BRAZOS VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

Transcription

BRAZOS VALLEY COUNCIL
OF GOVERNMENTS
REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN
2015-2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3-5...............................................................................................................REGIONAL PROFILE
6-7...................................................................................................................PLANNING TEAM
8-9............................................................................................................EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
11-16............................................................................................JUVENILE JUSTICE PRIORITIES
17-21.............................................................................................VICTIM SERVICES PRIORITIES
22-27.......................................................................................LAW ENFORCEMENT PRIORITIES
28-32.........................................................MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE PRIORITIES
33-41.......................................................................................................REGIONAL RESOURCES
42......................................................................................................REGIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
43......................................................................................FUTURE STEPS & IMPLEMENTATION
Page 2 of 43
Regional Profile
The Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) is a regional council of governments consisting of seven (7)
counties, and is political subdivision of the State of Texas organized and operating under the Texas Regional
Planning Act of 1965, as amended, Chapter 391of the Local Government Code, and is comprised of Brazos,
Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington Counties. The BVCOG, located in DPS Region 2D, serves 328,348 citizens and covers an area of 5,109 square miles. The three central cities of the region (Bryan,
Brenham and College Station) contain over half of the Brazos Valley population. The regional population has
increased an average of 11.8% in the last 13 years, with significant expansion anticipated over the coming years.
County
2000 Census
2010 Census
2013 Estimate
Change
Actual
Change
% 2000-2013
Brazos
152,415
194,851
203,164
50,749
33.3%
Burleson
16,470
17,187
17,169
699
4.2%
Grimes
23,552
26,569
26,859
3,307
14.0%
Leon
15,335
16,801
16,742
1,407
9.2%
Madison
12,940
13,667
13,781
841
6.5%
Robertson
16,000
16,622
16,486
486
3.0%
Washington
30,373
33,708
34,147
3,774
Average Regional Change (Total % change divided by 7 counties)
12.4%
11.8%
Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, U.S. Census Quick Facts
The region is also interconnected with major contiguous Texas metropolitan areas such as Houston, Austin, San
Antonio, and Austin via a network of major thoroughfares such as U.S. 290, IH-45, SH-6, SH-21, SH-36, SH-79,
SH-105, and SH-30 to name a few.
The region is also home to the main campus of Texas A&M University, which covers over 5,200 acres and is
experiencing exponential growth with a current student enrollment of almost 59,000 students. Blinn College has
campuses in Brenham and Bryan with a combined enrollment of almost 18,000 students.
As of calendar year 2013, the BVCOG regional demographics, as extrapolated from the 2010 Census is depicted in
the table below:
Housing
County
Population
Land Area
Persons Per
Units
Median Income
Sq Miles
Square Mile
Brazos
203,164
81,739
$37,638.00
585.45
332.8
Burleson
17,169
8.817
$43,976.00
659.03
26.1
Grimes
26,859
10,888
$43,810.00
787.46
33.8
Leon
16,742
9,463
$43,534.00
1,073.15
15.7
Madison
13,781
5,136
$41,202.00
466.07
29.3
Robertson
16,486
8,438
$40,711.00
855.68
19.4
Washington
34,147
15,591
$44,162.00
603.95
55.8
Page 3 of 43
Page 4 of 43
Page 5 of 43
Planning Team
PLAN COORDINATOR: Rebecca Hill, Sr. Planner, Brazos Valley Council
of Governments.
In developing this Regional Strategic Plan, members of the team
participated in an initial planning conference and then were divided into
several focus groups for the purpose of narrowing the scope of research
and data that are incorporated into the plan. Some members may serve in
multiple capacities/categories.
PLANNING TEAM:
Name
Karlee Anderson
Dawn Marie Baletka
Sherrie Barratt
Angela Bates
Brandon Borski
Karen Box
Shelly Butts
Sandra Cabada
Irma Cauley
Linda Chandler
Sharon Cortemelia
Kendra Couch
Crystal Crowell
Wayne Dickey
Carmen Fritts
Cheli Greene
Todd Greene
Al Guarino
Cary Haynes
Jerry Henry
Shannon Hernandez
Chris Kirk
JoAnn Linzer
Robert Meyer
Brandy Norris
Martha Garcia Opersty
David Patterson
Robert Reed
Agency
Mental Health and Mental Retardation Brazos Valey
Navasota ISD
Grimes County Juvenile Services
Robertson County Sheriff Department
Cen-Tex Juvenile Probation – Burleson County
Robertson County Sheriff’s Office
Madison County OEM
Brazos County Juvenile Services
Brazos County Commissioner
Twin City Mission: Brazos County
Brazos County Sheriff Department
College Station ISD
BVCASA (Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol & Substance Abuse)
Brazos County Sheriff Department
Leon County Probation
Grimes County Juvenile Services
Grimes County Sheriff’s Office
TxDPS Regional Coordinator 2-d
Scotty’s House
Emergency Management Coordinator – City of Bryan
Scotty’s House
Brazos County Sheriff
Assistant District Attorney – Grimes County
Texas A&M University Police Department
College Station Police Department
Sexual Assault Resource Center
Bryan Police Department
MHMR (Mental Health / Mental Retardation)
Page 6 of 43
PLANNING TEAM CONTINUED:
Name
Linda Ricketson
Jody Schulz
Cindy Soltis
Jim Stewart
Lupe Washington
Doug Weedon
Brenda Williams
Gerald Winn
Nancy Winn
Robert Yezak
Skip Young
Jonathan Zitzmann
Agency
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Brazos Valle Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse
Brazos County Sheriff’s Office
Twin City Mission
Crime Victim Coordinator – Grimes County
Third Day Treatment Center
Third Day Treatment Center
Robertson County Assistant District Attorney
Leon County Sheriff’s Office
Madisonville Police Department
Page 7 of 43
Executive Summary
The 2015-2019 BVCOG Regional Strategic Plan encompasses the seven counties (Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon,
Madison, Robertson and Washington) in the BVCOG region. BVCOG serves 328,348 citizens and covers an area
of 5,109 square miles.(2010 US Census) The regional population has increased an average of 11.6% in the last 10
years, with significant expansion anticipated over the coming years. The purpose of the Strategic Plan is to identify
gaps in services regarding Juvenile Justice, Victim Service, Law Enforcement, and Mental Health and Substance
Abuse. The Criminal Justice Division of the Governor’s Office (CJD) requires that Criminal Justice Strategic Plans
be developed and maintained by counties and/or regions throughout Texas. Regional partners worked together to
develop the priorities and strategies for addressing identified gaps in the Brazos Valley region. Regional partners
included members of the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, elected officials, community-based organizations,
school districts, juvenile probation departments, Texas A&M University representatives, law enforcement
organizations, and victim’s advocacy groups.
This Executive Summary lists the goal and local priorities in each of the following areas: Juvenile Justice, Victim
Service, Law Enforcement, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
Juvenile Justice Priorities
Goal: To improve parenting skills and communication with schools, assist juvenile offenders in re-entry into
community after release/probation, increase safety at local schools and decrease drug and alcohol use in juveniles.
Local priorities:
• Increase parents’ knowledge and support to deal with juveniles in crisis/trouble.
• Increase support and knowledge base of juveniles exiting the probation system in the six rural counties for
re-entry into community.
• Enhance preparedness at local schools for an active shooter / lock down situation.
• Increase communication between parents, students and school personnel.
• Decrease drug and alcohol use by juveniles.
Victim Service Priorities
Goal: To provide care, services, and resource information; to support and aid victims of crime through the criminal
justice process; to promote participation in the criminal justice system by educating Brazos Valley victims about
their rights and to advocate for the enforcement of these rights; to promote crime prevention efforts and to
coordinate with other community agencies to ensure continuity of support for victims.
Local priorities:
• Increase resources and staff available to local service providers to enhance service to clients.
• Enhance communication and information sharing between victim service providers, law enforcement and
private sector partners.
• Increase training for specific victim assistance for service and agency providers to meet the growing demand
for victim support to match population growth.
• Increase victim’s access to licensed counselors.
• Improve access to transportation to services and care for victims.
Page 8 of 43
Law Enforcement Priorities
Goal: Through crime prevention, detection, apprehension and punishment of offenders to provide public safety,
promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society, and assist victims of crime.
Local priorities:
• Increase recruiting, training, and retention of experienced officers in local law enforcement agencies.
• Increase the number of adequate and affordable mental health and substance abuse treatment and support
options in the region.
• Enhance and increase programs to assist offenders, families, and caregivers with re-entry into community.
• Enhance education / training of batterers and law enforcement agencies to reduce the number of repeat
offenders.
• Increase availability of essential equipment which will allow officers to perform duties safely and effectively.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Priorities
Goal: To increase number of trained professionals, increase community awareness of mental health and substance
abuse issues and expand treatment and transportation services for those in need.
Local priorities:
• Increase number of peace officers trained in mental health response.
• Enhance knowledge on substance abuse and mental health issues.
