tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post5594156980547331646..comments2024-03-15T05:45:01.402-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: Phoenix program aims to neutralize violent inmates at Texas youth prisonsGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-90472043705272432252012-07-14T16:36:51.810-05:002012-07-14T16:36:51.810-05:00Majority of the problems are not the youth; until ...Majority of the problems are not the youth; until the agency focus on justice and not correction, the agency may make some head way if you will. The agency will not change until Whitmire and Madden conduct a hearing on the reason staff are getting fired. Review all grievances from staff in the last seven years. Why is everybody turning their head when it comes to Allen Walter---he has a responsibility to the reason TJJD is a mess now. Make it a safe place for staff and the staff will make it a safe place for the youth. Everybody is looking at the wrong problem. Focus on the staff---if the staff is from the administrators---they will ensure the youth are safe...This is the approach...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-58947124287602435412012-07-03T21:02:55.804-05:002012-07-03T21:02:55.804-05:001:59 - why? I don't know either but I suspect ...1:59 - why? I don't know either but I suspect it may have something to do with the upcoming elections in November and the fact the board really just turned their back on these hug-a-thug liberal groups. But who knows. I know this.... James Smith needs to go because he was huge in bringing in the problems.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-17442357017406964612012-07-03T13:59:14.432-05:002012-07-03T13:59:14.432-05:00My question is very much to the point, why does Ja...My question is very much to the point, why does Jay Kimbrough keep the top management that he inherited from Ms. Townsend?<br />If they have been employed in these positions for the past 2,3,4, years or more should this not tell you something about their abilities.<br />I cannot tell you how much pain and suffering that has taken place over these past few years and we cannot bring new leadership?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-87041271411968342912012-07-01T21:38:19.405-05:002012-07-01T21:38:19.405-05:00Who in the hell came up with conextions, why would...Who in the hell came up with conextions, why would anyone pander this useless piece of crap?<br /><br />Conextions is Rebecca Thomas Cox's creation/creature. Not many people in TJJD are willing to take her on despite the dismal history of that misbegotten fiasco.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-34535585038581842702012-07-01T06:52:29.606-05:002012-07-01T06:52:29.606-05:00Well we have had new leadership for a couple of mo...Well we have had new leadership for a couple of months even with Cherie on board and nothing has really change. Tallk of new uniforms, talk of the Mart facility, but the youth still have total control.<br />It really does not take a genius to figure out that the programs we continue to run have been broke. Who in the hell came up with conextions, why would anyone pander this useless piece of crap?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-52699805773768731152012-06-30T19:01:58.468-05:002012-06-30T19:01:58.468-05:00Cherie Townsend wanted to paint a picture of some ...Cherie Townsend wanted to paint a picture of some fairy tale crap with that comment “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened," and paint this picture of love, caring, honesty in a theraputic setting.<br /><br />I love DR. Suess and read his stories to my children all the time. He had some seriously good messages for children all over the world.<br /><br />But the fact is, under Townsend, her story is more fitting of a comparison to a Steven King Horror movie.... MISERY.<br /><br />It is what it was but now get it right.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-75777616841924809492012-06-29T21:59:43.900-05:002012-06-29T21:59:43.900-05:00Folks just because Cherie left does little to chan...Folks just because Cherie left does little to change this agency. The staff she placed in administration positions over the past 3 years will continue to be the down fall. After awhile they will have to quit changing their stripes whenever a new administration takes over, and yes we know who you are.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-65765459917424477782012-06-29T19:19:56.084-05:002012-06-29T19:19:56.084-05:00No, the Pope has her beat by a long shot. The Bum...No, the Pope has her beat by a long shot. The Bum Steer award should go to SB103 and the idiots that passed it. They meant well, but anyone who works with youth would tell you that they could see that the kids 'just doing the minimum' has brought about what we have now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-16197974995296450012012-06-29T17:23:02.503-05:002012-06-29T17:23:02.503-05:00“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it hap...“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”<br /><br />I THINK WE ALL HAVE A BETTER SAYING THAT'S MORE FITTING: "SMILE BECAUSE IT'S OVER."<br /><br />Cherie Townsend will go down as the wost administrator in Texas history and should be a candidate for Texas Monthly's Bum Steer award. <br /><br />Good Riddance!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-76356732229527952232012-06-29T14:57:12.352-05:002012-06-29T14:57:12.352-05:00Cow paddy justice, should we have expected somethi...Cow paddy justice, should we have expected something different?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-34985574056345958952012-06-29T13:56:02.242-05:002012-06-29T13:56:02.242-05:00Cheri Townsend's last message to staff sent ou...Cheri Townsend's last message to staff sent out this afternoon:<br /><br />Dear TJJD Employees and Chief Juvenile Probation Officers,<br /><br />Whether we have worked together for only a few months or for many years, it has been my honor and privilege to work with you to create positive youth outcomes and safer communities. Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to reflect on your many accomplishments over the years, the friendships that were made and that sustained us during challenging times and the youth who have benefited from the educational and treatment programs, the work and care of both professionals and volunteers and the business services that supported agency-operated programs and services as well as community-based programs, services and collaborative efforts.<br /><br />I considered that this last message would be an opportunity to highlight the successful transition and creation of a new agency, the accelerated rollout of JCMS, the implementation of prevention and early intervention pilot programs in twenty-four counties, the many positive changes within the Texas Youth Commission over the last three years (ACA accreditation, compliance with Special Education requirements, implementation of PBIS, reduced medical costs and improved services as well as a positive relationship with UTMB, college credit opportunities for youth and staff at Navarro College, increased specialized treatment and vocational training opportunities for the many youth who need them, the remarkable 50% reduction in re-arrest rate for gang-involved youth participating in the GitRedy re-entry program and the new programs and services available in halfway houses to re-connect youth to their communities—just to name a few) and all the people who have made these things happen. I considered telling the stories of Jeremy, Pearl, Jose and Zac, who benefited from all the efforts of so many probation officers, TJJD employees and volunteers. I considered acknowledging the challenges we have faced together to reduce youth aggression and staff injuries, to complete six facility closures, and to realign and reform the juvenile justice system in Texas. And, I considered pointing out the obvious, that all of our work requires partnerships and collaboration which require time and commitment internally and externally, including families.<br /><br />In the end, I decided to simply say “thank you”. There is a quote from a Dr. Seuss book that seems appropriate at this time, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” I leave you with a smile, because I had the chance to work with all of you, to learn from you and, together we made a positive difference in the lives of youth. I am able to move on to the next chapter in my life with confidence that you will continue to serve youth, families, and communities throughout Texas in ways that reflect best practices and that achieve the best possible outcomes.<br /><br />Best regards,<br /><br />CherieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-25384986371467014242012-06-28T21:58:26.547-05:002012-06-28T21:58:26.547-05:00THAT SHIT THEY CALL A TREATMENT PROGRAM AINT NOTHI...THAT SHIT THEY CALL A TREATMENT PROGRAM AINT NOTHING BUT OLD BAR FLY CONTRABAND THAT WAS CONCOCTED AFTER A FEW FUZZY NAVELS BY SOME FAT ASS BITCHES SITTING ON THEIR ASSES IN AUSTIN TEXAS. THEY COULDN'T GET A MAN SO THIS IS OUT TORTURE. I'M SOLD ON IT. FLY ON BAR FLY- FLY ON.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-35309445930466508502012-06-28T19:44:48.722-05:002012-06-28T19:44:48.722-05:00Giddings
The Grand Jury did not return a True Bi...Giddings <br /><br />The Grand Jury did not return a True Bill<br /><br />The Lee County Grand Jury met on Friday, June 8th, to consider allegations raised by Texas Juvenile Justice Department Independent Ombudsman Debbie Unruh over ongoing problems at the Giddings State School.<br /> <br />Unruh's April 13, 2012 report, about conditions at the Giddings State School, has caused a stir at the State School facility. The situation has resulted in the ousting of Superintendant Stan DeGerolami and a retirement announcement from Cherie Townsend, executive director of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. <br /> <br />The allegations made their way to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department Office of Inspector General (OIG). OIG investigated Unruh's allegations then turned the report and their investigation over to Lee County Attorney Martin Placke for Prosecution - with assistance from the Texas Special Prosecution Unit of TDCJ/TJJD. <br /> <br />The Grand Jury considered the matters raised in the report but did not return any True Bills of indictment for any felony or misdemeanor offenses against any alleged offenders.<br /> <br />County Attorney Martin Placke said, "I do not intend to present these matters to another Grand Jury unless new information develops warranting presentation." Placke added, "The allegations in the report of bullying, terroristic threat, and assault constituted possible misdemeanor offenses. This was an experienced Grand Jury and all that I will surmise is that they concluded that the allegations did not rise to the level warranting a True Bill of indictment."<br /> <br />The Lee County Grand Jury did return True Bills of indictment against two Giddings State School students. Shawn Vasquez, age 17, and Louis Byers, age 18, were both indicted for separate incidents where they are accused of assaulting staff members at the Giddings facility.<br /> <br />Assault on a public servant is a third degree felony with a range of punishment of up to then years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice adult prison system.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-63618111974567450622012-06-28T02:40:31.084-05:002012-06-28T02:40:31.084-05:00People like Rebecca Cox have been allowed to put t...People like Rebecca Cox have been allowed to put their stamp on the agency and they have been allowed to promote their own loopy programs and get away with it for years. If we looked into her background, we would take the keys to the agency out of her hands. That also goes for those who cluster around her.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-90921639133359627042012-06-27T18:41:07.866-05:002012-06-27T18:41:07.866-05:00too many bleeding heart liberals and advocacy grou...too many bleeding heart liberals and advocacy groups out there. why dont you come down and work a dorm for a day and bet you would change your mind. these juvenile punks beat up on staff and weaker kidsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-8279678543585528522012-06-27T06:41:09.244-05:002012-06-27T06:41:09.244-05:00As long as the architect of Conextions is still a ...As long as the architect of Conextions is still a Director for this agency (Rebecca Cox) do you really believe you will see any change?