Parents fear their children will die in Texas custody.

“Despite the DOJ inquiry and past investigations, the issues persist. Though the system’s total population dropped from an average of 842 in 2019 to 612 as of May 2022, the number of incidents of self-harm has almost doubled. TJJD data shows that in 2019, there were 1,181 incidents of self-harm in its facilities. That number rose to 1,761 incidents in 2020 and 2,104 in 2021.” Lisa Armstrong reported in August.

One Texas mother says that “she begged Keith’s court-appointed attorney to try to get him sent to a mental health facility instead of TJJD. She said the lawyer, who did not respond to numerous requests for comment, told her, ‘He will get the mental health help he needs at TJJD’.

At TJJD, staff would not allow her son who was cutting himself to even call her. Read more about how Texas is failing children in custody at A mother watches helplessly as her teenage boy deteriorates in a Texas youth prison by Lisa Armstrong.

Minding Hearts is building advocacy and peer support groups in each state.  The groups are created to raise awareness, educate, and advocate for those that might not otherwise be heard. We are here for encouragement, education, and support. We are here to support families and develop resources that maintain family integrity. We look forward to your support. If you would rather become active by donating, then visit the donation page.