• Increase number of trained professionals to provide counseling.
• Increase / Expand detox and substance abuse treatment facilities in the region.
• Improve access to transportation to after care programs.
Organizations and agencies within the BVCOG region have a strong history of working together to solve problems
and help close gaps in services. The Sexual Assault Resource Center has coordinated Sexual Assault Response
Teams in the service area that include law enforcement, local prosecutors, medical personnel and social service
organizations. These teams review cases to ensure comprehensive care and more effectively provide services to
survivors in the seven county region. The relationships built in these teams extend to other areas of community and
victim support. The Brazos Valley Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority (MHMRA) organization
works with area law enforcement agencies to assist citizens in mental health crisis. The Brazos Valley MHMRA also
has collaborated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Brazos Valley (NAMIBV) affiliate in a Memorandum
of Understanding to provide Mental Health First Aid USA-Youth version classes to area teachers, administrators,
and other school staff. NAMIBV is collaborating with Rock Prairie Behavioral Hospital (RPBH) to provide follow
up and additional services for individuals leaving RPBH. NAMIBV hosts weekly Peer and Family Support Group
meetings and free educational classes for the individuals and their families/caregivers. The Brazos County Crisis
Intervention Teams (CIT) consists of specially trained officers that respond to persons in mental crisis who live in
Brazos County. The team adheres to and performs in accordance to the Texas Mental Health Code to respond to
situations involving mentally ill consumers in a safe and efficient manner. The CIT works with MHMR to get help
to the individuals that need it.
.
The BVCOG Regional Planning Team strives to meet periodically to review the Plan and make necessary additions
and deletions. At least one formal meeting of the entire group is held each fall. Drafts and annual updates of the
Regional Plan are circulated by e-mail with requests for comments, changes, etc. Wherever possible, e-mail is used
to reduce the need for meetings, printing, postage, etc. It is the intent of the Regional Planning Group to improve
outcomes for individuals and families struggling with problems described in the Plan’s service areas. Efforts are
being made by many local agencies and organizations to address problems with local funds as well as grant funds
from multiple state and federal sources.
Page 9 of 43
Regional Priorities
In each of the areas on the following pages, problems are identified and data is included that supports both the
existence and severity of gaps as they are found in the Brazos Valley Region. Below the description and data are a
discussion of the problems, the manner in which the problems are being addressed, and strategically how responses
to these community problems could be improved.
Page 10 of 43
Juvenile Justice Priorities
Goal: To improve parenting skills and communication with schools, assist juvenile offenders in re-entry into
community after release/probation, increase safety at local schools and decrease drug and alcohol use in juveniles.
Priority #1
Problem Identified
Data
Increase parents’
Families today are in many forms—single parent, shared custody, adoptive,
knowledge and support to blended, foster, traditional dual parent, just to name a few. A strong sense of
deal with juveniles in
bonding, closeness, and attachment to family have been found to be associated with
crisis/trouble.
better emotional development, better school performance, and engagement in
fewer high-risk activities, such as drug use (Perry, C. L. (2000). Preadolescent and
adolescent influences on health. In B. D. Smedley & S. L. Syme (Eds.), Promoting
health: Intervention strategies from social and behavioral research. Washington: National
Academy Press).
Adolescents who come from homes with parents that use reasoning and
persuasion, explain rules and listen respectfully tend to achieve more in school,
report less depression and anxiety, score higher in measures of self-reliance and
self-esteem, and be less likely to engage in delinquent behaviors and drug abuse
(Dornbusch, S., Ritter, P., Liederman, P., & Fraleigh, M. (1987). The relation of
parenting style to adolescent school performance. Child Development, 58, 1244-1257.
and Steinberg, L. (2001). We know some things: Parent-adolescent relations in
retrospect and prospect. Journal of Research in Adolescence, 11(1), 1-19).
Many local resources for parents are not available until the juvenile has entered the
court/probation system.
Potential Response to Problem
1. Disseminate quarterly public service announcements aimed at guiding parents to services available
and ways to help their children succeed. The quick tips and information presented in the public service
announcements will give parents ideas on how to be a more effective parent. The public service
announcements would also direct parents that need additional information or help to local resources and
agencies.
2. Develop a resource list of available parenting education opportunities
and resources by October 2015. Local church leaders and agency personnel
work with parents every day and want to help them be good, successful
parents, but often do not know where help is available. A resource list of
parent educational opportunities and resources is a tool to help those who
already work with and have the trust of parents point them towards needed
help and resources.
3. Conduct one parenting class and one National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI) Basics Class per quarter in the region. Once the list of
educational opportunities and resources is developed, gaps will be identified that are not currently addressed
elsewhere. Instructors and classroom/meeting spaces will be identified in different communities in the
Brazos Valley region and training opportunities will be open to all interested parents.
Page 11 of 43
Priority #2
Problem Identified
Increase support and
knowledge base of
juveniles exiting the
probation system in the
six rural counties for reentry into community
Data
“Every year approximately 100,000 juveniles are released from juvenile detention
facilities and other out-of-home placements. An out-of-home placement can be
disruptive even for juveniles who have family, school, or community support.
Juveniles released from confinement experience other challenges in returning to
society. For instance, many confined juveniles return to communities with high
crime rates and poverty, unstable households and family relationships, failing
school systems, and unemployment. Juvenile offenders-in general-are more likely
to struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues. Reentry and aftercare
programs attempt to transition and reintegrate formerly incarcerated juveniles back
into society. Reentry and aftercare programs are essential to help adjust juveniles
back into society and to reduce recidivism rates.” (Reentry & Aftercare-Juvenile
Justice Guide Book for Legislators, National Conference of State Legislatures)
The aftercare program at Brazos County Juvenile Services exists for those juveniles
returning from placement as a transition back to the community and the family.
The six rural counties do not have a formal program set up. Juveniles exiting the
probation program often lack the financial and social support to succeed and
become productive members of society. Probation Aftercare programs provide a
support network to juveniles as they transition back into society. Peer-to-Peer
group sessions can also help those juveniles who have a mental illness get the help
and support they need.
1. Expand / Develop After Care programs in three rural county probation
departments by March 2017. Several different aftercare program models are
available. They all share the same concepts of structured
transition, surveillance and advising of community
resources and services available. The model selected
should address key issues and problems faced in the
community by juveniles and work with existing community
resources and fit in with existing probation department
policies and personnel availability. Assistance may include
job placement, skills training, counseling and other services as needed.
2. Set up three Peer-to-Peer group sessions in the region by April 2017. Peer-toPeer is available through NAMI and is a 10-week, peer led, recovery education course open to any person
with a serious mental illness. Peer-to-Peer emphasizes recovery from mental illness as a feasible, supportable
goal and challenges the stigma often wrongly associated with mental illness.
Page 12 of 43
Priority #3
Problem Identified
Enhance
preparedness at
local schools for an
active shooter /
lock down situation
Data
The 1992-2011 School-Associated Violent Death Study completed by the Centers for
Disease Control released the following information on school-associated violent deaths
of students, staff and nonstudents:
Year
Total
Homicides
Suicides
Legal Interventions (involves
law enforcement officer)
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
34
36
36
45
52
44
63
48
44
35
31
26
27
25
37
40
37
48
39
29
27
25
7
8
11
7
10
6
13
7
15
5
6
1
1
0
1
2
1
2
2
0
3
0
Most regional school districts have limited staff time and financial resources to
adequately address active shooter situations. Many do not actively conduct active
shooter / lock down training or exercises. Awareness level training is available for free
through local law enforcement agencies to area schools but few have taken advantage of
the opportunity.
Page 13 of 43
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Provide active shooter / lock down drill awareness training to 7 schools by April 2017. Local law
enforcement agencies can provide the training free of charge to school staff and personnel. BVCOG staff
travel to the school or any location selected by the participating districts. The training engages participants
in dialogue and problem solving and usually lasts about 4 hours.
Conduct active shooter / lock down scenarios at 3 school campuses by April 2019. This allows
teachers to actually practice the lock down procedures at their school and also allows local law enforcement
to run through procedures for clearing the school. Teachers will act as “students” and gain perspective on
what law enforcement will and will not do during an actual active shooter event.
Start planning for a region wide annual exercise with all school districts together by October 2015.
Region wide exercises will help teachers and administrators work together for solutions to problems and see
what other districts have developed.
Develop and provide protocols to help staff and teachers recognize signs of a potential problem. If
teachers and staff are able to spot a student, teacher or staff member that has signs of potential problems
including violent drawings or writing, violent outbursts and lack of friends. Protocols from all school
districts will be collected and shared with all interested districts.
Provide parent education classes at 5 elementary schools by April 2019. The parent education classes
would focus on the school’s policies and procedures for a school lock down. The parent would also get tips
on how to teach their children to respond to an incident on campus and when and where to report
suspicious behavior.
Texas A&M Active Shooter Exercise December 2008
Page 14 of 43
Priority #4
Problem Identified
Increase communication
between parents, students
and school personnel
Data
There is a strong link between family life and school with juvenile offenders.
