Initiative to Provide Counsel on First Appearance
By
Carol Limaye
Posted: 2024-08-28T21:31:33Z
Update on Travis County Initiative to Provide Counsel on First Appearance on 24/7 Basis
On August 27, 2024, the Commissioners Court heard recommendations about the resources needed to provide a phased implementation of the Counsel at First Appearance (CAFA) initiative. Although CAFA is a constitutional right, only a few of the larger counties in Texas have been able to provide CAFA on a 24/7 basis. The County has worked on this issue off and on for six years, involving many departments and processes. Staff recommended a budget appropriation of $6.6M and 39 FTEs to provide for one additional shift starting in October. The Commissioners approved the 39 FTEs so the positions, including judges, attorneys, social workers, support staff, and security officers, can be posted immediately. Staff will refine the budget request and return it to the Commissioners on September 17 for approval.