Relating to the creation of the Office of Youth Health and Safety.

SB 698 creates the Office of Youth Health and Safety within the Texas Commission on Forensic Coordination to improve services for children aged 10-18 under juvenile court jurisdiction who are involved in delinquent conduct. The Office will focus on providing trauma-responsive, culturally informed support to help these children transition to adulthood and become responsible community members. The bill establishes a 21-member Board to govern the Office, including agency leaders and appointed experts in youth justice, mental health, and advocacy, with specific requirements for including two youth formerly in juvenile facilities. This structure ensures direct input from individuals with lived experience in the juvenile justice system.