Those students with little to no family support are most likely to suffer bad grades
and interest in learning.
In households where both parents are in the workforce
and single parent households, parents can find it
difficult to meet with school officials even when it is
needed because of student behavior and/or grades.
Schools also find it difficult to communicate with parents that have a different
language or education/skill background. Schools in the Brazos Valley are using
many methods to ensure parents comprehend the communications being shared
and have a way to have questions answered.
1.
School officials in 3 regional school districts will utilize available
technology to communicate with parents by March 2019. Social
media, email, video conferences and school websites are all useful tools
school officials can use to communicate and share information with
parents. School districts must develop proactive methods to get
parents involved and collaborate with parents to find ways to work
around schedules. Face-to-face meetings are still important and need
to be scheduled but using technology can assist with the day to day
activities and keep parents involved and informed on school
activities and issues.
2. Set up mentor/tutor opportunities for students who do not
speak English proficiently and do not have help at home by
March 2019. The International Studies program at Texas
A&M and other groups may be able to provide tutors to come
in to schools and help students.
Page 15 of 43
Priority #5
Problem Identified
Data
Decrease drug and
alcohol use by
juveniles
Juvenile Drug Abuse Violation Arrest Data
Year
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Brazos
78
116
131
98
117
Burleson
9
2
3
4
9
Grimes
8
12
19
11
16
Leon
1
2
2
1
1
Madison Robertson Washington
12
5
14
3
2
13
2
4
11
5
2
8
2
4
11
Juvenile DUI, Liquor Law and Drunkenness Arrest Data
Year
Brazos Burleson Grimes
Leon Madison Robertson Washington
2006
45
14
3
1
7
0
21
2007
31
7
3
0
4
2
8
2008
30
12
22
0
4
3
4
2009
26
6
11
1
7
6
5
2010
22
16
7
0
0
6
5
(Source Puzzanchera, C. and Kang, W. (2013). "Easy Access to FBI Arrest Statistics 19942010" Online. Available: http://www.ojjdp.gov/ojstatbb/ezaucr/
Drug and alcohol use in juveniles is declining in some areas and growing in others. In
2011 through 2013, 317 juveniles were arrested in the Brazos Valley area on drug and
alcohol related charges. Juveniles who use drugs and/or drink alcohol display antisocial
behavior and have difficulty succeeding in school and family relationships.
The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission determined in 2010 that:
1. Juvenile offenders demonstrate an elevated rate of substance abuse.
2. Continued substance abuse statistically results in increased recidivism.
3. Substance abuse generally produces antisocial behavior and is associated with
progressive increased in rates and seriousness of criminal behavior.
1. Conduct two group sessions by April 2016 in local schools with kids identified as possibly doing
drugs or with behavioral issues. The purpose of the group sessions is to promote the positive reasons for
not using drugs and alcohol. Participants are encouraged to participate in athletic and/or extracurricular
activities to have a positive way to spend their energy and free time and positive peer pressure from other
participants.
2. Review national best practices shown to reduce use of drugs and alcohol in youth within 60 days of
plan start date. Review of best practices will help program directors and staff see what activities and
programs have had positive results and what activities may not work.
3. Expand Zero Tolerance Group to 2 additional school campuses by end of March 2017. The Zero
Tolerance Group uses positive peer pressure to make not using drugs and alcohol “cool”. These groups are
very effective in Robertson County schools.
Page 16 of 43
Victim Services Priorities
Goal: To provide care, services, and resource information; to support and aid victims of crime through the criminal
justice process; to promote participation in the criminal justice system by educating Brazos Valley victims about
their rights and to advocate for the enforcement of these rights; to promote crime prevention efforts and to
coordinate with other community agencies to ensure continuity of support for victims
Priority #1
Problem Identified
Service providers often
need additional resources
and staff to serve the
needs of clients.
Data
Local non-profit agencies have difficulty obtaining pro-bono or
reduced-fee legal services for their clients. Licensed Social
Workers are needed to serve the Brazos Valley region. The ones
who are licensed in the area tend to be full-time employed with
medical providers or state agencies, who are able to offer more
pay. In FY 2014, Twin City Mission Domestic Violence Program
posted openings for three case managers with social work degrees and/or licensing
and did not receive any applications for those responses.
In FY 2014, Twin City Mission had 151 clients who needed access to an attorney or
legal aid regarding domestic violence issues and only 3 of them were able to access
those services.
1. Build and maintain collaboration between service agencies, local bar
associations and law firms. Partner with the local legal aid groups to
identify clients who can benefit from their services. Develop an efficient
and expeditious process for referrals to quickly determine eligibility.
2. Develop collaboration with social work programs within universities
who have requirements for internships. Allowing supervised social work
interns to fill positions in agencies will allow students to work toward their
licensing requirements and fill an unmet client need.
Page 17 of 43
Priority # 2
Problem Identified
Enhance communication
and information sharing
between victim service
providers, law
enforcement and private
sector partners
Data
The International Association of Chiefs of Police recognize that relationship
building (partnering) between law enforcement, the community, and victim
services will increase the likelihood that offenders are apprehended and
prosecuted. (Community/Stakeholder involvement) Victim service provider
agencies must have communication and information sharing with local law
enforcement agencies to assist victims moving through the criminal justice system.
1. Develop and maintain a regional victim services
task force. Participating agencies and groups would
include law enforcement, victim service partners, private
sector partners and victims. The quarterly meetings will
rotate locations to increase exposure to various services.
Each agency and group will present agency specific
information to the group to increase knowledge of
available local resources. Domestic violence task
forces/advocate programs exist in each county. These
groups will be included in the regional task force to help
share information and resources.
2. Utilize and update regional victim services list serve
quarterly. The list serve can be used to share best practices, needs, wants and training opportunities; bounce
ideas off other agency personnel; and share general information that is useful to all participants.
Page 18 of 43
Priority # 3
Problem Identified
Increase training for
specific victim assistance
for service and agency
providers to meet the
growing demand for
victim support to match
population growth.
Data
Advocacy is vital to the stabilization, healing and rebuilding of victims’ lives and
may be needed long after a case may or may not have completed its route through
the criminal justice system. Advocacy for crime victims includes those services that
are legally mandated to be provided by criminal justice based agencies. The law
requires the district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney who
prosecutes criminal cases to designate a person to serve as a victim assistance
coordinator in that jurisdiction. Each local law enforcement agency shall designate
one person to serve as the agency’s crime victim liaison.
Source: Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 56.04
The Crime Victim Conference Alliance (CVCA) is a conglomerate of 20 agencies
and individual community advocates in the Brazos Valley that work
together throughout the year to plan, organize, finance and facilitate the Every
Victim, Every Time (EVET) Conference. Our conference is hosted in April of each
year during National Crime Victims' Rights Week. The mission of the CVCA is to
provide quality, low cost training in order to increase the knowledge of
professionals responding to victims of violent crime. The CVCA advocates for
victims of crime by educating the professionals in fields such as law enforcement,
prosecution, child protective services, social work, probation departments, medical
field, child care agencies, healthcare agencies, mental health field, education,
community advocacy - any and all professionals who may come into contact with a
crime victim. In 2013, the EVET conference trained almost 500 professionals.
1. Utilize regional task force to share regional training opportunities. Training opportunities will be
offered at each quarterly for service and agency providers. Ongoing training for advocates & victim service
agencies, including law enforcement, regarding cultural diversity, crisis
intervention, and
regional participation
is vital for victim
restoration and
support. The task
force will work with
local agencies and
groups that already
provide training
opportunities
including the Crime
Victim Conference
Alliance, who plan,
organize, finance and
facilitate the Every
Victim Every Time
Conference.
Page 19 of 43
Priority # 4
Problem Identified
Increase victims access to
licensed counselors
Data
County
Population
Brazos
Burleson
Grimes
Leon
Madison
Robertson
Washington
203,164
17,169
26,859
16,742
13,781
16,486
34,147
Licensed
Professional
Counselor
(LCP) Total
100
1
3
3
4
2
23
Total For Entire Region
140
LPC per Capita
Ratio (Avg)
1:2,032
1:17,169
1:8,953
1:5,581
1:3,445
1:8,243
1: 1,485
1: 2,345
Residents of the rural counties in the region have difficulty getting appointments
with counselors in their county and must contact counselors in Brazos and
Washington County to try to get appointments. The available appointments are
often already filled with residents of Brazos and Washington County.
Local non-profit agencies have trouble hiring a licensed counselor to serve the
Brazos Valley region because the counselor can get more pay in the private practice
sector. Agencies are forced to pay contractor on an as needed basis to cover
counseling needs in the region. Use of contractors greatly increases the cost of this
service and there is not a consistent person there to build relationships with county
contacts and clients.
