Texas Family Code 55.33 – Proceedings Following Finding of Unfitness to Proceed
(a) If the juvenile court or jury determines under § 55.32 that a child is unfit as a result of mental illness or an intellectual disability to proceed with the juvenile court proceedings for delinquent conduct, the court shall:
(1) provided that the child meets the inpatient mental health services or residential intellectual disability services criteria under § 55.05 or 55.06, order the child placed with the Health and Human Services Commission for a period of not more than 90 days, which order may not specify a shorter period, for placement in a facility designated by the commission;
(2) on application by the child’s parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem, order the child placed in a private psychiatric inpatient facility or residential care facility for a period of not more than 90 days, which order may not specify a shorter period, but only if:
(A) the unfitness to proceed is a result of mental illness or an intellectual disability; and
(B) the placement is agreed to in writing by the administrator of the facility; or
(3) subject to Subsection (d), if the court determines that the child may be adequately treated or served in an alternative setting and finds that the child does not meet criteria for court-ordered inpatient mental health services or residential intellectual disability services under § 55.05 or 55.06, order the child to receive treatment for mental illness or services for the child’s intellectual disability, as appropriate, on an outpatient basis for a period of 90 days, with the possibility of extension as ordered by the court.
(b) If a child receives treatment for mental illness or services for the child’s intellectual disability on an outpatient basis in an alternative setting under Subsection (a)(3), juvenile probation departments may provide restoration classes in collaboration with the outpatient alternative setting.
Terms Used In Texas Family Code 55.33
- Appropriation: The provision of funds, through an annual appropriations act or a permanent law, for federal agencies to make payments out of the Treasury for specified purposes. The formal federal spending process consists of two sequential steps: authorization
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- in writing: includes any representation of words, letters, or figures, whether by writing, printing, or other means. See Texas Government Code 312.011
- Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
(c) If the court orders a child placed in a private psychiatric inpatient facility or residential care facility under Subsection (a)(2) or in an alternative setting under Subsection (a)(3), the state or a political subdivision of the state may be ordered to pay any costs associated with the ordered services, subject to an express appropriation of funds for the purpose.
(d) Before issuing an order described by Subsection (a)(3), the court shall consult with the local juvenile probation department, with local treatment or service providers, with the local mental health authority, and with the local intellectual and developmental disability authority to determine the appropriate treatment or services and restoration classes for the child.