GCRPC Regional Criminal Justice Strategic Plan

Page |1
GOLDEN CRESCENT
REGIONAL CRIMINAL
JUSTICE PLAN
2016-17
A Strategic Plan for Meeting the Criminal Justice Needs
of the Golden Crescent Region
GOLDEN CRESCENT REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION
120 S. MAIN SUITE 210
VICTORIA, TX 77901
361-578-1587
Page |2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3...........................................................................................................REGION INFORMATION
4………………………………………………………………………………PLANNING TEAM
5............................................................................................................EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
7......................................................................................................... COUNTY INFORMATION
21.............................................................................................JUVENILE SERVICE PRIORITIES
24.................................................................................................VICTIM SERVICE PRIORITIES
27................................................................................CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICE PRIORITIES
30...............................................................MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE ABUSE PRIORITIES
31...........................................................................................................................RESOURCES
36............................................................................................REGIONAL SOLUTIONS/ISSUES
37..........................................................................................................PLAN DEVELOPMENT
38…………………………………………………………………….CONTACT INFORMATION
Page |3
GCRPC REGION
Golden Crescent Regional Planning
Commission
Formation:
January 1968
Type:
Council of Government
Region Served:
6097 sq miles
Membership:
7 counties
Population:
193,930 (2014)
Counties served
Largest cities within the region
Victoria
Dewitt
Lavaca
Calhoun
Goliad
Jackson
Gonzales
Victoria
Cuero
Hallettsville
Port Lavaca
Edna
Yoakum
Gonzales
(pop:
(pop:
(pop:
(pop:
(pop:
(pop:
(pop:
62,592)
6841)
2551)
12,248)
5499)
5815)
7237)
Page |4
Planning Team
PLAN COORDINATOR: Chief J.J. Craig of the Victoria Police Department
PLANNING TEAM
JAY LEWIS
CUERO POLICE DEPARTMENT
JAMES MARTINEZ
PORT LAVACA POLICE DEPARTMENT
CLINTON WOOLRIDGE
EDNA POLICE DEPARTMENT
MIKE BUCHANEK
LAVACA
THOMAS EISMAN
VICTORIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
CARL BOWEN
DEWITT COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
A.J. LOUDERBACK
JACKSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
ELLIE CARTER
GOLIAD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
KIRBY BRUMBY
GOLIAD COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
GINNY STAFFORD
MID-COAST FAMILY SERVICES
MARIA FLORES
THE HARBOR CHILDREN’S ALLIANCE AND VICTIMS CENTER
LUIS LEIJA
CALHOUN COUNTY JUVENILE PROBATION DEPARTMENT
RIC TINNEY
HOPE CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER
TRICIA BECKER
GONZALES COUNTY
CHRIS ROZNOVSKY
LAVACA COUNTY
JACK LABARGE
CITY OF SEADRIFT
JACK WHITLOW
CITY OF PORT LAVACA
Page |5
Executive Summary
2016-2017 REGIONAL STRATEGIC PLAN
GCRPC Regional Planning Commission
This Criminal Justice Regional Strategic Plan encompasses the 7 counties (Victoria, Jackson,
Gonzales, Dewitt, Goliad, Lavaca, and Calhoun counties) in the GCRPC service region. This area
is 6097 square miles and contains approximately 187,123 people
The purpose of the Strategic Plan is to identify priorities and gaps in services regarding Direct
Victim Services, Juvenile Justice Services, Mental Health Services and Criminal Justice Services or
issues in the GCRPC Region so that services, existing programs, new initiatives, and funding
opportunities may be reviewed and resources increased. Applicants applying for yearly grant
funding under the Criminal Justice Division of Texas must meet one of the priorities set forth in
the Strategic Plan. Applications for funding will be scored and ranked by the Criminal Justice
Advisory Committee (CJAC).
This regional strategic plan is in accordance with §2.F in the current Interagency Cooperation
Contract between CJD and the Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission (GCRPC).