1. Build and maintain collaboration between service agencies and
providers and providers in training to ensure victims have access to
counselors. Many local agencies are allowing students working towards
their counseling license to gain experience and earn hours towards their
license in their agency. This experience can lead to some students wanting to
stay in the area after getting their license since they have experience in the
area and have built relationships here. Service providers can also provide
office space for licensed counselors who do not have a place to meet with
clients who are willing to help. This keeps the overhead costs low for the
provider and therefore the expense for clients and agencies.
Page 20 of 43
Priority # 5
Problem Identified
Improve access to
transportation to services
and care for victims
Data
The Brazos Valley Region has experienced an 11.6% average population increase
since the 2000 calendar year, spread over an estimated area of about 5,100 square
miles. Many victims do not have their own transportation, or even if they do, the
cost of fuel limits the distance they can travel for needed services.
Data Source: Texas Department of State Health Services, and U.S. Census Bureau.
(See chart “Population Comparison Data” supporting statistics)
Local agencies have approached Brazos Valley Transit District about increasing bus
routes to areas outside of Brazos County and hours of operation into later in the
evening so clients can come into meetings and get home from late meetings in the
evenings. These efforts will continue but without a large demand, these changes
are not financially supportable for the transit district.
1. Continue reaching out to local bus companies to increase bus routes and
hours. Brazos Valley Transit does provide bus service to all counties in the Brazos
Valley. Fixed- routes are very limited outside of Brazos
County and hours are 5 am – 7pm Monday through
Friday. The Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership
offers free rides but hours are limited and participants
have to register with the Health Resource Center.
TAMU bus service does run on evenings and weekends
in the Bryan/College Station area. Access is restricted to
Texas A&M and Blinn College students, staff, and
faculty only.
2. Identify and collaborate with alternative transportation providers in
outer counties by March 2017. Churches with vans and other agencies may
be able to assist in transporting victims and victim’s families to court dates,
aftercare/counseling appointments, medical visits and other needed services.
The Victim Service Task Force will identify the alternative providers through
ministerial alliances and other outreach programs. The Task Force will also look at online applications like
Uber and Lyft to identify possible resources for clients.
Page 21 of 43
Law Enforcement Priorities
Goal: Through crime prevention, detection, apprehension and punishment of offenders to provide public safety,
promote positive change in offender behavior, reintegrate offenders into society, and assist victims of crime.
Priority #1
Problem Identified
Increase
recruiting,
training and
retention of
experienced
officers in local
law enforcement.
Data
With competitors offering higher salaries and more attractive benefits, there is a struggle to
retain and recruit officers for smaller cities and counties. Officers may be leaving positions
because of budgetary issues or other limitations like salaries, low retirement benefits
(pensions), & the work environment. (Source: Federico Garza, Law Enforcement
Management Institute of Texas, Sam Houston State University, January 2010). The Texas
Crime Report for 2013 reports that there are 649 commissioned officers working at
agencies in the Brazos Valley Region. The number per county and by population is shown
below.
County
Brazos
Burleson
Grimes
Leon
Madison
Robertson
Washington
TOTAL
Number of Commissioned Officers
Population
429
29
48
23
23
32
65
649
203,164
17,169
26,859
16,742
13,781
16,486
34,147
328,348
Officers /
10,000
21.12
16.89
17.87
13.74
16.69
19.41
19.04
19.77
The mandatory minimum training for a peace officer is 40 hours every 2 years (Texas
Commission on Law Enforcement-2013). The costs associated with operating a qualitytraining program are increasing at a time when city police budgets are shrinking. Police
departments across the country are experiencing tight budgets due to reduced city budgets
and reductions in federal government grant programs. (source: The Police Chief magazine,
December 2013)
Page 22 of 43
1. Agencies will develop a sense of responsibility in officers for the community. These officers want to
set up roots in the community and raise their children here. Agencies should focus on recruiting from within
the region and encourage current officers to actively recruit.
2. Agencies will offer training opportunities to officers. The training
offered should be free to the officer with the goal of advancing
certifications.
3. Agencies will develop additional career opportunities for officers.
These opportunities can include participation in task forces and other
special operations and leadership responsibilities within the agency.
4. Maintain quarterly meetings with Training Coordinators from all
law enforcement agencies. Training coordinators can share ideas on
helping officers get necessary training and discuss large scale training
opportunities for officers in the region. A contact list of all coordinators
will also be developed to aid distribution of training opportunities and
information.
5. Maintain a regional training calendar and distribute quarterly to all
Training Coordinators. The regional calendar will list open training events offered at each agency
throughout the year. Agencies can check this calendar before sending an officer out of the region to save
time and money.
Page 23 of 43
Priority # 2
Problem Identified
Increase the
number of
adequate and
affordable
mental health
and substance
abuse treatment
and support
options in the
region.
Data
The Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse (BVCASA) saw the following
number of admissions for inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment from 2010
through 2013.
Brazos: 800
Burleson: 115
Grimes: 92
Leon: 24
Madison: 39
Robertson: 57
Washington: 32
1. Increase number of Mental Health Officers in region by
providing two Mental Health Peace Officer courses in the
region each year. Officers with awareness of mental health
and substance abuse issues and tools to approach and engage
citizens who are facing these issues are an asset to the
community and agency. These officers work closely with
Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) Authority of
Brazos Valley Mobile Crisis Outreach team to prevent
unnecessary hospitalization, arrests and jail time for citizens in
need of services and/or medication and medical intervention.
This training helps officers respond effectively to all types of
crisis situations (rape, child abuse, etc). These officers can also provide education to family members of those
facing a crisis.
2. Increase MHMR, NAMI and other support agencies footprints in the region by March 2018. Many
agencies are not aware of the full scope of services and assistance that are available at the Brazos Valley
MHMR. MHMR will include in its quarterly newsletter, which is distributed to over 1300 individuals and
agencies throughout the region, the full scope of services and assistance
available through MHMR.
3. Expand / Increase mental health and substance abuse service
providers in the region by March 2015. There are few service
providers for mental health and substance abuse issues in the region.
Additional providers would help limit the number of out of town
appointments and sessions for those needing services. A new
psychiatric hospital has opened in the Brazos County area offering a
full-array of inpatient and intensive outpatient services which will help
address this need. Additional beds are needed in this facility to meet the needs locally as the population
continues to grow.
Page 24 of 43
Priority # 3
Problem Identified
Enhance and increase
programs to assist
offenders, families and
caregivers with re-entry
into community
Data
Returning to the community from jail or prison is a complex transition for most
offenders, as well as for their families and communities. More prisoners nationwide
are returning home having spent longer terms behind bars than in the past,
exacerbating the already significant challenges of finding employment and
reconnecting with family. Prisoners today are typically less prepared for
reintegration, less connected to community-based social structures, and more likely
to have health or substance abuse problems
than in the past. In addition to these personal
circumstances, limited availability of jobs,
housing, and social services in a community
may affect the returning state prisoner’s
ability to successfully reintegrate. (Source:
Watson J, Solomon A., La Vigne N, and
Travis J; A Portrait of Prisoner Reentry in
Texas, March 2004)
Some recent reentry strategies employ comprehensive strategies focus on assessing
offenders and tailoring reentry plans to individual offenders to enable them to
become productive and law-abiding. Increasingly, reentry begins at the sentencing
phase and continues post-release, with a particular focus on the continuity of care
from prison to the community. It often involves a variety of agencies and groups
that coordinate efforts to ensure that offenders receive needed services and
appropriate levels of supervision.
1. Expand offender re-entry programs at county jails in the Brazos Valley to reduce re-offense and
improve the quality of life in our community with the following activities:
 Increase educational programs for offenders in custody
 Establish relationships with employers to create opportunities for gainful employment
 Identify housing and transportation resources
 Eliminate obstacles to employment (Drivers License, SS Card)
 Provide formal education and job skills training
 Substance Abuse education
2. Develop a resource packet/card to be given to offenders
upon release by March 2017. This information will be
available to family members and caregivers at visitation times.
3. Develop a resource list of family counseling and education
programs available for families and caregivers by March
2017. This resource list will include counseling, classes and
other resources to help family members and caregivers prepare
for the offender to return home and support the offender upon
re-entry into home.
Page 25 of 43
Priority # 4
Problem Identified
Increase
education /
training
program to
batterers and
law enforcement
agencies to
reduce the
number of
repeat offenders
Data
Domestic violence remains a pervasive problem today despite decades of intervention work,
public policy efforts, and battered women’s advocacy. However, responses to domestic
violence have changed significantly in the past thirty years. The first programs for men who
batter were founded in the 1970s in partnership with battered women’s advocates. In the
1980s, many states passed stricter domestic violence laws and enhanced enforcement,
resulting in more men who batter being brought to the attention of the courts and other
service systems. Batterers Intervention Programs (BIPs) sprang up nationwide in response to
the demand for court-mandated services for men who batter. (Source: National Institute of
Justice: Batterer Intervention-Doing the Work and Measuring the Progress: A Report on the
December 2009 Experts Roundtable; 2010)
In the United States, a BIP is a program that batterers attend, usually as part of the legal
system response to an act of domestic violence. A batterer may also attend a program
voluntarily. A BIP can play an important role in a coordinated community response to
domestic violence, but it is important that victim safety and offender accountability remain
the primary goals of a BIP. Other goals may include education and rehabilitation of the
batterer. In the US, if the batterer is referred to a BIP by a court or state agency, attendance
and completion of the BIP are monitored by that agency.
