Dallas County Juvenile Diversion Programs

How the Dallas County Juvenile System Works

When a young person is referred to the Dallas County Juvenile Department, they enter a system governed by Texas Family Code Title 3, which prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment for youth under 17. The department operates under the Dallas County Juvenile Board and maintains five secure facilities, three nonsecure programs, and a network of specialized courts and diversion options.

Unlike the adult criminal system, juvenile proceedings focus on what’s called “adjudication” rather than conviction. The goal is to provide the least restrictive intervention that still protects public safety and addresses your child’s needs. This philosophy shapes every program Dallas County offers.

Cases handled at the Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center in Dallas go through an intake process where probation officers assess the youth’s risk level, offense severity, and family situation. This assessment determines whether a case gets diverted, referred to a specialty court, or proceeds through traditional adjudication.

Front-End Diversion Programs

Dallas County’s diversion programs allow many young people to avoid formal court proceedings entirely. These front-end options can result in no adjudication on your child’s record, making them the most desirable outcome in most cases.

Probation Officer Diversion (Informal)

For first-time offenders charged with low-level delinquent conduct, probation officers can impose conditions without ever involving the court. This informal diversion typically requires school attendance, curfew compliance, counseling, community service, and decision-making classes.

If your child completes these conditions successfully, the case closes without any formal adjudication. Failure to comply, however, can result in the prosecutor filing a formal petition and proceeding to court.

This option works best for youth with no serious prior history, an engaged parent or guardian willing to supervise compliance, and an offense that doesn’t involve violence, weapons, or sexual conduct.

Specialized Diversion Courts

Dallas County operates several diversion court models that provide intensive supervision and treatment while allowing youth to avoid traditional adjudication. Each targets specific populations and risk factors.

If your child is facing charges in Dallas County, call (214) 903-4000 for a free consultation to discuss which program might be right for their situation.

What Our Dallas Juvenile Lawyer Does

The placement your child receives depends heavily on how their case is presented at intake and in court. At Varghese Summersett, our juvenile defense practice is led by Lisa Herrick, a Board Certified Juvenile Law attorney by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Board certification requires attorneys to demonstrate substantial experience, pass a rigorous examination, and maintain ongoing specialized education in their field. Fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys hold any board certification, and juvenile law specialists are even rarer.

This level of expertise matters in juvenile court. Lisa Herrick understands the nuances of the Dallas County system, knows which programs best fit different situations, and has established relationships with prosecutors, probation officers, and judges across North Texas juvenile courts. Her focus on juvenile defense means families get an attorney who handles these cases every day, not someone dabbling in juvenile matters between adult criminal cases.

In a recent Denton County juvenile case, Lisa represented a young person facing three serious charges: engaging in organized crime, evading arrest, and burglary of motor vehicle. Through strategic plea negotiation, she secured a non-suit on the organized crime charge and 15 months probation on the remaining charges, allowing the client to remain in the community rather than face commitment. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Lisa also regularly achieves pre-filing intervention. In multiple 2025 cases, she presented arguments and mitigating factors at intake that resulted in supervisory cautions rather than formal charges for assault causing bodily injury and assault on a public servant. This type of early intervention can prevent a case from ever entering the formal court system.

Protect your child’s future. Schedule a free consultation by calling (214) 903-4000.

Dallas County offers one of the most developed juvenile program systems in Texas, with multiple pathways designed to keep young people out of secure confinement while addressing the underlying issues that led to their involvement with the law. If your child has been referred to the Dallas County Juvenile Department, understanding these programs can make the difference between a second chance and a lasting record.

The right program placement depends on the offense, your child’s history, and their specific needs. A skilled juvenile defense attorney can advocate for the most favorable placement and help your family understand what to expect at each stage.

Dallas County Juvenile Diversion Courts

Juvenile Drug Diversion Court

This court serves youth whose delinquent conduct stems primarily from substance use. Candidates typically face drug-related charges (possession, use, or property offenses connected to drug activity) and have no significant violent history.

The program uses a phased treatment model with frequent court reviews, graduated sanctions for violations, and rewards for compliance. Youth participate in substance abuse assessments, outpatient treatment, drug testing, and family therapy. Successful completion can result in dismissal or a more favorable disposition than traditional adjudication would provide.

Juvenile Mental Health Diversion Court

Youth with diagnosable mental health conditions that contributed to their alleged conduct may qualify for this specialized docket. Candidates typically have documented diagnoses such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or psychotic features, along with a history of treatment, hospitalization, or symptoms that directly connect to their behavior.

The court coordinates with Metrocare and other community providers to ensure proper medication management, therapy, and wraparound services. The intensive oversight helps stabilize youth who might otherwise cycle through the system without addressing their underlying conditions.

