I've said before that the Texas Youth Commission's is an agency in turmoil, suffering from short-sighted and opaque management, poor overall morale, and high employee turnover.
But there's another thing that's true: A government agency can be no better than the people who work there, and TYC needs more good people, not just because they were understaffed anyway, or because the new management has chased off much of the agency's senior talent. TYC needs high-quality employees because we're counting on the agency to do more than warehouse the kids. To change their behavior these youth must change their hearts, ideally replacing anger with hope. That's not something that happens through mere punishment and discipline. They need mature adults around them while they're locked up to guide them along the right path.
So in that vein, I should mention there's a TYC job fair in San Antonio next week. You can also go to this page on TYC's website to search for job openings.
I don't want this blog to sound like a naysayer; I want TYC to succeed. Troubled kids need to be surrounded by good, committed, hard-working, patient adults, people willing to help them turn their lives around. If the idea of working with such kids appeals to you and you live close to a TYC unit (or are willing to give small town life a try), check out what jobs are available and think about whether it's right for you.
And for current employees who want to (justifiably) grouch about TYC in response to this hiring pitch, I make one request: Before you tell prospective employees why the SHOULDN'T work at TYC, tell us one positive or rewarding thing about your tenure working there, or what difference you were able to make that made you proud. Then grouch away.
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Well, as someone who cares about the youth in TYC's care but who doesn't have the right temperament to be a Case Manager...I was still able to get a lot of job satisfaction from knowing that the work I have been doing for the last 10 years has in some way benefited the youth in Texas who need help the most. That is always a good enough reason to get up and come to work when otherwise you just wouldn't feel like it.
I have personally seen many kids who were written off as hardened, gang-involved criminals turn their lives around. When you hear these kids talk in group about how the gang was their family, it gives one a clue as to what their unmet needs really are.
I know of several young men in their 20's who turned their lives around and have been productive citizens since leaving TYC 5, 10, even 15 years ago. There are going to be many, many failures, but helping to save one life makes all the frustration worth it.
Many of these kids respond extremely well to firm, fair and consistenly applied discipline from staff who show the kids respect, while demanding respect from the kids. You have to be tough, and thick-skinned. They will test you. They watch your every move and can spot a phoney a mile away. Working with these kids is an extremely demanding job, whether it be as a JCO directly supervising them, a teacher trying to remediate their sorely-lacking educational skills, or a caseworker trying to guide them through the system.
This is not the place to be if you are just looking for a job with state benefits. The good staff, the keepers, see their work with these kids as a calling. Expect to be underpaid and underappreciated by the kids, their families, and especially by the politicians who are looking for quick-fixes. Do not expect a fair shake from the media.
Having said all that, when you get a call from one of them who says, "Hey Mr/Ms Blank, do you remember me? I just wanted to let you know I got a promotion on my job and I am doing really well. Remember when you told me such and such a couple of years ago? Well, that really changed my life, thank you."
If you are like me, you may well remember the kid, but you will not remember what it was that he is crediting you with saying. What you will know is that somehow, you made a difference for that kid.
I cannot tell you how many times kids have made those types of comments to me and to others I know. I get really frustrated with this job at times, and I am especially frustrated with alot that is going on right now, but I take solace in the fact that I know that I have made a difference in the lives of many kids over the years. I have many, many fine coworkers who have done the same or much more for the kids they have worked with.
So, if you are mentally and emotionally tough, but dedicated to saving lives -welcome aboard! Old Salty
Just one of those phone calls is worth all of this...even if I help only a handfull of kids, that's a handfull helped - and that's enough. This is all that keeps us here - all that keeps us going - the knowledge that they need us, need our guidance, need our life experiences and our caring. It's just like I've said before - it isn't about the money and never will be. This work is a calling for sure - either that or we're all crazy (which could be the case these days:) Nevertheless, for many of us - we're in this for the long haul, no matter what because these kids need us - I can't tell you how many of our youth have told me 'please hang in there Miss - we need you'. This is what gets me through the day. So, if anyone out there is looking for a challenge with rewards that can never truly be measured - we need you! And Grits - you're the Man dude!!!
Nice one, Scott! You're great!
As a teacher in the TYC System, I have witnessed the pendulum swing from good to mediocre to bad. This is a satisfying job for an educator, only if you allow it to be. Granted, I have pondered the possibility of returning back to the public school system in our great state but the "little voice" tells me that I am right where I need to be and that is what I plan on doing. The powers-that-be will no doubtedly affix their selections as their soldiers in the field but I for one will do what I am paid to do...ie,... to educate these troubled youth, provide them with the hope that intelligence in this world will prevail in the long run and that their future successes will depend on the use of their knowledge-based talents. The pendulum undoubtedly will swing back sooner or later. The youthful offenders will continue to need our assistance. Who else is going to do this type of work? Everybody that works in the TYC Educational System knows exactly what type of person it takes to endure the various forms of abuse that teachers are faced with on a daily basis, so abuse from CO wanna-bes will just be added to our list. I can take it....can you?
