Youth Justice

Deep Concerns Regarding the Across-the-Board Cut in the Senate Budget

Testimony to the Senate Finance Committee

We urge the Committee to withdraw the across-the-board cut contained in Article IX of the Senate budget and consider each program’s funding needs on a case-by-case basis. The proposed $1 billion cut would undermine the state’s efforts to improve child protection. It would lead to Medicaid cuts far in excess of the controversial therapy rate cuts for children with disabilities. It would also make it harder to reach full funding for the new pre-k grant program and other services that are critical to the success of children.

Five Children’s Issues Texas Lawmakers Must Tackle in this Legislative Session

Here are five high-profile issues to keep an eye on in the 2017 legislative session.

Six Moments From 2016

Looking back over the last year, we are proud of everything that we've accomplished together for Texas kids -- and fired up to do a lot more work together with you when the Legislature convenes in a few weeks. Here are a few moments from 2016 that stand out.

New Report Finds that Texas Schools Continue to Rely on Police Officers, Courts, and Juvenile Probation to Address Minor School Misbehavior

Data show that youth of color and students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to arrests, court involvement, use of force, and juvenile probation for similar behavior.

Top Texas Kids' Issues for 2017 & Our Policy Recommendations

Foster care, services for kids with disabilities, mental health, next steps for the new pre-k grants, women's health, 17-year-olds in the adult criminal justice system, & more.

In the News: Keep Preteens Out of Juvenile System, Texas House Panel Told

Already facing calls to limit when teenagers are treated as adults in the criminal justice system, Texas lawmakers next year may also see legislation trying to keep preteens from being shunted into the juvenile justice system.