tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post4820867158883416890..comments2024-03-25T20:06:39.794-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: TYC still suffering backlog processing youth grievancesGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-32891624373944082462008-03-10T16:39:00.000-05:002008-03-10T16:39:00.000-05:00Don't assume every kid in TYC can read and write m...Don't assume every kid in TYC can read and write much less know how to point and click on a computer. That's one bold assumption of your grievance system.<BR/><BR/>Now a video recording kiosk with one button to push might get you somewhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-52698090490061410872008-02-29T07:53:00.000-06:002008-02-29T07:53:00.000-06:00Will, one of his assistants and a volunteer (acade...Will, one of his assistants and a volunteer (academic) consultant were just at the facility where I work. They talked with a lot of kids, and with a lot of staff. He made a close inspection of the Security unit, including examining the BMP files. When they were done, he stopped by the Supt's office and briefed the Supt. All, in all, I think he did a professional job of it. This is not the first time he has been here - he seems to show up every 4 - 5 weeks. Unannounced drop-ins are a good way of getting an accurate snap-shot of what is going on at any particular moment in time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-46661481519166422172008-02-24T22:02:00.000-06:002008-02-24T22:02:00.000-06:00Nothing has changed at all since your worked for T...Nothing has changed at all since your worked for TYC. IMO, superintendents are still trying to use intimidation and retaliation against employees who do their jobs and report wrong doings. Most superintendent's secretaries look the other way and do not report or care to report what their bosses do. It's strange through all the chaos & crisis the agency is in, I wonder how many secretaries have actually reported the wrong doings of their bosses or continue to do. It would make for interesting reading, oh well! <BR/><BR/>It's a double edged sword, if the secretary does not like you, neither does the supt and vice a versa. I believe that many wrong and malicious acts stem from what scretaries tell superintendents. <BR/>At least that's the case where I work. It may be the humidity that adversely affects them in this area. You are not the first to wait on a resolution, makes one wonder whose desk it's sitting for such a long period of time. You were wise to leave TYC, most of us are looking for jobs because several facilities are on the chopping block once more! <BR/><BR/>They were trying to rid the agency of the "silos" but instead they've instituted layer upon layer of them. Pray for TYC employees, the good lord won't send them to hell when they die, he'll realize they lived it working at TYC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-72761251348982388412008-02-24T21:39:00.000-06:002008-02-24T21:39:00.000-06:00Thanks, 6:16, for the information. If there are Y...Thanks, 6:16, for the information. If there are YRSs tending to the youth grievances, and they aren't reporting to the superintendent, that should give the system the credibility it needs. They are there in the facility, and can retrieve and assign complaints much faster than someone in Austin because they know the lay of the land and the local practices. (Also, they won't care if anyone calls them "nosey.")Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-64921194892148343822008-02-24T20:42:00.000-06:002008-02-24T20:42:00.000-06:007:49, I'm not try to top your waiting time, but I ...7:49, I'm not try to top your waiting time, but I waited SIX MONTHS for my staff grievance to be resolved by the Central Office investigators. The whole time I was transferred from my work station. They didn't get off their butts and do anything until I threatened to get a lawyer. They were trying every way they could to get me to quit- throwing every hardship they could at me. I hung in there and the results of the grievance proved what I already knew- I was INNOCENT. I saw the writing on the wall and got the hell out of TYC as fast as I could after that. They made it clear that staff who were trying to do things right and not cover up issues were targets of the administration. Don't know if that's the case for you, but from what I've seen- nothing in TYC has changed since I've been there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-83658817178510680442008-02-24T19:49:00.000-06:002008-02-24T19:49:00.000-06:00Is there ANYONE out there that helps STAFF who hav...Is there ANYONE out there that helps STAFF who have filed grievances? I filed a grievance within the time lines by policy (if you don't, they will dismiss it rather quickly). My resolution was given a timeline by policy of when I was supposed to receive it. It is now about 2.5 months past the resolution deadline and I haven't seen my resolution yet. I know I'm supposed to have the right to appeal the resolution but if one never gets their resolution, it's pretty hard to grieve the result. I emailed Mr. N. but haven't heard anything yet. I know he is very, very busy and has bigger issues to tend to than my little grievance and it's resolution that never came but is there anyone else (that can be trusted) to help a staff about their grievance? Believe you me, retaliation is alive and well and I don't want any more of that. I have a family to feed. I really believe that what I grieved about, was a direct result (of course, I can't prove that) of an earlier grievance that I filed in the first place. I guess that's a pretty good way to handle a grievance. Just NEVER issue a resolution and the staff can't grieve it. At least that appears to be what's going to happen to me. Something isn't right about this that's for sure.