Judges ask Hays County to fund a second juvenile diversion coordinator to cut months‑long waitlists

A group of Hays County judges asked the commissioners court on Sept. 29 to amend the FY2027 budget to fund a second juvenile diversion coordinator in the district attorney's office, citing caseload and timeliness concerns.

Reading a letter signed by multiple judges, the speaker said the county's lone juvenile diversion coordinator is "currently averaging approximately 275 cases," and that in Precinct 2 the caseload means children are approaching a six‑month wait to begin diversion. The letter argued that "juvenile diversion is most effective when intervention happens early" and that staffing delays reduce the program's ability to prevent repeat offenses and more serious involvement with the justice system. The letter asked the court to "amend the fiscal year 27 budget to include the positions in the district attorney's office." (Judge JR Mendoza presented the letter.)

Court members acknowledged the problem during discussion: commissioners said timely intervention and coordination with criminal justice modernization priorities in the county's strategic plan make the request consequential. No formal budget amendment vote occurred at the Sept. 29 meeting; the request was delivered to the court for consideration in budget amendments and follow‑up.