Definitions & Acronyms
A
Absconder. An inmate on parole or community supervision who fails to report to his/her Parole Officer or Community Supervision Officer and cannot be located for the purpose of establishing or continuing supervision. A warrant can be issued for the apprehension and detention of an absconder.
B
Battering Intervention and Prevention Program (BIPP). These are operated by nonprofit organizations to provide treatment and educational services on a local basis to batterers referred by the courts for treatment. Such treatment and educational services are designed to help batterers stop abusive behavior. Working in collaboration with the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV), the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) - Community Justice Assistance Division (CJAD) has established minimum Guidelines for programs to receive funding.
Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP). See Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Board of Criminal Justice. See Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ)
Boot Camp. A residential punishment program for inmates on community supervision. Modeled after military basic training, boot camps target young, first-time inmates. Boot camps emphasize physical exercise, strict supervision and discipline. They offer education, life skills training and restitution services. They may also offer substance abuse education.
C
Case Classification. A research-driven, scientifically valid method used by community supervision officers to classify an inmate's needs and risk to the community. The method is used to ensure that inmates are supervised effectively and efficiently.
Cell Restriction. A disciplinary penalty in which an inmate is confined to his cell.
Certification (CJAD-CSCDs).To work as a professional community supervision officer (CSO) in Texas, you must complete a certification course and pass a certification exam given by TDCJ-CJAD. To work in a residential facility run by a community supervision and corrections department (CSCD), you must also complete a residential certification course and pass a residential certification test.
Client. A convicted felon released from incarceration to serve a portion of their sentence under supervision in the community (parole). A parolee reports on a regular schedule to a parole officer, and must obey specific conditions of release until the original sentence is completed.
Community Corrections. Used interchangeably with the term community supervision. May also be used to include parole.
Community Corrections Facility (CCF). A residential treatment facility run by CSCDs.
Community Corrections Program (CCP). A community supervision program funded by TDCJ-CJAD. The CCP grant is one of four sources of funding from the division. It is based on the ratio of felons placed directly on community supervision and the population of the counties in the CSCD's jurisdiction.
Community Justice Council. Judicial districts in Texas are required by the Texas Legislature to form a council representing local government agencies. The council provides continuing policy guidance and direction for the development of the community justice plan (CJP), CCFs, and other programs.
Community Justice Assistance Division (CJAD). The TDCJ division responsible for administering and partially funding adult community supervision (formerly known as adult probation). TDCJ-CJAD also trains and certifies community supervision officers.
Community Justice Intranet System (CJINS). An intranet system used by TDCJ-CJAD and the state's 122 CSCDs.
Community Justice Plan (CJP). A requirement for receiving funding, the CJP is created every two years by a CSCD. The CJP describes a department's new and existing community supervision programs. The community justice council submits the CJP for approval by the judge who manages the department. Thereafter, the plan is submitted to TDCJ-CJAD. The CJP is a mandate of the Texas Legislature and is the vehicle through which a CSCD receives state funding.
Community Supervision. Placement of an inmate under supervision for a specified length of time, as ordered by a court, with court-imposed rules and conditions. Community supervision (formerly called adult probation) may be ordered for misdemeanor or felony offenses and is generally imposed instead of a jail or prison sentence.
Community Supervision and Corrections Departments (CSCD). The 122 CSCDs in Texas supervise inmates who have been placed under community supervision by local courts. CSCDs are under the authority of judicial district courts but receive partial funding through TDCJ-CJAD.
Community Supervision Officer (CSO). CSOs are state-certified officers who supervise adult men and women placed on community supervision by local courts. Officers work for CSCDs, which are entities of judicial districts, not the State.
Community Supervision Tracking System (CSTS). A database developed by TDCJ-CJAD that contains data from the state's 122 CSCDs.
Correctional Centers (Private). These are privately operated correctional centers that house CID inmates.
Correctional Institutions Division (CID). The TDCJ division responsible for managing and operating the State's prison system for the confinement of adult felony inmates.