The Texas Crime Reports from 2005 – 2013 report the following incidents of family violence
in the Brazos Valley Region:
Family Violence Incidents by County
Year Brazos Burleson Grimes Leon Madison Robertson Washington
2005 1172
78
79
22
94
89
237
2006 1384
55
100
48
72
53
205
2007 1404
42
80
35
69
65
151
2008 1392
63
108
64
20
86
160
2009 1601
54
129
71
44
108
168
2010 1518
56
155
88
55
128
185
2011 1534
51
132
31
38
111
171
2012 1581
52
95
24
62
88
195
2013 1561
62
91
67
48
78
228
Batterers are often repeat offenders. The cycle of violence starts in the family and is often
passed on to other generations.
1. Start and utilize local Batterers Intervention and Prevention program. This program will provide
batterers, law enforcement and service agencies with educational components designed to intervene in the
cycle of violence, power, and control to reduce the number of repeat offenders in the Brazos Valley.
2. Offer training once every two years to law enforcement agencies to recognize signs of abuse and how
to handle domestic disputes.
Page 26 of 43
Priority # 5
Problem Identified
Increase availability of
essential equipment
which will allow officers
to perform their duties
safely and effectively.
Data
Law enforcement agencies don’t get all the funding they
need to buy what is necessary for their department.
Counties and cities are faced with tight budgets and often
the first items to go are equipment and training. Law
enforcement agencies face the difficult task of keeping
officers and communities safe without the updated
equipment that the criminals have access to.
Former Chief Chuck May with the Madisonville Police
Department agreed and said, “There are numerous items that are needed by our
agency that would improve the performance of the officers on the street. However,
due to budget restraints, these items that would increase officer safety and assist in
getting criminals off our streets are virtually impossible to appropriate or purchase.
These items are not luxury items, but essential and necessary in everyday police
work. Without the assistance of grants, many police agencies have to exist without
basic tools and equipment that is needed to fight crime and keep the citizens of our
communities safe.”
1.
Equipment beyond scope of what should be provided by
government entity. Local jurisdictions should provide basic
equipment to officers so they can safely and effectively perform
their duties. Grant funded equipment should enhance and build an
agency’s response to a specific threat or community problem. Also,
equipment that enhances intelligence / information sharing and
updates to technology equipment enhance officer’s ability to share information and increases the safety of the
officer and community by increasing agency knowledge and cooperation.
2. Priority given to requests that benefit the entire region. Projects that benefit more
than one agency in the region help stretch grant and equipment dollars that have been
tight and are getting tighter. Agencies that award grant funds look for and are more
likely to fund requests that benefit more than one agency.
Page 27 of 43
Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Priorities
Goal: To increase number of trained professionals, increase community awareness of mental health and substance
abuse issues and expand treatment and transportation services for those in need.
Priority #1
Problem Identified
Increase number of peace officers trained in
mental health response
Data
The Brazos County Crisis Intervention Teams consists of
specially trained officers that respond to persons in mental
crisis who live in Brazos County. The team adheres to and
performs in accordance to the Texas Mental Health Code to
respond to situations involving mentally ill consumers in a
safe and efficient manner.
The purpose of the Mental Health Peace Officer Course is to
educate law enforcement officers about issues pertaining to
serving as a mental health officer. It covers the legal aspects
of mental health commitments, liability issues’ mental
disorders, and mental disabilities. In addition, it deals with a
variety of developmental disabilities including epilepsy,
cerebral palsey and hearing impairments. Other areas covered
include: (1) indicators of mental illness, (2) understanding
mental illness, (3) documenting the interpersonal relations
necessary to effectively work with the mentally ill, their
families, and the mental health system, and (4) intervention
strategies for dealing with both low and high risk situations.
1. Increase number of Mental Health Officers in region by providing
two Mental Health Peace Officer courses in the region each year.
Officers with awareness of mental health and substance abuse issues and
tools to approach and engage citizens who are facing these issues are an
asset to the community and agency. These officers work closely with
Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) Authority of Brazos Valley
Mobile Crisis Outreach team to prevent unnecessary hospitalization, arrests
and jail time for citizens in need of services and/or medication and medical
intervention. This training helps officers respond effectively to all types of
crisis situations (rape, child abuse, etc). These officers can also provide
education to family members of those facing a crisis. These officers can be
from any agency in the Brazos Valley Region.
2. Increase awareness and promotion of Brazos County Crisis
Intervention Team in the region to help agencies and individuals
understand the importance of the program. The CIT is an asset to the
community and prevents unnecessary arrests and jail time for citizens in
need.
Page 28 of 43
Priority #2
Problem Identified Data
Enhance
knowledge
on substance
abuse and
mental
health issues
BVCASA’s mission is to provide quality prevention, intervention and treatment services for
substance abuse and related issues resulting in increased wellness and security in the Brazos
Valley. BVCASA has provided services in the region for the past 30 years. The agency is the
only state funded agency within the 7 county region offering substance abuse treatment to the
indigent population. Licensed substance abuse counselors provide screening/evaluation at no
charge to determine an appropriate referral for each individual seeking services. We offer
outpatient youth and adult substance abuse treatment services. BVCASA also offers prevention
and intervention services. These include state approved alcohol awareness education classes
such as DWI/MIP. Our prevention programs are funded by DSHS and are provided to the
schools in the 7 county region using evidenced based curricula. BVCASA also provides the
Pregnant and Postpartum Intervention Program (PPI) funded by DSHS. PPI offers parenting
groups, one-on-one counseling, and case management for at risk adolescents and adults who are
pregnant and/or postpartum.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Brazos Valley (NAMIBV) provides free educational
classes to those living with mental illness, mental disorders and substance abuse in all seven
counties. The specially trained NAMIBV Mental Health First Aid USA instructors teach school
staff and administrators, BVCOG staff, law enforcement officers and administrators, CPS
workers, county commissioners, county attorneys and judges, and local attorneys in both adult
and youth versions of those credentialed, evidence based courses.
1. Partner with Project Unity to add an agency spotlight to the Community Partnership Board meeting
once per quarter. The Community Partnership Board consists of 98 local agencies and groups that gather to
learn more about local resources and share information and resources. Agency spotlights that focus on
substance abuse and mental health agencies would increase awareness of services offered and resources
available in other area agencies.
2. Capitalize on at least 5 existing community events to reach out to the public regarding mental health
and substance abuse issues before the end of plan year. Local health fairs and other community events
are inexpensive ways to reach out to the public and get information out about mental health and substance
abuse issues and available services and resources.
3. Education program for local school districts through a Memorandum of Understanding between
MHMRA and NAMIBV to provide the evidence based curriculum Mental Health First Aid USA
Classes on signs to watch for and resources available through August 31, 2015. MHMR is working
collaboratively with NAMI Brazos Valley to provide training for up to 400 educators in the seven county area
by individuals certified as mental health first aid instructors. The classes are 8 hours long with up to 30
participants per class. A tentative estimated allocation of classes by county is below:
 Brazos-having largest number of campuses 5 Eight hour classes
 Robertson-second largest number of campuses 3 Eight hour classes
 Washington and Grimes-2 Eight hour classes each
 Burleson, Leon, and Madison and Texas A&M -1 Eight hour classes each
The grant period is through August 31, 2015. The goal of the program is to provide participants with the
skills necessary to help individual experiencing mental health crisis until the appropriate professional can assist
or until the individual is able to obtain appropriate professional care. The school personnel additionally learn
signs and symptoms of possible mental illness and mental disorders they observe and how to refer those
individuals/students to the appropriate professional as early intervention has been proven to provide better
outcomes. The grant will probably be renewed to go through August 31, 2016.
Page 29 of 43
Priority #3
Problem Identified Data
Increase
number of
trained
professional
s to provide
counseling
County
Brazos
Burleson
Grimes
Leon
Madison
Robertson
Washingto
n
Child &
Adolescent
Psychiatrist
s
3
0
0
0
0
0
0
Psychologist
s
Licensed Chemical
Dependency
Counselors
Licensed Clinical
Social Workers
95
0
0
0
1
0
62
2
4
1
2
4
20
1
4
0
0
1
4
3
4
Source: Identifying the Shortage of Licensed Professionals Available to Serve Juvenile Offenders, Texas Juvenile
Probation Commission, November 2011
Certain types of licensed professionals are not located in many counties and often are not
available in an adjacent county. The listed trained professionals are available in Brazos County
and several adjacent counties but are not in adequate numbers to provide services and treatment
for those in need throughout the Brazos Valley region.
