There's little question SB 103 is the most significant change in Texas' juvenile laws in more than a decade, reversing 'tuff' juvenile crime policies launched when George W. Bush was governor. Now it heads to a conference committee to work out differences with the Senate. Amendments to get rid of the board of directors and to allow misdemeanants to be sentenced to TYC were tabled, though Chairman Madden accepted quite a few smaller changes on the floor.
I've watched Chairman Madden's work closely on this committee and admire him a lot - he deserved every bit of the praise Rep. Terri Hodge heaped on him after the bill's passage. Truly, even at the height of the media frenzy, his was always the coolest head. This bill is an impressive piece of legislative work given the environment and short time frame, and on the House side he deserves the lion's share of the credit, which I'm sure he'd be the first to share with his committee. He's that kind of chair.
Finally, deserving tons of credit for her work behind the scenes is my friend Isela Gutierrez of the Texas Coalition Advocating Justice for Juveniles. She's the activist who first clued Sylvester Turner's chief of staff Alison Brock and the Texas Observer onto the West Texas story, and she's worked tirelessly at the Lege to make the most of this unique opportunity for reform. I hope she's proud of her work, because I honestly think that the Pyote scandal would never have been made public, and SB 103 certainly would never have passed in this very strong form, if Isela Gutierrez had never moved back to Texas from Seattle to work on juvenile justice.
MORE: See next-day coverage from AP, the Statesman, and the Dallas News.
Isela Guierrez at TCAJJ sent out an email today (Tuesday) pointing to a press release from the Speaker of the House and updating supporters about SB 103's House passage, including information on how to watch the debate:
You can watch the bill's passage last night at this link.
Click on the very last archived House chamber session (5/7/07, 2:00 p.m. - 12:45 a.m.) and go to 7:12:14 on the video.
The next step for the bill is to go to conference committee, where members of the House and Senate will iron out of the differences between the two bills. Most significant among those differences is the commission vs. board structure and the independence of the ombudsman.
Although it's not a one-shot cure-all for TYC's numerous troubles, it sets us well on the path toward turning TYC from a punitive and abusive warehouse into a rehabilitative model that will actually work for kids, families, and Texas. Warm thanks to all of you who helped make this possible!
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77 comments:
Agreed - Madden was the coolest head.
I'm honestly most impressed that he took the time BEFORE all the shit hit the fan to take a close look at TYC over a year ago, to talk to staff in CO and the field and visit facilities to try to understand what we were going through and what the true situation was on the front lines.
Unlike some of his famewhorish colleagues, he was actually interested in what was happening at TYC before it became a headline. I respect him for not participating in the 'pit bull' dog and pony show for the cameras, and he refrained from painting the entire agency with such a broad brush.
Whitmire and Hinojosa could take a lesson - or ten - from their honorable colleague. Kudos.
Wow, how did you do that? "Post removed by the author". Was that you Grits?
No, Isela deleted it herself and sent me an email instead. On your own comments if you click on the trash can emblem you can delete them. As administrator I'm also able to remove comments, but I usually only do that for comment spam with a few exceptions, like a flat out over the top libelous comment on a TYC string a while back.
The conference committee has their work cut out for them. I think an Inspector General and an Ombudsman will help a lot. I hope Isela, personally, and other groups like TCAJJ will populate the Advisory Board/Board of Directors (depending on conf. comm. decision). The legislation provides a lot of new opportunities for the agency. However, initially it's going to look like the "end of the world as we know it!" for many staff. I'm confident that people who joined the agency to make a difference in young people's lives will make the transition.
To give credit where credit's due, in the Senate Hinojosa, Whitmire, and even Steve Ogden, were all talking about TYC before the latest scandal broke.
Yeah, they were talking heads. Whitmire's a flip flopper like John Kerry.
I hope we all see a major improvement in juvenile justice and rehabilitation in Texas. The price paid in destroyed lives and careers was much higher than it needed to be. I wonder who they will be able to find to work at the new TYC since the children are running it now. TYC under Jim Kimbrough is a very dangerous place to work. I think a lot of well meaning idealistic thinking went into bringing the changes being made to reality. I fear the ideal will be much harder to implement in the real world than many understand.
I think Jerry Madden was more interested in doing the right thing than others who were out to grab a few headlines. If you have never had direct interaction with TYC youth you can not truly understand what you are dealing with. As I said before some well meaning people have made choices we will all have to live with. I hope they have more understanding of the important issues than I suspect they do.
I do see some good coming out of this poorly handled Kimbrough fiasco. Medical care improvements for youth will be coming. Mental health needs will be addressed. Youth will be separated by classification and age.
Don’t look for RTCs to be built any time soon. If they were not important enough to fund this Legislative Session then they will most likely never be heard of again. The next Legislative Session will have its own crisis and TYC will be a faded memory in 2009.
We will have to see how the local county governments handle the misdemeanors and if they receive enough funding to get the job done. My prediction is juvenile crime will rise along with your car and home insurance due to increased losses. Chronic minor offenders can cause thousands of dollars in damage and loss in a very short period of time. It will be interesting when a juvenile handled locally moves up to some horrific criminal act and the media runs with the story. When this happens, and it will, get ready for the backlash!
Anon 8:28 is right on, in my view. On an earlier thread I stated that the real issue now will be whether the lege can provide sustained financial support over a long period of time for major changes.
In the past that just hasn't happened. The cycle of scandal and reform happened in 1910s-20s, 1940s-50s, and 1970s-2000s, and now here we are again.
In each instance, disclosures of abuse outraged the public and the lege. This was followed by sweeping reform bills that within years, sometimes months, became essentially unfunded mandates... leaving both kids and staff high and dry. In some cases, "staff" meant not only new hires but also existing staff who had put forth great effort training in new methods and approaches, only to find them useless b/c the funds for institutional change dried up. Things quickly reverted back to the way they were before.
The historical record suggests that staff can and should play a central role in carrying out change. Reading the posts here on Grits has only confirmed that for me. In fact, blogs like this one deserve tremendous credit for offering a place for dialogue (however small) between staff and outsiders, which historically has been non-existent.
Anyway, my view is that real reform is just beginning and it will be challenging for it to be long lasting.
Already some important people are being quoted in the press as saying that it's time "to move on" and that state taxpayers will "never" pay for a non-institutional or Missouri style rehab program.
As Anon 8:28 points out, a few sensational episodes of violent juvenile crime could prove disastrous at this point. That historically also has helped scuttle reform.
Sorry to post "anonymously" but I'm having trouble with my Google identity... anyway, thanks Grits and everyone.
Bill Bush, UNLV
Rep. Jerry Madden is one of the nicest, fairest people I have ever had contact with. He actually does his job to make things better and not for the glory of doing his job.