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-5032460935627477092008-02-24T18:23:00.000-06:002008-02-24T18:23:00.000-06:00Perhaps the YCIs should be moved under the control...Perhaps the YCIs should be moved under the control of the OIG. That would assure better coordination of assignments and eliminate the current duplication of effort that now goes on. At the local levels, in most cases, there is already a good working relationship among both types of investigators.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-85606913101186657512008-02-24T18:16:00.000-06:002008-02-24T18:16:00.000-06:00The nosey secretaries are now officially out of th...The nosey secretaries are now officially out of the loop. We finally have Youth Rights Specialists, who are not in the facility reporting chain, administering the grievance system. They are due to get training in the new system in early March. <BR/><BR/>The OIG are cops. We need them. In the past when a civilian investigator confirmed abuse on a staff, the case was forwarded to the local PD which filed the case in the circular file. Now we have our own cops to pursue the cases and a bunch of prosecutors to prosecute the cases. <BR/><BR/>Now that we have the Youth Rights Specialists in place, some of the problems with the grievance system may be alleviated. We still have a problem, though with getting cases that go beyond simple grievances investigated. There are currently only 9 OIG positions (7 filled) and 8 Youth Care Investigator positions (7 filled). The YRS are by definition youth advocates. They are not in a position to conduct unbiased investigations. For that we need more OIGs and YCIs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-63855557350963453312008-02-24T17:55:00.000-06:002008-02-24T17:55:00.000-06:005:47 I was talking about the ones coming on here t...5:47 I was talking about the ones coming on here that weren't giving any ideas, just whining and leaving. I saw your posts and they were good ones. What made me mad were the ones coming on here with nothing but whining to say. They just want to complain about anything but won't help out. I'm glad you said something and pinpoint gave ideas back. That's how it should be. Not dogs coming on here, pissing on a good idea and just leaving.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-15459805536295533972008-02-24T17:47:00.000-06:002008-02-24T17:47:00.000-06:00To 5:03 p.m.: I have exchanged several posts with...To 5:03 p.m.: I have exchanged several posts with Pinpoint yesterday and today about his idea for more automation of the grievance system. I tried to explain where I thought the strengths and weaknesses in his system would be, made a poor attempt at humor, and now I wish him lots of success. If TYC decides to work on adopting Pinpoint's concept, the same thing will happen: Stakeholders will identify problems and come up with solutions. I thought that's what Pinpoint wanted us to do here.<BR/><BR/>I thought I had something to contribute because I have years of direct experience with the complaints system. Offering counterpoints shouldn't prompt you to imply I am corrupt or whining.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-82532713850617284292008-02-24T17:03:00.000-06:002008-02-24T17:03:00.000-06:00Why are you people coming on here and saying you d...Why are you people coming on here and saying you don't like the automated suggestion and then just leave it at that? You don't say why, say what you'd do different or anything. 12:05 sounds right. You guys are probably the corrupt ones or threatened so you don't want it changed. You don't say anything that makes pinpoint's suggestion sound like a bad idea except you want to whine like a dog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-18270137172558857352008-02-24T14:10:00.000-06:002008-02-24T14:10:00.000-06:00Pinpoint, I am 8:04. That was my attempt at humor...Pinpoint, I am 8:04. That was my attempt at humor but I didn't do very well, I guess. (You'll have to admit that the sight of an OIG having to stuff envelopes and run mail machines would be kinda funny.)<BR/><BR/>I don't have a dog in the hunt anymore, but from experience I can't agree with much of your plan. Thinking outside the box is always a good idea, though. Forge ahead.