tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post6382183692838105320..comments2024-03-15T05:45:01.402-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: Oral histories allege abusive TYC practicesGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-16341300476730265372008-04-11T09:00:00.000-05:002008-04-11T09:00:00.000-05:0055-5 running laps till you fall out, tyc sure has ...55-5 running laps till you fall out, tyc sure has gotten lame over the years. I would rather run laps then be handcuffed to the wall and beaten. What ever happened to Positive Peer Culture. That was great, in theory, to keep a dorm in check. The way it was implemented by the dumb ass red neck social workers was if a state boy was messing up the dorm man would go out for a smoke while having "his boys" culture the problem state boy with the thought that possessiveness would result. The only place I know of where child abuse is the accepted norm is in tyc. 100 plus years of abusing children and still going strong, what an institution. Sheldon Schepps tyc#47333Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-49335866373008354452007-12-09T20:05:00.000-06:002007-12-09T20:05:00.000-06:00That's Howard! Like the other poster, I did not a...That's Howard! Like the other poster, I did not always like the answers he gave, but I never had any doubt about his sincerity. As for Neil and Emily - those were two highly dedicated and honorable people who got the shaft. They were nothing like this egotistical nudnik who is posting here as the "savior" of TYC. <BR/><BR/>Howard does not need to post here to justify himself. I think he does it for the same reason Don Brantley does it. He still cares! Both of them have moved on, but both of them have a continuing interest in the success of TYC in saving the lives of these kids who have been entrusted to our care. Bravo for them! <BR/><BR/>I personally miss the days when we could openly debate issues within TYC. None of us felt we had all the answers, but many of us were (and are) passionate with our desire for TYC to do a better job. I did not have to hide behind an anonymous posting on the internet for fear of losing my job. I could and did tell everyone from the Executive Director on down my opinion. They actually sought out the opinions of people in the trenches! Imagine that! Old SaltyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-45387282581042353472007-12-09T18:05:00.000-06:002007-12-09T18:05:00.000-06:00In answer to the questions:Who was your supervisor...In answer to the questions:<BR/><BR/>Who was your supervisor at CO?<BR/>Neil Nichols/Emily Helm<BR/><BR/>Who told you what your duties were to the agency?<BR/>My duties were defined in my job description<BR/><BR/>How many times did you project a response to an employee directed from CO.<BR/><BR/>I never was directed by anyone in CO to give a specific answer to any question. Thousands of times I answered questions based on the law and TYC policy.<BR/> <BR/>How many times did you refuse to answer an employee question the way it should have been answered rather what you were told to answer.<BR/><BR/>See previous answer, I always answered questions the way they should have been answered.<BR/><BR/>Who were your loyalties directed to.<BR/><BR/>My loyalties have always been governed by my oath of office - to the Constitution and the laws of the State of Texas. I have always represented the best interests of my client, TYC.<BR/><BR/>How many time were you given responses to staff rather than being able to use your own words?<BR/><BR/>Never<BR/><BR/>If you were worth a damm as an attorney why work for TYC?<BR/><BR/>I was tired of the grind required to make $200,000 + a year. I though it would be fun to be a judge(hearings examiner) and needed a few years to qualify for state retirement anyway. After I was there, I just liked working with the people there.<BR/><BR/>4:57, Thanks. For the record, I am not a paragon of virtue and have never claimed to be.<BR/><BR/>Howard A. HickmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-68425750439967206332007-12-09T16:57:00.000-06:002007-12-09T16:57:00.000-06:00"Be honest. Many of these questions have already b..."Be honest. Many of these questions have already been determined."<BR/><BR/>Determined? By who? By you, that doesn't mean much! <BR/><BR/>Howard is no paragon of virtue. He has made decisions that I have not always agreed with and at times his bluntness could be grating but he always gave a well considered straight forthright answer. I respect it even if I don't always appreciate it!<BR/><BR/>Just because he made a judgment that you don't agree with doesn't mean he is corrupt or inept. <BR/><BR/>Whatever your beef with Howard is step up, identify yourself, and make a point otherwise stop blowing hot air. <BR/><BR/>My two cents!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-37042639133265353082007-12-09T16:47:00.000-06:002007-12-09T16:47:00.000-06:00Yes 4:11PM, I am not only confident I am incredi...Yes 4:11PM, I am not only confident I am increditable as you say. I am confident that what this agency needs is more professionals like me rather than politicians such as yourself. Give a solution or shut the hell up!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-43590581299055641022007-12-09T16:11:00.000-06:002007-12-09T16:11:00.000-06:003:52, your grandiousity is incredible.3:52, your grandiousity is incredible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-56244596784284971072007-12-09T16:05:00.000-06:002007-12-09T16:05:00.000-06:00I have a question for Mr. Hickman:Who was your sup...I have a question for Mr. Hickman:<BR/><BR/>Who was your supervisor at CO?<BR/><BR/>Who told you what your duties were to the agency?