State juvenile department pauses intake, says staff shortages hurting 'basic' supervision

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — The Texas Juvenile Justice Department is temporarily halting the intake of committed youth, saying ongoing staffing shortages at its five secure facilities could threaten youth safety.
In a June 29 letter, TJJD Interim Executive Director Shandra Carter told the Texas Juvenile Probation Chiefs there are concerns about being able to provide adequate supervision for youths and prevent suicidal behaviors."The current risk is that the ongoing secure facility staffing issue wi