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-80821479774099564422012-06-26T22:21:43.620-05:002012-06-26T22:21:43.620-05:00TJJD lacks trained staff to make this Program work...TJJD lacks trained staff to make this Program work. I see more lawsuits and legitimate claims of abuse in the future of TJJD.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-53642656814465863112012-06-26T19:55:11.457-05:002012-06-26T19:55:11.457-05:00We all know this isn't going to solve all the ...We all know this isn't going to solve all the problems. It is going to solve a few of them and that's a start. <br /><br /> I, for one, am glad to see that we're at least trying to do that for a change. The pendulum has got to swing the other way and I hope Mr. Kimbrough is the person that is going to get it done. <br /><br /> The only people that can even fathom what really goes on in these facilities are the ones who work there. The others have no clue and wouldn't last 15 minutes. If you have seen the news lately about the abuse the lady on the bus took with all the terrible remarks, etc. then you've seen what TJJD staff deal with most of their day every day and not just one bus ride. This needs to stop. What do young people learn from being able to treat adults like that day in and day out. Only that it's ok to treat people like that. <br /><br />If Mr. Kimbrough would get rid of this crazy Connextions and PBIS and bring back what we used to do where the youth had to come to terms with their crimes, show empathy, learn all the thinking errors, etc. (Resocialization)and get us back to the day where a youth could actually lose his stage for something less than nearly killing staff, we'd be headed back in the right direction. Now, they get their stages way too easily and since they can't lose them, they give staff hell until they go home. <br /><br />I'm praying that we get this agency turned around and really make a difference in some of the lives of these youth. We're the last chance they have and they aren't seeing reality the way things are being done now. Most will be doomed when they get back into the "real" world with the attitudes and actions they have learned are ok while they have been locked up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-40701387557205240432012-06-25T22:46:57.286-05:002012-06-25T22:46:57.286-05:00March your ass up Victory Hill in Sheffield, Texas...March your ass up Victory Hill in Sheffield, Texas 10:07, and get it done in 3 and I'll make you a man. There were a a whole lot of boys that dropped their balls and grew up on that hill. They came out of there proud - as they should have.Col. Hardnastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-73247012304961660102012-06-25T22:20:11.358-05:002012-06-25T22:20:11.358-05:00Actually the new policy says they get 1 hour out o...Actually the new policy says they get 1 hour out of cells a day...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-52046021040438779232012-06-25T22:07:29.110-05:002012-06-25T22:07:29.110-05:00Colonel,
Calm down. Stop taking it personal. No ...Colonel, <br /><br />Calm down. Stop taking it personal. No one is challenging your manhood. No doubt there are resilient kids in any setting who will overcome the odds and do well. <br /><br />Look at the statistics. Heck, do a google search on juvenile boot camps and recidivism. They didn't work. on a large scale, for most kids. Boot camps have proven successful for training young men for discipline and war, but not so much for transforming delinquent youth. <br /><br />This approach with young people has been attempted, and failed most of the time for most of the kids.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-6973020285582248812012-06-25T20:18:47.705-05:002012-06-25T20:18:47.705-05:00I'm a Former Marine and I disagee with your co...I'm a Former Marine and I disagee with your conclusion. We opened the Sheffield Bootcamp and many of our graduates went on to serve and later received funds to pay for their eucation in which many received a BS or BA degree in several fields. It took taking them out of their hood and straighten their ass up to serve and overall, the majority did.<br /><br />Many of us who served in Iraq back in 1991 saw the opportunity to open the eyes of these boys and we did. Many went on to serve despite knowing there are many flag burning pieces of shits out there that just want to sound off but never had the balls to back it up. Hence - kiss my ass - liberal. Inside of every boy, there is a man. They want and take pride on being in that winning bunch.Col. Hardnastnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-34696347925525567532012-06-25T18:40:46.151-05:002012-06-25T18:40:46.151-05:00If the choice is either boot camp for juveniles or...If the choice is either boot camp for juveniles or TDCJ, shutter the doors. The evidence is clear that boot camps are ineffective, and in many cases cause recidivism to rise. <br /><br />http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/04-07-3901.pdf<br /><br />It seems like the answer for those that work with these youth in TJJD is to do whatever is possible to protect staff. That is commendable, but not at the cost of making offenders worse. At a minimum there are cheaper options. At the worst, the costs to society upon release are too great. <br /><br />This is the problem with the security model. It is seen as an either/or dichotomy, instead of a security & rehabilitation model. You start at one end of the continuum with a goal towards moving to the other.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-70703354125944989992012-06-25T15:28:04.046-05:002012-06-25T15:28:04.046-05:00The comments are kinda hard-hitting for me to read...The comments are kinda hard-hitting for me to read as well. Just goes to show that you're one tough cookie to break.Anne Robertshttp://lalawyersjournal.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-44811324165359627892012-06-25T12:41:33.537-05:002012-06-25T12:41:33.537-05:00I don't see the Mart 24 beds having a great im...I don't see the Mart 24 beds having a great impact but I hope it does. All juvenile facilities need to go hard line and instill a military type of disciplinary process. If it's great for our service guys and gals then why not the thugs?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com