Correctional Managed Health Care Committee. The Health Services Division ensures access to timely health care for inmates incarcerated within TDCJ. The provision of health care is accomplished through a series of contracts between TDCJ, the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee and its agencies, as well as contracts with private correctional corporations. The Health Services Division monitors the health care provided to inmates to ensure compliance with contractual terms, accreditation standards, and applicable state and federal laws. In addition, TDCJ Health Services provides technical assistance to other TDCJ divisions/departments on health related matters.
Correctional Officer (CO). An employee of the TDCJ-CID who performs advanced work involving the direct supervision of inmate in their daily assigned duties including the responsibility of preventing escapes and maintaining discipline in conformance with strict rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures.
COURAGE Program for Youthful Offenders. The program is established to provide a vehicle of positive change for youthful inmates through targeted programs, supervision, and management in a safe restorative environment. Emphasis is also placed on other interventions such as education, life skills, creative expression, and positive communication skills. Separate housing for inmates under age 18 is provided at the Clemens Unit for males and at the Hilltop Unit for females.
Court residential treatment centers (CRTCs) treat inmates for substance abuse and alcohol dependency. They also offer education and life skills training; they also may offer vocational and employment services in the final phases of the program. The Lubbock and Uvalde centers are the only two in Texas that accept substance-abusing inmates who also have mental impairments or emotional problems.
Crisis Response Intervention Support Program (CRISP). Employees of TDCJ-CJAD or the state's CSCDs who are trained by TDCJ to support their peers after a crisis. Members do not counsel their co-workers, but are there to talk openly with them about what happened. If necessary, they call in a clinician to talk with particularly depressed or fearful employees and identify those who might benefit from counseling. This is used by all divisions and the name has been changed to Crisis Response Intervention Support Program [CRISP].
D
Deferred Adjudication. A type of community supervision. If the conditions of supervision are met for the time period set by the court the charge will be dismissed and no record of conviction is made. However, the records of the arrest, prosecution and community supervision are not expunged as a result of the dismissal.
Direct Supervision. Inmates who are legally on community supervision and who work and/or reside in the jurisdiction in which they are being supervised and receive a minimum of one face-to-face contact with a CSO every three months. Direct supervision begins at the time of initial face-to-face contact with an eligible CSO. Local CSCDs may maintain direct supervision of inmates living and/or working in adjoining jurisdictions if the CSCD has documented approval from the adjoining jurisdictions.
Discharge Date. The date an inmate completes their sentence and is released from incarceration, parole, mandatory supervision, or community supervision.
Discretionary Mandatory Supervision. In 1995, the 74th Legislature gave the BPP the authority to review eligible inmates whose offenses were committed on or after September 1, 1996, for possible release to Discretionary Mandatory Supervision. The BPP must review eligible inmates on or before their discretionary mandatory eligibility date and has the discretion to deny release.
District Reentry Center (DRC). A highly structured, non-residential facility that supervises inmates on community supervision. Inmates report to the centers as part of the court-ordered conditions of their supervision. The centers also offer education, job training, counseling and other services.
Diversion Programs. Diversion programs are effective alternatives to sending nonviolent inmates to prison. These programs offer literacy training, substance abuse treatment and other rehabilitative services to inmates on community supervision.
Driving While Intoxicated Program. This is a six (6) month recovery program that provides a variety of evidence-based educational modules and treatment activities.
E
Electronic Monitoring (EM). The use of an electronic device placed on an inmate on community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision to monitor his/her location and activities.
Emergency Absence. Temporary release under escort for the following reasons:
- to attend the funeral of an immediate family member;
- to visit a funeral home to view a deceased immediate family member; or
- to visit a critically ill immediate family member.
Executive Clemency. The power of the Governor to grant full or conditional pardons, reprieves of execution, commutation of sentence, and to remit fines and forfeitures resulting from criminal convictions. Executive Clemency can be granted by the Governor ONLY UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF BPP MEMBERS. TDCJ has no role in Executive Clemency issues or decisions.
