Williamson County Juvenile Services

01/29/2026

Meet Luna Raptor! She’s been part of Juvenile Services for over 500 days, and our kids and staff absolutely adore her. Help us get her the Pet Lover’s Choice Award—please consider voting for Luna!

Friends! There’s another doggo hot on my heels… I mean paws! Can you please help me out by voting and sharing this post? I has spent almost 550 days of my life at work with Juvenile Services, helping kids (and adults!) regulate, stay calm, and learn coping skills. My coworkers thinks I is a hero. If you agrees, please help!

Vote for free once every 24 hours, or if you would like to contribute to the Best Friends Animal Society (which is the leading animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in America’s shelters and making the entire country no-kill), all paid votes today count double!

https://petloverschoiceawards.com/contestant/6505?contest=12

09/09/2025

"Paws for Healing"

We are truly grateful for Luna and the warmth she brings to our campus, the STEP - Successful Transition Education Program. Her gentle presence, unconditional love, and intuitive support have touched countless hearts, reminding us daily that healing often starts with kindness, connection, and a wagging tail. We love you Luna.

GISD Therapy Dog Brings Comfort, Connections At the Williamson County Juvenile Justice Center, many students arrive carrying the weight of significant trauma. Emotional dysregulation is common—some…

04/07/2025

Williamson County, TX — Williamson County Juvenile Services is proud to announce its partnership with the Hutto Independent School District (Hutto ISD) Police Department in launching the First Offender Program, an innovative new initiative designed to support youth on school campuses who are caught with ni****ne or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) v**e pens.

The Hutto ISD Police Department will officially kick off the First Offender Program today, 04/07/2025. This program marks the first law enforcement-led First Offender Program in Williamson County and aims to provide a diversion for students, keeping them out of the criminal justice system through positive and structured interventions.

Through this voluntary, school-based program, first-time offenders will have the opportunity to erase their arrest record by participating in academic engagement, structured goal setting, positive youth development activities, and mentorship. Officers from the Hutto ISD Police Department will provide education and guidance to the participating students, fostering personal growth and accountability.

Williamson County Juvenile Services will be offering access to prevention programs, case management, and care coordination services.

Hutto ISD Chief of Police William Edwards, who has been diligently working on developing this project for years, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch of this impactful initiative. Chief Edwards stated that the program represents a significant step forward in diverting youth from the criminal justice system, promoting positive change through mentorship and community support.

Photo (L-R): Officer Randy Wheeler, Chief William Edwards, and Juvenile Probation Officer Neal Patel.

04/04/2025

Congratulations, Case Manager Armando Trevino, on being selected as the recipient of this year's Julie Calhoun-Bijou Case Management Award. This prestigious award recognizes Probation Officers and Case Managers for excellence in case management services.

Thank you, Armando, for your commitment, hard work, and dedication to the youth and families of Williamson County.

Photo: Armando and Mrs. Julie Calhoun-Bijou.

03/26/2025

Matt Smith Announces Retirement After 23 Years of Service

GEORGETOWN, TX -March 26th, 2025-

After a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, Matt Smith, Assistant Executive Director at Williamson County Juvenile Services, has announced his retirement and will be joining the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) as the Director of Statewide Youth Services Continuum, starting April 1st.

Matt’s impact on the field of juvenile justice and behavioral health leaves a legacy of compassion, innovation, and collaborative leadership.

Matt began his journey with Williamson County Juvenile Services in August 2002 as a Juvenile Probation Officer I (JPO I) at the Georgetown Field Office, where he managed a specialized substance abuse caseload. His dedication and clinical expertise quickly earned him a promotion to Juvenile Probation Officer II (JPO II) for the Special Needs Diversionary Program.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to youth and family well-being, Matt was promoted just a year later to Family Preservation Program Supervisor, a role he held for three years. He then went on to serve three more years as Assistant Director of the Academy Program before taking on the position of Director of Field and Mental Health Services. Matt's exceptional leadership ultimately led to his promotion as Assistant Executive Director for the department.

Since 1998, Matt has worked with youth in behavioral health and juvenile services and holds credentials as a certified juvenile probation officer and licensed professional counselor supervisor. His statewide leadership has included service on a number of task forces and boards, such as the Texas Judicial Commission on Mental Health, the Dual Status Task Force of the Children’s Commission, STEP UP Texas, Resilient Wilco, and many more.

In 2016, Matt spearheaded Williamson County’s implementation of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), which earned the department the distinction of being the first TBRI Ambassador Agency in juvenile justice. His commitment to trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and systemic mapping has influenced practices across Texas and beyond.

Matt holds a Master of Arts in Human Services from St. Edward’s University and a bachelor’s degree in English and Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin.

As he retires, Matt leaves behind not only an impressive résumé but a legacy of service, innovation, and deep care for the youth and families of Williamson County.

