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Juvenile probation reports higher state funding and rising felony referrals; asks for modest personnel changes and program grants
Summary
The county juvenile probation director reported significant state funding increases for certified officers and counselors, described a rise in felony referrals and younger referral ages, and listed modest personnel conversions and grant efforts for vocational and treatment programming.
The juvenile probation director detailed an FY‑26 budget request at the June 2025 Lubbock County budget work session, reporting increased state funding for probation staff and an upward trend in serious juvenile referrals.
The director said state investment over the past two legislative sessions has raised available funding for certified officers and this year’s state package expanded a 5% raise to include counselors as well as certified officers. The office reported the state will again fund a 5% raise for those positions for the coming period, a development the director described as materially helpful.
The office provided caseload figures for 2024: 1,351 total referrals, nearly 700 felony referrals and close to 500 ‘‘3G’’ referrals (aggravated offenses). The median or mean referral age has declined, the presenter said, with the average referral age 14 in 2024 compared with roughly 15.6 in prior years — suggesting younger juveniles are entering the system.
The juvenile office asked for minimal new recurring county personnel funding: a reclassification converting a temporary or part‑time role to full time and a modest salary increase; state funds were used this year for a vehicle and for certain costs tied to a metal detector purchase. The office also said it would pursue JET vocational grant opportunities and regionalization funding for drug‑treatment programming; a pending $1.2 million construction request for multiple occupancy space tied to a drug treatment program remains on legislative consideration lists.
Why it matters: Rising felony referrals and younger referral ages could increase demand for detention, treatment, and probation supervision; state funding that offsets salary costs affects how the county allocates its own general fund.
What remains open: The juvenile office will apply for grants and continue to track state funding commitments and the potential $1.2 million construction allocation; commissioners did not take immediate action at the hearing.