I remember a time that I worked the floor directly with them when we didn't have this awful 16 hour schedule, and we (the YAS = Youth Activity Supervisors) could interact with the youth and actually play flag football, soccer, basketball, and so forth. We were able to take them off campus to see pro-sporting events that our volunteer council would secure for us, we'd go fish, and so forth. Many days I thanked God I had that YAS (now JCO) job because I was in college full time and working full time. I got to eat free. We only had to work 8 hour shifts because the youth culture was so good, no one really missed work (like they do now) because it was such a stress free environment. YAS staff could act as volunteers on their off time and take kids off campus to movies and so forth.
Then Bush became our Gov. and ran on the platform of getting tough on Juvenile Crime. The recidivism rate was just as high back then as it is now.... but IMO.... a lot of that had to do with the fact we were returning these rehabilitated kids back to the crime ridden neighborhoods for which they came. Those local communities did nothing to clean themselves up.
I bet, to some extent, we go back to those pre-Bush days.... BUT IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT IF WE HAVE TO RETURN OUR YOUTH TO THE SAME PLACE FOR WHICH THEY CAME, THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES...DALLAS, HOUSTON, FT.WORTH AND SAN ANTONIO NEED TO CLEAN UP THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS!!!
After all, wouldn't you think that those major four areas have some share of the blame for the TYC recidivism rates? Think about it....
Retired but I remember those days whitsfore
This field is a calling & you don't really know how much so until you get one of those calls or letters telling you what a difference you made to one person's life. I've spent the years since Bush fighting for these youth, and mostly loosing. It was discouraging, but I kept trying. I never imagined a year ago that I would look fondly back at those days as the 'good days'. I keep telling myself that this too shall pass and maybe the agency can recover from the TDCJ takeover; but I could really use one of those letters today.
Whitsfoe I was a YAS also and things were really different then. People enjoyed coming to work and seeing some of the kids make a big change in their lives. Those days are gone now. We had the ability to operate in a positive relationship to the youth. There was more of a stand in parent relationship with the youth. As a caseworker I had a close relationship with the school teachers and know they made a big difference also.
Grits the New TYC can hire all the good people in Texas but will they stay is the question of the day. The new administration has no management skills and no experience in juvenile justice. The current TYC Administration uses the same management system as the old bunch. It is management by threat and intimidation which was tried in big business 20 years ago. I watched a documentary where twelve Fortune 500 CEOs talked about what a failure the threat and intimidation model was and how they lost millions of dollars and valuable employees as a result of trying it. The people in charge of TYC are living in the past in relation to management models.
Having spent many years at TYC I must say, unless you are desperately in need a job then do not go to work for TYC. It was such a toxic environment! You will not be treated well and you will be in real danger for serious injury. Grits until TYC is a safe place to work I don’t think you should advertise for them. Will you be there to help raise the family of a single parent if they are unable to work or get killed working at TYC? Grits your words have power and influence others, so write responsibly. I understand you want TYC to make a positive change but at what cost? I don’t think the time is right for TYC.
Personnel changes need to be made at the top but they will not. I have also worked in the public sector and the people in charge of TYC today would not be tolerated. They have had such a negative impact on the bottom line of TYC’s product they would be removed in a publically traded company. In Texas politics the “Good Ole Boy Network” rules.
I'm with 4:18, 4:53 and 6:43....you don't realize how rewarding the job is until you get one of those calls or letters from a bad kid who went good! During the past ten years, I've received several calls and letters to express gratitude for my support. One of the letters I recieved a few years ago was from one of the worst of the worst cases I had ever seen at our facility. He joined the Army and went on to be a leader of men. He thanked me for helping him decide to change his life, and believe me, that is when you realize how rewarding the job truly is. When you know you've you made a difference like that in the life of another human being, there is nothing more gratifying. Yeah it's hard work sometimes...but it can be very rewarding. If you enjoy helping other people, this is the job for you!
726
I agree with you 100%. To work at TYC you better be on medication to cope with all the stress that you are put thru daily. I thought I had found my place at TYC also. That it was where I needed to be to reach, teach these kids. I want to be with TYC,(10yrs in) but the working conditions are unfair, unjust and I can not recommend anyone to this type of enviroment.
I am not talking about the kids in tyc, you can deal with them, but you can not deal with the way your treated and dismissed like your in prison! These people will not stay under these conditions.
You can not brow beat, nic pick, people and treat them as though they are beneath you and expect them to like it. But TYC does and their motto is "if you can't take it , get out" find another job. How many times have I heard that in meetings. They are telling us to leave. The only ones that needs to leave are the ones telling us to do so.
I want to say that this practice of beating the employees so to speak was with the last CO bunch also.
I agree with what everyone is saying here. One letter from a youth you have helped to succeed is so worth it! But at this time, TYC is a toxic place. Stress levels are off the scale. We've been turned into a junior TDCJ. Was it intentional? Perhaps...