One resource available in the Brazos Valley is the Telehealth Counseling Clinic (TCC). The TCC
is a non-profit psychological service, research, and training clinic operated under the
administration of the Department of Educational Psychology and the Department of Health
Promotion and Community Health Sciences at Texas A&M University. The TCC strives to
increase access to and provision of mental health services for indigent and low-income residents
throughout Texas by providing telehealth counseling and assessment services to underserved
populations. Services are provided by a team consisting of doctoral students in counseling
psychology and doctoral-level supervising faculty who are psychologists or otherwise licensed
mental health professionals.
All Health Resource Centers offer telehealth services to clients as needed.
1. Maintain and expand telehealth services in all counties.
Telehealth reduces the costs and time associated with trained professionals traveling
from one location to the next. For some services, the telehealth would be a good
alternative to a face to face meeting and would increase the reach of one trained
professional in the region. Increasing the number of providers and locations that
clients can use telehealth in each county would provide more opportunities for
members of the community to use the service.
2. Identify available counselors by November 30, 2015. Many people listed as licensed professional
counselors do not have a practice or offer services to the general public. A survey will identify which
counselors are available to victims and the general public for appointments.
2. Identify new funding streams to support achieving goal.
3. Collaborate with providers to recruit child psychiatrists and Child Psychologists to the region. This is
a needed resource in the Brazos Valley. These experts on child behavior and mental processes are needed in
Page 30 of 43
some families and they may have to go out of the region to get those services.
Priority #4
Problem Identified
Increase / Expand detox and substance
abuse treatment facilities in the region
Data
The Rock Prairie Behavior Health Center opened April 18,
2014 with 50 psychiatric beds available. When the facility is
complete it will have 72 beds, which includes 36 beds for
adults, 16 beds for seniors and 20 beds for children.
BVCASA’s mission is to provide quality prevention,
intervention and treatment services for substance abuse and
related issues resulting in increased wellness and security in
the Brazos Valley. BVCASA has provided services in the
region for the past 30 years. The agency is the only state
funded agency within the 7 county region offering substance
abuse treatment to the indigent population. Licensed
substance abuse counselors provide screening/evaluation at
no charge to determine an appropriate referral for each
individual seeking services. We offer outpatient youth and
adult substance abuse treatment services. BVCASA also
offers prevention and intervention services. These include
state approved alcohol awareness education classes such as
DWI/MIP. Our prevention programs are funded by DSHS
and are provided to the schools in the 7 county region using
evidenced based curricula.
Expand services at local detox and treatment facility. The new psychiatric hospital located in Brazos County
offers a full array of inpatient and extensive outpatient services that will help address this need. Expansion of
number of beds available and number of psychiatrists is necessary with the continued growth in the population it
serves.
Page 31 of 43
Priority #5
Problem Identified
Improve access to
transportation to
after care
programs
Data
The Brazos Valley Region has experienced an 11.6% average population increase since the
2000 calendar year, spread over an estimated area of about 5,100 square miles. Many
victims do not have their own transportation, or even if they do, the cost of fuel limits the
distance they can travel for needed services. (Data Source: Texas Department of State
Health Services, and U.S. Census Bureau. (See chart “Population Comparison Data”
supporting statistics))
Crystal Crowell, Executive Director of Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance
Abuse, stated “they (clients) can't make it for our Intensive Outpatient program (which is
usually 4 nights a week) because of transportation. We usually have to adjust their
treatment so they come less frequently but that does impact them when they can't benefit
from the full treatment.” Adjusting treatment could include reducing the number of
treatment sessions per week or eliminating group sessions.
1. Continue reaching out to local bus companies to increase bus routes and
hours. Brazos Valley Transit does provide bus service to all counties in the Brazos
Valley. Fixed routes are very limited outside of Brazos County and hours are 5am
– 7pm Monday through Friday. The Brazos Valley Transportation Partnership
offers free rides but hours are limited and participants have to register with the
Health Resource Center. TAMU bus service does run on evenings and weekends
in the Bryan/College Station area. Access is restricted to Texas A&M and Blinn
College students, staff, and faculty only.
2.
Identify and collaborate with alternative
transportation providers in outer counties by March 2017. Churches with vans and
other agencies may be able to assist in transporting victims and victim’s families to court
dates, aftercare/counseling appointments, medical visits and other needed services. The
Victim Service Task Force will identify the alternative providers through ministerial
alliances and other outreach programs. The Task Force will also look at online
applications like Uber and Lyft to identify possible resources for clients.
Page 32 of 43
Regional Resources
Included below are resources identified by the (COG/Region) Planning Team that are available to provide services
that could potentially help in closing criminal justice gaps.
JUVENILE JUSTICE:
Agency Name
and Phone #
Aggieland
Pregnancy
Outreach, Inc.
(979) 764-6636
Program Activities
Availability
Provides pregnancy counseling, adoption
counseling, support groups, material assistance
Must come to
Brazos Co.
Family and
Consumer
Science
Offers practical information for families: Raising
children, housing and environment, eating well,
managing money and staying healthy
All 7 Counties
Parenting Classes
Monthly parenting classes
Must come to
Brazos Co.
Child Health
Clinic
Provides non-emergency pediatric care
Brazos Co.
residents only
Shots for Tots
Provides free immunizations for children 0-12
Once a month;
must come to
Brazos Co.
BVCAA
(979) 823-5551
Health Centers
Clinicians are committed to providing complete,
compassionate and affordable health care to
area families
All 7 Counties
BVCAA
(979) 823-5551
Family Planning
Provides reproductive health care services
Only once a
month in rural
counties
BVCAA
(979) 823-5551
Head Start
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
All Stars
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Community
Coalition
Programs
Agrilife Extension
(979) 845-3850
Barbara Bush
Parent Center
(979) 764-5504
Brazos County
Health
Department
(979) 361-4440
Brazos County
Health
Department
(979) 361-4440
Program Name
Provides comprehensive education and social
services to children ages 0-5
A school-based substance abuse education
program for grades 6-8, motivates youth not to
use and teaches skills and strategies needed to
resist drug use.
Mobilizes partners at grassroots level to help
reduce alcohol consumption by minors
Page 33 of 43
All 7 Counties
All 7 Counties
Robertson,
Washington and
Brazos Counties
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
MIP/DWI
Offender
Education
MIP state-approved 6 hour alcohol awareness
class. DWI state-approved 12-hour class for
those convicted of a DWI.
Must come to
Brazos County
Agency Name
and Phone #
Program Name
Program Activities
Availability
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Prevention
Resource Center
Region 7
Services include identification, collection and
sharing of community data, facilitation of a
Regional Needs Assessment and coordination of
prevention training throughout the region.
Serves 30
Counties
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Youth Sobering
Facts
A 2-hour course that provides substance abuse
prevention education for you under the age of
18.
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Adults Choices
Not Chances
An 8-hour course that provides substance abuse
prevention education.
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Screening
services no cost
Interview with individual and family, individual
is matched with most appropriate level of
treatment and setting
All 7 Counties
An 8-12 week program consisting of PsychoEducational and process groups weekly
Brazos and
Robertson
County
Taught in Brazos
County/Madison
County by
Teleheath
Taught in Brazos
County/Madison
County
Telehealth
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Substance abuse
treatment for
adult and youth
Red Ribbon
Campaign
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Toward No
Drug Abuse
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Pregnant &
Postpartum
Intervention
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Educational
Services
Brenham Police
Department
(979) 337-7272
Anti-Drinking
and Driving
Program for
Minors
Presents a curriculum of information to students
regarding the use of alcohol
Brenham only
Brenham Police
Department
(979) 337-7272
Neighborhood
Response Team
Community-wide task force that encourages a
more proactive code enforcement
Brenham only
Bryan ISD
(979) 209-1004
Options for
Young Parents
Public school dropout prevention program
providing support services for pregnant or
parenting students
Bryan ISD
Centerville ISD
(903) 536-7812
Department of
Juvenile Justice
& Youth Project
Shots for Tots
Provides substance abuse classes for students
Centerville ISD
Provides community health education and
6 rural counties
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
BVCASA is the official Red Ribbon campaign
organizer for the Brazos Valley Region
A highly interactive program for grades 9-12
designed to help high school youth resist
substance abuse
A substance abuse Intervention program using
the Nurturing Parenting Curriculum for
women/adolescents who are pregnant or
postpartum. With CPS involvement the child
can be 5 and under.
Highly trained, prevention intervention
specialists available to speak to organizations on
a variety of topics.
Page 34 of 43
All 7 Counties
All 7 Counties
All 7 Counties
All 7 Counties
State Health
Services
(512) 458-7111
Agency Name
and Phone #
Department of
State Health
Services
(512) 533-3000
Department of
State Health
Services
(512) 458-7455
provides vaccines for children ages 0-19.