We should all send him a thank you note for sticking his neck out and staying on the trail or what is right for TYC and all he is doing to right the corrupt TDCj. Jerry, I don't wear a hat, but you are the
very best and coolest man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. BP
12:52 My offer to Jerry Madden of a free burger seems lame after your post.
Wait a minute here... I just read the following article from the Statesman:
"Tuesday, May 08, 2007
As the Texas House late Monday debated a historic reform measure for the troubled Texas Youth Commission, one spectator in the gallery sat in rapt attention.
He sat on the edge of his seat, hanging on nearly every word. Tears repeatedly welled up in his eyes.
The man in the fluorescent yellow windbreaker on the second row was no routine Capitol tourist. He was Marc Slattery, the volunteer math tutor who two years ago called in the Texas Rangers to investigate sex-abuse allegations at the West Texas State School.
His call sparked Texas' biggest scandal in years, the scandal that led to the House debate.
"I am blown away," Slattery said after watching the House approve the reform bill.
"This is only a beginning, but it's a big step forward," he said, fighting back tears. "I didn't believe this would happen. . . . This is a huge step in the right direction."
As the House continued debate on other bills, Slattery filed out of the gallery and started to leave the Capitol. He was recalled to the lobby outside the House Chamber, where a parade of House members — many of them members of the special legislative committee formed to investigate the scandal Slattery sparked — stepped from the House Chamber to meet him.
They shook his hand, hugged him. They thanked him, called him a hero.
And several got tears in their eyes, as well."
I certainly commend this guy for bringing on the information that opened the door and hopefully a cell for Brookins and Hernandez, and that without fail deserves recognition.
But if I'm not mistaken, wasn't this same guy victimized by the felony sweep, who got his sentence reduced on some sexual offense with a teenage boy way back when? I know I wasn't dreaming of that story… I know I read it in the DMN.
He's not eligible for employment for TYC, nor is he eligible to even volunteer for the agency. And now we are having a big hug and tear fest on the capital steps?
Fast foreword - 2020... "As Ray Brookins exited the capital after touching off the third TYC sex scandal in Texas history, he is recalled by many of those in charge of reforming the TYC, as tears fell, and often referred to as a hero."
Only in Texas folks... amazing...
I want reform but I also want justice (sorry to break away from this hug fest taking place).
Ray Brookins was employed at TDCJ, he failed two polygraphs for having oral sex performed on him.
TDCJ officials knew about this and knew he was coming to TYC as a director of security and did nothing.
They knew TYC incarcerates youth and this man would have control and opportunity to do what he did at TDCJ at TYC.
Lets not forget this and see what our elected officials do about this.
So, we all know you guys watch.... what do you say? Some explanation is needed?
I am disgusted and I am vocal with all my family and all their friends, and their friends, and so forth, and your actions have been construed as "half ass" at best fellas.
Your district and county judges and prosecutors have relayed their concerns to you. And yes, they have friends, and family, and family friends as well.
I see campaign dollars pouring in when we finally get the history of the TYC's failures out in the open.
In all reality "Chuy," if you could just get your constituents off the coke for a little bit while we investigate why these kids are escaping off your campus in Evins and winding up on TDCJ's Death Row after they slaughtered 12 individuals who they thought were "informants," two of which were female high school students who had no idea what the notorious prison gang TCB was up to and whose families were victimized as well as themselves. You are a shame to the Valley as Whitemire is a shame to Houstonians.
You want to speak confidently of rebuilding TYC’s culture when you have your own to worry about in the Valley? You and that lawyer from SW Key must be in the same sac.
You and your buddy Whitmire can't hide now. I say we get the feds in TYC to ensure credible change, and not you two idiots. Pockets... ok..
9:06- Um... can we NOT forget Ed Owens in the same grouping please? "Sex, Lies and TDCJ" seem to be the next Catholic church taught management technique. We'll look the other way (Owens) as long as you leave this Parish and go molest someone else's choir boys (Brookins).
There are a lot of good ideas in this bill. I tried to convince someone to ask for a change in the age jurisdiction during the last session - it's long past time for a change from 21. Hopefully, when the final bill comes out, some members will have taken time to seriously consider what does and doesn't need to have immediate effect & how much money will need to be put into the system to fund what they want and make the commitment to keep spending the money.
The office of inspector general alone will need 20 or more employees (depending on how many youth/institutions are left) - if I remember correctly, the jobs are listed in the 40-50k/year range for the IG's, plus the supervisor and admin staff plus all the equipment/phone lines, etc. To sustain this system, the leg will need to continue putting in millions per year.
It's an excellent idea to have people dedicated to helping the youth, but how much funding is on the books to create an ombudsman agency/department? Even if commitments are capped, this group will be responsible for thousands of complaints every year, investigating them, making referrals, assisting families, supervising advocates, making reports...to be effective, this agency will need a lot of people, equipment, etc. and they will need people to be where the youth are, not just in Austin. Creating all of this will take money, time, planning and recruitment.
Creating a re-entry plan that includes housing assistance, half-way house placement (the agency will need to build some more of those), counseling and specialized treatment is another great idea - how much money is in the budget to sustain that?
Oh, and as a practical matter - does section 32 mean there can be no extension of the youth's time except by the review panel at the end of the youth's initial length of stay? It reads that way. That means no matter what the youth does, the agency can't impose any immediate time penalty (ok, I know there are cheers for this - but the agency also has to comply with ACA, which includes timelines imposing discipline, which is essentially what this extension would be.) It's going to be difficult to do both. The more likely practical result is that all the 17/18 year old youth we used to "extend" and try to keep working with when they assaulted others or tore up the campus (for whatever reason) will be sent to the adult system instead. Maybe I'm a pessimist, but I bet I'm not wrong.
I know this post is too long, so I won't keep going with the other sections...
Let's not forget the question if Lydia Barnard is Perry's cousin! Doesn't the lege need to know if Perry is protecting not only TDCJ cover ups by shifting employees over but also protecting his own kin over the safety of youth?
10:15- There will be a need for a lot more than 20 Inspector Generals. If "real" investigations are going to take place such as evidence collection, lab work, arrests, court documentation and testimony on behalf of the officers (etc.),- they are going to be so tied up that they will be backlogged on investigations for months at a time with only 20 officers (don't forget about sick, vacation and other leave issues too).
Not that I want to rain on the parade - but does anyone see a disconnect here -- the children who don't break the law and go to school and have parents that work enough to not qualify for "assistance" are on their own, but commit a few felonies and go to TYC and you and your family gets housing assistance and counseling? Is there some bill pending out there to provide this kind of assistance for all those other kids?
To 10:24 from 10:15 -- I was trying adjust for thousands fewer kids....but I expect there will need to be many more -- and it will be more than just a couple of million.
