The Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) faced critical challenges with high employee turnover rates, particularly among Juvenile Correctional Officers, whose retention rate was as low as 34%. The department’s low wages, poor work-life balance, and physically demanding roles were key contributors to this issue. Despite contributing over $43 million annually to Texas’s economy and supporting 226 jobs through induced economic activity, TJJD struggled with continuity in juvenile care and public safety risks. 

AngelouEconomics conducted an in-depth economic impact analysis and provided actionable recommendations, including immediate wage increases, mental health support, childcare assistance, and commute incentives. Long-term strategies proposed partnerships to enhance job skills and modernize workplace conditions. Addressing these challenges ensures not only better staff retention but also improved rehabilitation outcomes for youth offenders, reinforcing public safety across Texas.