F
G
Grievance. A formal written complaint from an inmate.
Good Conduct Time. Credit for good conduct and participation in certain programs.
H
Halfway House. These are privately operated facilities that house inmates on parole or mandatory supervision.
I
Indirect Supervision. Maintenance of a file and/or record of an inmate under supervision who meets one of the following criteria:
- an inmate who neither resides nor works within the jurisdiction of the CSCD and who receives the supervision in other jurisdictions;
- an inmate who neither resides nor works within the jurisdiction but continues to submit written reports on a monthly basis because he is ineligible or unacceptable for supervision in another jurisdiction;
- an inmate who has absconded or who has not contacted his CSO in person within three months;
- an inmate who resides or works in the jurisdiction, but who, while in compliance with the orders of the court, nevertheless does not meet the criteria for direct supervision; or
- an inmate who resides and works outside the jurisdiction but reports in person and who does not fall under the direct supervision definition.
Inmate. A generic term that applies to a person incarcerated within TDCJ.
Inner Change Freedom Initiative. The Inner Change program is a comprehensive correctional pre-release program operated by Prison Fellowship Ministries with operational support by TDCJ. It is anchored in Biblical teaching that underscores the importance of taking personal responsibility, the value of education and work, care for persons and property, and exposure to faith-based living.
In-Prison Therapeutic Community (IPTC). An intensive six-month treatment program for eligible inmates who are within six months of parole release and who are identified as needing substance abuse treatment. The BPP must vote to place qualified inmates in the therapeutic community program and successful graduates are then released on parole. Programming is similar to that of the Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF) program. Treatment also includes an aftercare phase, which consists of residential care for three months followed by nine to twelve months of outpatient counseling.
Integrated Victim Services System (IVSS). An automated service that provides crime victims and criminal justice professionals with vital information and notification 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This system will allow you to obtain information about inmates in TDCJ custody or parole/mandatory supervision, to register for notification of changes in inmate status such as inmate release, and all registrations through IVSS are kept completely confidential. IVSS can also connect you to resources including informative publications and local service providers in Texas. Victim service providers have the opportunity to add or edit their listing in the Texas Victim Resource Directory, request printed brochures, trainings and Victim Impact Panels, and find events and trainings throughout the state.
Intermediate Sanction Facility (ISF). A fully-secured facility used for short-term incarceration of inmates who violate the conditions of their community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision. ISFs are utilized by CSCDs for community supervision inmates and by the Parole Division (PD) for parolees and mandatory supervision inmates.
Interstate Compact Supervision. Supervision of inmates on community supervision (probation) or parole, who meet specific eligibility criteria, may be transferred to another state under the Interstate Compact system. All 50 of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories participate as members of the Compact. The Texas Probation and Parole Interstate Compact is administered through the TDCJ Interstate Compact Office.
Intrastate Transfers. A form of indirect supervision in which inmates on community supervision transfer to another CSCD.
J
Judicial Advisory Council (JAC). The advisory council to TDCJ's CJAD. Six of the Council's 12 members are appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. The remaining six are appointed by the presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
K
L
Lay-in. A written leave of absence from an assigned program or activity for a specific purpose and time period. The lay-in excuses an inmate from assigned work, treatment, educational, or vocational programs, provided the scheduled appointment is kept.
Lockdown. A temporary suspension of ordinary and routine activities. As a general rule, inmates are confined to their cell or dormitory.
Lockhart Work Program. This is a secure facility that is privately operated, which offers a work program. It is a special unit operating a Private Sector/Prison Industry Enhancement Certification program, commonly referred to as a PIE program.
M
Mandatory Supervision (MS). A type of release from prison provided by law for restricted categories of inmates. Eligible inmates are released on MS when their calendar time served added to their good time credit equals the length of their prison sentence. Under the law in effect until August 31, 1996, release to mandatory supervision was automatic, with no requirement for release approval from the BPP.
Mentally Impaired (MI). Classification identifying inmates with documented mental disabilities such as a major mental illness.