TYC youth, staff and the taxpayers of Texas would have been better served if the "Gov" had selected someone from outside the state with the juvenile corrections experience needed to turn this agency around. But did he do this, no. He went the good ol' boy route and put his cronies in charge. What a waste. Do you hear the drain? Those are your tax dollars being flushed....
Someday TYC will be a great place to work again, but I for one will not be here as an employee. It is time to move on to a job that will appreciate my skills and experience, and not make me re-apply for a job that I've been doing for over 5 years. I expect to be replaced by a TDCJ staffer who is a buddy of Ms. Pope or one of her cronies.
Texas taxpayers deserve better. The youth committed to TYC for rehabilitation deserve better. And the employees deserve better. Make your vote count when election day comes around. Let your voice be heard!
Good luck to all... the youth, the staff and the taxpayers.
What needs to change? If you say "TDCJ" needs to get out, well, I have no opinion. But IF they weren't here, what would you do right now? What needs to change? Don't keep this to management ideology, but best practices as well?
Grits,
The vast majority of tenured workers are dedicated to the youth and will continue to work with them under virtually any conditions and will do what ever it takes to keep their job. This is why the people at TYC are so frustrated. Management takes advantage of this in numerous ways and should be ashamed. This is why we are so thankful to have a place to vent.
In working with youth I live for those rare moments where you see them think. You can tell by the expression on their face and their body language. Their bodies become virtually frozen as all their attention and concentration is on this magical thing happening inside their head. The lightbulb starts to flicker. Maybe a seed was planted to work with farther down the line, where i am at, i will never know.
I can't speak for the good old days. They are before my time. I think we are passed the days of unstructured programming and I don't think that it is necessarily a bad thing.
The current leadership issues are a tremendous problem and will limit the number of quality staff that can be recruited to work in the agency. Really the people who work for the agency can only be as good as the administration allows them to be.
Unfortunately we are likely to soon see more and more TDCJ minded staff come in to the agency. I already see TDCJ correctional officers coming to institutions to work as JCO's and all they really want is to work in the security unit, so as to have the least contact possible with the youth. Fortunately TYC has frozen these positions and any openings are up for grabs for people working at closing institutions.
The ramifications of the recent actions of the Governor and Legislators will be widespread and long lasting. I personally would wait to commit to working in this agency until after the next legislative session. By that time hopefully the media will have made it clear what the costs of hiring people with no juvenile justice experience to run this agency have been and hold the politicians accountable.
A heartfelt thank you to new employees! Conditions may not be the best, but you are definitely needed.
If your looking at helping TYC change come to Mart. We have 200 JCO vacancies that we cannot fill. We will have the orientation center but most of the staff from Marlin and Shero Units will most likely not come over added to this Marlin will receive an adult prison which will pull staff from us.
Come to Mart because we need the help, heck we have our case workers pulling JCO shift duties just to get by once they move orientation (Marlin) to us our maintenance staff will be pulling JCO shift work not to mention all clerical.
Help us build Mart any elected officials out there want to tour a campus and see how short TYC is come by talk with the line staff one on one not in groups and see how much better we are doing after their fix to TYC. We cannot find enough staff to run one facility let alone two, please help.
The conditions at TYC may be stressful at times, but newsflash...WE WORK IN A PRISON, not sunday school!
That being said, TYC has been one of the most meaningful and worthwhile employments of my life. I started at 19 as a JCO, returned to school three years later, earned a bachelor's and a master's degree and then came back to TYC as a Case Manager. While it is no secret that I PRAY we CM's get our career ladder raises in September, I stay at TYC because like the other's, I feel that I have been called by a higher power to work with these kids.
I work with the "worst of the worst" in TYC but the feeling is amazing when you see a youth's original goal of prison replaced with realistic dreams of attending college. In most cases, they have never believed that they can amount to anything more than life-long felons so any other assertion is absurd. However, after taking the time to consequence their behavior, rebuild their self-esteem and encourage their determination, there is nothing better than reveling in their success!
Understand that the work schedules are long, the pay is not always the best, but making a significant difference in the lives of childre make it all worthwhile for this faithful TYC staff! Good luck and hang strong!
Yes conditions are stressful based upon the fact we have almost 200 vacancies!!!!!!!!!!
The youth are not nor have they been the problem, but when you have no relief and work overtime all the time and your relying on case workers to fill gaps on coverage, I would say we have issues. I would not stay in the business if it was not for the youth, I would just to see someone come up with a plan to fill all these vacancies. If we have never been able to fill them in the past how will we fill them now?
anon 7:09 I was referring to Mart
Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess, for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future. They bear the seeds of the character for future society, which is largely shaped by what the adults constituting the community do, or fail to do with respect to children. Children are a trust no community can neglect with impunity. An all-embracing love of children, the manner of treating them, the quality of the attention shown them, the spirit of adult behavior toward them - these are all among the vital aspects of the requisite attitude. An atmosphere needs to be maintained in which children feel that they belong to the community and share in its purpose.
