection (f) of this section [ policy ].

(C) - (E) (No change.)

(2) Mental Retardation.

(A) If a child is not receiving mental retardation services, but meets discharge criteria for mental retardation under subsection (f) of this section [ policy ] and under Chapter 593, Health and Safety Code, the agency will determine if the child is mentally retarded and notify the Mental Retardation Authority (MRA) in the child's home county and provide a copy of the determination report.

(B) - (C) (No change.)

(D) If the child is already receiving mental retardation services, discharge is effective immediately upon becoming eligible for discharge under subsection (f) of this section [ policy ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 24, 2005.

TRD-200500301

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 6, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6301


Chapter 95. YOUTH DISCIPLINE

Subchapter A. DISCIPLINARY PRACTICES

37 TAC §§95.7, 95.9, 95.11, 95.17

The Texas Youth Commission (the commission) proposes amendments to §95.7, concerning Reclassification Consequence; §95.9, concerning Parole Revocation Consequence; §95.11, concerning Disciplinary Transfer/Assigned Minimum Length of Stay/Demotion of Phase Consequence; and §95.17, concerning Behavior Management Program. The sections will be amended to incorporate updated references to sections in Chapter 85.

Robin McKeever, Assistant Deputy Executive Director for Financial Support, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended sections.

Neil Nichols, General Counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended sections will be the availability of up-to-date policy. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendments as proposed. No private real property rights are affected by adoption of the amendments.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice to DeAnna Lloyd, Chief of Policy Administration, Texas Youth Commission, 4900 North Lamar, P.O. Box 4260, Austin, Texas 78765, or e-mail to deanna.lloyd@tyc.state.tx.us.

The amendments are proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, which provides the commission with the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The proposed amendments affect the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

§95.7.Reclassification Consequence.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Applicability.

(1) (No change.)

(2) Additional procedures and restrictions are applied prior to any movement of a sentenced offender youth. See §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under 19) and §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older). [ See (GAP) §85.33 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Sentenced Offenders). ]

(c) Explanation of Terms Used. A high risk offense--is any Category [ category ] I rule violation which may result in a classification other than general offender or violator of Conduct Indicating Need for Supervision (CINS) probation.

(d) - (e) (No change.)

(f) Restrictions.

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) The minimum length of stay assigned under this rule [ policy ] may be reduced based on the youth's behavior and progress toward goals.

§95.9.Parole Revocation Consequence.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Applicability.

(1) The due process necessary to effect this rule is found in [ (GAP) ] §95.51 of this title (relating to Level I Hearing Procedure).

(2) Additional procedures and restrictions are applied prior to any movement of a sentenced offender youth. See §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under 19) and §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older). [ See (GAP) §85.33 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Sentenced Offenders). ]

(c) Explanation of Terms Used. A high-risk offense--is any Category [ category ] I violation which may result in a classification other than general offender or violator of Conduct Indicating a Need for Supervision (CINS) probation.

(d) Criteria and Disposition.

(1) Parole will be revoked if it is found at a Level I hearing that a youth has:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(C) committed one [ (1) ] of the following Category [ category ] I rule violations as defined in [ (GAP) ] §95.3 of this title (relating to Rules of Conduct), and has previously been classified for a high-risk offense:

(i) - (viii) (No change.)

(2) Parole of a general offender or a violator of CINS probation is revoked if it is found at a Level I hearing that the youth has committed one [ (1) ] of the Category [ category ] I rule violations listed above; and

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(3) If extenuating circumstances are found incident to a high-risk offense, parole is revoked, but the high-risk classification may be waived pursuant to [ (GAP) ] §85.23 of this title (relating to Classification).

(4) If extenuating circumstances are found incident to any violation other than a high-risk offense, parole is not revoked. See extenuating circumstances discussed in [ (GAP) ] §85.23 of this title [ (relating to Classification) ].

(5) (No change.)

(e) (No change.)

§95.11.Disciplinary Transfer/Assigned Minimum Length of Stay/Demotion of Phase Consequence.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Applicability.

(1) The due process necessary to effect this rule is found in [ (GAP) ] §95.55 of this title (relating to Level II Hearing Procedure).

(2) Additional procedures and restrictions are applied prior to any movement of a sentenced offender youth. See §85.59 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Under 19) and §85.61 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Age 19 or Older). [ See (GAP) §85.33 of this title (relating to Program Completion and Movement of Sentenced Offenders). ]

(c) Criteria and Disposition for Disciplinary Transfer, Disciplinary Assigned Minimum Length of Stay, and Demotion of One or More Behavior Phases for Youth on Institutional Status.

(1) If it is found at a Level II hearing that the youth has failed on two (2) or more occasions to comply with a written reasonable request of staff that is either present in the Individual Case Plan (ICP) or is validly related to previous high risk behavior, a youth may receive only one of the following consequences:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(C) demoted one or more Resocialization [ resocialization ] phases in the behavior area.

(2) If it is found at a Level II hearing that the youth has committed any other category I rule violation, the youth may receive one or more of the following consequences:

(A) - (B) (No change.)

(C) demoted one or more Resocialization [ resocialization ] phases in the behavior area.

(d) Additional Disposition Options for Youth on Institutional Status. Pursuant to a Level II hearing herein, certain youth in TYC institutions or secure contract programs, who are assessed a disposition under this rule may also be assessed placement in the below disciplinary programs, but only if specific criteria have been met and if specifically requested (with notice to the youth) in the Level II hearing request pursuant to this policy.