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-67241829636932107312008-02-24T12:05:00.000-06:002008-02-24T12:05:00.000-06:00Pinpoint, when people feel threatened, they make s...Pinpoint, when people feel threatened, they make snide remarks. Don't let the commentor upset you. Knowledge is power and some are afraid of that. You suggestion merits a looking at by TYC-IRD and implemented. It would keep the nosey superintendent's secretaries from knowing and meddling in youth grievances.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-45777907556101254572008-02-24T11:04:00.000-06:002008-02-24T11:04:00.000-06:0010:29- Nice.Snide responses like yours keep those ...10:29- Nice.<BR/><BR/>Snide responses like yours keep those on this forum from speaking when they could have worthwhile things to say. I have made an effort to suggest things I feel would turn a broken system around and you respond that it only appears I can type. <BR/><BR/>Other than snide remarks about the length of my comments (which I already addressed), do you have anything to suggest that will fix what is broken?<BR/><BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-36065672438572451082008-02-24T10:29:00.000-06:002008-02-24T10:29:00.000-06:00Hey BBIf you need help writing that book I think P...Hey BB<BR/>If you need help writing that book I think Pinpoint is good at typing...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-51144206174371937982008-02-24T09:37:00.000-06:002008-02-24T09:37:00.000-06:008:04- You have pretty much summed up everything I ...8:04- You have pretty much summed up everything I would like to happen. My goal is for the grievance system itself to be separate from the facilities and TYC central office (for both staff and students) as much as possible to give credibility, integrity and maybe even some faith back to employees and students that their issues will actually be addressed and in a fair, appropriate manner. Until these systems are taken out of the reach of individuals at the facility and Central Office level, students and staff alike will continue to feel that the system is corrupted (and rightfully so). <BR/><BR/>However, there are some issues I am aware that the OIG will not have knowledge or the ability to take an action on for students (ie. - not getting soap on a daily basis, only getting one sock, etc.). However, the OIG would be responsible for reviewing the response/action taken on the grievance (as someone already has to do now). <BR/><BR/>Since in my suggestion the youth could/should be required to log into the complaint computers daily (saying they either do or do not have a complaint to file), a follow up question can be sent to them (via computer by the OIG) to see if the action taken by the staff to address their issue (no action, took action, etc.) was the same as what the staff resolving the issue said it was. This doesn't have to be on every case. It could be used as a monitoring tool. <BR/><BR/>The OIG would also follow up with any disciplinary action given to staff (to ensure it was actually done, recorded in employee files and in the complaint system). This would be on both the student and staff complaints systems.<BR/><BR/>However, in fairness- records of student issues (making false complaints, duplicate complaints for issues already resolved, etc.) would also be recorded. When this occurs at an amount deemed "abusing the complaint system" a counseling with the student and OIG staff would occur, documented and a copy of the counseling sent to the parent/guardian. This would be one of those times training and more training would need to occur since everyone's definition of what a "complaint" is differs.<BR/><BR/>Unfortunately, I don't believe even with the OIG staff being in charge of these tasks that the "overdue list" need would go away. Likely, two lists would occur; one for the OIG office since they would be responsible for most of them and still one at the facility level. Complaints the OIG are not able to resolve (such as the ones I listed above) would make the over due still necessary to ensure the assigned staff at the facility level resolved them in a timely/appropriate (actually addressed the issues) manner. However, what would change is if the staff did not handle it appropriately or in a timely manner, the OIG department would request 1) retraining of the staff resolving the issues (documented); 2) a disciplinary warning should the behavior/lack of actions continue (documented) and 3) disciplinary action. The type or amount of disciplinary action would depend on the type of issues addressed (the more severe the issues, the more severe the disciplinary action). The OIG would then follow up with facilities to ensure the disciplinary action took place and recorded was in all appropriate areas. <BR/><BR/>The OIG staff would not receive any special treatment regarding timelines and thoroughness of issues resolved. They would be subject to the same disciplinary measures that facility staff would be. Transferring facility staff FTE’s to the OIG office and adding additional FTEs would help reduce the amount of overdue issues. <BR/><BR/>I believe I have said enough on this now as it is taking up huge amounts of space on this string. If you want further information, post it or send your request to Grits. <BR/>Thanks for the interest and I do hope TYC sets up a system the staff and students feel has integrity.