In the current state of society, children face a cruel fate. Thousands and thousands across our great state are dislocated socially. Children find themselves alienated by parents and other adults whether they live in conditions of wealth or povery. This alienation has its roots in a selfishness that is born of materialism that is at the core of the godlessness seizing the hearts of people everywhere. The social dislocation of children in our time is a sure mark of a society in decline; this condition is not, however, confined to any race, class, nation or economic condition - It cuts across them all.
It grieves me to realize that in so many parts of our great State of Texas and the world children are employed as soldiers, exploited as laborers, sold into virtual slavery, forced in prostitution, made the objects of pornography, abandonded by parents centered on their own desires, and subjected to other forms of victimization too numerous to mention. The parents themselves upon their own children inflict many such horrors. The spiritual and psychological damage defies estimation.
Our worldwide community cannot escape the consequences of these conditions. This realization should spur us all to urgent and sustained effort in the interests of children and the future.
Although providing spiritual and academic education for children is essential, this represents only a part of what must go into developming their characters and shaping their responsibilities. The necessity exists, too, for individuals and the institutions at all levels, which is to say the community as a whole, to show proper attitude towards children and to take a general interst in their welfare.
Independent of the level of their education, parents, and the State of Texas are in critical position to shape the development of their children. Parents and the State of Texas should not ever underestimate their capacity to mold their children's moral character.
I have stayed with TYC for nearly 10years now b/c I have faith, hope and the desire to make a difference. During my tenure I have been blessed to witness many young people (TYC students)succeed, and reach their goals. I am honored and humbled by the positive impact and relationships I have recieved in return. Working in the career field of juvenile justice is not for the pay or personal gain. Its becuase of the STUDENTS, their success and the simple, 'Thank you Miss' is priceless. If you know in your heart that you desire to make such an impact I encourage you to come join us - we need you.
I don't know about you Mr. Henson, but isn't it surprising that you have had little response to your quest for good reasons to work for TYC. Most blogs are full of responses, so this should be a lesson to management. However, I think we all can agree that these are not easy kids to work with, but when one decides to change their life, than you begin to understand why you chose to work in this field. I think that TYC needs to be realistic in their approach at this job fair. It is a tough job, with a lot of hours, stress, and times of feeling unappreciated. But we can tell them that there will come that one time, one kid, who is going to change because of your work, you will see it, you will feel it, and eventually before he leaves the facility with his family or on his own, he will tell you, either in person or in a letter, and that is what makes you get up everyday and continue to do this job, this is what you tell your friends and family when they ask why you do this for a living. We all remember that one person, whether it is a coach, teacher, etc, that made a difference in our lifes, now you have that opportunity to do that for some other youth, what a gift. I know that if my child was in TYC, I would want someone like myself working with them.
I don't know about a low response. The post titled "Semantic games aim to rewrite TYC history," e.g., only has 16 comments as I write this. Yours was comment #21. Plus, I thought some of these were pretty good comments! In truth, I expected a lot more negative reaction from current employees than the post received.
I am anon 7:04 and I work at Mart as well. I know VERY WELL what it feels like to work as a JCO in my current position, but I maintain my blog post! Being down 200 JCO staff has not halted the teamwork and effort put forth my the faithful staff at Mart! We continue to encourage one another and our management has been truthful with us the whole way including OT requirements and increases in caseload due to vacancies. These are the reasons I choose to remain at Mart. It REALLY is a good place to work!
Just for information, the agency has just dropped our physical restraint program we have used for the last 12 years with the promise of a new one. Change can be good, but it's going to be difficult to come up with a better system without infringing on copyrights and patents. I hope they can do it. One thing that may be encouraging to new people coming in is that they are starting out on the same level as veteran staff.
Qualified and caring professionals will not be attracted to employment at the Texas Youth Commission as long as the likes of Dimitria Pope and her confederates are in charge of the agency. For the agency to be rehabilitated, a strong and competent juvenile justice professional needs to be at the helm. And that is not the care at present.
I do not work at Mart, but I have been there many times. To those Marlin employees who are reluctant to move up the road, I say, reconsider! I know all about the "leaders" you had at Marlin; do not expect the same at Mart. The leadership there is very supportive of the staff. They don't play games, and they don't tolerate game-playing in their subordinates. From what I have seen they are pretty upfront in their requirements and they seem to back up what they say. If the Superintendent or either of the Assistants were to transfer to the place where I now work, I would be delighted.
More than a generation ago, during my Senior year in High School, the Seniors attended an assembly where the recruiters from all the Armed Services came to make their pitches. The Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard recruiters all gave spiels about all the wonderful benefits that their respective services had to offer. The last to speak was a Marine Gunnery Sergeant who got up and told us, "If you want nice benefits, talk to one of these guys. All I can promise you is 12 of the hardest weeks of your sorry young lives at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island. If you make it through that, you will be able to call yourself a Marine for the rest of your life." Having said his piece, he sat down. Of course, he made his quota that day!