There is a definite disconnect. They are rewarding bad ethic and behaviors all for the appearance of helping those who they feel don't have the skills to help themselves. It sends a very strong, negative message to those who stay out of trouble but still can't make their house payment. Those people will literally go give their own blood at a donation center for money to make ends meet rather than break into someone's car and steal their radio. But, we're not going to reward that with housing assistance and counseling for them. Better yet, we're going to most likely take more money out of your paycheck later so you can help pay for the roof over someone else's home.
Wow. Quite a "header" you have there "God is Watching".
Thanks 10:44, it keeps in focus for me that God really is watching what we do and say even when we forget he's around.
Lets say SW Key is watching.... I can't wait to banter with this one... live. I say, "lets work a shift together, just one, and lets go where the boyz are - Mart Unit I." Come on LG, what size shoe do you wear?
10:57- Hugh?
You're right about the so-called 'whistlblower' having the criminal record...according to a newspaper article back in March (I'd have to sift through my stack to find it, but no, you didn't dream it whitsfoe) he was charged with sexual assault and pled down to a class A misdemeanor assault. I don't dispute that he did the right thing when he reported his suspicions to the Rangers, but I do think he should stop trying to garner all the 'glory' for bringing down this agency. After all, this isn't about him anyway. Mark my words, this isn't the last you'll hear about the 'whistleblower'.
TYC had some bad people working for us - that is what happens in corrections. TYC got lazy and let them in -with the help of TDCJ as we now know was the case with Brookins - the legislators really should be focusing on creating some laws that require TOTAL DISCLOSURE of personnel records and investigations between LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SCHOOLS DISTRICTS/PRIVATE SCHOOLS. This is how we can keep people like Brookins from preying on our kids. Geez, this all just pisses me off! How is it that we have so many stupid people running state agencies? Somebody please explain this to me...if there is an explanation.
Uh... again, there's one running a state agency right now. Ed Owens. Who did TYC even GET to call to find out he's covered up sexual abuse? No one. I guess Perry didn't ask so didn't tell either.
Hey folks, I noticed none of y'all have commented yet on the post about TYC contract facilities - I'm curious as to folks' opinions of them compared to TYC, history or background legislators may not know or should watch for, etc. Whaddya think?
TYC contracts are the main reason Grits I am against privatizing TYC and/or social services in general. Some of the allegations that come out of the contract facilities like Coke County make the allegations at WTSS seem tame in comparison. Other than power to end the contract TYC has little to no control over the facilities. The state may not be the best solution but it beats privatized contracts were profit is the bottom line.
Contract facilities have always had the worse for of care based upon the fact they are for profit and only the top officials make any money, which means they pay half of what TYC pays their JCO staff. You think TYC has issues, if they really took a close look at all contract facilities they would shut them all down. They do not put the youth 1st and any programing they get (victim empathy, group counseling is not existent).
This is almost as bad as our contracted medical, UTMB/Texas Tech. When the only issue is money the product you get will be flawed. Private companies like Coke County believe in the bottom line and that is how much money they can make not with the welfare of the youth.
Grits all this talk about privatization has me thinking about one of the great personalities of TYC. After he retired he went to work for a private contractor... and if he was running the institution I might be for the contract.
He began his career with TYC in Gatesville (or so I had been told) and went through the Morales vs. Turman debacle. He was a graduate of Howard Payne University and at one point thought about being a minister.
He drank like a fish until late until morning but was never late for work, and he never looked like he had been out all night. He had amazing constitution. He has been married more time than I can count (5 at least) and his favorite saying was that his "alligator mouth would often overtake his hummingbird ass." He did have mouth and could have quite a temper...if you were deliberate screw up.
He allowed every person the first mistake then would sit down and patiently explain why what you did was wrong, tell and/or train you on how to prevent it the future. If you made the same mistake again...you best find a hole and jump in...
Never did I meet a man who new the juvenile justice system better and cared for kids more. He loved SJS (Strategies for Juvenile Supervision, Linda Reyes hated it)...and I have to tell you SJS was one of the best beginning points for a staff to know how to approach and work with a youth.
If Marlin was ever a success it was largely due to his efforts, knowledge, and know how... no disrespect to Mr. Steen.
The man who would give you the shirt off of his own back was Jack Patton, Lord do I miss him. God bless you Jack!
I have to comment again about this love fest some of you are having with Madden and his colleagues. Are any of you aware that the 16 or so Inspector Generals TYC will hire will be allowed special privileges over all other TYC staff.
Did you not read the last minute amendment tacked onto this TYC overhaul bill, where the IG's will get law enforcement, firefighter, retirement.
This is huge based upon the fact that as a caseworker, JCO, or any other position at TYC would have to work an additional 10 years to make the retirement that one of these folks will get. And they will be considered TYC staff.
Madden states, we had to do this to get these folks to come on board quickly. What this means in code is, we will be hiring 16 or more TDCJ IG's, and we had to pacify them.
Yeah, all of you keep on patting Madden and his conspirators on the back, this smells like a deal made in the alley.
It's glad to know that our elected officials are looking out for the welfare of TYC staff (just the one being transferred from TDCJ).
Why does that not surprise me? I mean, once again, the JCO gets the shaft. If adult correctional officers are getting the special retirement package, as are the IG’s coming on board, then our JCO’s deserve the same.
You can’t tell me their job is no less dangerous than a TDCJ guard. In fact, I’d say more dangerous.
For one, the TDCJ guard has several tools in his/her arsenal to fend off attacks from inmates. They can use batons, mace, CS grenades, and so forth to thwart off attacks and control riots. On the other hand, the TYC JCO has a can of pepper spray, and he/she best damn use good judgment in using it or he’ll be walked out the gate.
Second, the TDCJ guard doesn’t have to concern themselves with educating and rehabilitating their prisoners. Not so with the TYC JCO. They must be in the classrooms, in groups, in activities, in the cafeteria, and so forth all the while exposing themselves to violence ten-fold what one would see in the adult system.
Does any one wonder why our workers compensation claims are twice that of any state agency? It’s real simple folks. Those JCO’s are in the mix with very volatile youth are seriously out numbered. I know the intent to bring down the ratios to a more manageable 1:12 is well conceived; however, where are you going to get people willing to put themselves at risk in the manner that our current JCO’s are facing now?
This is just a tragedy in thinking. What is it going to take to finally open the eyes of these legislatures to make them realize just how dangerous the JCO job is? Somehow, I think they believe we are dealing with young children here. That’s not the case folks. Many of these youth are your jelling felons and tomorrows TDCJ population. So, how can you just stiff them again and again, with this latest news posted by Chuy? I can’t wait until Election Day.
Whisfoe, I agree with most of what you just wrote, but you may not be aware of the forces that would do much worse things that Madden has rebuffed. He's not a saint, but he understands the problem you describe about understaffing and dangerous work environments. Reducing staff to student ratios has been a goal from day one - it's just that they may do it in part by reducing the number of students.
