The Brazos County Juvenile Probation Department says they are making changes over the coronavirus pandemic.
"We are in frequent contact with county and state leadership, public health departments, and monitoring updates from the Center for Disease and Control (CDC) to be up to date and act promptly to suggested changes. The health and safety of the youth that we serve and our employees is the highest priority," said BCJSD.
The department has already begun engaging in preventative measures and necessary steps to decrease the risk of spreading infection.
"Despite the lowered risk for youth until 18, BCJSD is taking the Coronavirus very seriously and working diligently to reduce the spread of the virus to youth, staff, and the general public," said BCJSD.
They have instituted the following changes to combat the spread of the virus:
- The Office will be closed to all members of the public and non-essential personnel.
- Our medical staff is sufficiently trained and equipped with medical supplies to address any medical concerns of youth in our facilities.
- Essential Staff will be screened daily.
- Employees that report or show symptoms will not be allowed to enter the facility.
- Increased cleaning of facilities and places of high touch points began over 2 weeks ago.
- BCJSD has suspended all in-person visitation with our youth in the facility and in the community.
- Aside for essential services, we have canceled all vendor/volunteer programming in our facility.
- We will create alternate activities to keep youth engaged.
- Scheduled meetings or trainings are canceled until further notice.
- Detention hearings will be held at the Juvenile Justice Center and only the parents/guardians will be allowed to be present at the hearings; so as to reduce a large gathering of persons in one room.