I am now a salty old Marine, long out of service, but I am still proud to call myself a Marine.
I'll give you prospective TYC employees a similar challenge. TYC doesn't have any fancy Dress Blue uniform, the hours are long and hard, and your clients are not the most pleasant people in the world to be around. Don't expect great leadership out of the management, either. But, as others have posted here, TYC has a mission - a very important mission. So, if you've got guts, tons of patience, a thick hide, a good work ethic and a sincere desire to help people who don't respect themselves or anyone else - come work with us. If you are just looking for a job with benefits - there are much better alternatives for you. Old Salty
If TYC has eliminated the physical restraint, what do you do when a youth is out of control and starts hitting you -- RUN????
7/18 @ 10:18pm
I think it may take at least TWO legislative sessions to straighten out this mess.
To the rest:
I agree that the work is VERY rewarding, and is a calling. I miss it sorely, but would not work for TYC again until there were some MAJOR changes in management. There would also need to be major changes in the political players who spearheaded this entire mess.
To prospective employees, it is very rewarding work, but you need to ask yourself what you will tolerate from management, and for how long. Is it worth it?
Good reasons to work at TYC...hmmm? Thats a tough one, wait..the great pay? Nah...The great hours? No way!Oh I know...the respect we get from our superiors!!! Yeah thats it!!! Come work for TYC, but you have to have certain qualifications if you plan to advance. First, you need to learn to kiss ass REALLY good! You also need to know, keep your mouth shut about the abuse and neglect because if heaven forbid you speak up on ANYTHING...you will GET removed! There is no room for truth in TYC!
Does anyone really know why Marie Murdoch was suspended??
Hurley gave Marie a handwritten list on kids names. He said it was from Ms Pope. He told her that Ms Pope wanted these kids out, now. Rep Madden was not pleased with some of the names on the list and raised a stink. Marie was the fall-guy(girl). Hurley and Pope deny any knowledge. Kinda like that old show, "Mission Impossible," You might remember the line" "The Secretary will deny all knowledge..." then the tape self-destructs. The same procedure happened with Tammy Vega over the Voluteers.
It seems that Dimitria Pope does not need any help to rebuild TYC. She has a list of her old buddies from TDCJ and hires them without posting the job or interviewing anyone. But of course there will be plenty of JCO and CM jobs because nobody wants those jobs. She might bring over a couple of TDCJ buses full of "trustees" to be JCOs and CMs, and she probably would trust them more than she would trust any current TYC employee.
More BS from EY from HR:
Eric Young of Human Resources sent an agency-wide email today.
Young writes, “It has come to our attention that there may be some confusion regarding new and existing employee eligibility to apply for another position within the agency. All employees, regardless of length of service or length of time since last position assignment, may apply for any position within TYC for which they are qualified.”
Gee, I wonder where all the confusion regarding personnel matters comes from. Let’s list some of the ways confusion might arise:
-because many of our co-workers were fired, suspended, & forced to resign--without any explanation to those who remained;
-because the recently-installed criminal background policy divested many long-time employees of their employment, effectively “pulling the rug out” from under them;
-because a portion of that same policy was reversed for the purpose of admitting a Kimbrough favorite;
-because the implications arising from new “at-will” policies are perplexing even the savvy attorneys;
-because entire facilities are to be shut down, and their employees are uncertain of their own fate;
-because a host of choice jobs are filled by “conservator appointment,” without being posted.
I’m sure my fellow readers can add to this list.
Note that Young’s email only states that one “may apply” for another position. It doesn’t commit the agency to actually taking your application seriously.
I wish these administrators would stop being so disingenuous. We aren't children anymore!
I wrote one of the post about how rewarding changing lives is. I've been with this agency through all the executive directors we've had and have never been more discouraged or afraid for the youth and the staff. We need help & all those people who were so concerned about these children a few months ago need to start paying attention again.
Well I love the agency - not the political end of it. I love what we stand for and knowing that we can change one criminal life.
At AP we are struggling right now and seeing no positive. Our administration is gone. Good riddance actually.
It is rumored that Jerome Williams is coming as superintendent. That he got Crockett on track. Maybe he can help us too. But of course - true to form - there is no official word from Austin.
I can honestly state there is no loyalty within TYC period. The reason why this agency will fail is based upon the simple principle that employees are disposable.
I understand that the past leadership had their faults, but can anyone honestly state "Things are Better"??
No one trusts no one, there is no plan, and if there is where in the hell is it. All employees are placed in situations where they have no faith in the system.
This translates into poor morale, which carries over to the youth. At some point and God only knows when, a Leader will stand up and Lead, families will come first, doing the right thing will be the norm not the exception, employees are our most valued resource will mean something.
