PACE Results

The attached chart compares the recidivism of youth assigned to PACE vs that of their control group. As can be easily seen, the recidivism of the PACE youth was considerably less than that of the control group at all time periods. Overall, the difference was statistically significant,even when empirically controlling for differences between the groups on the recidivism predictors. Thus, being enrolled in the PACE program is positively correlated with success on parole.

Dear Mr. Holloway:

It is the intent of this letter to communicate full and unconditional support of PACE Youth Programs, Inc. as it seeks funding from the Child Care Council of Greater Houston for the outstanding delinquent juvenile prevention services provided by PACE.

The Texas Youth Commission Community Involvement Program is composed of four primary initiatives: Mentoring, Tutoring, Chaplaincy Services and Community Resource Councils. The goal of mentoring is to develop a trusting, supportive relationship between a mature adult and a carefully matched youth, who is encouraged to reach his/her potential, discover his/her strengths and develop self-confidence. Our agency carefully analyzes the impact of each of these program initiatives, specifically on the recidivism rate of juvenile offenders.

Our Research Department determined a 4.3% reduction in recidivism resulting from mentoring relationships in our institutions, and an even greater reduction among paroled youth who completed the Houston-based PACE Mentoring Program. Dr. Chuck Jeffords, our TYC Research Director determined, "The recidivism of the PACE youth was considerably less than that of the control group at all time periods. Thus, being enrolled in the PACE program is positively correlated with success on parole."

While the PACE accomplishments of FY03 have been gratifying, there remain hundreds of young people who desperately need a volunteer mentor assigned to them. Without a doubt – PACE is doing a job few other organizations are willing to attempt, and PACE is doing it exceedingly well! We need the continued involved of PACE working with our juvenile offenders on parole in Houston. We realize this good work comes at a cost; therefore, we earnestly appeal to the Child Care Council of Greater Houston to grant your funding request.

Sincerely,
Tammy Vega
Manager of Ancillary Services
http://www.tyc.state.tx.us/programs/volunteer_fy2003.html%20