• The purpose of this strategic plan is to identify our criminal justice priorities and gaps is
service areas such as Victim Services, Juvenile Justice Services, Mental Health Services and
Criminal Justice Services and related issues by enhancing and improving our criminal justice
needs in the region.
Planning Process
The creation of the criminal justice strategic planning process included CJAC and stakeholder
meetings in which priorities and gaps were identified in services areas such as Victim Services,
Juvenile Justice Services, Mental Health Services and Criminal Justice Services. The stakeholders
consisted of elected officials, appointed officials, juvenile justice officials, law enforcement
organizations, individuals from community-based organizations, individuals from system-based
victim programs, concerned citizens and victim’s advocacy groups. The input process included
meetings, sub committees, emails, and phone calls to determine needs, service priorities and
provided the opportunity for stakeholders to have input in the strategic plan strategies.
This Executive Summary lists the regional priorities in each of the following areas: Criminal Justice
Services; Juvenile Justice Services; Direct Victim Services, and Mental Health/Substance Abuse
Treatment services identified in the regional planning process.
Page |6
Criminal Justice Systems Improvements - Regional Priorities
System/ equipment update repair or improvements.
Mental Health – Specialized training to increase the number of mental health officers and
the ability of law enforcement to work with individuals diagnosed with mental illness
 Need for specialized and advanced training for law enforcement in our area.
 Innovative or Evidence Based Programs – Projects that reduce crime and violence in areas
with high crime rates or organized criminal activity
 Trafficking – Projects that disrupt drug and human trafficking including areas along and near
major state corridors


.
Juvenile Justice Systems Improvements - Regional Priorities
 Minimum Educational programs or services to prevent truancy, suspension and expulsion
 Provide pro–active programs/services that deter at risk youths from entering juvenile justice
system
 Youth substance program/services that address use and/or abuse of tobacco, alcohol, illegal
and legal substances
 Professional therapy and counseling/mental health
 Teen pregnancy
Direct Victims Services-Regional Priorities
 Minimal services and intervention for victims of sexual assault, family violence, at risk
families and non-offending family members who live in rural counties
 Minimal community education/awareness in the Golden Crescent Region to help all persons
recognize and understand family violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault
 Lack of permanent housing for victims who must relocate due to family violence and/or
sexual assault
 Minimal funding for direct victims services to include emergency shelter, counseling, legal
advocacy, transportation, housing search and placement, assistance with Crime Victims
Compensation, accessing VINE and other support services
 Minimal coordination and communication between law enforcement, first responders,
prosecutors, judges, and local victims service providers
Mental Health/Substance Abuse Treatment-Local Priorities
 Transportation of suspected mental health individuals
Page |7
 Limited access to substance and alcohol abuse counseling
 Public awareness of mental health/substance abuse counseling
Victoria County
Victoria County is located in southeast Texas. Victoria County has 882.14 square miles of land
area and 6.69 square miles of water area. As of 2010, the total Victoria county population is 86,793,
which has grown 3.22% since 2000. The population growth rate is much lower than the state
average rate of 20.59% and is much lower than the national average rate of 9.71%. Victoria county
median household income is $50,097 in 2008-2012 and has grown by 29.34% since 2000. The
income growth rate is about the same as the state average rate of 29.14% and is higher than the
national average rate of 26.32%. Victoria county median house value is $106,500 in 2008-2012 and
has grown by 45.29% since 2000. The house value growth rate is lower than the state average rate
of 55.15% and is lower than the national average rate of 51.67%. As a reference, the national
Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate for the same period is 26.63%
School Districts
Page |8
Page |9
Gonzales County
Gonzales County is located in southeast Texas. Gonzales County has 1,066.69 square miles of
land area and 3.17 square miles of water area. As of 2010, the total Gonzales county population is
19,807, which has grown 6.33% since 2000. The population growth rate is much lower than the
state average rate of 20.59% and is lower than the national average rate of 9.71%. Gonzales county
median household income is $39,115 in 2008-2012 and has grown by 37.88% since 2000. The
income growth rate is higher than the state average rate of 29.14% and is higher than the national
average rate of 26.32%. Gonzales county median house value is $78,400 in 2008-2012 and has
grown by 61.65% since 2000. The house value growth rate is higher than the state average rate of
55.15% and is higher than the national average rate of 51.67%. As a reference, the national
Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate for the same period is 26.63%
School Districts
P a g e | 10
P a g e | 11
Goliad County
Goliad County is located in southeast Texas. Goliad County has 852.01 square miles of land
area and 7.36 square miles of water area. As of 2010, the total Goliad county population is
7,210, which has grown 4.07% since 2000. The population growth rate is much lower than the
state average rate of 20.59% and is much lower than the national average rate of 9.71%. Goliad
county median household income is $50,635 in 2008-2012 and has grown by 48.05% since
2000. The income growth rate is much higher than the state average rate of 29.14% and is much
higher than the national average rate of 26.32%. Goliad county median house value is $101,900
in 2008-2012 and has grown by 77.53% since 2000. The house value growth rate is higher than
the state average rate of 55.15% and is much higher than the national average rate of 51.67%.