I can on and on but it really matters not, PLEASE DO NOT COME TO WORK FOR THIS AGENCY UNTIL WE START TREATING EMPLOYEES WITH DIGNITY AND RESPECT.
I have personally answered phone calls from students looking for Mr. or Ms. so & so. They want to let them know they made it and are productive members of society. Mostly because of something they said or did for that youth that touched them forever. Even if the person they are looking for does not work for TYC anymore, they open up and tell the story. It's amazing how they attribute their success not to themselves, but that certain staff that helped them.
The employees that show up to work on a daily basis, in spite of the stress and duress are the spine that holds this agency together. Whether you work directly or indirectly with the youth, both share in the joy of a successful kid. Both share in the saddness caused by someone hurting them, emotionally, phsyically or otherwise. So TYC, listen up and take good care of these workhorses. Don't run them off, wake up and smell the reason that TYC exists. You can't do it without us!!!
If administrators would appreciate this dedication, the turnover rate would decrease. But when one sees that they can take off for their own kid's school activities, appointments, holidays and weekends and we have to work regardless, it does cause some resentment. Our lives and families are just as important as those of the management. Fairness should be for one and all. The collective sweat of our brows, brings them credit and glory and it's not appreciated, NOT ONE BIT!!
Being a manager does not automatically earn respect and loyalty from employees. When TYC figures this out, the employee turn over rate will significantly decline. People want to be valued and treated with respect. The job is not hard, it's the bull you have to up with and believe we have our share of bull-poopers!! TYC needs to purchase pooper-scoopers for all new employees, and hand them out at New Employee Orientation in the event they need to dig themselves out of some managers egotistical horse's behind!!
I will stay and work until I can't take it any more. It's NOT because of the management, but because, as one poster mentioned, I may just make a difference one day!!
Last time I checked the managers get their marching orders from CO.
If I recall TYC had a bunch of silos out in the field and CO would eliminate this process and give orders on how things will be ran. The Bull always starts at the top and flows down.
To 7:47
Geez.. I don't know where you heard he got Crockett on track. Since he walked onto the campus the assault on staff's increased 214%. This man makes deals with the youth and makes promises he can't keep. We had 3 kids on the roof and he bribed them down with ice cream and then gave it to them after they came down...after 8 hours. This man is only a politician..not a leader. He tells everyone what they want to hear...regardless if your a youth or a PA.
True leaders have integrity and moral courage, they are ethical,trustworthy and technically competent, they accept the blame for failures of the organization and share the glory for success; they are loyal to the organization and to their immediate superior, and they are loyal to those who work for them. True leaders set the example by their own actions. They praise good performance in public and correct poor performance in private. True leaders always show respect towards others whether they be superiors, peers or subordinates. Hmmm... see much of that in TYC? As a matter of fact, I have seen a few of these - mostly JCOs, caseworkers and a few PAs. Old Salty
The kids are the only reason that I've remained with TYC. They are the most important resource the state has. They are a part of our future and deserve a chance to turn their lives around. When one of them wakes up and realizes that they can be more than a ganster or a thug and decides to try and make a change, is more than enough reward for me. One of the main tools we have to try and make this happen is role-modeling. I just hope that none of these kids look beyond their facilities to our executive administration for good examples to follow. They are the embodiment of defensive thinking (or the use of thinking errors). They are masters at:1) Deceiving; 2)Downplaying; 3)Avoiding; 4)Blaming; 5)Making excuses; 6) Jumping to conclusions; 7)Acting Helpless; 8)Overreacting; and 9)most certainly, Feeling special.
TDCJ has given us its best...Ed Owens, Dimitria Pope and her crew and let us not forget...Ray Brookins.
And to Old Salty...As a former Marine myself, I agree with most of your 10:54 post. At least the Corps was up front about the hardships one would be expected to endure and that applied to all Marines. TYC asks that we sacrifice, not for the good of the youth, but for the good of Ed, Dimitria, et al.
"Semper Fi"
I strongly agree with Anon 11:07 pm. We have or had a superintendent who staff respected, youth respected, was loyal to us, when things got tough, she would start by looking at herself then work with us to rebuild ourselves. She was the one who would be on the floor and confront youth who were being disrespectful, and youth knew if they were disrespectful she would hold them accountable. She worked as many hours if not more than us. You could call at anytime for help and she was there. Now we don't know if she is coming back because two staff members, the JCO VI and then assistant didn't like being held accountable. We have no support now, youth and floor staff want her back, but we don't know when she will be back. So, as we sit and blame management, yes, so do I, but not our superintendent, and she would never say anything bad about this agency or her bosses, because she is a true professional. We now have no superintendent, no assistant (no loss) and we need her back. Morale is down for staff and kids.
