Parents of Incarcerated Children

Parents are partners with correctional staff, educators, and treatment providers in their child’s rehabilitation and shall be encouraged and assisted to actively participate in the design and implementation of their child’s treatment, from intake through discharge.

Parents of children who have been committed to the care, custody, or control of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department have the following rights:

1. As a parent, you have the right to know that you and your child will be treated fairly regardless of race, religion, national origin, language, economic status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or age and that each child will be treated as an individual.
2. As a parent, you have the right to expect the agency to provide a safe, secure, and sanitary environment for your child. 
3. As a parent, you have the right not to be judged, blamed or labeled because of your child’s incarceration.
4. As a parent, you have the right to be a vocal and active advocate on behalf of your child. 
5. As a parent, you have the right to be an active participant when decisions are made about your child.
6. As a parent, you have the right to be informed about matters related to your child’s welfare.
7. As a parent, you have the right to access your child’s records.
8. As a parent, you have the right to meaningful participation in your child’s treatment, including medical treatment, behavioral health treatment, and education.
9. As a parent, you have the right to communicate with your child, including visitation, telephone, and mail. 
10. As a parent, you have the right to be assured that all TJJD staff are professional, courteous, and respectful.
11. As a parent, you have the right to know that TJJD will take immediate corrective action to protect the rights of parents and youth. 
12. As a parent, you have the right to meaningful participation in your child’s transition-planning — from intake through release, parole, and eventual discharge.