Diversion Male Court (DMC)

This program specifically targets minority males at high risk due to factors like truancy, failing grades, negative peer influences, and neighborhood risk factors. The court’s explicit purpose is addressing disproportionate minority contact within the juvenile system.

Participants receive culturally responsive programming, intensive case management, Functional Family Therapy, truancy monitoring, and mentoring. The approach recognizes that many young men enter the system early and could change trajectory with proper structure and support before their behavior escalates.

E.S.T.E.E.M. Court (Girls’ Diversion)

Female youth with emerging delinquency often have different underlying issues than their male counterparts. E.S.T.E.E.M. Court provides gender-responsive programming that addresses trauma history, exploitation risk, self-esteem issues, and relational aggression.

The court works with girls showing early-stage delinquency or CHINS-type behaviors (Conduct Indicating a Need for Supervision) rather than entrenched criminal patterns. Texas juvenile law recognizes that girls often need different interventions than boys, and this court reflects that understanding.

Youthful Offenders Court

Very young alleged offenders (typically ages 10-13) with first-time referrals may be placed in this court, which recognizes that detention and commitment are often disproportionate responses for children this age. The court provides structured services while avoiding the formal labeling that can harm a child’s development and self-concept.

Developmental science supports treating younger juveniles differently. Under Texas Family Code § 54.04, courts must consider the child’s age and maturity when determining disposition, and this court operationalizes that requirement for the youngest offenders.

Specialty Probation Units

When diversion isn’t possible, Dallas County offers specialized probation supervision for youth with specific needs. These programs provide more intensive services than standard probation while keeping youth in the community.

Special Needs Unit (SNU)

Youth on formal probation who have significant mental health diagnoses affecting their behavior and compliance are supervised by specially trained officers in this unit. The program combines traditional probation conditions (school attendance, curfew, no drug use) with mandated therapeutic treatment and wraparound community services.

More frequent court reviews help the judge monitor progress and adjust conditions as needed. The goal is stabilizing youth who might otherwise violate standard probation and face more restrictive placements.

Sex Offender Unit

Youth adjudicated for sexual offenses or identified sexual behavior problems receive intensive supervision and specialized treatment through this unit. Minimum supervision length is two years, with treatment provided by master’s or doctoral-level clinicians trained in adolescent sexual behavior.

Conditions typically include close supervision, safety planning, no-contact orders, internet restrictions, and polygraph testing where court-ordered. Registration requirements follow statutory mandates and court orders specific to each case.

Clinical and Treatment Programs

Dallas County Juvenile Department operates comprehensive clinical services that support youth across all program types, from diversion through secure detention.

Substance Abuse Unit (SAU)

This unit provides chemical dependency assessments, Drug Intervention classes, and both supportive and intensive outpatient treatment. Services include:

• Chemical dependency assessments
• Drug Intervention classes for first-time or low-level offenders
• Supportive Outpatient Program (SOP) for moderate substance issues
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for serious substance use disorders

These services function as conditions of diversion, probation, or placement. Successful completion supports favorable court reviews and can prevent escalation to more restrictive settings.

Psychology Unit

Youth with suspected mental health needs, behavioral issues, or court-ordered evaluation requirements receive services through this unit. Available services include psychological testing, individual and family therapy, crisis intervention, and recommendations to the court and probation officers.

Findings from this unit inform placement decisions, treatment requirements, and arguments for or against commitment to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.

Functional Family Therapy

Many Dallas County programs incorporate Functional Family Therapy (FFT), an evidence-based approach that addresses family dynamics contributing to juvenile delinquency. This multisystemic treatment targets academic problems, antisocial peer relationships, and other factors research has linked to continued offending.

Educational Programs

Dallas County recognizes that educational disruption often accompanies and contributes to juvenile delinquency. Two main programs address educational needs for court-involved youth.

Academy for Academic Excellence (AAE)

Operated by the Juvenile Department, this alternative school serves justice-involved youth ages 10-17 across four campuses embedded within department facilities. Small class sizes, special education services, ESL support, and at-risk programming help students who have struggled in traditional settings.

Credits earned and progress reports from AAE can be used in court review hearings and re-entry planning. For youth in residential placement, education continues without interruption.

Dallas County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (DCJJAEP)

Students expelled under Texas Education Code Chapter 37 or ordered to alternative education by the court attend this program. It provides structured schooling with behavior interventions and accountability services designed to reduce both truancy and delinquency.

While DCJJAEP is an educational placement rather than a court disposition, good performance can support arguments for modification or early termination of probation.