<BR/><BR/>How many times did you project a response to an employee directed from CO.<BR/><BR/>How many times did you refuse to answer an employee question the way it should have been answered rather what you were told to answer.<BR/><BR/>Who were your loyalties directed to.<BR/><BR/>How many time were you given responses to staff rather than being able to use your own words?<BR/><BR/>If you were worth a damm as an attorney why work for TYC?<BR/><BR/>Be honest. Many of these questions have already been determined.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-34085928160967092472007-12-09T15:52:00.000-06:002007-12-09T15:52:00.000-06:00Howard you are obviousily unstable. No one is atta...Howard you are obviousily unstable. No one is attacking you. You are not in tune with what is required for future success in TYC. Stop answering in the defensive. I have over 17 years in Criminal Justice developing programs and consultation at both the federal and state juvenile levels. Mr. Hickman you have all the intentions of wanting to project a positive approach to the success of TYC. However, you are to ingrained in self preservation rather than what is needed to project continued success bringing the agency back to national recognition. Review federal juvenile justice directives. <BR/>Understand federal standards in juvenile corrections. Forget what you have done in the past for TYC. Your contributions no longer are required as new progressive approcahes are needed to turn this around.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-53497106204894909802007-12-09T15:05:00.000-06:002007-12-09T15:05:00.000-06:002:48,In what way am I corrupt. I also am not a pol...2:48,<BR/><BR/>In what way am I corrupt. I also am not a politician and have for decades refused to put up with the requisite pandering that classification entails. I also have never based a business decision on who is my buddy. Your prejudice toward me is misdirected if that is your basis of attacking me.<BR/><BR/>Howard A. HickmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-29377191896826357332007-12-09T14:55:00.000-06:002007-12-09T14:55:00.000-06:002:31,You need to learn something about budgeting a...2:31,<BR/><BR/>You need to learn something about budgeting and the appropriation process. I am basing my opinion on budgetary reality, not the dreams of future money. To do what you propose requires large sums of money that do not exist. There are otherpractical restrictions like the limitations on sex offender treatment licensees. They do not exist in numbers or locations to meet juvenile treatment needs and will not as long as a licensed juvenile psychiatrist or psychologist can not provide sex offender treatment without being licensed by the Council on Sex Offender Treatment Providers. <BR/><BR/>There is a big difference between what I believe should be provided in juvenile treatment and what can be done with existing limitations, particularly budgetary, on a pragmatic basis. I have not discussed my treatment preferences but only commented on reality. I do not like the reality probably any more than you do but I am reasonable enough to recognize the limitations. What you think can be done can not be done without additional legislative action which is more than a year down the line. You need to see the now, not some possible future. Wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars on a new classification scheme just makes it harder to solve other more pressing TYC problems. TYC is not on Santa's list and he is not going to provide what you or I want in treatment for the forseeable future.<BR/><BR/>Howard A. HickmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-31926150924031286352007-12-09T14:48:00.000-06:002007-12-09T14:48:00.000-06:002:17PMYou sound like your motivated by cash money....2:17PM<BR/><BR/>You sound like your motivated by cash money. The money will come. The staff stress will lessen. The pay raises will be annually met. Get your head out of the idea that one person will change TYC pay for JCO's. <BR/><BR/>The entire system will benefit with lead by non-suck-ass managers. The pay will be there for those JCO's that can adapt to the quality of standards required to make this agency work. If you want supportive leadership, that ensures JCO staff are well paid and can deliver quality services in an environment that in the passed was based on corruption, politics and who's your buddy, then Howards your man. <BR/><BR/>We need new ideas, leaders that have the conceptual mentality to develope those ideas, and use the ideas of quality JCO staff to make positive changes. The money is there. TYC needs a leader that will stand-up for staff as well as the kids. A person that can be able to dismiss the political BS in Austin for the good of the agency. Politicians are assholes. They ruin everything. We need a person that will stand up for what's right, viable and shove the BS right up the rear end of the politicans that ruined our agency. PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-63001159654657784442007-12-09T14:31:00.000-06:002007-12-09T14:31:00.000-06:00Howard, the new classification system will allow f...Howard, the new classification system will allow for the new treatment based individual classification. Subclassified is a misnomer. Classification is the KEY. Money requirments are part of any new structuring. The main goal is to classify. Treatment follows. I can develope a system that is so precise geared towards individual treatment goals that TYC would be astonished as to the simplicity of the treatment projections for those in each security and custody classification. TYC must get away from the approach of group therapy based on skills that are no longer appropriate in their past structure. WE must develope scales for facilities in terms of classification, i.e., minimum, low, medium and high. No offense Howard but your way to late and a few dollars to short in justifying Criminal Justice policy and objectives. Your part of the old thinking that infected this agency. Howard you just need to move on and leave this to those that can understand the processes required in the field of juvenile justice. No Offense of course!