The handle "God is watching" is bizarre given the comments. I would think God would be ashamed of such sentiments. Wasn't it Christ who said "even as you have done unto the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me"? Giving re-entry help when people get out of prison or TYC reduces recidivism and is the right thing to do - it's small minded and cruel to begrudge those services to youth who mostly don't have anything of their own, and who will return to crime without them.
Grits,
I am going to agree with you on keeping religion out of the debate. However, I am going to defer the remainder of the argument to those JCO's and caseworkers who day in and out face the danger of their jobs. I used to be a JCO (different name back then), so I know.
However, back then, the character of those youth referred to the TYC was very different than today's referrals.
But you know, I have to comment just a little…..
I agree with you in the sense that “Hope is on the Horizon,” – but, disregarding these JCO’s by not making their retirement the same as an adult correction officer is a slap, another slap, in the face. And you know, enough of those slaps. The violence in these institutions is nothing like I’ve ever seen. I don’t have the actual numbers, but roughly 90% of our workers compensation claims DON’T come from slip, trips, and falls. They come from youth aggression.
Do you think that disallowing misdemeanors in TYC will solve that problem? Hell yes it will, but at what expense? To the communities.
The Violent/Sentenced Offender in TYC is less likely to act out knowing that we have the ability to send him/her to prison, or quit frankly, their crime that got them to us freaked them out enough think twice.
The misdemeanors, or the ones that are most likely going to be classified as a “General Offender,” are the ones that have those mental health issues, explosive personalities, want to live up to the hype of being glorified as a gang member, and so forth. These are the ones that need the most attention. They are a handful.
The community’s solution? No more pleas - make them felons.... and that's just horrible. The counties are just not equipped to deal with this problem.
Madden didn’t look deep enough I don’t think.
If you JCO’s and caseworkers don’t seize this opportunity to speak up, then don’t bitch later. Go for it now.
Thanks for the opportunity to retort Grits…. WF
Whitsfoe, we're talking about just a few hundred misdemeants statewide, and there's going to be a lot of new money to counties to handle them.
In Dallas recently they had to release 700 jail inmates all at once to comply with the Commission on Jail Standards. "The Sky Will Fall," cried the prosecutors and political opponents of the decisionmakers, but that simply, empirically didn't happen. The same will be true, IMO, with misdemeanants.
And naturally, as always, you're more than welcome to retort here. I'm happy for the company!
best,
Do you have the figs on funding for the juvenile probation departments for Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston and San Antonio?
And Scott, do you know if anyone thought about contingency funds to address these smaller, less populated areas, where it seems all the weird shit happens?
They'd be wise to set a portion of those funds aside to address some of these smaller communities concerns so they don't do this "blanket felony" approach as I've seen them do before. My best back, - WF
(ps) Fair warning – I’ll be surprised if those JCO’s blogging here don’t break the last string recorde which seems to keep growing…. lol! After all, “we don’t cry, we multiply.”
I understand there are quite a lot of new funds for counties but I haven't gone through the details. You can look for yourself, though - the info from LBB comparing House and Senate budgets is on the left column of this page.
the reason you aren't hearing much about contract care through this fiasco is because coke county is the only thing comprable to a TYC training school, all the others are very small. Coke County's reputation and track record is deplorable. They've had a youth suicide this year, an escape, and I'm sure countless other issues. The passing of this bill might be a step in the right direction but it seems many people still miss the forest for the trees here. If they think they can meet safe staff/student ratio's by adding FTE's they are out of their minds. the only way this can be achieved is from downsizing the facilities. I'm also hearing the union reps are meeting with the conservator Monday, I hope this common sense item is on the agenda.
The numbers have to go down at the facilities and polices in place to deal with staff that abuse the sick leave.
We cannot staff what we have and recruiting is not working without the pay. The reason most JCO staff leave after a few months is based upon the fact they see what they have to deal with and choose to work at Walmart.
And I do not want to hear from those that still believe placing these facilities closer to Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, etc, will resolve this issue. The cost of living is too high and they cannot make it on JCO salary. So please leave this alone unless you are aware of a $600 month pay raise in the budget.
Scott, can you believe TDCJ passed Ray Brookins onto TYC knowing he was a pervert?
10:57 is speaking about Isela Gutierrez and SW key working a shift at a facility. I don't think she claims to be corrections officer. Not sure why that blog thinks Mart 1 would be the true testing ground for his challenge.
you are right Chuy, no way urban renewal fixes our plight, maybe if they keep commitments down to 50-100 kids. Our salary schedule is huge issue and one the agency and the lege have over looked for far to long. the facilities which have been located in the urban areas have always had high turnover and large vacancy rates. You get what you pay for.
And the horses are out of the chute…
Banter - but by all means, be respectful…. Especially you “Chuy.” W.F.
I was just looking at the summary of the house and senate bills and I noticed something very interesting in the house version regarding the 9 member 'advisory' committee - three members will be appointed by the Governor, three by the Lt. Governor and three by the Speaker of the House. Question - will these people be required to be fingerprinted and have their backgrounds checked? Probably would be a good idea but if my hunch is correct, the powers that be will try and sidestep this issue. I heard today the the volunteers will be required to be fingerprinted by June 1. I agree that if TYC employees have to do it, then so should the volunteers, but watch what will happen - these folks will start raising Hell big time - I mean after all, lots of them admit to having been in prison and it is my understanding that if they have records they have to receive an exception from the Executive Director in order to be allowed to volunteer with TYC. So if they have already received an exception in the past and our current 'acting' director doesn't agree with it, then they are out...could get REAL interesting in the next couple of weeks. Anyway I'm going to try and give the two versions a close look tomorrow and see if I can understand either one of them...so far Hinojosa's version is at least 5 or six pages longer than Madden's but that's no surprise. I thing Chuy enjoys hearing himself talk more than Madden does.
"Chuy" is always respectful too bad I can not say the same for the politicians who believe they know what they are doing. Have they figured out yet that TYC falls under the Family Code, I do remember not even a year ago when Madden came to one of our TYC facilities he had no idea and his aide had to inform him.
But hey he is an elected official who chairs Corrections, so why would he be aware of this very small oversight.
And speaking of horses can anyone predict which horse (TYC facility) will close 1st? Lets have predictions;
1) John Shero
2) Marlin
3) Victory Field
4) Sheffield Boot Camp
5) Evins (or should they be 1st) After all they are under a Federal Lawsuit.
Good Night
Below are the statistics for youth committed to TYC. These statistics reveal problems with these kids that existed before they arrived at TYC, These statistics occurred dispite giving these youth community intervention, mental health treatment, anger management, counseling. By some miracle TYC was supposed to be the miracle cure to remedy these bad statistics. The problems facing TYC are were not a TYC problem, they were and are a State of Texas
89% were boys. This state has long neglected the needs of its most vulnerable. Then it turns around and expect a miracle cure for the problems it created.
