The Hockley County Juvenile Board held a meeting last Thursday to reappoint members, go over budget and grant funds.
Direct State Allotment Funds were the largest portion and covered the widest variety of items.
The Juvenile Justice system has been seeing members across the state being lost to higher paying positions such as teachers. In order to combat this, the county has been granted $10,000 to disperse raises to its various Juvenile Probation Officer.
This raised amounts to either $3,000, or a 5% increase in salary, which ever is higher. County Judge Sharla Baldridge saw the adjustment as a positive change to keep individuals in positions in rural communities as it is particularly difficult due to the pay scale.
Some of the DSA funds will be going to state mandated Risk, Needs Assessments in certain cases. Community based Programs are also on the list of items to be funded, covering things such as youth counseling, community service, and psychevaluations.
Finally, the residential contracts were needing approval. Residential contracts allow the JPO’s to house juveniles in other facilities, similar to such agreements the Sheriff’s Office has with various counties.
During COVID-19 more space was needed and Bell county was sought out to assist. Unfortunately, many counties throughout the state also sought Bell County’s assistance, forcing them to raise the price of housing to a level that the county simply could not keep up with. Victoria County was added to the list.
Victoria is home to one of the only facilities that will house and assist pregnant juveniles within their care, and while it is uncommon, it was found to be necessary. The contracts were approved unanimously.
Rodney Caddell, Tracy Phillips, and Amber Hinson would be returning to the board, as was approved by the Commissioner’s Court. These members were officially reappointed for a twoyear term.