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-33253274891669945032007-12-09T14:17:00.000-06:002007-12-09T14:17:00.000-06:00Amen to Howard for his comment on paying JCO overt...Amen to Howard for his comment on paying JCO overtime. These staff are overworked for what, time on the books which they cannot take off because they are understaffed. When they ask for a day off, they are continually denied. Which brings up another subject I have seen in these blogs, staff abusing the sick and medical leave policies. Hell it's the only way they can get a day off. <BR/><BR/>Pay them for the Holidays they have to work instead of putting time on the books which they cannot take, again due to understaffing. <BR/><BR/>I truly believe that the staff care about their jobs and the youth that they are entrusted to, but even the best have a breaking point. Give them what is due to them for doing a job that alot of people wouldn't even look at. Either pay them for the overtime or give them the time off when they request it. <BR/><BR/>Howard, I worked at Marlin for sometime and talked to you many times. You were always respectful, understanding and helped me when you could have said "it's not my job". My hat is tipped to you buddy!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-9239431611643833952007-12-09T12:56:00.000-06:002007-12-09T12:56:00.000-06:0010:17,I suggest you reread my comments on the subj...10:17,<BR/><BR/>I suggest you reread my comments on the subject. The main point is that a new classification system is a waste of money when one does not have the specialized treatment programs necessary to place those subclassified youth in. If such existed or were likely to exist in the foreseeable future, then the cost of a new classification system<BR/>would be justifiable. I think at present it is more preferable to spend the money on JCO overtime.<BR/><BR/>Howard A. HickmanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-71221596667015451852007-12-09T11:48:00.000-06:002007-12-09T11:48:00.000-06:00All I can say is why can't the system go back to w...All I can say is why can't the system go back to what worked? Momma always said don't fix something that ain't broke. 10 years ago, if a youth was disruptive they were consequenced by a security referral and made to work (bunk skills, exercises, etc). I never saw a youth "abused" by this policy, although of course the youth would disagree. <BR/><BR/>If the majority of the dorm was being disruptive, then yes the entire dorm would have to suffer the consequences mainly due to staffing issues and not having enough room in security to send all the disruptive ones. I used to tell my kids when they would complain how unfair it was that really it’s the same in the free. They would ask me what I was talking about and I would explain to them how if they steal cars, insurance rates go up which means everyone else is suffering for their bad behavior. If they steal from houses or stores, homeowners insurance rates rise and stores raise prices to cover the losses. When it was put in that context, believe it or not, they said “oh man I never looked at it like that”. Of course they wouldn’t because they have yet to experience the wonderful life of paying bills and supporting a family. Truly after that, I didn’t have a lot of problems with most of the youth, of course there is that exception youth that just didn’t give a crap and those chosen few could go to security and work out their frustration on bunks skills and exercising. <BR/><BR/>I totally agree with 10:17 in that correction professionals need to be the ones that develop the policies and fix this broken agency. Nothing against psychologists or psychiatrists but seems when they took over is when everything went to pot. <BR/><BR/>I have a 14 year old and when he breaks the rules he is consequenced. Am I being abusive because I made him do things he don’t like to do? I think not, but believe me, he doesn’t make the same mistake twice simply because he didn’t like the consequences. It’s all in changing the mindset of these kids. Most of them have gotten away with way too much for way too long. <BR/><BR/>Make the youth accountable for their actions, good and bad, and the rehabilitation will take care of itself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-84874716199115242402007-12-09T10:17:00.000-06:002007-12-09T10:17:00.000-06:00To Former Marlin Employee:You have described the s...To Former Marlin Employee:<BR/><BR/>You have described the situation at Marlin very well. As at Marlin and the other state schools. Once the discipline was taken away along with consequences for that poor behavior the youth had no reason to behave properly. There were always those youth that would work the program no matter what and do the best they could. However, they had to suffered for others poor behavior and then they felt discouraged and many of them then decided to give up also.