As a reference, the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate for the same period is
26.63%
School Districts
P a g e | 12
P a g e | 13
Calhoun County
As of 2010, the total population of Calhoun County is 21,381, which is 3.55% more than it was
in 2000. The population growth rate is much lower than the state average rate of 20.59% and is
much lower than the national average rate of 9.71%. The Calhoun County population density is
20.70 people per square mile, which is much lower than the state average density of 93.62 people
per square mile and is much lower than the national average density of 81.32 people per square
mile. The most prevalent race in Calhoun County is white, which represent 81.53% of the total
population.
School Districts
P a g e | 14
P a g e | 15
Lavaca County
Lavaca County is located in southeast Texas. Lavaca County has 969.71 square miles of land area
and 0.73 square miles of water area. As of 2010, the total Lavaca county population is 19,263,
which has grown 0.28% since 2000. The population growth rate is much lower than the state
average rate of 20.59% and is much lower than the national average rate of 9.71%. Lavaca county
median household income is $42,934 in 2008-2012 and has grown by 47.38% since 2000. The
income growth rate is much higher than the state average rate of 29.14% and is much higher than
the national average rate of 26.32%. Lavaca county median house value is $87,300 in 2008-2012
and has grown by 56.45% since 2000. The house value growth rate is about the same as the state
average rate of 55.15% and is higher than the national average rate of 51.67%. As a reference, the
national Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate for the same period is 26.63%
School Districts
P a g e | 16
P a g e | 17
Jackson County
Jackson County is located in southeast Texas. Jackson County has 857 square miles of land
area and 27 square miles of water area.
As of the census of 2000, there were 14,391 people, 5,336 households, and 3,889 families residing
in the county. The population density was 17 people per square mile (7/km²). There were 6,545
housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile (3/km²). The racial makeup of the county
was 76.49% White, 7.64% Black or African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.39% Asian,
0.06% Pacific Islander, 12.65% from other races, and 2.39% from two or more races. 24.68% of
the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 17.9% were of German, 10.8% American,
9.3% Czech, 6.0% Irish and 5.6% English ancestry according to Census 2000. 81.6% spoke English
and 17.4% Spanish as their first language.
There were 5,336 households out of which 34.70% had children under the age of 18 living with
them, 58.20% were married couples living together, 10.50% had a female householder with no
husband present, and 27.10% were non-families. 24.20% of all households were made up of
individuals and 12.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average
household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.15.
In the county, the population was spread out with 27.40% under the age of 18, 8.20% from 18 to
24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 22.30% from 45 to 64, and 15.90% who were 65 years of age or older.
The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 96.70 males. For every 100 females
age 18 and over, there were 93.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,254, and the median income for a
family was $42,066. Males had a median income of $32,639 versus $19,661 for females. The per
capita income for the county was $16,693. About 12.20% of families and 14.70% of the population
were below the poverty line, including 19.10% of those under age 18 and 15.60% of those age 65
or over.