Sadly from a once longterm staff that cares for the kids and can relate to them from experience that you can turn your life around. Kimbrough ensured staff with a felony on their record would be fired and he had his way. Not that their crime related to their job or the fact they did not work in student care was ever considered. Or the fact that this person had worked as a JCO until he was worked to the bone from double shifts and holding over from lack of coverage even mattered. Or the fact that this person was the most dedicated, dependable, hard working person in the facility. Doesn't matter! Now what's wrong with this picture? Now TYC has ASKED volunteers to return with criminal records as it was turning away its most realistic rehabilitated role models. Mr. Hurley still doesn't know WHO sent the official letter to the volunteers. RIGHT! But this doesn't change the agency's policy about not hiring felons in paid posts. Wake up! These are some of your most dedicated hard working TYC employees. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that sex offenders and murderers do not have a place in TYC supervising kids. Why couldn't TYC have evaluated each case independently? Too much work for E.Y.?
Working to turn around Juvenile Delinquents is a noble profession. More often than not we don't accomplish much more than keeping them alive until the grow up enough to make wiser decisions. TYC has made some mistakes, but we've done a lot of things right. There is a natural corruption that occurs in institutions, and occasionally there is a need for tearing down and rebuilding. I work at West Texas State School which has been sorely misrepresented by the press, the gossips, and the lege. It is a good place to work, and though the future looks shakey that shouldn't be a deterrant because out here we've seen the oil business boom and bust many times. Come join in a noble endeavor. The rewards aren't tangible, but they exist.
Al Price- Did Demitria and her group just walk out the Principal and Asst Principal as is the gossip?
But us straight!
Sorry.
Put us straight!
"GRITS"
It has been reported that a youth was "Shanked" last night at the Al Price Unit of the Texas Youth Commission.
Where are the headlines, where is the outrage that our youth are no longer safe while detained within TYC facilities.
This same facility had a riot last week, did anybody know about this?
I am sure we can find someone to blame, how about the Administrators who were sent home packing last week, suspended I mean. Lets just say the reason a youth was re- portably shanked at the facility was the fault of the previous Administrative staff and this is the reason we suspended them. Makes for good headlines and displaces any accountability on those in charge.
12:16 - Did Demitria and her group show up this morning and walk out the School Principal and Assistant?????
I have no idea what is about to happen. Pepper Spray, no treatment program, cuffing, no Handle With Care restraint program and the hiring of TDCJ personnel in top positions. And might I add that few if any have juvenile experience or counseling experience. I am super concerned that we are already becoming a prison for young people. We need Eric Dexheimer of the Austin American Statesman on this. Eric, please do some investigative reporting. Go to staff that are not spokespersons, and interview and allow anominity. Not just at the facility, but at both Central Offices. Nay sayers are shunned and shushed and pointed out. That train has already left the station." I predict that there will be deaths, if not serious injuries of both staff and youth in the months to come. God I hope this time I am wrong. Trouble is brewing already. Stay up on this Grits, for internally, everything is secret. No announcements, or anything. Mum is the word. Grits is the source for facts and reporting.
IF you are willing to take more knocks than pats on the back, IF you are willing to see a side of parenting skills that even Dr. Spock couldn't comprehend, IF you are willing to learn about a side of soceity that no tv special can truly depict, IF you have enough patient and compassion to fill an ocean, and IF you are sincere in wanting to help...you might make it at TYC.
I have learned from the kids as well as my coworkers. I have learned that being a role model to a kid can be rewarding, all the while doing so with coworkers "complaining" about how you work with the kids.
It is worth all the crap when you get a letter or a phone call from a kid telling you that they made it, hearing the proudness in their voice and even spitting back some words of wisdom that you gave to them once.
I have had some phone calls from former students that called to tell me how good they are doing, and those calls are great. But what is really disheartening is when you see a former student's name on the news saying he is going to prison for murder or he was killed in a gang shootout. All you can do is to do your best to lead them in the right direction. It is up to them whether they continue on the right path, or turn back to their old ways.
Learning of a former youth's death (whatever the reason is) is always disheartening. Learning of one going to the adult system is disheartening as well. This is not a job for a bleeding heart liberal, someone who wears their emotions on their sleeves or someone who believes everything will be rosey.
TB of Central offices and a crew of consoltants were in Crockett this after noon. Why was he walking around looking at the buildings in that rain. He went on C4 and spoke with those kids who got on the roof.
Someone mentioned hes was also on a crew of other outsiders who came on Al Price, leaving and saying nothing, and the whole management team looks like it got fired.
wuz up with these teams and why is tb on all of them? Is he doin like he did @CRTC? duck folks, this dude aint playin'....
TB has the distinction, along with JW of having been a close disciple of Chester Clay - a guy much in the mold of these new TYC handlers. TB and JW managed to ingratiate themselves to Chester, so who's surprised that he has been resurrected by these Chester clones who have come over from TDCJ?
Last I heard TB is Gay, if were talking about the same TB.
and who really cares? shut up. write something relevant.
Hey I know TB and know he is not gay, whoever posted this must have some deviant sexual thoughts about TB.
Who is TB?
