The Houston Health Department (HHD) recommends City Council approve an ordinance authorizing and approving the interlocal agreement between the City of Houston (COH) and the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD), for intervention and case management services. This is a revenue agreement whereby HHD will receive a total amount of $89,001.12. The term of the agreement is from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.
The Houston Health Department’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Initiative works with Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) to improve the health, recidivism rate, educational success of at-risk youth. Under this agreement, HCJPD will provide funding to initiate MBK’s Re-Direct Diversion Program.
The Re-Direct Diversion Program will provide intervention and comprehensive case management services to youth at risk of further involvement with the juvenile justice and criminal justice systems.
Under this agreement HHD will hire one full-time counselor to provide intervention and case management services to at-risk youth identified by MBK as needing case management services in the targeted area. Targeted areas are defined as high violent crime areas, low COVID-19 vaccine rates, high COVID infection/death rates, low-income areas, and priority zip codes 77016, 77026, 77060, 77088 and 77091. Intervention and case management services will include, but are not limited to, educational workshops for youth and families; training and technical assistance for HHD, school district staff, and community stakeholders; advocacy and social service referral; and other services.
The program will serve at least 50 youth and families during the agreement year.
Fiscal Note:
Revenue for this item is not included in the FY2025 Adopted Budget. Therefore, a Fiscal Note is required as stated in the Financial Policies.
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Stephen L. Williams, MEd., MPA
Director - Houston Health Department