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DENTON COUNTY
SHERIFF'S OFFICE
JUVENILE IMPACT PROGRAM
What is The Juvenile Impact Program?
The Juvenile Impact Program is a three-and-a-half-hour program in which
juveniles — offenders or potential offenders — listen to the life
stories of people who have been convicted of crimes and who are spending
part of their lives in jail as a result.
What is the purpose of the Impact Program?
Denton County Sheriff Benny Parkey believes that learning about the
consequences of delinquent and criminal activity plays an important part
in helping divert youthful offenders away from such behavior.
It is our hope that being exposed to the real-life consequences of
delinquent or criminal behavior will affect the behavior of these
juveniles.
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Anyone 10 to 17 years of age that has been referred by a school, court
or parent may attend the program. Most of the juveniles attending the
program have engaged in delinquent behavior or are at risk for such
behavior. Many have been truant, runaway, or disruptive in class, but
are not yet in the juvenile justice system.
Who may place a juvenile in the program?
Any parent, teacher, police officer or court may place a juvenile or
recommend that he or she attend the Impact Program. Placement or
recommendation by anyone other than the courts is voluntary. The
program is provided free of charge.
How are juveniles placed in the program?
A referring person or court should first notify the parent(s) of the
juvenile being referred and request that the parents contact the Denton
County Juvenile Impact Program to schedule an attendance date. All who
attend receive a certificate of attendance.
What is
required of parents?
At least one parent or guardian must accompany the juvenile for the
entire program. All persons must dress appropriately: no hats, no shorts
or open midriffs. Violators will not be permitted to attend the program.
No tobacco may be used and no food or drinks are allowed. There will be
one convenience break midway through the program. All court ordered
participants must register within 3 business days after receiving court
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What
should we expect during the program?
After an
initial introduction by a Denton County Deputy Sheriff, a peer group
made up of inmates from the Texas Youth Commission will speak about
their experiences with the criminal justice system, how they came to be
incarcerated and what they have learned.
When and where are programs held?
Space is limited for the program. All attendees must register
before attending.
Programs are held
Wednesdays from to 10 p.m. at
County Criminal Court #4, 127 N. Woodrow LN, Denton, TX 76205.
The courtroom is located inside the Denton County Jail and Law
Enforcement Center. Attendees may enter through the Main Lobby
located on the North entrance of the building between the two flag
poles. You will find the courtroom to your left immediately after
entering the lobby.
Who do we contact for information?
For more information or
to register please contact Denton County Sheriff’s Deputy
Tim Goodwin at 940-349-1651, or send an e-mail by clicking the link
above.
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