P a g e | 18
School Districts
Edna Independent School District
Address: 1307 W. Gayle Street, Edna, TX 77957
Phone: (361)-781-1002
Ganado School District
Address: 211 S 6th St, Ganado, TX 77962
Phone:(361) 771-4200
Industrial Independent School District
Address: 187 5th St, Vanderbilt, TX 77991
Phone:(361) 284-3216
P a g e | 19
Dewitt County
DeWitt County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, its
population was 20,097. The seat of the county is Cuero. DeWitt County was founded in 1846
and is named for Green DeWitt, who founded an early colony in Texas
Dewitt County is located in southeast Texas. Dewitt County has 909 square miles of land area
and 1 square miles of water area.
As of the census of 2000, there were 20,013 people, 7,207 households, and 5,131 families
residing in the county. The population density was 22 people per square mile (8/km²). There were
8,756 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the
county was 76.4% White, 11.0% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.2% Asian,
0.02% Pacific Islander, 10.0% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. 27.2% of the
population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 28.0% were of German and 6.1% American
ancestry according to Census 2000. 77.2% spoke English, 20.5% Spanish and 1.6% German as
their first language.
There were 7,207 households out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with
them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no
husband present, and 28.80% were non-families. 26.4% of all households were made up of
individuals and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average
household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.8% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24,
27.1% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The
median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 105.5 males. For every 100 females age
18 and over, there were 105.2 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $28,714, and the median income for a
family was $33,513. Males had a median income of $27,134 versus $18,370 for females. The per
capita income for the county was $14,780. About 15.3% of families and 19.6% of the population
were below the poverty line, including 25.5% of those under age 18 and 16.5% of those age 65 or
over
P a g e | 20
School Districts
Cuero Independent School District
Address: 405 Park Heights, Cuero, TX 77954
Phone:(361) 275-1900
Yoakum Independent School District
Address: 102 McKinnon St, Yoakum, TX 77995
Phone:(361) 293-3535
Westhoff Independent School District
Address: 244 Lynch Ave, Westhoff, TX 77994
Phone: (830) 236-5519
Meyersville Independent School District
Address: 1897 Meyersville Rd, Meyersville, TX 77974
Phone: (361) 277-5817
Nordheim Independent School District
Address: 500 North Broadway, Nordheim, TX 78141
Phone: (361)938-5211
Yorktown Independent School District
Address: 331 Main St, Yorktown, TX 78164
Phone: (361) 564-2252
P a g e | 21
Juvenile Justice System improvements
Priority #1
Problem Identified
Minimum Educational
programs or services to
prevent truancy,
suspension and expulsion
Data
Limited funding and resources to provide programs to
address these issues for rural communities throughout
the region.
Potential Response to Problem




Provide awareness to School Districts in regards to funding opportunities that
address these issues.
Place what limited resources available in assessing and providing needed services
to truant youths and their families at the earliest point at which problem behavior is
identified.
Increase collaboration with community resources—including law enforcement, mental
health services, mentoring and social services
School administrative support and commitment to keep youth in the educational
mainstream
Priority #2
Problem Identified
Provide pro–active
programs/services that
deter at risk youths from
entering juvenile justice
system
Data
Limited programs, services and staff to divert juveniles
form entering the juvenile justice system in the regions.
.
Potential Response to Problem


Efficient use of limited resources through improved coordination of services
between law enforcement, juvenile probation and school districts.
Engage in innovative change process designed to help successfully implement
new front in policies and programs
P a g e | 22
Priority #3
Problem Identified
Youth substance
program/services that
address use and/or abuse
of tobacco, alcohol, illegal
and legal substances
Data
Currently, The GCRPC provides limited reimbursement to
substance abuse counseling for incarcerated youths or
youths that are on probation within the region. The increase
in youths entering the juvenile system has increased and so
has the demand for funds to provide for these services.
