Gov. Perry Names Evans Texas Youth Commission Independent Ombudsman

AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has named Catherine Evans of Dallas as the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) Independent Ombudsman for a term to expire Feb. 1, 2011. Pursuant to Senate Bill 103 of the 80th Legislative Session, the independent ombudsman will report on individual facilities and serious problems within the commission, and review and evaluate procedures established by TYC to ensure the rights of all children are observed.

Evans is a past chair of the TYC Advisory Board, past state district judge and past commissioner of the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and a fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation. She is also a volunteer with Mercy Street Youth Mentoring Ministry, past secretary for the Mothers’ Against Drunk Driving National Board of Directors, and a past member of the Dallas County Juvenile Advisory Board. Evans received a bachelor’s degree and law degree from Southern Methodist University.