Program Name
Grimes County
(936) 825-1685
Tobacco
Cessation
Grimes County
(936) 825-1685
Texas Drug
Offender
Education
Course
Grimes County
Juvenile Services
(936) 873-3921
Alcohol
Education
Course
Grimes County
Juvenile Services
(936) 873-3921
Community
Service
Restitution
Program
MHMR
(979) 822-6467
(800) 282-6467
National Alliance
on Mental Illness
979-774-4713
Save our Streets
Ministries
(979) 775-5357
Program Activities
Availability
STD, HIV, TB testing and treatment
All 7 Counties
Hepatitis C testing
Washington and
Grimes through
Jan.
Take anyone, but
must go to
Grimes Co. or
adjacent co.
Take anyone, but
must go to
Grimes Co. or
adjacent co.
Take anyone, but
MIP course required by law for all first time
must go to
offenders.
Grimes Co. or
adjacent co.
Take anyone, but
Supervision of court ordered community service
must go to
for delinquent youth and parent or guardian
Grimes Co. or
adjacent co.
Mental Health
Behavioral Health Services
All counties
Mental Health
Free educational classes and support group
meetings for peers and their families/caregivers
All 7 counties
Teenage Girls
and Boys
Ministry
Bible studies and mentoring program for at risk
youth
Open to
everyone, must
come to Bryan
Twin City Mission
(979) 822-7511
STAR
Voices for
Children
(979) 822-9700
UP Mentor
Program
Crisis counseling for children 17 & under and
their families (no formal probation or open CPS
cases)
Program to empower current and former foster
youth ages 16 and older to reach their full
potential through education, individualized
support and integration with community
members and resources.
Page 35 of 43
Call for
Appointment
All 7 Counties
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
Name of Agency
Brazos County Sheriff Office
Bryan Police Department
College Station Police Department
Brazos County Constable, Pct. 1
Burleson County Sheriff Office
Caldwell Police Department
Somerville Police Department
Burleson County Constable, Pct. 1
Grimes County Sheriff Office
Navasota Police Department
Grimes County Constable, Pct. 1
Leon County Sheriff Office
Buffalo Police Department
Jewett Police Department
Normangee Police Department
Oakwood Police Department
Leon County Constable, Pct. 1
Madison County Sheriff Office
Madisonville Police Department
Madisonville CISD Police Department
Madison County Constable, Pct. 1
Madison County Constable, Pct. 2
Robertson County Sheriff Office
Bremond Police Department
Calvert Police Department
Franklin Police Department
Hearne Police Department
Robertson County Constable, Pct. 1
Agency Type
County Sheriff
Municipal Police
Municipal Police
County Constable
County Constable
County Constable
County Constable
County Sheriff
Municipal Police
Municipal Police
County Constable
County Constable
County Constable
County Constable
County Sheriff
Municipal Police
County Constable
County Constable
County Constable
County Sheriff
Municipal Police
Municipal Police
Municipal Police
Municipal Police
County Constable
County Constable
County Constable
County Sheriff
Municipal Police
School District Police
County Constable
County Constable
County Sheriff
Municipal Police
Municipal Police
Municipal Police
Municipal Police
County Constable
County Constable
Page 36 of 43
Description
Chris Kirk, Sheriff
Eric Buske, Chief of Police
Scott McCollum, Chief of Police
Jeff Reeves, Constable
Donald Lampo, Constable
Rick Starnes, Constable
Issac Butler, Constable
Dale Stroud, Sheriff
Thomas Norsworthy, Chief
Nick Malmstrom, Chief
Troy Poehl, Constable
Dennis J. Gaas, Constable
W.W. Warren, Constable
Wayne Wilhelm
Don Sowell, Sheriff
Shawn Myatt, Chief
Dale Schaper, Constable
George Wells, Constable
Ann Weaks, Constable
Kevin Ellis, Sheriff
Lance Pavelka, Chief
Sean O’Reilly, Chief
Mike Wilson, Chief
James Hommell, Chief
Wade Thomas, Constable
George Holleman, Constable
Larry Watson, Constable
Travis Neeley, Sheriff
Jonathan Zitzmann, Interim Chief
George Sweetin, Chief
James Weathers, Constable
Charles D. Turner, Constable
Gerald Yezak, Sheriff
Roger Maddox, Chief
Terry Kuhn, Chief
Terry Thibodeaux, Chief
Thomas Williams, Chief
Vince Angele, Constable
Benny McRae, Constable
Washington County Sheriff Office
Brenham Police Department
Burton Police Department
Washington County Constable, Pct. 1
County Constable
County Constable
County Sheriff
Municipal Police
Municipal Police
County Constable
County Constable
County Constable
County Constable
Mike Fincher, Constable
LeAnthony Dykes, Constable
Otto Hanak, Sheriff
Rex Phelps, Chief
Greg Rolling, Chief
Ken Holle, Constable
Carroll “Butch” Faske, Constable
Nelson Zibilski, Constable
Mark Kramer, Constable
VICTIM SERVICES:
Agency Name
and Phone #
Program Name
Brazos County
(979) 775-7400
Crime Victim's
Compensation
and
Reimbursement
Brazos County
(979) 775-7400
Family Violence
Unit
Provides legal counseling to victims of
domestic or family violence and assists with
protective orders.
Brazos County
BVCASA
(979) 823-5300
Reach
Adult outpatient services
All seven
counties
BVCOG
(979) 595-2800
Indigent Health
Care
Provides assistance with medical needs such as
in-patient, out-patient, physician, x-rays, lab
work.
All 7 Counties
BVCOG
(979) 595-2800
Section 8
Housing
Provides rental assistance to low-income
families within the Brazos Valley.
All 7 Counties
Focusing Families
(979) 826-0000
Family Violence
Program
Counseling, crisis hotline, shelter, community
education
Grimes and
Washington
County
Focusing Families
(979) 826-0000
Emergency
Shelter Program
Shelter to domestic violence/sexual assault
victims for up to 30 days with supportive
services
Grimes and
Washington
County
Focusing Families
(979) 826-0000
Sexual Assault
Program
Counseling, crisis hotline, shelter, community
education
Grimes and
Washington
County
Focusing Families
(979) 826-0000
Children's
Program
Individual and group counseling to child abuse
victims
Grimes and
Washington
County
Health For All
(979) 774-4176
Provides doctor consultations for general
illnesses, vision, pharmaceutical, and dental care
All 7 counties
Lone Star Legal
Civil, Family Law and Landlord Cases
All 7 counties
Program Activities
Availability
Provide compensation and reimbursement to
Brazos County
victims of felony crime resulting in bodily injury
Page 37 of 43
Services
(979) 775-5050
Agency Name
and Phone #
Scotty's House
(979) 775-4695
Sexual Assault
Resource Center
(979) 731-1000
Sexual Assault
Resource Center
(979) 731-1000
Sexual Assault
Resource Center
(979) 731-1000
Program Name
Program Activities
Availability
Counseling
Services
Counseling to child victims of abuse and/or
violence, medical evaluation, testing and
treatment for sexually transmitted diseases,
court preparation if testimony is required.
Counseling for Adult (non-offender) family
members of children impacted by abuse or
violence
All 7 counties
Rape Crisis
Hotline
Hotline accessible by anyone needing assistance
with issues surrounding sexual violence.
All 7 counties
Support Services
and Crisis
Intervention
Provide counseling and support services to
sexual assault survivors
All 7 counties
Educational
Programs
Educational programs available for all age
groups
All 7 counties
Pay light bill, provide furniture, clothing and
groceries
All 7 counties
Sonshine Center
(936) 348-5282
Twin City
Mission
(979) 822-7511
Twin City
Mission
(979) 822-7511
Twin City
Mission
(979) 822-7511
Twin City
Mission
(979) 822-7511
Domestic
Violence
Taskforces
Promote awareness of domestic violence
Domestic
Violence Service
Provide free, temporary, emergency shelter for
victims of domestic violence
Phoebe's Home
Community
Outreach
Residential &
Non-residential
case management
services
Community education presentations available
on domestic violence topics
All 7 counties
All 7 counties
All 7 counties
Provides counseling and case management for
victims of domestic violence and their children
All 7 counties
Twin City
Mission
(979) 822-7511
Child Abuse
Prevention
Education about child abuse
All 7 counties
Twin City
Mission
(979) 822-7511
STAR
Free counseling for children & families, child
abuse prevention presentations
All 7 counties
Voices for
Children
(979) 822-9777
Court appointed
Special
Advocates
(CASA)
Provides a trained volunteer to represent a
child's best interest in court
All 7 counties
Page 38 of 43
ADULT:
Agency Name
and Phone #
Program Name
Program Activities
Brazos Valley
Intergroup
(979) 823-6391
Al-Anon
Support meetings for family members of
alcoholics.
Brazos Valley
Intergroup
(979) 823-6391
Alcoholics
Anonymous
12-step support group that focuses on the
desire to achieve and maintain sobriety
Barbara Bush
Parent Center
(979) 764-5504
Employment
Assistance
Barbara Bush
Parent Center
(979) 764-5504
ESL Classes
Related to employment skills, computer literacy,
resume writing, & interview skills. Priority
given to parents who have children enrolled in
Early Headstart and Headstart.