Prevention is key to this issue.
Potential Response to Problem



Seek funding to allow for prevention programs, treatment and follow up care for
juveniles struggling with addiction.
In school programs involving parents/ guardians on lifestyle alternatives.
Clandestine policing of local businesses selling tobacco/alcohol to minors and
severe punishment to establishments and persons caught selling to juveniles.
Priority #4
Problem Identified
Professional therapy and
counseling/mental health
Data
Currently, The GCRPC provides limited reimbursement to
substance abuse counseling for incarcerated youths or
youths that are on probation within the region. The increase
in youths entering the juvenile system has increased and so
has the demand for funds to provide for these services data
here, cited)
Potential Response to Problem


Seek funding opportunities to provide assistance with therapy and counseling.
Increased training for educators and school counselors to identify youths who
may need these services.
P a g e | 23
Priority #5
Problem Identified
Teen pregnancy
Data
Teen pregnancy is an issue in our region and middle school
children have become more sexually active in our region.
Texas has one of the highest rate teen pregnancy and
highest rate of repeat teen births.
Potential Response to Problem



Educating civic leaders, parents, and other community members about
evidence-based strategies to reduce teen pregnancy and improve adolescent
reproductive health, including needs and available resources in the target
community
Providing teens with evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention programs,
including youth development and curriculum-based programs that reduce teen
pregnancy and associated risk factors
Engage all sectors of the population in a communitywide effort to address teen
pregnancy prevention
P a g e | 24
Direct Victim Services
Priority #1
Problem identified
Data
Minimal services and
intervention for victims of
sexual assault, family
violence, at risk families
and non-offending family
members who live in rural
counties.
All service providers in the Golden Crescent Region are
located in Victoria and Calhoun Counties. There is also
not enough funding to meet the vision and mission for
Direct Victim services, which is to provide all crime
victims in the region with services that are needed
Potential Response to Problem
 Increase funding for providers to dedicate staff to travel to and office in rural
counties to provide outreach, case management, advocacy, hospital/court
accompaniment, and crisis counseling for victims
 Develop a volunteer program to recruit and train county residents to serve
victims within their own area
 Coordinate with first responders in rural counties to develop a protocol to
respond to reported incidents of family violence and sexual assault so that
victims may access existing services
 Develop and implement a transportation plan for victims in rural counties to
travel to Victoria or Calhoun Counties for service
Priority #2
Problem Identified
Lack of permanent housing
for victims who must
relocate due to family
violence and/or sexual
assault
Data
Issues include: Limited state funding for housing
assistance in the Golden Crescent Region; the rising cost
of housing in the area; and the scarcity of housing
Potential Response to Problem
 Seek additional state and federal funding dedicated to housing solutions in each
of the seven counties
 Coordinate with housing authorities in order to access existing housing in each
county
P a g e | 25
Priority #3
Problem Identified
Data
Minimal community
education/awareness in the Golden
Crescent Region to help all persons
recognize and understand family
violence, dating violence, stalking,
and sexual assault. Awareness will
help victims and family members
understand how to seek assistance
and information about victims’
rights and understand the
resources available so that family
and friends of victims know how to
support victims of crime.
Limited staff from the two providers serves a
population of more than 180,000 persons and is
growing daily. There is no major public
awareness campaign, to increase overall public
awareness.
