The Texas Juvenile Probation Commission was created in 1981 to make juvenile probation services available throughout the state. The commission does not provide direct services to juveniles, since the juvenile probation system is administered by county governments. The agency's major responsibilities are to improve the effectiveness of probation services, to establish uniform probation administration standards, to provide alternatives to the commitment of juveniles by providing financial aid to local juvenile boards, to improve communications between state and local entities within the juvenile justice system, and to provide minimum standards for juvenile detention facilities. The goals of the commission are to provide the public with the maximum level of protection from crime, to ensure due process in the juvenile justice system, and to relieve the strain on the adult criminal justice system by diverting young offenders from that system. The commission also works to develop a partnership in which the state, local governments, and the private sector combine resources to reduce the rate of criminal activity. The commission provides training and technical assistance for local courts and law enforcement officers. It has established standards for boards, probation officers, programs, and facilities; and it also publishes reports and technical assistance information.

The policy-making body of the agency is a nine-member commission, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate for overlapping six-year terms. Two members must be Texas district court judges; one must be a county judge or commissioner; and six must be public members not employed in the criminal or juvenile justice systems. Conflict-of-interest and lobbyist restrictions apply. These are nonsalaried positions, and the governor designates the chair.