The Honorable Denise Hernández, County Court at Law #6
Transformative Youth Justice is a court-led youth diversion program for individuals between the ages of 17-20. The program utilizes a holistic community-centered approach to provide participants with developmentally-appropriate support, intervention, and mentorship. Programming is held in the community instead of the courtroom to help eliminate systemic barriers to community support and assistance.
The goal and vision of TYJ is to reduce recidivism and increase public safety by building a continuum of care centered in holistic community support for all program participants.
TYJ works with over 15+ community organizations to provide trauma-informed programming, mental health support, peer support training, educational services, and career development support. Program partners include the Steve Hicks School of Social Work - The University of Texas, Amplify Center – The University of Texas Dell Medical School, Austin Community College, and many other community organizations.
TYJ is a collaborative effort in partnership with Judge Hernández, the Travis County Attorney’s Office, the Travis County Clerk’s Office, Court Administration, and other community partners.
TYJ Framework:
- Monthly programming sessions in the community
- Resource Fairs
- Trauma-Informed Programming
- Social Worker Support
- Mental Health Support
- Educational Services
- Financial Literacy
- Social and Emotional Wellness
- Community Building
- Workforce Development Support
Program
PROGRAM PLANS:
Individualized program plans are developed for each participant based on the alleged offense and the specific needs of the participant. All participants are required to attend monthly programming sessions in the community, follow bond conditions as recommended by State, and follow other plan requirements which may include:
- Restorative Healing Circles
- Financial Literacy Classes
- Peer Support Training
- Educational Advancement Programming
- Workforce Development Events
- Mental Health Support
- Social and Emotional Wellness Programming
- Community Building Events
PROGRAM TERMS:
Program length ranges from 1-12 months and is determined by offense and the specific facts of each case
PROGRAM INCENTIVES:
Upon successful completion of the program, participants are provided a dismissal and offered an expedited expunction in partnership with the Travis County Attorney’s Office.
NON-COMPLIANCE:
If a participant is non-compliant with their program plan, a response plan is developed based on the needs of the participant and may include the following:
- Additional CSR Hours
- Extended Program Plan Term
- Mental Health Support
- Social and Emotional Wellness Programming
- Modified Bond Conditions as Requested by State