<BR/><BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-88468030070831931942008-02-23T20:04:00.000-06:002008-02-23T20:04:00.000-06:00Pinpoint, I'm not the helpful person who posted at...Pinpoint, I'm not the helpful person who posted at 2:16, but here are my suggestions: I don't think the system will ever have integrity unless the OIG not only receives and assigns all grievances, but investigates and resolves them all, too. That will eliminate that pesky overdue list. Then, the OIG will have to mete out any discipline or training required, because you can't trust the supervisors at the facility to make sure it happens. The OIGs better be allowed to develop the system, too and install the equipment. Then, they have to go and train the staff and students on how the system is used, too, and come to the facility to post the policies for everyone to read. Better not trust the unit personnel to do any of that. Also, OIGs need to come and monitor the grievance computer rooms every day. Otherwise, there will never be integrity of the system. It's better to keep the facility administration in the dark about problems as long as possible -- at least as long as it takes the OIG to decide who gets the complaint. That way we'll have integrity of the system. When the paper copies of grievances are mailed home, better let the OIG stuff the envelopes and run them through the mail machine, to be sure no TYC staff catch a glimpse or know the student's home address. When parents call to ask about their children's grievances, better put the OIG on the phone because you can't trust the unit personnel to tell them the truth. Those are my suggestions for ensuring integrity of the system.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-37412672714789005752008-02-23T19:22:00.000-06:002008-02-23T19:22:00.000-06:00I don't want to diminish the importance of any of ...I don't want to diminish the importance of any of the attempts of reforms, but I want to point out that the WTSS situation was a unique set of circumstances that cumulated in the misdeeds of one, maybe two, individuals. Nothing anyone does will ever eliminate the "human" factor. Scott, I would never denigrate Will's character, but he doesn't have the budget to do what needs to be done. He's a good man, but he's tilting windmills. Ultimately, these young people are never going to get what they really need. Jesus was pretty accurate when he said, "The poor will be with us always." We need to work towards change, but it always takes more resources than we are willing to provide.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-48309903264437691862008-02-23T19:07:00.000-06:002008-02-23T19:07:00.000-06:002:16- I understand the levels of investigations. R...2:16- I understand the levels of investigations. <BR/><BR/>Regardless, each level starts at the same place- with a student complaint. In my opinion, every student complaint should go through (sent to and screened by)the OIG office. From that point they should be distributed to the appropriate level. This is for integrity of the complaint and for over sight. NO facility or TYC Central Office person should have access to any complaint before the OIG screens it and then assigns it out to the appropriate person to resolve it (be it a criminal investigator, YRS or other staff). The grievance system for both youth and staff has never had integrity. This would stop that and also put a stop to the multiple investigations going on (that you mentioned) on the same issue. That is a waste of man power and also very likely "taints" the investigation for the next person trying to resolve it. <BR/><BR/>Regardless, you obviously do not care for what I have suggested. To each his own. However, other than pointing out things you feel will not work or are issues with my suggestions, I have not seen any solutions or suggestions from you. <BR/><BR/>PinpointAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-17725223780852885492008-02-23T17:47:00.000-06:002008-02-23T17:47:00.000-06:00Wow, thanks, 2:16. Very clear and concise informa...Wow, thanks, 2:16. Very clear and concise information. Very helpful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-14993436506241207472008-02-23T14:16:00.000-06:002008-02-23T14:16:00.000-06:00It is important that everyone understands some bas...It is important that everyone understands some basic definitions, so that we are not talking across each other.<BR/><BR/>There are now three levels of investigations in TYC.<BR/>1. Criminal investigations investigated by qualified law enforcement officers (primarilly, but not exclusively, the OIG);<BR/>2. Investigations of Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation conducted under the Texas Family Code by Youth Care Investigators;<BR/>3. Grievances which are administered by the Youth Rights Specialists and are investigated by staff as assigned by the YRS. <BR/><BR/>The Youth Care Investigators and the Youth Rights Specialists work for the Youth Rights Division, which reports directly the the Executive Director. The OIG reports to the Conservator. <BR/><BR/>Under the current system, it is entirely possible that a youth's grievance will be investigated at all three levels, sometimes simultaneously (not good) and sometimes sequentially (good). Youth written grievances are just one of the means by which claims of mistreatment or criminal activity are brought to the attention of the professional civil and criminal investigators.