Mentally Impaired Offender Facility (MIOF). A facility designed to demonstrate a multi-service approach to treatment, along with appropriate and cost-effective alternatives to incarceration of inmates with special needs. TCOOMMI funding supports special needs services at the MIOF.
Mentally Retarded Offender Program (MROP). A program that places mentally retarded releasees on a specialized caseload with a parole officer trained specifically for providing supervision and services that meet these inmates' special needs.
Monthly Community Supervision & Corrections Report (MCSCR). Community supervision data submitted to TDCJ-CJAD by the state's CSCDs.
N
Next Review Date (NR). A BPP decision stipulating an inmate is not ready for parole, but the case will be reviewed again within one to three years.
O
Offender. See Inmate.
P
Pardon. A form of executive clemency which absolves an individual from the legal consequences of their crime and conviction. There are several categories of pardons, including full pardons, conditional pardons, and pardons based on innocence.
Parole. The conditional release of an inmate from prison, by a BPP decision, to serve the remainder of his/her sentence under supervision in the community.
Parole Division (PD). The TDCJ division responsible for operating the state's adult parole system and supervising inmates on parole or mandatory supervision. The PD does not, however, make decisions to grant, deny, or revoke parole or mandatory supervision. See Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Parolee. A convicted felon released from incarceration to serve a portion of their sentence under supervision in the community (parole). A parolee reports on a regular schedule to a parole officer, and must obey specific conditions of release until the original sentence is completed.
Parole Eligibility: An inmate's parole eligibility is determined by the laws in effect on the date the offense was committed, the offense of conviction, and the sentence. The BPP has complete discretion in parole decisions.
Parole-in-Absentia (PIA). Parole release for parole-eligible inmates who are serving sentences in out-of-state prisons, federal facilities, or state and county jails.
Parole Officer (PO). An employee of the TDCJ-PD who is responsible for supervising releasees under parole or mandatory supervision.
Portable Document Format (PDF). A versatile document format that may be viewed using Adobe Reader.
Pre-Parole Investigation (PPI). An investigation of an inmate's parole release plan, taking into consideration the living arrangements, employment plans, and treatment and counseling programs which the inmate will be following while under parole release.
Pre-Release Substance Abuse Program (PRSAP). An intensive six-month program for eligible inmates within six to nine months of release as identified by the TDCJ, Rehabilitation Division, Classification Department and PD. Treatment modality is similar to the SAFPF program and includes three phases. The BPP must vote to place a qualified inmate in the PRSAP.
Pre-Release Therapeutic Community (PRTC). An intensive six-month treatment program for inmates in a therapeutic community setting which provides pre-release services to inmates within seven months of release. The PRTC is comprised of three components: educational/vocational, substance abuse treatment, and cognitive restructuring. The BPP must vote to place a qualified inmate in the PRTC.
Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI). An investigation of an inmate's criminal history, family history, work history, and risks and needs, conducted by a CSO. The resulting Pre-Sentence Investigation Report (PSIR) is considered by the court prior to sentencing.
Private Facility Contract Monitoring/Oversight Division (PF CM/OD). The TDCJ division responsible for the oversight and monitoring of contracts of privately operated secure facilities as well as community based, which includes substance abuse treatment services.
Probation. See Community Supervision.
Project COPE (Community Opportunity Programs in Education), which is a consortium of the TDCJ-PD, Texas Youth Commission, TDCJ Windham Schools, CSCDs, and community adult education providers. COPE's goal is to deliver education services to releasees who have education skills below the sixth grade level and to assist releasees in obtaining General Equivalency Diplomas.
Projected Release Date. Projected Release Date is the date, which is determined by the TDCJ-CID Classification and Records Office, that an inmate is projected to be released from incarceration if not released on parole sooner. The calculation of the projected release date is affected by offense title and offense date.
