TITLE public-safety-and-corrections

Part III. Texas Youth Commission

Chapter 87. Treatment

Subchapter B. Special Needs Offender Programs

37 TAC §87.79

The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) proposes an amendment to §87.79 concerning discharge of mentally ill and mentally retarded youth. The amendment to (GAP) §87.79 will clarify one of the specific criteria under which a mentally ill youth may be discharged. Mentally ill youth who are unable to progress in rehabilitation programs will be discharged from TYC if certain criteria have been met including completion of minimum length of stay requirements. Among other criteria is the criterion that a youth as a result of the mental illness is likely to cause harm to himself or others as determined by a licensed psychologist and psychiatrist. The amendment is to add the word "or" to clarify that the harm may be likely to either, but not necessarily both, himself or others.

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

Mr. Graham also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be compliance with legal options and provision of opportunity for appropriate treatment of a mentally ill youth. 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 to Gail Graham, Policy and Manuals Manager, Texas Youth Commission, 4900 North Lamar, P.O. Box 4260, Austin, Texas, 78765.

The amendment is proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.075, concerning determination of treatment, which provides the Texas Youth Commission with the authority to discharge the child from control when it is satisfied that discharge will best serve the child's welfare and §61.077, concerning children with mental illness or mental retardation, which provides the Texas Youth Commission with the authority to discharge a child who is mentally ill or mentally retarded from its custody if the commission determines that the child is unable to progress in the commission's rehabilitation programs because of the child's mental illness or mental retardation.

The proposed rule implements the Human Resource Code, §61.034.

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

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Applicability.

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

See (GAP) §85.61 of or this title (relating to Discharge) for discharge requirements for youth qualified herein and all other TYC youth.

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

Discharge Criteria.

(1)

Youth with a mental illness who are unable to progress in rehabilitation programs and therefore shall be discharged are those who meet the following criteria:

(A)-(C)

(No change.)

(D)

a licensed psychologist and psychiatrist has determined that as a result of mental illness, the youth:

(i)

is likely to cause serious harm to himself; or

(ii)

is likely to cause serious harm to others; or

(iii)

will, if not treated for the mental illness, continue to suffer severe and abnormal mental, emotional, or physical distress, will continue to experience deterioration of his ability to function independently, and is unable to make a rational and informed decision as to whether or not to submit to treatment.

(2)

(No change.)

(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 March 10, 1999.

TRD-9901481

Steve Robinson

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6244


Chapter 91. Program Services

Subchapter A. Basic Services

37 TAC §91.5

The Texas Youth Commission (TYC) proposes an amendment to §91.5 concerning Clothing. The amendment to (GAP) §91.5 will correct a minor grammatical error. No substantive changes have been made to the rule.

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

Mr. Graham also has determined that for each year of the first five years the section is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the section will be efficient state government. 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 to Gail Graham, Policy and Manuals Manager, Texas Youth Commission, 4900 North Lamar, P.O. Box 4260, Austin, Texas 78765.

The amendment is proposed under the Human Resources Code, §61.034, concerning policies and rules, which provides the Texas Youth Commission with the authority to adopt policies and make rules appropriate to the proper accomplishment of its functions.

The proposed rule implements the Human Resource Code, §61.034.

§91.5. Clothing.

(a)-(g)

(No change.)

(h)

Clothing will be [ is ] disinfected when necessary and before storage of personal items.

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 March 10, 1999.

TRD-9901480

Steve Robinson

Executive Director

Texas Youth Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6244


Part XI. Texas Juvenile Probation Commission

Chapter 344. Standards for Juvenile Post-Adjudication Secure Correctional Facilities

37 TAC §344.16

The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission proposes an amendment to §344.16, concerning programs. The amendment is being proposed in an effort to ensure that juveniles are physically capable of participating in strenuous physical exercise before participating in certain programs.

Maribeth Powers, Director of Field Services, has determined that for the first five year period the amendment is in effect, there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcement or implementation.

Ms. Powers has also determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of enforcement or implementation will be improved protection of children in physical training programs. There will be no effect on small businesses. There are no anticipated costs to persons who are required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposed amendment may be submitted to Maribeth Powers at the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, P.O. Box 13547, Austin, Texas 78711-3547.

The amendment is proposed under Texas Human Resources Code §141.042, which provides the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission with the authority to adopt reasonable rules that provide minimum standards for juvenile boards and that are necessary to provide adequate and effective probation services.

No other code or article is affected by the amendment.

§344.16.Programs

(a) - (g)

(No change.)

(h)

Physical Training Program. Written policy, procedure, and practice shall include a written physical training program plan. The program plan shall include an initial physical fitness screening tool, types of exercises, time limits, and a description of how the physical training program supports the program goals of the facility. Physical exercises should help increase stamina, well being, self-esteem, and healthy behaviors. Before participating in the physical training program, the juvenile shall:

(1)

have an initial physical fitness screening administered by the facility to determine the juvenile's ability to participate in the program;

(2)

have a current medical assessment;

(3)

have a signed release by a physician to participate in a program of strenuous physical exercise.

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 March 12,1999.

TRD-9901517

Lisa Capers

Deputy Executive Director and Legal Counsel

Texas Juvenile Probation Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 25, 1999

For further information, please call: (512) 424-6681