Administrative and Executive Services

The Grant Services Unit works on securing external funds to support existing or new Dallas County juvenile justice programs by submitting grant applications to funding opportunities offered by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), the Criminal Justice Division (CJD), the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The Grant Services Unit also assists in managing the Dallas County Juror Fund monies allocated to programs and projects that benefit youth served by the DCJD. The Juvenile Board decides the Juror Fund monies allocation on the recommendation of the Youth Service Advisory Board (YSAB). Programs receiving grant funds are closely monitored and supported by the Grant Services Unit to ensure they work towards the output, outcome measures, and goals established in the grant.

The Dallas County Juvenile Department’s Quality Assurance Unit acts as a liaison between the Department and the applicable oversight agencies that monitor the policies, practices, and procedures of the various divisions within the Department. Quality Assurance is the designated coordinator for preparations of the Department’s secure pre and post adjudication facilities annual monitoring visits by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Quality Assurance provides assistance to the Department by conducting and providing internal training, and updating policies, procedures or revisions in accordance with local, state, and federal legislative changes by our oversight agencies standards. Quality Assurance also monitors juvenile justice trends on the state and federal levels to ensure that the Department is proactive in its compliance with all applicable laws and professional standards. The Quality Assurance Unit is responsible for the constant and continuous efforts of ensuring Departmental compliance with TEA too and TDFPS rules and regulations, while working hard to keep our youth safe.

The Dallas County Juvenile Department (DCJD) mandates zero tolerance towards any form of conduct that meets the definition Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation (ANE). The Compliance Team ensures all ANE allegations alleged to have occurred in any program under the auspices of the DCJD are reported to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). The Compliance Team maintains contact and works directly with the TJJD and the DCSO during these investigations. All allegations of abuse are thoroughly investigated by the Compliance Team. In accordance with TJJD Standards, The Compliance Team also tracks all TJJD reportable ANE allegations and Serious Incidents for the purpose of annual TJJD data reconciliation. The Compliance Team also investigates all PREA related sexual abuse allegations.

The Dallas County Juvenile Department Records Unit is responsible for the processing, archiving, transferring, and overall maintenance of all records related to juveniles who are referred to and/or supervised by the Department. The staff of the Records Unit is often the first face that youth, parents, staff, visitors, and stakeholders meet when they visit our Department. They take pride in welcoming all who pass through the Department’s doors in helpful, professional, and courteous manner.

The Research and Statistics Unit is comprised of specially trained staff who are tasked with implementing the departmental research agenda in accordance with juvenile justice policy. This includes research and evaluation of pre-adjudication programs such as the diversion programs, as well as post-adjudication activities such as Court Ordered Probation Supervision and Evening Reporting Center program. The research team also represents and communicates research and evaluation findings to departmental leadership, the juvenile court, and various internal and external stakeholders as necessary.

The research team works closely with the database manager and various administrators, including agents representing TechShare and Noble Software Group, as well as Dallas County Information Technology representatives to ensure the accuracy and validity of any and all data used in interval reporting (daily weekly, monthly, and annually). The team is diligent regarding the data for research projects, evaluation, and ad hoc analysis, but is also sensitive and responsive to the data requirements of internal stakeholders.

The research team provides technical assistance as needed for a variety of activities including the completion and submission of grant proposals, the development of program logic models and outcome measures, business practices training in data entry, collection, and management.

TechShare.Juvenile is a comprehensive, web-based juvenile justice information and case management system which provides common data collection, reporting, and management needs for the Dallas County Juvenile Department. The system consists of a core component including intake, referral, and case management. Additional enhancement features such as law enforcement filing, school district notifications, detention, psychological, and substance abuse services, and institution management are also available.

The Training and Certification Unit is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing training opportunities for all staff working for the Dallas County Juvenile Department.

Juvenile Probation Officers and Juvenile Supervision Officers are required to maintain a high level of training and professionalism per Departmental mandates. The Training and Certification Unit provides the opportunities for Officers to enhance their professional skills and broaden their base of knowledge concerning the needs of youth.