Provide classes to teach English to non-English
speaking adults. Priority given to parents who
have children enrolled in Early Headstart and
Headstart.
Availability
Meetings in
Brazos &
Washington
Counties open
to all
Meetings in
Brazos &
Washington
Counties open
to all
All 7 counties
All 7 counties
GED Classes
Provide adult General Education Diploma
classes. Priority given to parents who have
children enrolled in Early Headstart and
Headstart.
All 7 counties
Intensive College
Readiness Classes
6 week prep sessions to ready the adult learner
for entry into higher education. Priority given
to parents who have children enrolled in Early
Headstart and Headstart.
All 7 counties
Barbara Bush
Parent Center
(979) 764-5504
Literacy for Life
Provides reading, writing, and English classes
to adults needing remedial instruction. Priority
given to parents who have children enrolled in
Early Headstart and Headstart.
All 7 counties
Brazos County
(979) 775-7400
Brazos County
Civil Legal Aid
Referral
Provide access to legal services in civil matters
for indigent and low-income people
Brazos County
Brazos County
Health
Department
(979) 361-4440
Adult Health
Clinic
Provides hypertension and diabetes screening
as well as non-emergency health care every
Tuesday
Clinic is in
Bryan, open to
everyone
Barbara Bush
Parent Center
(979) 764-5504
Barbara Bush
Parent Center
(979) 764-5504
Burleson Health
Resource Center
(979) 567-3200
BVCAA
Medical & Dental
Information and referral services and advocacy
Care; Counseling,
on behalf of county residents with special needs
Mental Health,
and coordinated delivery of direct services
Rental Assistance
Adult Health
Provides medical services to indigent adults
Page 39 of 43
Burleson
County
Residents
All 7 counties
(979) 823-5551
Clinic
Agency Name
and Phone #
Program Name
Program Activities
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
MIP Classes
State approved Alcohol Awareness Classes
conducted in two 3 hour sessions.
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Treatment &
Screening
Screening services for individual and family.
Individual matched with most appropriate
treatment and setting
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Aftercare
1 to 3 hours per week for up to three monts.
Continued participation in 12-step support
groups required.
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Choices not
Chances
Educational program focusing on substance
abuse, gambling and stress
All 7 counties
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
Community
Education
Programs
Trained speakers are available to speak to
groups on a variety of topics.
All 7 counties
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
REACH
Intensive outpatient alcohol and drug treatment
targeted to meet the needs of adult abusers.
Must come to Brazos, Madison or Robertson
County for treatment.
BVCASA
(979) 846-3560
DWI Classes
State approved 12-hour DWI classes for those
convicted, cost is $100. Must come to Bryan
BVCASA
(979) 823-5300
Therapeutic
Treatment
Community
90-day residential program for men
participating in a two year criminal justice
continuum of care. Must come to Bryan for
care
Take anyone,
Must come to
Bryan
BVCASA
(979) 823-5300
Women's
Therapeutic
Treatment
Community
90-day female transitional treatment center for
those in the Criminal Justice Initiative's in
Prison Therapeutic Communities
All 7 counties
BVCASA
(979) 823-5300
Supportive
Outpatient
Continuum of
Care
Elder-Aid
(979) 823-5127
An outpatient treatment program for people in
Phase III of the Texas Criminal Justice
Initiative
Case management, Home repair, Crisis Utility
or medication expense assistance
Page 40 of 43
Availability
Take anyone,
Must come to
Bryan
Take anyone,
Must come to
Brazos,
Robertson or
Madison
Take anyone,
Must come to
Bryan
Take anyone,
Must come to
Brazos,
Robertson or
Madison
Take anyone,
Must come to
Bryan
Take anyone,
Must come to
Brazos,
Burleson or
Washington
All Seven
Counties –
must be 60
years or older
Grimes Health
Resource Center
(936) 870-4575
Medical & Dental
Care; Counseling,
Mental Health,
Rental Assistance
Agency Name
and Phone #
Program Name
Program Activities
Learning Center
The learning center provides tools in helping
clients learn to rebuild their lives and improve
their self-image.
Heaven Bound
Life Skills Ctr
(979) 822-7797
House of Light
(254) 654-1796
Leon Health
Resource Center
(903) 536-3687
Madison Health
Resource Center
(936) 349-0714
MHMR
(979) 822-6467
(800) 282-6467
helpline
(888) 522-8262
National Alliance
on Mental Illness
979-774-4713
Phoebe's Home
Outreach
(979) 775-2255
Save Our Streets
Ministries
(979) 775-5357
Scotty's House
(979) 775-4695
Sexual Assault
Resource Center
(979) 731-1000
Batterers
Intervention/Training program for domestic
Intervention &
violence offenders often required part of
Prevention
sentencing
Program
Medical & Dental
Care; Counseling,
Mental Health,
Rental Assistance
Medical & Dental
Care; Counseling,
Mental Health,
Rental Assistance
Mental Health
Grimes
County
Residents
Availability
Open to
everyone –
Must come to
Bryan
Meetings in
Franklin on
Saturdays –
Open to all
Leon County
Residents
Madison
County
Residents
Provide services to individuals with mental
illness and intellectual developmental delays
All 7 Counties
Free educational classes and support group
meetings for peers and their families/caregivers
All 7 counties
24-hour emergency shelter for victims of
domestic violence
Must Come to
Bryan
Residential facility for men, offering Bible
study, emotional support, and 12-step groups;
Ministries for men, women, teens and children
Open to
anyone – must
come to Bryan
Forensic Services,
Advocacy,
Counseling,
Education &
Outreach
Brings services to abused children and their
families which brings comfort in times of crisis
and lays a foundation for a healthy future
Counseling, 24hour hotline
Services include free and confidential
counseling for survivors and families of sexual
assault survivors, 24-hour hotline, 24-hour
accompaniment to medical facilities, court or
law enforcement and educational presentations
and trainings.
Page 41 of 43
All 7 Counties
Only once a
week in
outlying
counties always on call
Regional Partnerships
Organizations and agencies within the BVCOG region have a strong history of working together to solve problems
and help close gaps in services. The Sexual Assault Resource Center has coordinated Sexual Assault Response
Teams in the service area that include law enforcement, local prosecutors, medical personnel and social service
organizations. These teams review cases to ensure comprehensive care and more effectively provide services to
survivors in the seven county region. The relationships built in these teams extend to other areas of community and
victim support. The Brazos Valley Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority (MHMRA) organization
works with area law enforcement agencies to assist citizens in mental health crisis. The Brazos Valley MHMRA also
has collaborated with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Brazos Valley (NAMIBV) affiliate in a Memorandum
of Understanding to provide Mental Health First Aid USA-Youth version classes to area teachers, administrators,
and other school staff. NAMIBV is collaborating with Rock Prairie Behavioral Hospital (RPBH) to provide follow
up and additional services for individuals leaving RPBH. NAMIBV hosts weekly Peer and Family Support Group
meetings and Free educational classes for the individuals and their families/caregivers. The Brazos County Sheriff’s
Office Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT) consists of specially trained deputies that respond to persons in mental
crisis who live in Brazos County. The team adheres to and performs in accordance to the Texas Mental Health
Code to respond to situations involving mentally ill consumers in a safe and efficient manner. The CIT works with
MHMR to get help to the individuals that need it.
Page 42 of 43
Future Steps & Implementation
The BVCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee will use the priorities listed in the Brazos Valley Strategic Plan
during the application prioritization process. These priorities will be entered on each score sheet and points will be
given based on how well the applicant addressed the identified local priorities. The strategic plan will help identify
the applications addressing the most critical needs in the region.
The BVCOG Regional Planning Team works in conjunction with other planning groups in the region to ensure a
regular exchange of ideas. Individuals active in the planning process generally serve on many of these committees
and share mutual concerns.
The BVCOG Regional Planning Team strives to meet periodically to review the Plan and make necessary additions
and deletions. At least one formal meeting of the entire group is held each fall, but agency and community
representatives typically submit suggestions and changes via telephone and e-mail throughout the year to the
Planning Coordinator.
Drafts and annual updates of the Regional Plan are circulated by e-mail with requests for comments, changes, etc.
Wherever possible, e-mail is used to reduce the need for meetings, printing, postage, etc.
It is the intent of the Regional Planning Group to improve outcomes for individuals and families struggling with
problems described in the Plan’s focus areas. Efforts are being made by many local agencies and organizations to
address problems with local funds as well as grant funds from multiple state and federal sources. To the extent that
these funds are available, the Regional Planning Team will continue to encourage agencies to provide programming
that addresses the outlined focus areas.
Page 43 of 43
REGION PLANNING COORDINATOR
Rebecca Hill
Brazos Valley Council of Governments
P.O. Drawer 4128
3991 E 29th St
Bryan, TX 77802
(979) 595-2800
This plan is available online at: http://www.bvcog.org
Page 44 of 43

BRAZOS VALLEY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS

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