House Representative
Martinez Fischer, Trey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 03/16/2007
Rep. Martinez Fischer calls for strict oversight of Texas Youth Commission facilities
~ Files Amendment to keep sex offenders out of TYC facilities ~
Marlin, TX - Representative Trey Martinez Fischer (San Antonio) called for expanded investigation and oversight for Texas Youth Commission facilities. He toured the Marlin Orientation and Assessment Facility to see firsthand how juveniles are brought into the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) system and spoke with facility officials.
"As Legislators we have a duty to act to protect the children of Texas and ensure that the Texas Youth Commission lives up to its motto, 'to fix broken children'," said Representative Martinez Fischer. "The record of abuse at these facilities demonstrates the willful negligence of an agency that has failed time and time again to help very children it was supposed to help."
"These kids are especially vulnerable, they've made mistakes and we are trying to instill positive values to reach them before its too late. It's our responsibility to make sure they get a second chance. To date we as a whole have failed to live up to our responsibility and I want to make sure that we fix the system before more kids get hurt."
There are hundreds of allegations ranging from abuse to cover-ups by TYC officials that are currently being investigated. According to the Dallas Morning News, over 750 complaints have been filed by inmates since 2000 and they include all of the TYC prisons. Legislators are working to prevent future abuses. Representative Martinez Fischer filed an amendment to H.B. 958, relating to sex offenders and schools, that would prohibit sex offenders from entering a TYC facility.
State Representative Trey Martinez Fischer represents District 116 in the heart of San Antonio and sits on the Civil Practices and Urban Affairs Committees.
Contact:
Elsa C. Ramirez
512.463.0616 office
512.775.8055 cell