Hutto City Council will consider an ordinance to create a new fund as part of the Texas Youth Diversion and Early Intervention Act at its meeting Jan. 9. The act, established by Texas House Bill 3186, aims to give at-risk youth a chance to avoid the criminal justice system by connecting them to diversion programs.
Zooming in
The Texas Youth Diversion and Early Intervention Act requires municipal and justice courts to have written plans for youth diversion, including educational programs, leadership training, job training and mental health screenings. It also allows the court to charge a $50 administrative fee to a child defendant's parent to help cover the costs of diversion programs.
The act went into effect Jan. 1, 2024.
