Occasionally, our clients are required to complete BIPP classes as a requirement of their sentence.

BIPP stands for Batterer Intervention and Prevention Program.

The goal of BIPP courses is to work towards a safer environment for family violence survivors. Some of these class participants have already been charged or convicted of violent crimes like battery charges or domestic violence. In reality, they are often pointless and void of any substance, but if they help keep you out of jail, well you should probably take them.

However, they aren’t always the best option. They’re expensive and time-consuming compared to similar alternatives, such as anger management classes.

Who is Required to Attend BIPP Classes?

Some attendance in BIPP courses is voluntary, but in most cases, participation in these classes is court-ordered.

Authorities that have the power to require BIPP attendance include:

• Your probation officer
• A parole board
• A district attorney
• Judges
• CPS (Child Protective Services)

These programs are generally led by trained facilitators and may include group sessions. The best BIPP classes are accredited by the State of Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

We DO NOT recommend that clients enroll in these programs voluntarily. They’re time-consuming and expensive, and it can be difficult to complete the requirements. We will fight as much as possible to avoid a BIPP class requirement, but if you’re ordered to attend, you will have to complete the coursework. Otherwise, you could face potential criminal or civil consequences

What to Expect in BIPP Classes

The intent of BIPP courses is to address and correct abusive behaviors. If you’re ordered to attend one of these programs, it’s normal to feel uneasy. Knowing what to expect can help ease your stress.

Course Topics

If you’re scheduled to attend BIPP classes, it’s normal to feel a little uneasy. Knowing what to expect can help ease your stress.
BIPP sessions will revolve around educating participants about abusive behaviors, thought patterns, and mindsets. The curriculum will define terms like abuse, domestic violence, and battering. It will also review the various different forms of abuse, including:

• Physical harm
• Financial abuse
• Property destruction
• Stalking
• Terroristic threats
• Emotional abuse
• Intimidation

From there, the course teaches those with patterns of abuse how to stop blaming the victim, justifying their behavior, and making excuses.

The course also covers potential criminal penalties, legal consequences, and the social repercussions of abusive behavior patterns.

Eventually, the BIPP course aims to help participants develop non-abusive strategies for managing high-stress situations and emotional conflicts.

Orientation

Once you register, you’ll get to go to an orientation. This isn’t a scheduled class. Instead, you’ll meet with facilitators and discuss more about what to expect with the exact course you’re enrolled in. You will discuss your specific needs with your facilitator, and the two of you will develop a plan together. You’ll learn more about what you’ll need to focus on and how to show accountability throughout the process.

Group Sessions

Next, you’ll start attending group sessions. Typically, these sessions occur every week. As a group, you’ll get educated about different ways to handle stress and other emotions. You’re encouraged to be open and share your story, as everyone in the group is going through a similar experience. Together, the group will help each other focus on growing personally and taking accountability.

Additional Support

While the program’s primary focus will be group sessions, everyone has access to additional support in the form of one-on-one meetings, mental health services, learning more about addiction treatment programs in the area, and housing programs.

How Much Will a BIPP Course Cost?

One of the reasons we don’t recommend BIPP classes is that they’re expensive. The cost varies from program to program, depending on the provider’s fees and the number of group sessions you must attend.

Most also charge an orientation fee ranging from $40 to $60, and then you’ll have to pay a session fee for each group session you attend. This fee usually ranges from $25 to $40.

In all, expect it to cost between $510 to $685 to complete the course, depending on your chosen program.

Time Commitment

If you’ve been ordered to take BIPP classes, they will take a considerable time commitment.

The timetable to complete BIPP classes varies depending on which accredited course you choose and where you live.

Different companies may offer varying session frequency and time commitment schedules that will work for your needs. In general, though, to complete the program, you must attend a minimum of 18 weekly sessions. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice requires each accredited BIPP program to consist of at least 36 hours of group sessions, but individual counties may have additional requirements.

For example, Dallas County requires attendance at a minimum of 24 group sessions.

Orientation time, breaks, and assessment periods won’t count toward the required 36 hours. You can also only attend one group session per week, so the program will have to be taken over an extended period of time.

BIPP Classes are Designed to Help to Prevent Domestic Violence

Over half of individuals who are arrested on domestic violence charges will face another arrest within ten years. Almost one in five (18%) will be arrested again within six months of their first conviction.

These statistics show that domestic violence incidents are likely to reoccur without some intervention. However, BIPP classes are not the best option for everyone. Professional therapy, anger management counseling, or family counseling may be more effective — and less costly and time-consuming — for many first-time offenders.

However, they’re a better option than serving jail time and can prevent repeat offenses. According to a 2018 study by researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas, Batterer intervention and prevention programs more effectively reduced the likelihood of future arrests than regular dismissal or jail.

How to Find a BIPP Course Near You

There are any number of accredited BIPP courses offered in Texas. Unless you’ve gotten the OK to sign up for a virtual course, you will need to search for one that is convenient for you since you will have to attend weekly sessions for a considerable amount of time. Cost also varies based on the program, so that should also be a consideration. Some programs offer financial assistance.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has compiled a list of accredited programs by county.