- If an inmate committed their offense prior to 9/1/1996 and their offense is mandatory supervision eligible, the projected release date is calculated as their scheduled release date to mandatory supervision (if not paroled prior to that), when their time credits (flat time served plus good time earned) equal their total sentence.
- If an inmate committed their offense on or after 9/1/1996 and their offense is mandatory supervision eligible, the projected release date is calculated as their scheduled release date to mandatory supervision (if not paroled prior to that), when their time credits (flat time served plus good time earned) equal their total sentence AND the BPP has approved their release to mandatory supervision (per the Discretionary Mandatory Supervision law); however, if the BPP denies the release on mandatory supervision, the projected release date is recalculated to reflect the same date as the maximum expiration date on the Discretionary Mandatory Supervision offense, which is otherwise known as their discharge date. Subsequent reviews by the BPP that result in approval for mandatory supervision release result in the projected release date being recalculated to an earlier date to allow for mandatory supervision release processing to occur.
- If an inmate is incarcerated for an offense that by law is non-mandatory supervision eligible, their projected release date matches their maximum expiration date, when their time credits (flat time only) equals their total sentence and they therefore discharge their sentence when released (if not paroled prior to that).
Protective Custody. Protective Custody is designed to provide the ultimate protection to inmates. For their safety, Protective Custody inmates are housed in accordance with the Administrative Segregation Plan. This status is usually associated with serious, direct, proven threats on an inmate's safety.
Q
R
Recidivism. To recidivate is to commit a new crime.
Releasee. A convicted felon released from incarceration to serve a portion of their sentence under supervision in the community on parole or mandatory supervision. A releasee reports on a regular schedule to a Parole Officer, and must obey specific conditions of release until the original sentence is completed.
Residential Reentry Center (RRC). These are privately operated facilities that house inmates on parole or mandatory supervision. Also known as halfway houses.
Restitution. Repayment for having committed a crime. Restitution can be made to a specific victim in a dollar amount to repay for damages or can be made to society by working without pay for a non-profit or governmental agency.
Restitution Center. A community-based corrections facility which provides 24-hour close supervision and a highly structured environment for non-violent felons. Inmates are confined to the center except to go to their place of employment, to perform community service work, or to attend education or rehabilitation programs.
Revocation. The act of removing an inmate from community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision due to the inmate violating the conditions of his or her supervision and/or committing a new crime.
S
Safekeeping. Safekeeping is designed for inmates identified as being more vulnerable than the average general population inmate. Unlike Protective Custody, Safekeeping inmates go to work, school, and other activities with general population inmates.
Security Threat Group. Any group of inmates that poses a threat to the physical safety of other inmates or staff.
Serve-all. A BPPs decision for inmates who are considered not ready for parole and who have less than three years until release to mandatory supervision or until discharge. The inmate is required to remain in prison until reaching their mandatory supervision release date or their discharge date.
Set Off. Informal term for Next Review Date (see "NR").
Sex Offender (SO). Inmates who have been sentenced for committing a sexual offense, have a past conviction for an offense involving sexually deviant behavior, have displayed sexually deviant behavior in the commission of any offense, or have admitted committing sexually deviant behavior. Sex offenders require a higher degree of supervision than other offenders.
Sex Offender Education Program (SOEP). A four-month program that provides didactic training on a variety of related topics to sex offenders. This program is designed to assist sex offenders determined to pose a lower re-offense risk or who may be releasing to a lengthy term of supervision.
Sex Offender Treatment Program (SOTP). The primary goal of the program is to reduce the rate of re-offense and move the participant toward a more pro-social lifestyle.
Special Needs Parole. Early parole, with Board of Pardons and Parole approval, permitted for inmates who are elderly, terminally ill, physically handicapped, mentally ill or mentally retarded. *Statutory provisions exclude 3g inmates.
Specialized Caseloads. The grouping of inmates on community supervision who share a particular problem, such as mental or physical impairments. Caseloads are kept small, usually about 40 inmates, and are supervised by officers who are trained to work with that particular problem area.
