87R10185 BK-D     By: A. Johnson of Harris H.R. No. 168       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, More than a decade ago, Harris County began creating   specialty courts that are designed to rehabilitate and reduce   recidivism in juvenile offenders; and          WHEREAS, The first of these courts, a mental health program   that was renamed Court 360, was established in January 2009; the   court was intended to address the unique needs of youth with mental   health conditions, but it has since adopted a comprehensive   approach where participants receive individualized guidance in   various areas of their lives, including family relationships,   academic performance, and community engagement; this court is   currently presided over by Judge Dena Fisher; and          WHEREAS, The Sobriety Over Addiction and Relapse Court, or   SOAR Court, was created in July 2010; presided over by Judge   Michelle Moore and Associate Judge Eric Andell, it utilizes a   collaborative multidisciplinary model to help juvenile offenders   overcome drug and alcohol dependence; as with Court 360,   participants in the SOAR Court program are provided with an   individualized, research-based treatment plan with the objective   of improving outcomes by promoting healthier family communication   and interaction; and          WHEREAS, In August 2011, the county established what would   later be known as the Creating Advocacy Recovery and Empowerment   (CARE) Court; overseen by Judge Leah Shapiro, CARE Court was   developed to assist young women and girls who had been exploited in   commercial sex trafficking, but it later began accepting boys,   young men, and transgender youth as well; the program employs a   clinically driven, multidisciplinary team, with a comprehensive   focus on resolving trauma and other underlying issues that   contribute to at-risk and delinquent behavior; and          WHEREAS, The newest specialty court, GRIP Court, was founded   in October 2011; officially known as the Gang Recidivism   Intervention Program, the court is presided over by Judge Natalia   Oakes and Associate Judge William Thursland; its purpose is to   reduce gang association by promoting pro-social behaviors,   redirecting youth to healthier alternatives, and improving family   relationships; participants are closely monitored and receive   individualized treatment plans, which include mentorship,   educational assistance, and other means of support; and          WHEREAS, Each of these programs has played a vital role in   Harris County's efforts to curb delinquency, tackle the root causes   of criminal behavior, and offer at-risk youth a pathway to a better,   brighter future, and it is a privilege to recognize those who have   devoted their time and expertise to these important goals; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas   Legislature hereby honor the alternative juvenile justice courts of   Harris County for their 10 years of invaluable service to the   community and extend to all those involved with these programs   sincere best wishes for continued success.