Yes, this new legislation may restructure TYC, but will it really resolve the problem. Two years from now, like any other school, residential facility, detention facility, prison, there will still be accusations of abuse. Has this new legislation suddenly created some miracle cure to prevent abuse. If so, the state needs to package it and market it. Maybe we can raise enough money to provide proper intervention before it gets to sending a youth to a place like TYC.
Have any of you thought who is going to be running TYC after this restructuring occurs? Are you sure they are going to be any better than those who were already running the agency? As far as I can tell, the only improvements made by the new administration is higher employee turnover, lower employee morale, youth out of control.
Well, maybe, throwing more money at it will help people forget there still is a problem. Maybe, had the legislature listened the last two session when appropriations were requested to alleviate the problems, we wouldn't see the exacerebation of these problems today.
Think about it, when you look at the statistics below, how much of that is a TYC problem. TYC is a camoflauge for the real problem.
TYC houses:
11% were girls
44% were Hispanic.
34% were African-American.
22% were Anglo.
34% admitted at intake that they are gang members.
83% had IQs below the mean score of 100.
46% were chemically dependent.
41% had serious mental health problems.
76% had parents who never married or who divorced or separated.
36% had a documented history of being abused or neglected.
60% came from low-income homes.
74% came from chaotic environments.
52% had families with histories of criminal behavior.
12% had family members with mental impairments.
48% were in juvenile court on two or more felony-level offenses before being committed to TYC.
Sorry this is so long. But, I am fed up with the rhetoric, the interfering do-gooders who know nothing about juvenile delinquency and juvenile corrections. I say, you all need to pay close attention to whom they are appointing to TYC positions of leadership. And, I'm not talking about the interim people. I suggest you ask yourself, if they can come up with the money now, why could they not do it two/four years ago when it was asked for. Maybe, they are replacing one set of good old boys with another.
You all better wake up.
~Fed Up
Very good point. We have 21 days left. It's like the eye of the hurricane is setting upon us now, with many sitting on the outside of the wind watching us being thrown around.
Well, I say to those of us committed to the good, let’s weather this storm, and come out ready to rebuild. Let's not focus on the horrors of the storm, but rather on our future despite the path of its destruction.
I do not think the legislators have really thought through the impact of making TYC an at-will agency. Is TDCJ an at-will agency? I understand the reaction and desire to be able to "throw the bums out" more easily (not to mention the felons), but this is not the way to do it.
It was early on that Zimbardo demonstrated, in his notorious (and ethically lacking) "prison studies," the potential of correctional environments to corrupt those, otherwise ethical individuals, who wield power. Without protections, honest and ethical employees are also subject to abuse and retaliation in response to efforts to uphold the law and maintain safe, healthy environments for rehabilitation (i.e. reporting staff abuse).
I believe changing the status of TYC employees to an at-will system will actually be counterproductive, allowing corruption at the administrative and management levels not only to continue, but to flourish. Unfortunately, the negative consequences of this change will be immediate, ongoing, and have a long lasting effect.
God Is Watching responding to Grits
"The handle "God is watching" is bizarre given the comments. I would think God would be ashamed of such sentiments. Wasn't it Christ who said "even as you have done unto the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me"? Giving re-entry help when people get out of prison or TYC reduces recidivism and is the right thing to do - it's small minded and cruel to begrudge those services to youth who mostly don't have anything of their own, and who will return to crime without them".
You are correct in your statement Grits if I had meant it as you interpreted.
I was addressing this comment:
"...but commit a few felonies and go to TYC and you and your family gets housing assistance and counseling?"
I was commenting on the discrepancy in providing assistance to the parents, not the youth. The youth deserve every chance they can get. So do offenders released from prison. I share your beliefs there.
However, I have seen too many parents of the released youth "ride the coat tails" of these released students for the money and benefits, not for the love, care or affection of their child. I have heard student's cries when their parent's took and spent their saved earnings in their TYC accounts (that are given to the students upon their release) within the first week of their return home. The parents spending all of their benefit checks and even telling the students to "fake" mental illnesses so the benefits can be increased. The parents, while refusing to change their own destructive habits that had a significant impact on why many of the youth offended in the first place (role modeling of drugs, alcohol, crime, etc.), they hold their hands out expecting and many times demanding support and money without any offer to change what got them there. Yes, the youth need a place to live, but returning them to the same people and environment they came from is one of the highest reasons for recidivism. There is no positive support for them to surround themselves with. These are young children or young adults, many who are still incapable of seeing that their parents are human and make mistakes therefore cannot label what they see them do as wrong. They are still children trying to please and be loved by their parents. To do so, many fall back into the old patterns because that is how their "family love" looks.
The money and counseling would be better spent on other support systems that offered real, positive role modeling and possibilities for the youth (such as voluntary foster placements, mentor homes, youth assisted living programs, halfway houses, etc.).
I don't believe God would be ashamed of my position of giving the money and support to where it would help those who really want or need it, the youth. Do those parents who choose to live their lives negatively deserve help? Yes. When they are ready to receive it and use it for what it is intended. Then by all means, give them whatever they need. But until then, it is wasting money that could be spent to change the lives of the youth who need it. These aren't unlimited funds to just throw around and say, "Give it to the parents anyway and hope they'll come around in seeing the good we're trying to do for them". These funds are limited. They should be directed to where they will do the best work.
Am I inferring ALL TYC parents are bad? No. But, there is a very large portion that are.
Even Jesus knew that he could make some listen while others would turn away. He may have stopped preaching to those who turned away, but he did stop loving and praying for them. God said when you are ready for me, I will find you. It is the same with the parents who abuse what they are given. They are not listening or seeking change. The youth that are trying to live a better life and never want to see the inside of a prison again should not suffer due to their parent's lack of self control and unwillingness to change. They should have better options available to them if and when they need them.
Corrction:
"He may have stopped preaching to those who turned away, but he did stop loving and praying for them."
...didn't stop loving and praying for them.
I'm surprised that none of those JCO's took issue with the retirement issue. I thought they'd jump all over that one...
I've said it before, Whitsfoe: Y'all need a decent union, and that's a great example why. I don't know the ins and outs of the retirement plans, but it's a travesty that there's not a union rep somewhere who's PAID to understand that stuff and fight for yall's interests. 90% of legislative politics is showing up at the right place at the right time with a credible position - y'all didn't have a place at the table because there's no meaningful, organized representation, so Ed Owens gets to speak for you!
I agree, we need to get organized. Maybe this experience might serve as a wake up call. We do need someone with lobbying experience. Maybe my fat head friend "chuy" might be interested...lol! What do you say Chuy?
Hell, y'all form the union and create a PAC as soon as the session's over, start raising money, and by the time the 81st session rolls around again in 2009, finding someone with lobby experience would be the least of your worries. I or other allies could give you a short (or even a long) list of qualified folks, if you'd made it far enough along for hiring a lobbyist to be a realistic option. best,
Actually, I shouldn't say "form" a union. Whichever one is supposed to represent you just needs to be empowered with the creation of a bunch of active locals. Just take over the existing structure - it saves time and keeps you from starting at ground zero.
