Probation Services

Q – Why are there so many different Probation Divisions?

A –

Our department is focused on treating each juvenile individually on a case-by-case basis. Every child has different needs and we plan to meet those needs.

Q – What are the different Probation Divisions?

A –

Intake Division:

The Intake Division is on-call and assesses every juvenile that is referred to us. The Intake Juvenile Probation Officer is first the person the juvenile interacts with.  During the Intake process, juveniles are given a variety of assessments while parents/legal guardians are asked an assortment of questions.

Deferred Division:

The Probation Department has two different diversionary programs; Deferred by Department and Deferred by Court. Both programs allow juveniles a chance to rehabilitate their behavior without having to go through the conditions of probationary status.

Juvenile Probation Field Division:

The Juvenile Probation Field Division consists of Juvenile Probation Officers (JPO) who supervise juvenile offenders that have been placed on a Court ordered probationary status.  Field JPO’s ensure public safety and make certain that these juvenile offenders are complying with their Court ordered conditions.   Juvenile offenders are held accountable for their actions and through strict conditions are steered in the direction of becoming better law abiding citizens.

Intensive Supervision Probation:

The Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) Program is a Court ordered higher-level intense supervision for the juvenile.  It requires a more extensive vigilance with their conditions of probation along with accountability of the juvenile’s whereabouts. This is the highest level of supervision where the juvenile can be on probation and still remain at home as well as in the community. Both the juvenile and parent(s) have access to the ISP Officer 24 hours a day.

Special Needs Diversionary Probation Program:

The Special Needs Diversionary Program is designed to provide effective services to juvenile offenders with mental health needs.  The Cameron County Juvenile Justice Department (CJJD) works in conjunction with The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD), the Texas Correctional Office of Offenders with Medical and Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI) and mental health agencies to provide services to juveniles under the supervision of the probation department.

Sexual Offender Supervision:

The division of Sexual Offender Supervision is designed to provide supervision for those juveniles who have committed offenses of sexual content. In conjunction of the supervision, the juveniles are also receiving counseling by a certified therapist who specializes in working with youth who have been charged with sexual offenses.

 Court Services

Q – What does the Court Division do?

A –

The Court Division works directly with the Juvenile Court, Assistant District Attorney’s Office and Defense Attorneys. Court Officers are in charge of obtaining information on petitioned cases in which the Assistant District Attorney in Cameron County has filed. The Court Officers are also responsible for assessing each assigned case with the cooperation of the child in question and family in order to prepare a comprehensive disposition report and recommendation that is used to aid the Judge in determining a proper disposition.

Q – What are Court hours?

A –

Monday:          1:30 PM

Tuesday:          NO COURT*

Wednesday:     9:00 AM and 1:30 PM

Thursday:         1:30 PM (once a month)

Friday:             1:30 PM

*court will be held on Tuesdays if there is a holiday on Monday

Q – What is the Courtroom etiquette?

A –
No children are allowed in Courtroom as well as no cell phones or electronic devices and the dress code is strictly enforced. No gang affiliated clothing, hats, sunglasses, spandex pants, shorts, low cut or halter tops, or shirts and clothing that is considered offensive. Skirts must be knee length. No food, drinks, gum or candy are allowed in the Courtroom.

 Facility Related Questions

Q – Am I able to visit my child while he/she is residing at the Darrell B. Hester Juvenile Detention Center?

A –

Yes, juvenile visitation hours are Monday – Friday 3:45 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Parents are allowed one visit a week for a minimum of 30 minutes.  All parents, legal guardians or custodians must respect the dress code and prohibited items. Electronic devices are prohibited and the dress code is strictly enforced. No gang affiliated clothing, hats, sunglasses, spandex pants, shorts, low cut or halter tops, or shirts and clothing that is considered offensive. Shorts and skirts must be knee length. No food, drinks, gum or candy shall be brought into the Detention Center.

Q – Can I mail my child letters at the Darrell B. Hester Juvenile Detention Center?

A –

Yes, the juvenile mailing address is P. O. Box 1690 San Benito,Texas 78586

Q – Am I able to call my child while they are staying at the Darrell B. Hester Juvenile Detention Center?

A –
Yes, for information establishing a funding account, contact Call Center at 1-800-750-3646 or you can call (956) 361 – 4603 for further information. The calling system is available everyday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (except during school hours).

Q – Can I visit my child at the Amador R. Rodriguez Juvenile Boot Camp and Educational Center?

A –

Yes, Cadet visiting hours are Saturday and Sunday 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Visitation is a minimum of 30 minutes. All parents, legal guardians or custodians must respect the dress code and prohibited items. Electronic devices are prohibited and the dress code is strictly enforced. No gang affiliated clothing, hats, sunglasses, spandex pants, shorts, low cut or halter tops, or shirts and clothing that is considered offensive. Shorts and skirts must be knee length. No food, drinks, gum or candy shall be brought into the Detention Center

Q – Am I able to speak to my child on the telephone while he/she is at the Amador R. Rodriguez Juvenile Boot Camp and Educational Center?

A –

Yes, Cadet phone calls take place Tuesdays and Thursdays after 6:00 p.m. The phone number to call is, (956) 361 – 3509.

Q – Am I able to mail my child letters at the Amador R. Rodriguez Juvenile Boot Camp and Educational Center?

A –

Yes, the Cadet mailing address is P. O. Box 1690 San Benito, Texas 78586. Please be sure to include Cadet Number. If you are not sure of the Cadet Number, please call (956) 361 – 3509.

Harlingen Outreach Center Services

Q – What are the different community outreach services that are offered at the HOC?

A –

American Military Services (AMS):

Has an office and storage area designated at the HOC. They provide free care packages to Valley-native soldiers who are overseas. The HOC is also a drop off and pick up location for AMS.

Cameron County Health Department:

Provides health fairs at the HOC and assists families in need of health services as well as information and resources. They provide indigent families with discount cards for medication as well.

Gary Job Corps:

Provides services to youth between the ages of sixteen (16) to twenty-four (24) with regards to assistance in obtaining a GED or enrolling at a University or Community College. If accepted into the program all services are paid for by the Gary Job Corps.

Gulf Coast Trades Center Program:

Is a program that provides G.E.D. classes to youth who are at least sixteen (16) years of age. To gain free services, all students must take an assessment and complete an application. Once enrolled, they will be provided with classroom instruction, computer skills and job training.

Harlingen Police Department:

Has an office assigned at the HOC where patrol officers are allowed to stop by to complete reports as well as have a presence at the HOC during programming hours. They also work closely with CCJJD staff when a child needs to be taken into custody or a crisis intervention needs to be made.

KBFoundation:

Has sponsored a recreation room and computer lab where youth between the ages of ten (10) to seventeen (17) can participate. They also have an area designated for youth to complete their homework and receive assistance from staff if needed.  Please note that all programming is provided with supervision from staff.

Save our Streets Ministries (S.O.S.):

Provides faith-based counseling and ministry services to youth that have an interest in participating. SOS is available for children of all ages.

Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD):

Have two offices assigned to them at the HOC, in which two parole officers utilize to meet with youth and their families.