Mapping Need & Availability

Every county in Texas is unique with different needs and available services. Assessing need and availability at the county level represents an important component of the Texas State Plan putting data at the forefront of the gap analysis. Data from multiple sources was utilized to assess need and availability at the county-level and informed the development of a quantitative data model and a descriptive data overview. The purpose of the data model is to provide an additional layer of information to complement other aspects of the State Plan and provide a comprehensive view of family violence services in Texas and across the 254 counties. With this interactive map, each counties’ unique characteristics can be visualized easily and quickly!

There are three sections that make up the model and include: 1) Descriptive data overview; 2) Data representing availability, and an availability score; and 3) Data representing need, and a need score. The model was developed through an interactive process involving UT Austin, TCFV, and external consultation. The current approach continues to build from prior year models and still includes an analysis of the depth of services, core comprehensive services, and additional support services. Comprehensive family violence services are outlined in Chapter 51 of the Human Resources Code and are defined for a county based on whether one or more agencies provide a 24-hour hotline, criminal justice response, intervention services, legal assistance, referral systems, and community education. The model developed for this project also attempts to address the changing demographics of Texas by assessing for population growth and by including economic indicators. A full overview of the model can be found in the Quantitative Model Data Legend. 

To pull up additional information for a county, simply click on the county within the map.

Note: Darker shaded counties indicates greater need or avaliabilty depending on the map you’ve selected.  Categories labeled undefined do not have applicable data.