Residential Programs and Facilities

When community-based programs prove insufficient, Dallas County operates several residential options before reaching Texas Juvenile Justice Department commitment.

Youth Village (Non-Secure Residential)

Male youth ages 13-17 whose needs exceed community supervision but don’t require secure detention may be placed at Youth Village. The typical stay is 4-6 months and includes mandated counseling, continued schooling, and vocational training.

Vocational certifications available include culinary arts with ServSafe certification and welding with OSHA-10 credentials. These certifications provide strong mitigation at later hearings and help prepare youth for productive lives after release.

Secure Detention and Residential Facilities

Youth ordered detained or committed based on risk level, offense severity, or violation history may be placed in secure facilities. All facilities provide on-site schooling through AAE, treatment groups, and behavior programs with varying intensity levels.

Performance reviews in these settings drive decisions about step-down placements, probation modification, and potential TJJD considerations for the most serious cases.

What Defense Attorneys Can Do

The placement your child receives depends heavily on how their case is presented at intake and in court. At Varghese Summersett, our juvenile defense team works to secure the most favorable program placement by presenting mitigating factors, documenting treatment history, and demonstrating family support and supervision capacity.

In a recent Denton County juvenile case, our attorneys represented a young person facing three serious charges: engaging in organized crime, evading arrest, and burglary of motor vehicle. Through strategic plea negotiation, we secured a non-suit on the organized crime charge and 15 months probation on the remaining charges, allowing our client to remain in the community rather than face commitment. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

We also regularly achieve pre-filing intervention. In multiple 2025 cases, attorney Lisa Herrick presented arguments and mitigating factors at intake that resulted in supervisory cautions rather than formal charges for assault causing bodily injury and assault on a public servant.

Protect your child’s future. Schedule a free consultation by calling (214) 903-4000.

How Program Placement Affects Your Child’s Record

Different program outcomes have different effects on your child’s future:

• Informal diversion: If completed successfully, the case closes without formal adjudication. Your child may be eligible for records sealing relatively quickly.
• Specialty court completion: Successful completion often results in dismissal or favorable disposition with earlier eligibility for sealing.
• Formal probation: Creates an adjudication record, but eligibility for sealing depends on offense type and compliance.
• TJJD commitment: The most serious outcome, with sealing eligibility tied to release and completion of supervision requirements.

Texas law under Family Code Chapter 58 allows sealing of many juvenile records, but timing and eligibility vary based on how the case was resolved. Getting the right initial placement affects not just immediate consequences but long-term record exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child avoid having a juvenile record in Dallas County?

Yes, if your child qualifies for informal probation officer diversion or successfully completes certain specialty court programs, they may avoid formal adjudication entirely. Even cases that result in adjudication can often be sealed under Texas Family Code Chapter 58, though timing and eligibility depend on the specific offense and outcome.

What happens if my child fails a Dallas County juvenile program?

Failure to complete program requirements typically results in the case returning to the traditional court docket. For informal diversion, this means the prosecutor can file a formal petition. For specialty court participants, it usually means proceeding to standard adjudication. For youth on probation, failure can trigger a motion to modify requiring more restrictive placement.

How do I know which program my child qualifies for?

Eligibility depends on offense type, prior history, identified risk factors, and clinical assessments. A juvenile defense attorney can evaluate your child’s situation and advocate for the most appropriate (and most favorable) placement. Early attorney involvement, even before intake decisions are finalized, can significantly affect which options remain available.

Can my child continue school while in a Dallas County juvenile program?

Yes. Community-based programs allow youth to remain in their regular schools with added conditions like attendance monitoring. Youth in residential placement receive education through the Academy for Academic Excellence, and credits transfer back to their home school. Educational continuity is a priority across all program types.

How long do Dallas County juvenile programs last?

Duration varies widely. Informal diversion may last a few months. Specialty courts typically run 6-12 months. Formal probation terms depend on offense severity and can extend until the youth turns 18 or even beyond in some cases. Residential placements like Youth Village average 4-6 months, while secure detention and TJJD commitment lengths depend on individual circumstances and review outcomes.

Talk to a Dallas Juvenile Defense Lawyer Today

The Dallas County juvenile system offers real opportunities for young people to get back on track without permanent consequences. But securing the right placement requires understanding the options and advocating effectively at every stage of the process.

Varghese Summersett has more than 70 team members across four Texas offices, with attorneys who focus specifically on juvenile defense. We’ve secured over 1,600 dismissals and 800 charge reductions across all practice areas and bring that same aggressive advocacy to every juvenile case.

If your child has been referred to Dallas County Juvenile Department or is facing delinquency charges, call (214) 903-4000 today for a free consultation. The decisions made in the next few weeks can shape your child’s entire future.