HOUSTON – House Bill 3186, the legislation is known as the Texas Youth Diversion and Early Intervention Act, will go into effect on Jan. 1. This law would allow judges to decide earlier on in the judicial process if a teenager should be part of a youth diversion program.
Lawmakers are trying to address the mental health issues youth are facing.
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The legislation allows for judges to wave youth’s penalties for Class C misdemeanors and enroll them in an intervention program.
Different cities would decide what that program would look like. It could include rehabilitation services, job training, programs, or alcohol and drug awareness programs.
“Currently, municipal and justice courts can only order diversion strategies after a case has resulted in a conviction or deferral of disposition. H.B. 3186 makes these strategies available at the front end of a case where they can be more effective,” the bill states.
In Harris County, teens who are selected by the District Attorney’s Office or Juvenile Probation Office can be sent to the Harris Center’s Youth Diversion Center. IT offers temporary housing, family counseling, and rehabilitation services.