Potential Response to Problem
 Recruit and train volunteers to conduct education and outreach activities
 Involve the media, schools, faith community, and social groups in education and
outreach
Priority #4
Problem Identified
Minimal funding for direct victims
services to include emergency shelter,
counseling, legal advocacy,
transportation, housing search and
placement, assistance with Crime
Victims Compensation, accessing
VINE (Victims Information and
Notification Everyday), and other
support services
Data
State funding for direct victims services and
other related activities in the Golden
Crescent Region of Texas has remained
level or decreased over the last two years,
despite the fact that the area is experiencing
increased population growth and
development
Potential Response to Problem
 Coordinate efforts with our state legislators to advocate for increased funding in
our area
 Seek additional funding from other sources, including private and public sources
P a g e | 26
Priority #5
Problem Identified
Minimal coordination and communication
between law enforcement, first responders,
prosecutors, judges, and local victims service
providers
Data
No consistent system is in place
to ensure each victim’s unique
needs are met in a timely and
efficient manner
Potential Response to Problem
 Develop protocols between all parties
 Develop and implement active working agreements between all parties to reflect
protocols and responsibilities between all parties
 Conduct regular meetings to discuss and solve communication issues
 Conduct trainings, which provide CEUs and/or TCOLE credits, which address
the issues of family violence, stalking, dating violence, and sexual assault
 Designate, train, or hire a Resource Coordinator to be the single point of contact
between all parties
P a g e | 27
Criminal Justice Service Improvements
Priority #1
Problem Identified
System/ equipment
update repair or
improvements
Data
Restraints on law enforcement agencies due
to lack of funding to purchase needed
equipment/system upgrades and improvements
or replacements to existing systems
Potential Response to Problem
Outdated equipment needs to be replaced to keep up with advancing technology that helps
reduce and prosecute crimes and store evidence. The consensus has been to seek funding
opportunities to help alleviate budget constraints.
Priority #2
Problem Identified
Mental Health –
Specialized training to
increase the number of
mental health officers and
the ability of law
enforcement to work with
individuals diagnosed
with mental illness
Data
This is an ongoing issue with the lack of Mental Health
Officers in our region. Our region is predominantly rural
and therefore training budgets for some agencies is at a
bare minimum. Rural agencies have to use their training
budgets to keep law enforcement officers in compliance
with police officer certification and rarely have excess to
spend on specialized training.
Potential Response to Problem
 Seek funding opportunities that will help promote training or specialized
training for law enforcement.
 Work with the GCRPC in seeking reimbursement for mental health officer
training
P a g e | 28
Priority #3
Problem Identified
1) Innovative or Evidence
Based Programs –
Projects that reduce
crime and violence in
areas with high crime
rates or organized
criminal activity;
Data
Limited funds and resources for law enforcement agencies
to promote the reduction in crime and violence.
Potential Response to Problem




Seek funding opportunities that target crime reduction and violence
Increase police presence in crime “hot spots” to reduce criminal activity
Promote community watch/neighborhood watch
Form joint task force to combat and reduce certain types of crime
Priority #4
Problem Identified
2) Trafficking – Projects
that disrupt drug and
human trafficking
including areas along
and near major state
corridors
Data
Our region is a major trafficking area for drugs and human
trafficking. Our COG has US HWY 59 that is used frequently
to achieve these crimes. We are also near major cities such
as Houston, San Antonio and Austin that have active
markets for drugs and human trafficking.
Potential Response to Problem
 Coordinate efforts amongst law enforcement agencies aimed at a balanced targeting


efforts on drug/human trafficking organizations operating within and coming
through our area of responsibility.
Continual training opportunities to provide area law enforcement officers with the
latest and most successful investigative techniques available.
Seek funding opportunities that will provide projects specifically focused on
drug/human trafficking.
P a g e | 29
Priority #5
Problem Identified
Need for specialized and
advanced training for law
enforcement in our area.
Data
Majority of our region is rural and law enforcement agencies
have limited budgets that doesn’t afford for providing their
officers with advanced or specialized training.
Potential Response to Problem
 Seek reimbursement from the GCRPC to bring in specialized or advanced
training for the region.
 Create a network of amongst law enforcement agencies within our region and
possibly collaborate on training or co sponsor training.
 Officers who have attended train the trainer programs can benefit the law
enforcement agencies in the area by hosting a class on what they have learned.
P a g e | 30
Mental Health/Substance Abuse
Treatment
Priority #1
Problem Identified
Transportation of
suspected mental health
individuals
Data
This is problematic in our rural region and takes away
man power and resources when committals have to be
conducted.