Ok Grits, what's this experience going to be like since that was your old boss?
"Texas Youth Commission officials have selected Will Harrell, the head of the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, as the new ombudsman for the ..."
That job was never posted. You want to come to work for us too Grits?
Just blogged on it, Whitsfoe
I'm beginning to think that Monday would be a good day to be sick. Heck, it would even be worth the co-pay to drop by the Dr. office for a look see just in case that Dr. excuse is asked for. They are going to need to see just what TYC is going to look like when everyone either gets fired, is run off, is sick and tired of being overworked and underpaid, etc. If enough people just got ill on Monday (isn't there something going around right now?), maybe it would open their eyes and let them realize they aren't as in-control as they think. "At will" could bite them in the butt too. If enough people quit at that same moments notice they intend to give them when they give them the boot, they'll have to shut TYC down and let all the little darlings out. Have to have that 12 to 1 ratio when that gavel falls this time and also have to educate those little juveniles. Time to wake up legislators. You might want to reconsider some things and get them amended before it's too late. I think I hear a storm a-brewin. I know at least one who won't be at work on Monday. Have a nice day.
there are some of us that can't just get up and quit.........that is stupid for you to say that. I say if you are unhappy at TYC....LEAVE, no one is holding a gun to your head........
Sorry 9:36- you can walk out if you want to, but I think more people will quit or organize a walk out day for real if Don Freeman is returned to his position from this suspension. I think then people will have hit the limit knowing all of this really is a joke.
I don't know Will Harrell or the new lady they are talking about (Islea?), but if you both read Grits and are reading this: Please don't let us down. We really want TYC to work. Please be fair and honest people. We need you if you are. Please don't isolate and ignore the people working for and under you. We'll be the best team you've ever had if you'll give us the time of day and the respect that any other human being deserves and what we have been without for so long.
Hey, what about the grand jury indictment for Sylvia Machado? We just looked in the e-mail and her name has been added back. Also, there was an article in the statesman yesterday about her being fired back in March when she was arrested. Her old supervisor Bart Caldwell was just terminated last week. What's the difference between being fired and being terminated?
Who knows? We still don't know if Jerome Parsee is really gone or not. Nothing has come from Central Office saying that he is or that someone else is even in charge of Marlin now. Everything still has Parsee's name listed as the Superintendent.
He hasnt been placed back in the email book like Machado has. So who really knows.....
I just found this site, read your comments and have to respond to some of the comments regarding Mr. Freeman at Crockett. Crockett will not be a better place if Mr. Freeman leaves.
I don’t know who you are and I don’t care, but I am thoroughly familiar with Crockett State School and it has greatly improved under Mr. Freeman’s leadership. I’m not going to bad mouth anyone, even you, because it’s so easy to toss out one sided statements. There are two sides to every story and yours is far from the truth as I know it.
There are plenty of hard working people here at Crockett. All we want to do is our job and go home to our families. Our primary concern is the welfare of the children. We appreciate the leadership, commitment and direction that Mr. Freeman displays on this campus.
For those of you unfamiliar with Crockett, it’s 100 times better since Mr. Freeman came here. He has put in place a lot of great initiatives that have been a godsend to the inmates and staff. Like you, I do hope the process is a fair one because if it is it will show that Mr. Freeman is a dedicated boss who sacrifices many hours for this job. I want them to look at the history of this campus and they’ll see that we’re in much better shape now with Mr. Freeman as our leader. When most people are at home with there families, Mr. Freeman is here at work.
Your comments sound like that of a disgruntled employee. If you actually work at Crockett and are honest, you will admit that this place is in much better shape under Mr. Freeman’s leadership. He doesn’t deserve this from you or TYC! I hope you devote as much time to your job as you’ve devoted to this blog. I don’t intend to stay up all night and volley comments with you. I’ve have my say. Anonymous
10:29- Thank you Judy Hellum for stopping by and giving your last round of support for your boss. You can write that you did in the limo delivered, gold leaf covered, personally signed by a famous Hallmark card maker "Miss You" message to him- that you really, really tried to make him look like a good guy. Nice. Little pat on the back for you. Feel better now? Great, now here's reality.
Look at this post and the next string a few posts away (the one almost in the 200s now). You are the ONLY one defending Freeman. There is a reason so many people despise this man.
"Crockett will not be a better place if Mr. Freeman leaves".
That appears to be YOUR OPINION ONLY. So far, you are vastly outnumbered on that theory.
..."I am thoroughly familiar with Crockett State School and it has greatly improved under Mr. Freeman’s leadership".
"Uh, can you define "greatly improved" for me while including all the policy violations, acceptance of extravagant gifts, humiliation of others, sexual exploits and the rest of the TRUE facts against him? I would love to hear how that made Crockett better.
"There are two sides to every story and yours is far from the truth as I know it".
There sure are two sides. Again, read this post and the other one suggested above. You'll see the other side.
"There are plenty of hard working people here at Crockett".
Yes, there are. And, there are plenty of hard working, GOOD people NOT working there at Crockett anymore because of Freeman.
"All we want to do is our job and go home to our families. Our primary concern is the welfare of the children".
VS
"We appreciate the leadership, commitment and direction that Mr. Freeman displays on this campus".
My friend, you cannot use those two sentences in the same paragraph together. They are oil and water.
"For those of you unfamiliar with Crockett, it’s 100 times better since Mr. Freeman came here".
I am SO SO SO glad I never saw Crockett before Freeman. If he is an improvement, the place should have been bulldozed.
"He has put in place a lot of great initiatives that have been a godsend to the inmates and staff".
Here we go again, Crockett staff using "God" and Freeman in the same sentence. Put your cup of koolaid down, take off the purple cape and Nike tennis shoes. There's no UFO behind the comet going to take you to "Freeman Land". You have been brainwashed my dear friend. Please spit the koolaid out before we lose you.
"Like you, I do hope the process is a fair one because if it is it will show that Mr. Freeman is a dedicated boss who sacrifices many hours for this job".
Of course he does silly. Kings, Pharos and Dictators can't leave their slaves and workers for long or they'll have time to wake up and rebel.
"I want them to look at the history of this campus and they’ll see that we’re in much better shape now with Mr. Freeman as our leader".
Again, please put the koolaid down.
"When most people are at home with there families, Mr. Freeman is here at work".
Just one response for you there- Gwen Toliver.
"Your comments sound like that of a disgruntled employee".
Why yes, yes we are. Nice of you to pick up on that. We drop kicked our koolaid glasses a long time ago and are a little pissed Freeman tried to make us drink it.
"If you actually work at Crockett and are honest, you will admit that this place is in much better shape under Mr. Freeman’s leadership".
Please see the bulldozing comment above.
