Texas Juvenile Justice Department

Overview The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) was created in 2011 after the 82nd Legislature abolished the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission following reports of sexual abuse and significant operational issues. As of April 2024, TJJD is governed by a nine-member board that is assisted by a 14-member Advisory Council on […]

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Department of Family and Protective Services

Overview The Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is the state agency responsible for ensuring the safety of children, older adults, and adults with disabilities. DFPS is an independent agency that provides services and supports to reduce the likelihood of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The DFPS headquarters are in Austin and, as of February […]

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Department of State Health Services

Overview The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is one of two state agencies within the Health and Human Services (HHS) umbrella. The HHS system was restructured during the 2015 legislative session and many behavioral health services and programs were transferred to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). DSHS was restructured to […]

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Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Overview The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is the state’s coordinating entity for all public institutions of higher education. The mission of the THECB is to “serve as a resource, partner, and advocate for Texas higher education, resulting in a globally competitive workforce that positions Texas as an international leader.” The agency has several […]

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Texas Education Agency

Overview The Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides oversight and administrative functions for all public schools, including state and federal funds distribution, data collection, and federal and state compliance monitoring. Separate from TEA, the State Board of Education (SBOE) consists of 15 elected members representing different regions of the state and assists the agency though setting […]

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Health and Human Services Commission

Overview The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is one of two state agencies that make up the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) system. HHSC oversees over 200 programs, certain regulatory functions, and operates and oversees ten state hospitals and 13 state-supported living centers (SSLCs). HHSC provides a multitude of acute and long-term […]

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Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Overview The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) oversees state prisons, state jails, and privately contracted correctional facilities. TDCJ is overseen by the nine member Texas Board of Criminal Justice (TBCJ). TBCJ members are appointed by the governor, serve six-year terms, are responsible for hiring TDCJ’s executive director, and set the rules and policies that […]

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