Located in the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center at 2600 Lone Star in Dallas, Texas, the Juvenile Division is composed of three sections: juvenile delinquency cases involving youth who are alleged to have committed offenses while 10 but less than 17 years old, representation of the Texas Department of Family Protective Services involving youth who may be abused or neglected, and domestic relations involving civil cases where the Texas Department of Family Protective Services is a party.
Juvenile Delinquency
The Juvenile Delinquency section is committed to improving youth outcomes for justice-involved youth and their families. Cases referred are evaluated for participation in non-formal and diversionary programs to improve equity and efficiency in both access to services and outcomes. The section follows the risk-need-responsivity model using developmentally appropriate approaches to ensure accountability and protection of the public.
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
Child Protective Services (CPS) is a branch of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services responsible for the prevention, investigation, and potential legal action in cases involving child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment. CPS prioritizes family preservation and works in coordination with the court system to rehabilitate or identify alternative placement outcomes that serve the best interests of the child. The District Attorney’s Office represents CPS across a broad spectrum of legal interventions including both non-removal and from initial removal proceedings throughout the trial and appeals process to ensure the safety and security of Dallas County children both physically and emotionally.
Domestic Relations
Domestic Relations Courts hear cases involving divorce, custody, and child support. In situations where there are allegations of child abuse and maltreatment in conjunction with these legal cases, CPS becomes involved and is represented by a specialized team of District Attorneys attached to these courts. Additionally, Child Protection and Permanency Court is a specialized court tasked with overseeing cases in which CPS has been granted permanent custody of the children. The District Attorney has a dedicated team of attorneys and support staff assigned to represent CPS to ensure the physical, mental, and educational needs of this population are being fully met.