State Counsel for Offenders. An office that reports directly to the Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ). SCFO provides legal counsel to indigent persons who are incarcerated in the TDCJ. SCFO is appointed to handle cases for indigent clients: 1) indicted for alleged criminal acts committed while in the TDCJ custody; 2) subject to immigration removal proceedings; and 3) named in civil commitment proceedings under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 841. SCFO does not handle death penalty cases, fee generating cases, cases involving civil rights issues, nor parole matters. Potential clients must contact SCFO directly - the request for help cannot come from friends or family members.
State Jail Facility (Private). These are privately operated state jails that house state jail felons as well as CID transfer inmates. State Jail Felons are incarcerated for a two (2) year period or less.
State Jail Felony. Certain offenses (primarily property crimes and low-level controlled substance offenses) committed after September 1, 1994, are classified as state jail felonies. A state jail sentence involves a mandatory term of community supervision, in some cases preceded by 60 to 365 days of "up-front" confinement in a state jail facility. Confinement for the full term of a sentence may be ordered if the conditions of community supervision are violated. State jail sentences cannot exceed two years for one offense, but a repeat inmate may receive overlapping state jail sentences not to exceed three years.
State Jail Substance Abuse Program. The program consists of a multimodal curriculum to address the needs of inmates in various stages of recovery. The curriculum includes didactic classes, life skills, training, transitional planning and parenting skills.
Substance Abuse Counseling Program (SACP). A program provided to inmates who have not participated in a Therapeutic Community (TC) program and is comprised of three (3) intervention levels. Level I is a four (4) hour substance abuse education and relapse prevention planning class, which is provided to all newly released inmates with special condition "S" within approximately one week of release. Inmates who submit a positive urinalysis or request counseling services are referred to Level II, which is 60-90 days of outpatient counseling and treatment services. Level II services are provided by contracted treatment vendors; however, in areas where there is no contracted vendor a TDCJ-PD Counselor (Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor) provides Level II counseling services. Level III is a minimum of 60 days inpatient substance abuse treatment at a SACP-ISF. Upon successful completion of the inpatient SACP-ISF, the inmate is referred to SACP Level II outpatient services as a continuum of care.
Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF). An intensive six-month therapeutic community program (nine-month program for inmates with special needs) for inmates who are sentenced by a judge as a condition of community supervision or as a modification of parole/community supervision. The program consists of Phase I (Orientation), a comprehensive assessment and orientation of the Therapeutic Community; Phase II (Main Treatment), which includes education, skills training, inmate lifestyle confrontation, family dynamics, and peer support groups; and Phase III (Re-Entry), the education of inmates in the development of social skills and the recognition of the triggers of relapse. Upon completion of the SAFPF program, inmates are placed in a community residential facility/Transitional Treatment Center for three months, followed by outpatient treatment for up to twelve additional months. The aftercare phase administers a diverse range of therapeutic, residential, outpatient, and resource programs. The Special Needs program provides educational components that address Axis I mental disorders as well as personality disorders, medication regimentation, and the interaction of disorders with substances of abuse.
Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities (SATFs). A residential community corrections facility designed specifically to deal with inmates on community supervision who have substance abuse problems. The court may place an inmate in a SATF for no less than one month and not more than 24 months.
Supervision Plan. A plan for supervising inmates on community supervision. Developed by a community supervision officer, based on an assessment of the inmate's needs and his or her level of risk to society.
T
Technical Violation. A violation of one or more of the rules of community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision, not including commission of a new offense.
Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ). The Board that governs the TDCJ. Its nine non-salaried members serve staggered six-year terms and are appointed by the Governor. The Board is required by statute to meet once per calendar quarter.
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP). A seven member board with constitutional and statutory authority to approve or deny a parole release, to determine the rules and conditions of release, to revoke a releasee's parole or mandatory supervision, and to make executive clemency recommendations.
Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI). A 29-member collaborative council that addresses the needs of juvenile and adult inmates with mental illness, mental retardation or developmental disabilities.
