The mission of the TYC is to protect the public and control the commission of unlawful acts by youth committed to the agency by confining them under conditions that emphasize positive development, accountability, discipline, and training. The TYC mission also encompasses rehabilitation and juvenile delinquency prevention goals. The TYC has adopted a "back to basics" philosophy that emphasizes greater structure, strictly enforced discipline, and increased accountability. The ultimate goal of the TYC is to create a juvenile correctional system that balances public protection and juvenile rehabilitation. The 1996 annual report summarizes the juvenile justice system as it operates in Texas and outlines current TYC programs. The report also highlights some of the critical issues facing the TYC in upcoming years, many of which are the direct result of recent reform legislation. The report specifically covers juvenile assessment, juvenile facilities, halfway houses, contract care, service areas, aftercare, educational programs, independent living, juvenile crime prevention, and resocialization. The report also considers specialized correctional treatment for capital offenders, sex offenders, chemically dependent youth, emotionally disturbed youth, and mentally retarded youth. Data are provided to illustrate the nature and scope of juvenile crime in Texas. Tables and figures