(a) Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to identify the philosophy and approach of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) to the rehabilitation of youth in TJJD's care in order to reduce future delinquent behavior and increase public safety.
(b) Applicabiltiy. This rule applies to youth committed to TJJD.
(c) Definitions. See §380.8501 of this chapter for definitions of terms used in this rule.
(d) General Provisions.
  (1) TJJD provides a trauma-informed rehabilitative program that is focused on delivering needed treatment, assessing behavioral progress, assessing increases in protective factors and decreases in risk factors, and assessing the ability of youth to use skills learned in treatment and programming.
  (2) All treatment and programming is delivered in the least restrictive setting appropriate to the youth, consistent with the rules of this chapter.
  (3) To the extent possible, TJJD's rehabilitative program offers programs that ensure youth receive appropriate rehabilitation services, including those recommended by the committing court.
  (4) All aspects of the TJJD rehabilitation program are individualized and performance-based, with clearly defined expectations as set forth in §380.8703 of this chapter.
  (5) Each youth's individual progress is reviewed monthly. The review addresses identified risk and protective factors and individual abilities.
  (6) As youth progress in the rehabilitation program, there are increased expectations for demonstrating developed skills and social responsibility, a decreased need for staff intervention, and an increase in earned privileges.
  (7) TJJD facilities maintain a structured daily schedule for all youth. Each day, youth work on components of the rehabilitation program.
  (8) TJJD facilities provide for and youth are required to participate in a structured, individually appropriate educational program or equivalent, with appropriate supports.
  (9) TJJD facilities provide and eligible youth may participate in work experiences.
  (10) TJJD facilities must provide and youth are given the opportunity to participate in regular large-muscle exercise and recreation programs.
  (11) Staff members receive appropriate training and certification related to their role in the rehabilitation program and the types of services they provide.
  (12) TJJD may pilot new programs or program components for youth whose needs cannot be met by existing program components.

Source Note: The provisions of this §380.8702 adopted to be effective September 1, 2009, 34 TexReg 5543; transferred effective June 4, 2012, as published in the Texas Register June 22, 2012, 37 TexReg 4639; amended to be effective September 16, 2012, 37 TexReg 7196; amended to be effective December 1, 2014, 39 TexReg 9257; amended to be effective May 19, 2023, 48 TexReg 705