Stated reason in trial court’s disposition order was sufficient to commit child to TYC in Motion to Modify prosecution.[In the Matter of J.A.A.](08-1-15)

On February 6, 2008, the San Antonio Court of Appeals held that trial court's stated reasons, as well as the statement in the disposition order that the child "is in need of a structured and therapeutic correctional environment" was sufficient to commit child to TYC.

¶ 08-1-15. In the Matter of J.A.A., No. 04-07-00105-CV, 2008 Tex.App.Lexis 848 (Tex.App.— San Antonio, 2/6/08).

Facts: J.A.A., a juvenile, appeals the trial court's order committing him to an indeterminate sentence in the Texas Youth Commission ("TYC"). In one issue J.A.A. argues the record does not support the trial court's stated reasons for the disposition.

Held: Affirmed

Opinion: After considering the evidence, the trial court advised J.A.A. of her decision to commit him to TYC. The court explained the disposition was because:

The trial court's stated reasons, as well as the statement in the disposition order that J.A.A. "is in need of a structured and therapeutic correctional environment" are amply supported by the record. J.A.A. has not successfully completed any of his previous probations. While he has shown some measure of success during his probationary placements in non-secure and secured facilities, J.A.A. reoffended within months of being discharged to his home notwithstanding intensive support from the juvenile probation department.

Conclusion: The trial court acted within its discretion in finding that less restrictive alternatives were not successful in rehabilitating J.A.A. and that a more "structured and therapeutic correctional environment" was needed.