Letot Center
This co-educational, short-term program established in 1979 through a joint public-private effort by the Dallas County Juvenile Department, Dallas Independent School District and Junior League of Dallas, today serves as the central service delivery system for runaway youth and their families in Dallas County. Operations moved to the current facility in 1990 after the Letot Capital Foundation built the 40,000 square foot building using private sector donations. The building has a shelter capacity for 40 youth referred by law enforcement for runaway, truancy and class C misdemeanors. Programming aims to reunite runaways with their families whenever possible.
The shelter program includes recreational space as well. Licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS), Letot Center provides Intake, Residential (Emergency Shelter), Non-Residential, Clinical and Educational Services.
A 24-hour Intake Unit performs thorough risk assessments on all children referred and provides families with crisis intervention services. Staff work toward reuniting runaways with their families by releasing youth to parents with individualized treatment plans and support services. An 8-bed Orientation Unit houses youth awaiting disposition.
Residential Services (Emergency Shelter) houses up to 32 males and females, with an average length of stay of about 3 weeks. Staff emphasize highlighting the assets of the youth and family and strengthening protective factors to reduce the risk of future delinquent conduct.
Non-Residential Services provides a continuum of services to youth released home from Intake and from Residential Services. In addition to crisis intervention and counseling services, we offer specialized groups that address issues such as anger management, communication skills, and parenting skills.
Clinical Services offers assessment, crisis intervention, and individual, group and family counseling. The primary focus is to strengthen children’s competency in making healthy decisions, building positive relationships, and managing stress and anger.
The Dallas County Juvenile Justice Charter School provides education to all Residential Services participants. Teachers work to reintegrate our youth successfully into the appropriate school environment or GED program.
The Dallas County budget provides for all the basic needs for residents and staff, and interested individuals and business entities regularly donate money or items to complement our budget. For our most pressing needs, please call the Superintendent at 214-956-2002 or the Operations Manager at 214-956-2003.
