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The evils of the Texas Civil Commitment Program rage on. There are numerous concerns regarding the Texas Civil Commitment Office (TCCO) and Texas Civil Commitment Center (TCCC). The most ludicrous concern is the blatant disregard for human rights, followed by mistreatment and questionable operations within TCCO and TCCC.
It is not only the taxpayers of Texas who fund the commitment program but also U.S. taxpayers. This adds up to millions of people supporting the incompetent and failing program of TCC. The State of Texas receives a federal grant of 22.9%, which is 3.3 percentage points higher than the national average. These funds, meant for essential programs such as education, nutritional assistance, infrastructure, and Medicaid, are misallocated to the civil commitment program, insulting taxpayers who expect their contributions to be used for the public good.
To qualify for civil commitment, a person must have two sex crime convictions and be deemed to have a "behavioral abnormality" that prevents reintegration into society. This is not a medical diagnosis but a legal determination by a judge or jury.
The TCCC in Littlefield, Texas, houses nearly 500 men, with numbers rising. The for-profit Management and Training Corp (MTC) owns the facilities and is expanding, yet has not designated a dining hall, forcing men to eat in their living areas.
Support for the TCCC program appears under Health and Human Services in the state budget, diverting funds from education, SNAP, WIC, and other human services. The estimated daily cost per resident ranges from $100 to $200, with medical care reported as inadequate.
The Office of TCCO and its Director command an astonishing salary total of $13,662,411, with professional fees adding another $11,849,920. Chronic understaffing is rampant, with a lack of essential personnel, including therapists, medical professionals, and case managers.
Travel expenses for 2024 are projected at $373,724, yet visits from the Director's office are rare. An unexplained budget line of $1,439,859 labeled "Other Operating Expense" suggests pending litigation, though transparency is lacking. Total expenses for 2024 are budgeted at $27,325,931.
The TCCC fails to provide adequate medical care and nutrition. Meals are insufficient, and medical care barely meets basic needs. Terminally ill residents are often denied proper care, with some dying due to inadequate treatment.
Access to spiritual growth and counseling is severely restricted, stifling personal development and emotional support. The lack of transparency and oversight exacerbates these issues, creating an environment ripe for abuse.
The voices of the men trapped in this system paint a heartbreaking picture of despair. One resident, who had served his sentence and earned release, was denied the therapy necessary for his exit plan. "I did my time," he said, "but there's no way out when they keep moving the goalposts." Another resident described the inadequate medical care, stating, "They don’t care if you’re in pain or dying."
Families are torn apart, living in constant distress. The stigma and fear of retaliation often prevent loved ones from speaking out, further isolating families and communities.
Reforming the Texas Civil Commitment Program is a moral and practical necessity. By investing in rehabilitation, transparency, and accountability, Texas can create a system that upholds human dignity and fosters positive outcomes.
Change requires the actions and voices of dedicated individuals and advocacy groups. It is time for justice seekers to unite and fight against unjust policies and laws. Policymakers, advocates, and the public must demand reform to bring humanity, transparency, and accountability to the Texas Civil Commitment Program.