"He doesn’t deserve this from you or TYC"!
That is your opinion my friend, we have our own. Thanks.
"I hope you devote as much time to your job as you’ve devoted to this blog".
Some would really like to, but uh, Freeman fired them.
"I don’t intend to stay up all night and volley comments with you. I’ve have my say".
No worry, it's best you get plenty of sleep and rest up for that volley you speak of. Since you will be the only one defending him, please stretch first, it could be a long day for you.
Wrong I'm not Judy and by your standards Crockett would have definitely been bulldozed; good thing you're not making the
decisions. Do you know that there have been 3-4 superintendents at Crockett ISD within the past 4 years?
BTW, I won't use God in the same sentence with you...such bitterness...please pray. Obviously, no one
is gonna change your mind.
I hear that you're going to work for TDCJ...now they should start praying. I'm going to pray for them. You sound like a truly evil person, are you sure you're not handing out the Koolaid?
Get yourself together man, enjoy your family and get a life. There is life after Crockett. One more thing, who will you blame if Mr. Freeman leaves? I'm sure that you will then complain about the next person and the next person. You've probably been a complainer all of your life.
If Mr. Freeman does leave this campus, I'm sure he'll be fine. For all of you readers and the writer, YOU, WRITER, DO NOT SPEAK FOR ME AND OTHER DEDICATED workers at Crockett. I hope that someone runs a check on your credentials and see where life has taken you...I'll bet they'll find complaints, personnel actions, and maybe demotions and firings...hmm...It seems to be your life.
I don't have to go blogs and I don't have to use other people's opinions to form my judgment. Maybe you seek medical advice, sounds like you're obsessed with Mr. Freeman. Of course, you never would have met him if they had bulldozed the place like you suggested. Now you see how ridiculous this is becoming. Let's stop it now. Neither you nor I will make decisions about what happens at Crockett.
One word of advice when you get to your new job, please spend as much time dedicating yourself to it as you've done on this blog.
I'm sort of different from you. Whether Mr. Freeman stays or goes, I intend to stay at Crockett. If you have been fired, that's probably a good thing. You really sound hateful. One person, or two or three, shouldn't be able to
throw you off balance like this, please get help. See some of the world other than Crockett. You need to go to the library, watch CNN or something,there's a whole world out there.
Crockett State School is important to me because I work here, but there are other things going on in the world. Why not step outside and enjoy. Every morning I wake up, I'm happy to be able to see my kids, talk to my family. Crockett State School is the way I make
my living and that's it. But I'm not obsessed like you...Please please get help and move on. If I've helped you, I'm glad. I've done my humanitarian deed for the day. What have you done?
Oh BTW, how about all of the other good people who lost their jobs during this process? No, I'm not talking about the two guys at West Texas, even though they haven't been tried, courts will decide their fate. Have you thought
about the other people who lost their jobs in TYC or do you hate them too?
You're sort of scary. Think about the example you're setting for your children or that you would set for the child inmates if you did work at Crockett.
If you were fired, sounds like someone saw what you were made of. If you're still here at Crockett, someone should take a look at you and make sure you don't spread your brand of hatred to the inmate population.
Now I'm not going to read any more of this. I'm praying for your family because unlike me they're stuck with you. Sounds like your problems extend far beyond Crockett. Just take a breathe and relax.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Why don't you take time out and focus on the good things in life. Maybe go to church and rededicate your life and let God's light shine upon your heart. May God Bless You...Please find peace...Anonymous
12:32 responds to 10:31
Not Judy Hellum? Hmm.. if that is true, that doesn't leave too many other choices then. Not too many other people on the Crockett campus would stand by such a person as Freeman. Maybe it's best we not know who you are.
"Do you know that there have been 3-4 superintendents at Crockett ISD within the past 4 years"?
Uh, and your point is?
"BTW, I won't use God in the same sentence with you...such bitterness...please pray. Obviously, no one
is gonna change your mind".
Thanks for praying for me. I will do the same for you. And no, you will not and cannot change my mind.
"I hear that you're going to work for TDCJ...now they should start praying. I'm going to pray for them. You sound like a truly evil person, are you sure you're not handing out the Koolaid?"
I'm laughing pretty hard at this. I'm not sure who you think I am, but can assure you that you are so far off you're not even close. I feel sorry for the guy you think I am though. I'm sure he'll be focused on now and "treated accordingly" with "Crockett management techniques". Sorry guy who ever you are, watch your back!
"Get yourself together man, enjoy your family and get a life. There is life after Crockett."
I find it sad you had to say that. There's only life AFTER Crockett? It's a shame you can't include Crockett IN your life.
"One more thing, who will you blame if Mr. Freeman leaves? I'm sure that you will then complain about the next person and the next person. You've probably been a complainer all of your life".
I put blame where it belongs. I don't side step it and try and deflect blame as you appear to be doing. Once a problem is corrected, I move on. I don't have time to dwell. When Freeman is officially gone, I will be too.
"If Mr. Freeman does leave this campus, I'm sure he'll be fine".
That's nice. I hope he takes a long look at things and refocuses himself too. Just like any person, he has the potential to do good and do things right. Some day, I hope he does that.
"For all of you readers and the writer, YOU, WRITER, DO NOT SPEAK FOR ME AND OTHER DEDICATED workers at Crockett".
You just said we don't speak for you. Why are you throwing in that you speak for other dedicated workers at Crockett? They have computers, let them speak for themselves.
"I hope that someone runs a check on your credentials and see where life has taken you...I'll bet they'll find complaints, personnel actions, and maybe demotions and firings...hmm...It seems to be your life".
Matter of fact, a check just was. Wish I could give you some satisfaction in your assumptions, but sadly for you, I cannot.
"I don't have to go blogs..."
Uhm.... you're on a blog. Might I also point out you're posting here for the second time after stating you didn't care what others think and weren't going to come back again. Changed your mind apparently.
"...and I don't have to use other people's opinions to form my judgment".
Good for you. Neither do I. My judgment comes from my experience.
"Maybe you seek medical advice, sounds like you're obsessed with Mr. Freeman".
Are you holding a mirror?
"Of course, you never would have met him if they had bulldozed the place like you suggested".
And that would be bad how?
"Now you see how ridiculous this is becoming. Let's stop it now".
How ridiculous what is becoming? You're trying to convince me and vice versa? Stop it now? Stop what?
"Neither you nor I will make decisions about what happens at Crockett".
No, but I hope the people who can and are read Grits.
"One word of advice when you get to your new job, please spend as much time dedicating yourself to it as you've done on this blog".
Why, thank you for the kind advice. However, I already do.
"I'm sort of different from you".
Yes, yes you are.
"Whether Mr. Freeman stays or goes, I intend to stay at Crockett".
Good for you. I hope a better Superintendent and role model for proper management replaces Freeman. Once that person is in place, get back to me in a couple of months and let me know if you still feel the same way about Freeman as you do now.
