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New diversion programs easing Texas prison overcrowding

By Gritsforbreakfast

Of two Texas Youth Commission facilities transferred to the adult prison system, TDCJ chief Brad Livingston told the Senate Criminal Justice Committee yesterday, the agency has only opened one so far, adding 606 beds, and has no immediate plans to open the second one.The decline in probation revocations thanks to new treatment and diversion funds had "a lot to do with" the reduced demand for new beds, said Livingston. TDCJ is already seeing "lighter front end pressure" on incarceration - i.e., fewer people entering the system - thanks to newly authorized programs to reduce probation revocations.Of the treatment beds authorized by the 80th Legislature, said Livingston, most are already contracted and on their way to coming online. Two contracts are not yet in place - one for 1,150 Intermediate Sanctions Facility beds where TDCJ plans to re-issue an RFP, and another contract for 500 additional SAFP drug treatment beds...continue to full post

Full post as published by Grits for Breakfast on April 03, 2008 (boomark / email).