Texas Crime Victim Clearinghouse (TxCVC). A program within the Victim Services Division that serves as a central source of information regarding victim services for crime victims, victim advocates, and criminal justice professionals. The TxCVC is responsible for Victim Impact Statement (VIS) training, VIS revisions, the collection of VIS Activity Report, and the development of Crime Victim Assistance Standards and VIS Processing Procedures. In addition, the TxCVC maintains the online Victim Assistance Resource Directory; hosts a victim assistance training academy; maintains the Texas Victim Assistance Training (TVAT) Online; publishes an e-newsletter - the Victim's Informer; and other informational publications. Direct services are also provided to crime victims by TxCVC staff, which may include accompaniment during the execution process, and as they serve as panelists for a victim impact panel.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). The agency that manages the overall operation of the state's prison system, parole, and state jail systems. The agency also provides funding, training, and certain oversight of community supervision. TDCJ is the largest state agency in Texas.
Texas Victim Assistance Training (TVAT) Academy. An in-person foundational victim assistance training. For more information, visit www.tdcj.texas.gov/php/prod/tvatacademy/index.html.
Texas Victim Assistance Training (TVAT) Online. A web-based foundational victim assistance training focused on victim-centered service delivery and professional development that complements other victim services initiations and enables new advocates to acquire baseline professional skills and competence. Available here.
Therapeutic Community (TC). A substance abuse treatment program involving non-punitive treatment modes that result in overcoming addictive behavioral patterns leading to substance abuse.
Transitional Treatment Center (TTC). Privately owned and operated community based facilities that provide substance abuse aftercare to inmates on parole, mandatory supervision or community supervision. Inmates who have participated in the In-Prison Therapeutic Community (IPTC) or Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility (SAFPF) programs are referred to a TTC for aftercare, with a residential stay of up to 90 days.
Treatment Alternative to Incarceration Program (TAIP) ensures rapid placement in treatment, which is crucial in preventing recidivism or relapse in the inmate population.
U
V
Victim. Is defined by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP) Article 56A.001(7), as a person who is the victim of the offense of sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated robbery, trafficking of persons, or injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual or who has suffered personal injury or death as a result of the criminal conduct of another. A close relative of a deceased victim and a guardian of a victim are also considered statutory victims (CCP art. 56A.001(3), (5)).
Victim Impact Panel (VIP). A forum for crime victims to tell a group of inmates about the impact of the crime on their lives.
Victim Impact Statement (VIS). A form utilized by a crime victim to detail and record the emotional and psychological impact, physical injury, and economic loss a crime has had on a victim and their family members. This VIS form serves three purposes: provides crime victims information regarding victims’ rights; collects the victim’s notification preference and contact information for notification purposes by the district or county attorney’s office and supervising agency (community supervision (probation), prison system (juvenile or adult) and parole (juvenile or adult); and offers victims a forum to share the impact of the crime with criminal justice professionals. The court, prosecutor and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles are required to consider the form (CCP art. 56A.151-.160).
Victim Offender Mediation Dialogue (VOMD). A program within the Victim Services Division that provides victims or surviving family members of a violent crime the opportunity to initiate a meeting with the inmate responsible for their victimization. Creative alternatives to mediation are also an option and typically include a letter written by the victim. Crime victims have expressed a sense of regaining control by discussing the impact of the crime with the inmate and asking the inmate questions about the crime.
Victim Services Division (VSD). The VSD provides services to crime victims as mandated by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Violation. Failure by an inmate to abide by a rule or condition of their supervision. A violation may be either technical or criminal in nature.
Volunteer Coordination Committee coordinates programming among the various divisions of the TDCJ (i.e. PD, CID, State Jails, Victim Services, CJAD, Rehabilitation Programs Division) in order to maximize the safe and successful use of volunteers in rehabilitating and reintegrating inmates into communities.
W
Windham School District provides academic and vocational education to eligible inmates incarcerated within the TDCJ. Windham operates in CID facilities, including institutional units as well as state jails. Windham also contracts to operate within a PD ISF.