"If you have been fired, that's probably a good thing. You really sound hateful".
I'm hateful? Hmmm... You're definition and mine are apparently different.
Before you label me hateful, please take a look at your own wordings.
"One person, or two or three, shouldn't be able to throw you off balance like this, please get help".
One person (Freeman) appears to have affected you distinctly. Do you need help as well?
"See some of the world other than Crockett. You need to go to the library, watch CNN or something, there’s a whole world out there".
Thanks for the recommendation, but I already have, and it's a beautiful place. I would like to see new leadership of the Crockett campus help include Crockett into that rather than the atmosphere it has now.
"Crockett State School is important to me because I work here, but there are other things going on in the world. Why not step outside and enjoy. Every morning I wake up, I'm happy to be able to see my kids, talk to my family. Crockett State School is the way I make my living and that's it".
Good for you. I hope it gets even easier for you in Freeman's absence.
"But I'm not obsessed like you...Please please get help and move on.
Again, please put the mirror down.
"If I've helped you, I'm glad. I've done my humanitarian deed for the day.
You have definitely helped me. You've helped me see there is still a lot of work to be done.
"What have you done"?
You have no idea. But, I can assure you that despite your dislike of me (though you have apparently no idea who I am), it has been in your best interest. You may not be able to see or understand my actions at this point, but hopefully some day things will clear up for you.
"Oh BTW, how about all of the other good people who lost their jobs during this process? No, I'm not talking about the two guys at West Texas, even though they haven't been tried, courts will decide their fate. Have you thought about the other people who lost their jobs in TYC or do you hate them too"?
I sure have. Again, you have no idea what my actions have been. So, before you attempt to rip and claw some more without knowing those things, let's just say we agree.
"You're sort of scary".
I find your defense of Freeman disturbing, but would not label you "scary". What was it you were saying about being hateful?
"Think about the example you're setting for your children or that you would set for the child inmates if you did work at Crockett".
Oh, I do. I would be very happy if they stood and did the things I have done to try and make change. Are you saying you would want children to mimic Freeman's actions?
"If you were fired, sounds like someone saw what you were made of".
Didn't you just say above that there were "good" people fired? Can't make up your mind? And no, not fired.
"If you're still here at Crockett, someone should take a look at you and make sure you don't spread your brand of hatred to the inmate population".
Since you are pretty convinced you know who I am, I'm sure you'll take care of that "looking into" and "making sure" issue. Right?
"Now I'm not going to read any more of this".
Oh, you know you will. It’s just human to want to when you feel strongly about something.
"I'm praying for your family because unlike me they're stuck with you. Sounds like your problems extend far beyond Crockett".
Let's refer back to that label you tried to stick on me again- what was that.. oh yeah, "hateful".
"Just take a breathe and relax.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. Why don't you take time out and focus on the good things in life. Maybe go to church and rededicate your life and let God's light shine upon your heart. May God Bless You...Please find peace..."
No need to rededicate myself. I know where I stand. The light is good and I'm fine. Thanks though. Happy Mother's day to you tomorrow. Thanks for the wish of blessings and peace. To you as well.
Dude you are a freak. Why don't you go somewhere else if Crockett is so bad? No one is making you work there. And no, the person you've been bantering with isn't the "only one" that believes Freeman has done a good job. Lets face it, your type doesn't like to held accountable. So KMA brotha and find somewhere else to work. And while you're at it, why don't you take wife beater Phil Watson with you.
If Freeman has done such a great job, then why has he been suspended twice and why are there so many people who despise him so much? Show me another TYC campus that has that many problems and has so many TYC employees and TYC parents in an uproar. I don't see it at Al Price, Corsicana, Mart, etc. Their supts may not be perfect but they are 100 times better than Freeman.
-Bubba Joe
12:41
Well, you're either Judy, Melissa, Blu, Del Price, one of Charlie's Angels, the business manager, HR director, Toliver (or someone typing for her), one of his security henchmen or someone else in Freeman's "pack".
It must be scary for you without the "Alpha" male in charge.
Hey guys, can y'all go to the other post that seems to be dedicated to Freeman now... the one with like over 200 blogs on it now? We'd like to talk about other things here.
You're right. Sorry.
well, to answer that, let's start with Evins... under a federal lawsuit, investigated by the DOJ. Mart... two lawsuits have been filed, with the superintendent being named as a respondent (but that's chicken shit because he is a good guy), West Texas (I don't even think I need to go there and explin that one, nor should I have to explain Ron Jackson and the recent inditments of that perverted JCO), Al Price... uh, they got a fresh start after the hurricane wiped out their population, but the jury is still out on that superintendent... you guys at Crocket don't know how well you have it and it seems you don't apprecaite it, so if that's the case, move on. Freeman hasn't been named as a defendent in ANY lawsuits. Believe me, those of us who have moved around stay in touch with each other, and we constantly compare our campuses. Crockett, under Freeman, has been stable for sometime. And believe it or not, I used to work for Freeman a long time ago, and the only people who had problems with him were the turn-on-you-head idiots who constantly abused sick leave, were insubordinate, or otherwise had mental health issues of their own and should have never been there to begin with. The ones who came to work and did their job were the ones who never had a problem with him. So – ES folks… he’s one of the better ones.
2:18 Read dude. Go to the other post if you want to discuss Freeman.
Has anyone heard from Anthony Mikulastic since he was let go? How do you spell his name?? He holding up ok?
To 2:26pm:
I heard A. Mikulastik was taking this is strid. He certianly was made a scapegoat of this entire mess which got him fired for being Bill Parkers mouth piece after he was run off by Marlin administration. A close source at Marlin stated the acting superintendent stated "Mr. Mikulastik was a problem for administration. "Bill Parker was dealt with." The recommit case manager who I am sure influence Mikulastik. He followed Parkers lead and continued to fight to expose the allegations recommitted TYC youth had alleged back in 2003 in Mr. Parkers groups. Parker was the recommit case manager at Marlin. Both Parker and Mikulastik should be commended for their efforts. Unfortunately both were fired or run off for their honest efforts to help those youth who came forth with their stories of abuse and corruption.
How should the state assist these brave individuals who had their careers ruined by exposing corruption at it's worst involving Texas youth. I am almost ashamed to be a TEXAN. How about you PERRY?
Unless you personally hear anyone say anything negative about anybody, then it is only hearsay. Hearsay is very risky business. Something I personally would not give credit to nor would I participate to slander any individual. Of course it is much easier to do when you do not have to put a name on the post. Sounds like AM is ringing his own bell to continue this sherade to lead the attention away from his past actions and the real reason for his termination. Somehow he thinks that he is above others who have been terminated for felons on thier record. I know that if I would have been terminated for a felon and had someone wanting "special treatment" I would be greatly offended. Bottom line he got terminated for having a felony. End of subject....
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