(1) Aggression Management Program. A placement in the Aggression Management Program (AMP) may be requested for a youth who is currently assigned to a TYC operated institution under requirements of [ (GAP) ] §95.21 of this title (relating to Aggression Management Program). All policy and program requirements of [ (GAP) ] §95.21 of this title will apply to the assignment in AMP.

(2) Behavior Management Program.

(A) A placement in the Behavior Management Program (BMP) may be requested for certain youth under requirements of [ (GAP) ] §95.17 of this title (relating to Behavior Management Program). All policy and program requirements of [ (GAP) ] §95.17 of this title will apply to the assignment in a BMP.

(B) (No change.)

(e) Criteria and Disposition for Disciplinary Transfer and Disciplinary Assigned Minimum Length of Stay for Youth on Parole Status. A youth on parole status may be transferred into a placement of medium restriction and/or assigned a minimum length of stay only if it is found at the Level II hearing that the youth has committed one of the following Category [ category ] I rule violations as defined in [ (GAP) ] §95.3 of this title (relating to Rules of Conduct):

(1) - (8) (No change.)

(f) - (g) (No change.)

§95.17.Behavior Management Program.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Applicability.

(1) (No change.)

(2) This rule does not apply to:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(E) the use of same or adjacent space when used specifically as temporary admission. See §85.31 [ §85.41 ] of this title (relating to Temporary Admission Awaiting Transportation);

(F) (No change.)

(d) - (n) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 24, 2005.

TRD-200500302

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 6, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6301


Chapter 97. SECURITY AND CONTROL

Subchapter A. SECURITY AND CONTROL

37 TAC §§97.37, 97.40, 97.43, 97.45

The Texas Youth Commission (the commission) proposes amendments to §97.37, concerning Security Intake; §97.40, concerning Security Program; §97.43, concerning Institution Detention Program; and §97.45, concerning Protective Custody. The rules will be amended to incorporate updated references to rules in Chapter 85.

Robin McKeever, Assistant Deputy Executive Director for Financial Support, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendments are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the amended sections.

Neil Nichols, General Counsel, has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the amended sections will be the availability of up-to-date policy. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendments as proposed. No private real property rights are affected by adoption of the amendments.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice to DeAnna Lloyd, Chief of Policy Administration, Texas Youth Commission, 4900 North Lamar, P.O. Box 4260, Austin, Texas 78765, or e-mail to deanna.lloyd@tyc.state.tx.us.

The amendments are proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, which provides the commission with the authority to make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The proposed amendments affect the Human Resources Code, §61.034.

§97.37.Security Intake.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Applicability.

(1) This rule does not apply to:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(E) the use of the same or adjacent space when used specifically as temporary admission. See §85.31 [ §85.41 ] of this title (relating to Temporary Admission Awaiting Transportation); and

(F) (No change.)

(2) (No change.)

(c) - (f) (No change.)

§97.40.Security Program.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Applicability.

(1) This rule does not apply to:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(E) the use of the same or adjacent space when used specifically as temporary admission. See §85.31 [ §85.41 ] of this title (relating to Temporary Admission Awaiting Transportation);

(F) (No change.)

(2) - (3) (No change.)

(c) - (f) (No change.)

§97.43.Institution Detention Program.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Applicability.

(1) - (2) (No change.)

(3) This rule does not apply to:

(A) - (E) (No change.)

(F) the use of the same or adjacent space when used specifically as temporary admission. See §85.31 [ §85.41 ] of this title (relating to Temporary Admission Awaiting Transportation); and

(G) (No change.)

(c) Explanation of Terms Used. Detention Review Hearing--the TYC Level IV hearing required by this rule [ policy ].

(d) - (e) (No change.)

(f) Detention Review Hearings Required For Any Youth Held In An Institution Detention Program.

(1) - (3) (No change.)

(4) A detention review hearing is not required for:

(A) (No change.)

(B) sentenced offenders awaiting a transfer hearing to TDCJ-ID as defined in §85.65 of this title (relating to Transfer of Sentenced Offenders to TDCJ-ID) and §85.69 of this title (relating to Program Completion for Sentenced Offenders Adjudicated for Capital Murder) [ §85.33 of this title (relating Program Completion and Movement of Sentenced Offenders) ], if the hearing date is set to take place within a reasonable period of time from the date of detention; or

(C) (No change.)

(5) - (7) (No change.)

(g) Release From Institution Detention.

(1) (No change.)

(2) For Youth Pending AMP Admission Approval.

(A) (No change.)

(B) Prior [ If the youth is not released to AMP prior ] to the 30th day following the date of the youth's Level I or II hearing, the youth will be released to BMP pursuant to subsection (f)(2) of §95.17 of this title or to the general population based on the decision of the superintendent or assistant superintendent, if:

(i) - (iii) (No change.)

(h) (No change.)

§97.45.Protective Custody.

(a) (No change.)

(b) Applicability.

(1) This rule does not apply to:

(A) - (D) (No change.)

(E) the use of the same or adjacent space when used specifically as temporary admission. See §85.31 [ §85.41 ] of this title (relating to Temporary Admission Awaiting Transportation);

(F) (No change.)

(2) - (3) (No change.)

(c) - (f) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on January 24, 2005.

TRD-200500303

Dwight Harris

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: March 6, 2005

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6301