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-76757957429078486802008-02-23T12:29:00.000-06:002008-02-23T12:29:00.000-06:00I'm saying there need to be MORE people to process...I'm saying there need to be MORE people to process and investigate the grievances. I'm saying that EVERY complaint is important and should be treated seriously. The "policy solution" is more staff per student.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-65165010369683832212008-02-23T11:23:00.001-06:002008-02-23T11:23:00.001-06:00To 9:42, 10:41 - Still waiting to hear what all th...To 9:42, 10:41 - Still waiting to hear what all this implies for a policy solution. Are you saying complaints shouldn't be processed, that the number of investigators shouldn't be increased? What is the point of the naysaying and denial? <BR/><BR/>We will see if they go to trial, you're right. Though in the case of the girl who got pregnant, we can already be pretty sure! And that WAS written up in the DMN (<A HREF="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-nutyc_07pro.ART.State.Edition2.4448c9b.html" REL="nofollow">see here, e.g.</A>), which is where I first heard of it. It was at Marlin, and the guy was fired over it. I also talked to a couple of people last year privately about the backstory so that I have reason to believe he was not fired frivolously.<BR/><BR/>You're right, there are not enough people investigating, which was the point of the post. But if you increase the number of investigators there will be some investigative resources that evaluate frivolous charges, by the nature of the beast. Failing to look past that to the really serious complaints is a feature the adult and juvie systems both have in common, historically. It's seen as an excuse to ignore real complaints that many turn out to be false. At some point TYC has to get past that position, IMO, after all that's happened, and begin to treat youth AND staff complaints in good faith.Gritsforbreakfasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-69955601614938050622008-02-23T11:23:00.000-06:002008-02-23T11:23:00.000-06:00Pinpoint, we are still not understanding each othe...Pinpoint, we are still not understanding each other. I thought we were talking about the system for routine, everyday complaints filed by youth. The OIG can monitor complaints filed even today via their computers. But I think the OIG will resist any attempt to hand them responsibility for the first look at all new grievances and then judging whether they were properly resolved. <BR/><BR/>When we talk about alleged mistreatment -- criminal behavior -- of course TYC should not investigate itself. Some of those complaints rise to the level of mistreatment and must be moved on to an OIG.<BR/><BR/>But if we confine the discussion to routine grievances, TYC does it the same way any other agency or organization does. All that is needed is to ensure youth have access to the system, enough staff are available to administer it, and that its integrity can be assured. No amount of automation or oversight from above can ensure that beyond a shadow of a doubt.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-78395791340971011352008-02-23T11:05:00.000-06:002008-02-23T11:05:00.000-06:00Scott, the real problem with the current TYGS (gri...Scott, the real problem with the current TYGS (grievance system) is that the reforms built into SB103 were not implemented by Ms Pope, despite what she claimed. Those YRS positions that were not filled by Youth Care Investigators converting to YRS were not filled until this month. As Ms Strong pointed out to the Committee, most of the positions were filled by gutting the ranks of Youth Care Investigators. That said, we now (finally) have a YRS at each campus. The YRS no longer reports to the local administration. The new "system" is due to go on line next month. Grievances will be consolidated in a single point, they will be screened for alleged criminal complaints and alleged abuse, neglect and exploitation complaints; and the rest will be assigned for resolution according to a matrix. <BR/><BR/>The major problem that still exists is that there are not enough OIG criminal investigators and not enough Youth Care Investigators to handle the number of serious allegations that come in. The field investigators, OIG and YCI, have in most cases developed a pretty good professional working relationship, particularly where cases overlap. Unfortunately, the two groups are not coordinated centrally and there are not enough field investigators of either kind. There are fewer total field investigators now, than there were before the reforms. This, despite the fact that the OIG investigators have responsibilities that go far beyond just investigating staff on youth cases. They are full-time State Police Officers, with all that implies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com