Potential Response to Problem
 Creating pre-screen centers with on call therapist who can assist law
enforcement with stabilizing individuals suspected of mental health issues.
Priority #2
Problem Identified
Substance Abuse
Data
There is a shortage of substance abuse counseling that is
available in rural counties.
Potential Response to Problem
 Develop programs or strategies that decrease substance abuse, alcohol use,
marijuana use and prescription drug abuse in rural areas
 Collaborate with schools on educational seminars for students about mental
health/substance abuse issues and increase interaction with school counselors
Priority #3
Problem Identified
Incarceration of
suspected mentally ill
subjects
Data
There has been an increase of arrest of subjects who
suffer from some type of mental illness
Potential Response to Problem
 Create a jail diversion program and utilize available resources
 Law enforcement training in mental health to assist identifying subjects upon
arrest
P a g e | 31
RESOURCES
JUVENILE JUSTICE:
Crossroads Family Services
Family counseling (Home and school-based). Provides short-term, goal oriented counseling designed to deal with
the current crisis situation.
Maintains 24-hotline to assist families in managing difficult family
situations
Child Protective Services
Investigates reports of abuse and neglect of children. Places children in foster care and provides services to assist
youth in foster care.
Gulf Bend STAR Program
Links families to other community agencies when other services are needed for their health and well-being. They
also offer skills training in parenting, family communication, conflict resolution, anger management and more.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Child advocacy that serves the needs of abused and neglected children in Calhoun, Dewitt, Jackson, Lavaca,
Victoria, Goliad and Gonzales counties.
The Harbor Children’s Alliance and Victim Center
The Harbor provides 24 hour assistance to child abuse victims, domestic violence victims and their children and
sexual assault survivors. Crisis counseling/intervention, legal advocacy referrals to community agencies.
The YMCA
Offers summer camps, after school care, sports and fitness programs for youth and teens.
P a g e | 32
Lighthouse 2911
Lighthouse 2911 provides the “PALS” Program (Positive Attitude & Life Skills) to youth who are between the ages
of ten (10) and eighteen (18) years of age. LIGHTHOUSE 2911 Programs are multifaceted, directed at improving
the attitude and life skills of its youth participants. It is a drug and violence prevention and educational
support program
Boys and Girls Club
Programs offered at the Boys & Girls Club promote character and leadership development in a safe and nurturing
environment In general, the “Club” offers our youth safe refuge while their parents are still at work Research
studies have proven that children engaged in positive after-school programs
Juvenile Probation Departments
The Juvenile probation departments play an active role in providing professional counseling and substance
counseling along with other services to youths.
Hope of South Texas
Offers victims service in Victoria County for children. It provides case coordination/management from initial
referrals through case disposition, child and family advocacy; mental health services, referrals to
counseling/therapy/medical exams and provides training for professionals
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission (GCRPC)
Provides reimbursement for law enforcement training within the region and out of the region. The GCRPC also
serves as a nexus to inform law enforcement agencies of new training and funding opportunities.
Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers is a partnership of law enforcement, the community and local media. The purpose of Crime
Stoppers is to encourage citizens to assist law enforcement to fight crime through anonymous tips.
Neighborhood Watch
Establishes a communication effort between homes and reports suspicious activity to authority. It educates people
about modern security for their home.
P a g e | 33
Victoria College
The Victoria College offers a police academy for potential new recruits and a continuing education training for law
enforcement officers
Victoria Police Department
The Victoria Police Department offers community alerts about crime or public safety issues in neighborhood
directly to consumers
VICTIM SERVICES
The Harbor Children’s Alliance and Victim Center
The Harbor provides 24 hour assistance to child abuse victims, domestic violence victims and their children and
sexual assault survivors. Crisis counseling/intervention, legal advocacy referrals to community agencies
Mid-Coast Family Services
Offers outreach, screening assessment, referrals and counseling to victims. They also have a women’s crisis center
and provides shelter for battered women and also have a program that targets family violence prevention as well as
other services to assist victims.