<BR/><BR/>As in life TYC needs a system of rewards for good performance. This must be adopted. As in life a system of discipline and correction must be adopted for those that are unable to follow rules. Distinctions base on classification must be used to ensure youth are placed appropriately among other youth with the same classification. This is just an example. This would be determined by an individual scoring concept rather than a criminal charge concept. <BR/><BR/>TYC had what some called a rewards system with the Phase Concept. Unfortunately many youth could not read or write or were not good at either but fell behind. The Phase Concept was to frustrating for to many youth. With this frustration and the other insanity of mis-management together with a broken down psycho/social program developed by nutcase psychologist's, TYC was doomed from the start.<BR/><BR/>TYC needs correction professionals to develop a classification system. TYC then needs to develop a corresponding security classication for the individual youth. Howard Hickman disagrees but he does not explain why or provide any ideas. <BR/><BR/>This system would be different than any TYC has considered or had the ability to develop simply because TYC had to many psychologist's involved in the rehabilitation and correctional processes. They need to be used for counseling, education and provide youth an understanding of developing needed social skills. This idea of resocialization needs to be reduce to a departmental that the attends rather than is forced on them. <BR/><BR/>All this uncooperative blogging is screwed up people. Some great points have been brought out, some idealistic points without suggesting a solution have also been written. <BR/><BR/>Why don't we use this form to provide viable solutions and ideas to help the agency and these kids. We must also admit some kids we can't save, but most we can if we develope a program that provides new real measurable progression awards that youth can use for their future, no rubber stamp BS. In the same contexted those that cannot figuare it out as quickly will continue to face negative uncomfortable consequences, not abuse. Manual type work that they can work themselves out from and progress to the meaningful and measurable awards. Personal Discipline is the KEY. This is just a very simple example for the ideas we need to send these so-called administrators in Central Office. Since they are the choosen ones, we need to throw them a few bones with our ideas and experiences. Let them figuare it out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-8508205367463542922007-12-09T00:02:00.000-06:002007-12-09T00:02:00.000-06:00As a former Marlin employee I can say the 55/5 pra...As a former Marlin employee I can say the 55/5 practice was used when I first started in 97, but the practice was terminated in 98 or 99 somewhere around there. I don't believe it was a "policy" but something that a staff used to try to gain control of their dorm and it eventually was being used by all the dorms. After the staff were told not to do it anymore, I don't recall seeing it used. <BR/><BR/>As for the running laps, I did see that practice for dorms that were out of control and taken to the security recreation yard for their recreation time. I don't ever recall seeing youth handcuffed and left in the baking sun as this youth has claimed. Nor did I see youth "falling out, throwing up, scraped up, crying or bleeding" as he claimed from running and exercising. The youth were running laps and doing exercises which was required as part of their recreation time. Even the youth in the gym were running laps and doing exercises no different then the youth in the security recreation yard. The youth in the security recreation yard were just pissed because they didn't get to play basketball during their recreation time, hmmmmm, they were being punished for not following the rules and they want to hollar it's abuse???<BR/><BR/>When I first started working for TYC I was not fearful for my safety as the youth were referred to security for rule infractions. This was effective to get the "unruly" youth away from the ones that were working the program. In security, they were made to do bunk skills and exercises. Then someone came along and said “We can’t do that, it’s cruel and unusual punishment” and that was changed so that any youth that were sent to security could sit down, read a book, and sleep... hmmmmm.. what a choice. Stay on the dorm, work the program and go to school, or go to security and sit or sleep? Hell as an adult I know which choice I would make. <BR/><BR/>When I first started working at TYC, a threat of a security referral would straighten the attitude of the youth because they did not want to go there. After the changes, I would say to a youth if he/she did not straighten out their behavior I would have to send them to security, they would look at me and say "F--K you, send me to security, at least there I don't have to do this s--t". Security referrals went to the roof as a result of this "change" because of course we would not want to punish a youth for breaking the rules. <BR/><BR/>After 5 years, I can honestly say I did not feel safe working directly with the youth and moved into the office for a few more years. During that time, I saw more and more staff getting injured due to the youth fighting them during restraints. In my opinion, by this point the youth knew if the staff put their hands on them, they were subjected to immediate investigation. Gosh what an easy way to get a officer who is trying to enforce the rules off your dorm but to fight them. Force them to do a restraint (for their safety and the safety of the other youth on the dorm), someone gets hurt (staff or youth), they go under investigation, given "alternative" work assignments or better yet, suspended from their job and eventually terminated (more so then returning to work). I seen this time and time again. The officer is sweating whether he/she has a job to support their families and the youth is laughing to his/her buddies on the dorm getting their buddies to "confirm" their story that "they weren't doing anything wrong". What happened to innocent until proven guilty? <BR/><BR/>All this is going on and the biggest concern of administration was what the dress code is??? I think administration, from Central Office on down need to get their priorities straight and focus on staff safety and staff retention. Because as I see it, many excellent staff are quitting because they are tired of little or no consequences for bad behavior of youth, long work hours, short staffing, staff abusing the sick and medical leaves and having absolutely no back up from local Administrators.