Here are a few options across the state:

• Bexar County: Family Violence Prevention Services offers a 24-week class with an intake fee of $25 and a weekly fee of $25 per class.
• Collin County: Hope’s Door New Beginning Center offers a 24-week class with a one-time orientation fee of $50 and a weekly fee of $30 per class. If you’re currently on parole, the orientation fee is $40 and each class is $25. Financial assistance is available for those with documented need.
• Comal County: Surrendering Today Services offers an 18-week class with an intake fee of $100 and a weekly fee of $25 per class.
• Dallas County: The Family Place offers a 24-week class with an intake fee of $40 and a weekly fee of $25 per class. Following intake, group counseling classes are available at various locations including Oak Cliff, North Dallas, South Dallas, and Irving.
• Denton County: Denton County Friends of the Family charges no intake fee for its 27-week program. The weekly class fee is not disclosed.
• El Paso: Center Against Sexual & Family Violence (CASFV) offers programs ranging from 18 to 24 weeks. The entire program, including the enrollment fee, ranges from $510 to $685, depending on the course length chosen.
• Harris County: Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA) offers an 18-week course. They charge an initial evaluation fee of $40, an orientation fee of $40 and a group session fee that’s based on a sliding scale. 
• Tarrant County: MEMMS Counseling offers classes starting at 18 weeks. The intake/orientation fee is $40, classes are $25 each and the individual exit session is $40.

How to Enroll

BIPP enrollment is usually not voluntary.

If you are ordered to attend a BIPP class by a judge, probation officer, or parole manager, then you may not need to enroll. You may be automatically enrolled and informed of the date and location of your classes.

In other cases, you’ll need to enroll yourself. If you’re not sure whether you need to enroll yourself, check with your attorney.
To enroll, you’ll need to search for an accredited program that fits your needs. Review the course’s schedule, time requirements, location, and curriculum to ensure the program is a good fit.

From there, contact the company and register for the course online, in person, or over the phone. This process usually takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.

Completion Requirements

Different programs have different criteria for completing their courses, so it’s important to make sure you understand exactly what’s expected of you based on the program’s requirements. In general, though, you’ll need to attend an 18-week course to be considered a graduate. You will receive a Letter of Completion that you can use in court or to prove you passed the course.

Benefits of Participation

The primary benefit of successful participation is apparent: You’ll be able to avoid further legal or criminal consequences, fulfill your obligations, and move forward with your life. You won’t have to worry about jail time.

You’ll also learn how to improve your relationships with family and friends and regain control of your emotions. However, you can also do this through more traditional therapy or anger management classes.

Alternatives

If you’re ordered to complete a BIPP, there are very few alternatives. A good attorney will try to fight for a less time-consuming option, like anger management classes, which are equally effective but less expensive.

What Happens If You Don’t Complete a BIPP?

If you voluntarily signed up to participate in BIPP, the only consequence for not complying with the requirements is not graduating and forfeiting any money you spent on the program.
If you were ordered to participate in the program, you could face several consequences, including jail time, revocation of your parole or probation term, fines, and more.

Do You Need Legal Help?

Are you worried that you might face legal, criminal, or financial consequences due to non-compliance with a BIPP-related order? Did you face unique circumstances that caused you to miss class or fail to meet your eligibility requirements for passing the class? Are you not sure you can afford the fees to attend your course? Contact us at Michael & Associates for a free case review.

More Questions We’re Commonly Asked

Do you have more questions about the BIPP class, how the courses will work, what they cost, or how the entire process will work for you? Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.

How Long Does It Take to Complete BIPP Classes in Texas?

The length of your BIPP courses will depend on the type of program you sign up for. Some courses are only available in 18-week sessions, but these classes usually require a longer hourly commitment during the weekly sessions. You can also opt to sign up for courses with shorter sessions that run 24, 36, or 52 weeks. An average session will be about two hours long, but this can vary depending on the specifications of your program.

What Happens Once You’ve Finished the BIPP Class?

If you were ordered to attend BIPP courses, you must understand the process.

Some BIPP programs will provide your referral contact with progress reports on a weekly or monthly basis. These can include your attendance records, level of participation, and whether or not you’ve paid what you owe to the program. If, for any reason, you’re expelled from the program before completing it, your referral may receive a termination letter to inform them about the situation.
When you successfully finish a BIPP course, you’ll receive a Letter of Completion.

A copy of this record will also be sent to your referral contact. If the referral requires further documentation, the program will provide it.

Is It Possible to Attend BIPP Classes Online?

You might be able to attend virtual BIPP courses online, but you’ll need to ensure that the course is accredited in Texas and approved by the court or the authority who referred you to take the classes. Some virtual options have live video conferences that allow you to attend in real-time without physically being present.

What If I Can’t Afford the BIPP Class Fees?

Many course facilitators want to make it easy for you to participate, so some programs are willing to work with you and allow you to pay over time, and some offer financial assistance. However, you won’t be able to get a course completion certificate until you’ve paid off the debt in full.

If you can’t afford the payments or have other issues preventing you from taking your BIPP courses, you will need to raise these concerns with a judge, your probation officer, a parole board, or your lawyer.

If I Finish a BIPP Class, Does it Ensure Dismissal?

The answer to this question is based on your specific circumstances. Sometimes, completing a BIPP course is enough to have your criminal charges or pending case dismissed entirely, but that’s not always possible, depending on the severity of your charges and the extent of your situation. To better understand your exact legal situation, contact us. We can give you a better idea of alternatives, what will happen if you don’t meet the requirements, and what to expect once you complete the program.