United Way
A local non-profit organization that focuses on human service needs of communities in this area
Victoria County District Victim Assistance Coordinator
Assistance with filing applications for Crime Victim Compensation and answers to general questions;
Information of and registration with the VINE program;
Information about and referrals to local social service agencies in addition, work with various social service agencies
to meet crime victims' needs
The Harbor Children’s Alliance and Victim Center
The Harbor provides 24 hour assistance to child abuse victims, domestic violence victims and their children and
sexual assault survivors. Crisis counseling/intervention, legal advocacy referrals to community agencies.
P a g e | 34
MADD: Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Referrals to local community resources including but not limited to support groups, crisis professional counselors,
and civil attorneys
Hope of South Texas
Offers victims service in Victoria County for children. It provides case coordination/management
from initial referrals through case disposition, child and family advocacy; mental health services,
referrals to counseling/therapy/medical exams and provides training for professionals
MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE ABUSE
RECLAMATION COUNSELING CENTER
PROVIDES COUNSELING AND ANGER MANAGEMENT CLASSES.
GULF BEND CENTER
Provider of services for a very special segment of the population of those persons experiencing mental illness,
specifically the serious and persistent mentally ill including persons with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major
depression. The Center also addresses the needs of persons with intellectual functioning & developmental
disabilities and related conditions.
Alcoholics Anonymous
a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve
their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
P a g e | 35
Mid-Coast Family Services
Provide screenings and referrals for youth and adults who are struggling with substance abuse and also provide
DWI Repeat Offenders Classes.
Devereux Texas Victoria
Specializes in treating children and adults experiencing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, developmental, and
psychiatric disorders.
Detar Behavioral Health Services
They offer behavioral health services designed to treat emotional and psychiatric conditions
Community Health Centers of South Central Texas
Gonzales Community Health Center
Provides help with emotional or behavioral problems such as difficulties with your family or relationships, grief,
excess stress, depression, anxiety, or anger.
P a g e | 36
REGIONAL ISSUES
The Golden Crescent Regional Planning Commission is primarily a rural region. Victim’s
services, substance abuse counseling, mental health services and professional counseling are
lacking in the rural areas of our COG. It is difficult to close gaps in services when you have to
travel to different cities and counties to receive these services.
Funding also places a crucial role in our regions criminal justice needs. Budgets can be small
for certain programs or agencies and doesn’t allow for expansion, replacement or acquisition of
equipment or services. The consensus has been to seek funding opportunities to help alleviate
budget constraints. Funding can also assist in creating new programs that target some of the
gaps or expand services in rural areas such as victim’s services, mental health, substance abuse
and more. Coordination, collaboration and communication amongst agencies will help alleviate
resources and target specific issues.
The GCRPC can continue to serve as a nexus for relaying and coordinating training
opportunities between law enforcement agencies to prevent duplication of certain training. The
GCRPC will strive to create a very active relationship with law enforcement in our region to
bring in quality specialized and advanced training.
The GCRPC will also continue to work closely with our juvenile probations and school districts
in the region to promote educational awareness and assist with reimbursement with counseling
and substance abuse.
P a g e | 37
Long Range Plan Development, Monitoring and
Evaluation
The Criminal Justice Planning Team will strive to meet periodically to review
the plan and make necessary additions and deletions on a yearly basis Agencies
and community representatives will be allowed to submit suggestions and
changes via telephone and e-mail throughout the year to the Planning
Coordinator to be considered in the next meeting date. Any changes to the plan
must be approved by the planning team. Drafts and annual updates of the
strategic plan will be circulated by e-mail with request for comments, changes,
etc.
P a g e | 38
REGION PLANNING COORDINATOR
Chief J.J Craig
PLANNING LIAISON FROM (GCRPC)
Elias Moya
Criminal Justice Coordinator
361-578-1587 ext. 222
[email protected]
This Plan is available online at:
gcrpc.org