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-70368027566698631142007-12-08T22:23:00.000-06:002007-12-08T22:23:00.000-06:00There have been many times that the OIG cops have...There have been many times that the OIG cops have wanted to prosecute youth for making false statements. So far, they have been stymied by the top brass. In one case the outside investigators wanted to bring up a youth who made numerous false charges, and Kimbrough himself nixed that. This kid is now one of Emily's poster boys.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-21596889002031797422007-12-08T19:02:00.000-06:002007-12-08T19:02:00.000-06:00With all of these fine stories of abuse and terror...With all of these fine stories of abuse and terror has any Law Enforcement Officer ever arrested a Youth for making a False Statement??????? Come on now in Brownwood at the begining of the scandal our local police stated they would also arrest Youth who file false reports Hmmmm wow have they all gone back to the Old Days ???? No one is following anything that was said at the start of all of this stuff as well as where is the required Police that is supposed to be on every Campus??? Man our local elected official who spoke on the Radio never came up to the Campus to see what He voted for ??? How about it Troy Frasier are you thinking the State Employees wont Vote for you??? You know if they wanted change they should have done what they said they would do and they havent as of yet TYC is worse for what they have done to the Agency !!!!!!!! It seems that the Brownwood Rep. Mr Frasier could care less about TYC and thats sad due to most of the Staff voting for Him.. I bet this election may be a little different as many Satff have friends and they have friends so lets see who votes for that Looser....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-28444236947496519612007-12-08T13:30:00.000-06:002007-12-08T13:30:00.000-06:00Not to mention that acrylic nails for women must b...Not to mention that acrylic nails for women must be at least 6 inches long. Nails shorter than 6 inches will result in disciplinary action.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-58172778371200334882007-12-07T17:13:00.000-06:002007-12-07T17:13:00.000-06:00one addition to that dress code. Bright ruby red l...one addition to that dress code. Bright ruby red lipstick.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-83910450483433893682007-12-07T16:54:00.000-06:002007-12-07T16:54:00.000-06:00Memo just put out by CO:All staff starting 01/01/2...Memo just put out by CO:<BR/><BR/>All staff starting 01/01/2008 will have the following dress code while on duty in all State School Facilities. Please abide by this current dress code to ensure uniformity:<BR/><BR/>1. White oversized shirt with red purple and green fringe around collar and cuffs, bright red buttons.<BR/><BR/>2. Red oversized baggy pants with white ruffles on bottom cuffs of pants.<BR/><BR/>3. Purple converse basket ball shoes at least size 14, no small sizes allowed.<BR/><BR/>4. You may wear face pant but please ensure that all nose pieces are RED and squeezable, sounds are of your choice.<BR/><BR/>5. There will be no if's and's or Butt's to this policy. All staff must have these items NLT 01/05/2008. If not you not recieve your personal set of noise makers and balloons<BR/><BR/>All Central office staff will continue with the present policy and dress code established by Ms. Pope. Men will be in dragg as usual and women will continue to wear black stilettoes leather pants and white cotton halter's. If it becomes to cold all ladies must ensure their headlights are off become entering Central Office.<BR/><BR/>People we are on our why to change TYC and we are moving ahead. One priority down 2,865,954.000 to go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-91000645585293278892007-12-06T21:44:00.000-06:002007-12-06T21:44:00.000-06:00Ah the new memo: apparently Central Office was afr...Ah the new memo: apparently Central Office was afraid people in the field were coming to work half naked. Now we are being told we are expected to wear pants...guess I will have to put up those sequined G strings and silkscreend thongs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-1818049546558714732007-12-06T20:39:00.000-06:002007-12-06T20:39:00.000-06:00Hey Don,Call me some time, please. I'm still in t...Hey Don,<BR/>Call me some time, please. I'm still in the phone book. VG gave me your e-mail address before they left for NC, but it bounced. JCAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-55853832015544780502007-12-06T19:22:00.000-06:002007-12-06T19:22:00.000-06:00I am sure you read the memo by now. But you can we...I am sure you read the memo by now. But you can wear what ever you want in pants and shoes. You still have to wear that god awful shirt. To much more with these uniforms and more and more are going to be filling out exit papers. It needs to go away and spend the damn money on the kids to make the place better and safer for staff and kids. Stop wasting money on some damn uniforms that are not helping no one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com