Congratulations Matt. Thank you for your service and blessings upon you in your new role at TJJD.

03/14/2025

We want to take a moment to congratulate our newest group of TBRI Practitioners—John Rinn, Neal Patel, Charles Edwards, Jodi Atkinson, Krista Beavers, and Jonathan Hawkins!

This group was selected based on their natural ability to connect with the kids they serve and their strong leadership skills. Leading up to the in-person training, they completed nine units of online coursework and an interpersonal interview to deepen their understanding of TBRI concepts and to reflect on how their own histories impact their daily interactions, including how they show up for the kids in their care.

They then attended a five-day intensive training, where they practiced their skills and focused on implementation. They all did a fantastic job representing Williamson County Juvenile Services, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the implementation team.

03/06/2025

📢 Calling All Businesses & Organizations! 📢

We’re excited to announce that we’re hosting a Job Fair on April 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (see attached flyer)! This is a great opportunity to connect eager youth with local businesses and organizations looking to hire or share career insights.

To make this event a success, we’re looking for more businesses to participate. If you or someone you know would be interested in joining us, please send their contact information our way.

Let’s work together to create meaningful job opportunities for young people in our community!

03/04/2025

ANNOUNCEMENT: Scott Matthew Concludes Distinguished Service on Texas Juvenile Justice Department Board

After nearly 12 years of dedicated service, Williamson County Juvenile Services Executive Director and Chief Probation Officer, Scott Matthew, has officially concluded his tenure as an appointed member and Chair of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) Board. Scott's service was recognized at a TJJD meeting held on 02/28/2025 at the George Bush Building in Austin, TX.

Appointed by Governor Rick Perry and Governor Greg Abbott, Scott has steadfastly advocated for youth justice, safety, and professionalism within the juvenile justice system. In his resignation letter to Governor Abbott, Scott expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve Texas, stating:

"My service to you and to Texas has been one of the highest honors of my professional career. It is my hope and prayer that the Texas Juvenile Justice Department is in a better place here at my departure. It is my continued prayer that TJJD continue to thrive."

Throughout his tenure, Scott played a pivotal role in shaping policy and reform in the Texas juvenile justice system. Serving as TJJD Board Chair since 2022, he worked to enhance safety and security for youth and staff while fostering professionalism and respect within the field. Over the years, he chaired key committees including the Safety and Security Committee, Finance Committee, and Executive Committee.

Beyond his role with TJJD, Scott has over 35 years of experience in juvenile justice, currently serving as Executive Director of Williamson County Juvenile Services and Municipal Judge for the cities of Jarrell, Granger, and Bartlett. He is an active member of the State Bar of Texas, Texas Probation Association, and Texas Municipal Courts Association. His commitment to community service extends to local and statewide advisory boards, including the Correctional Management Institute at Sam Houston State University, the Georgetown Health Foundation, and multiple youth-focused nonprofits.

Scott's leadership has left a lasting impact on Texas juvenile justice. As he steps away from his official role at TJJD, he remains committed to serving Texas and advocating for positive change.

Thank you Scott for your unwavering dedication to Texas youth and the justice system! You have represented Texas and Williamson County well.

note: For more information, please visit https://www.tjjd.texas.gov, press release and video archives relating to this ceremony and meeting.

01/31/2025

Williamson County broke ground on its Juvenile Justice Center expansion project on Friday, Jan. 31.

The project will address the needs of our community for the next 30 years with a state-of-the-art, trauma-informed facility to match our state-of-the-art Williamson County Juvenile Services. Learn more about the project: https://www.wilcotx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=511

01/20/2025

Williamson County offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, due to anticipated severe winter weather Monday night into Tuesday morning. WilCo is under a Winter Storm Warning through 6 p.m. Tuesday.
🏠Residents are urged to stay home and off the roadways unless travel is absolutely necessary.
🚗If you must drive, with ice and snow, take it slow!
📏Leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
💻Check driving conditions across the state at DriveTexas.org.
Stay safe, WilCo!

01/20/2025

Today we celebrate the life of a leader who showed us the power of courage, unity, and love. Let his legacy inspire us to stand for justice and equality every day. Together, we can keep the dream alive.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

01/17/2025

Thanks to a generous donation of Family Four Pack Tickets to the Texas Stars vs. Chicago Wolves game, we were able to share this exciting experience with two lucky families. The families were chosen based on their youth's overall positive behavior, academic performance, and compliance with probation requirements.

Family engagement in activities like these is vital for building strong, supportive relationships and creating lasting memories. For one of the families, it was their first time attending a hockey game. Although they weren’t big sports fans, they were beyond excited to experience the game together. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to spend quality time as a family.

A huge thank you to John Schloffman, Director of Ticket Operations at Texas Stars Hockey Club, and the entire Texas Stars Organization for their generous donation and ongoing partnership!