Tommie Bayes
Tom Brown
Jerod Wendler
?????
?????
If I had to guess, I would say Tommy Bayes and Jerome Williams.
For 12:19
The Principal, Asst. Principal, Business Mgr., Purchasing Agent, A/C Repairman, Electrician, Asst. Supt., Supt., and DOS all were .canned today- the Pope called in all the Education Dept. and said that she'd determined that Al Price was an 'ineffective facility' and that she was here to 'clean house' and that she did. No prior notice, no sorry I have to let you go, just a 'here's your hat and don't let the door hit you in the --- on your way out. As to the 'riot' and the 'shanking' if any of that took place then they apparently hid it from the staff as well. Two kids got in a fight in the gym while approximately 20 others looked on. A lot of hollering and yelling but very little rioting. One of the problems that has plagued AP since Marie Murdoch was the Supt. has been an over reaction, and subsequent misrepresentation, of student behavior. But when your facility is managed, or in this case was managed since nearly all the managers are gone, by Drama Queens, then you have to expect that. To all of us in the TYC 'family' I advise patience. Opportunity exists within chaos.
The Whispering Voice
In case you forgot, Grits asked for a positive comment on this string. Where's your respect?
... lydia was his downfall... he knows that too...so just deal with it...
YOU ARE IN DENIAL:
One of the problems that has plagued AP since Marie Murdoch was the Supt. has been an over reaction, and subsequent misrepresentation, of student behavior.
GET REAL. I'M HERE, AND I AM NOW.... BEEN THERE... DONE THAT...
Yep, Chester trusted Lydia too much and she burned him bad.
I bet his ass learned from it all...he's limping I know, but tb is gonna hang in there....
Anybody know what happened at the Parole Meetings in Austin? What is going to happen to the PO's and what is their new name?
A bunch of HR people from Austin came to Marlin this week and was asking us about what jobs we wanted. I was real encouraged that they're not just throwing us to the wolves.
but I love you tb.... you were.... well you tonight. - Misty
(shhh! Don't wake 'em).....
We need some investigative reporting. Interview people at Central Office. Look for ones that are not invited to meetings, ones that have to read Grits to see what is really going on. They can tell you the mood at TYC.
We are to teach values and model appropriate behavior for our delinquent youth. What the top is modeling is distrust, secretiveness, narcissism, authoritarianism, and ignorance. These qualities will not help a youth get better. They do not help the workplace. The only job satisfaction I have at this point is the fact that the mission of rehabilitation, prevention, productivity, protection of the public is a noble mission. I do not believe that our current leaders know these or act in accordance with these principles. Texans should be ashamed, the legislature should be outraged as it was over the sex scandal. When it gets to the point where my personal ethics are going to be compromised then I will need to leave my job. If that point was a line, then I can see that line. It is just over there. It is very close. I am trying to be a positive influence in my current capacity at TYC. However, I can tell I am not valued or trusted.
I cannot see recommending to anyone to work in this agency unless moral corruption does not bother you. It is very much the norm.
Standing on the corner with a sign is beginning to seem more and more like the better option.
To the people of Texas, I am very sorry.
pratr
12:19
Why did they fire the education staff? Explain? Why did they call in the education dept?
Anyone who thinks Chester was burned by Lydia needs to explain why he continued to come to Crockett with he long after he retired, and even after she was "demoted". They were coming down and having lunch at a local cafe with their old bud, Don Freeman. Chester was not duped by anyone. He was too busy deceiving Dwight. Dwight's main mistake was that he trusted the wrong people. Despite his perceived shortcomings as ED, Dwight is an honorable man.
It probably has to be because the new Education person from TDCJ has some friends to bring in.
Making room
Please excuse the typo in my last post, which should read: "...come to Crockett with her long after he retired..."
What are you smoking 1:18?? Dwight is the very reason we are in the mess we're in... if he would have just managed that Ray Brookins ordeal, and really got involved, I think about 150 (plus) may still be employed. In addition, we wouldn't be looking at all these TDCJ mugs running our business.
I agree Dwight is an honorable man and I truly believe there is no way he would have sat back and done nothing if he had known what was going on. He too trusted the wrong people (Lydia) to take care of business. I also believe this is breaking his heart and he would do anything to reverse what has happened to so many people because of it.
While I agree that Dwight has a heart, I still think he F----- up major by not tending to his business. He didn't trust Lydia either. He was wanted to nail her ass from the get go after the Evins riot.
Dwight pretty much was an excellent leader until he got the Executive Director position. Then, for whatever reason, he changed and not for the better.
I can't explain why that happened, but he turned on C.Clay, ridiculed him, and well, ole' Chester had a pretty large fan base as evidenced by a standing room only retirement reception, a retirement we later learned was forced upon him by Dwight.
That's when people who've been around a while lost faith in Dwight. It didn't surprise me the ledge went after him...he was doomed from the start of the 80th legislative session. He saw it coming.... and he bailed.
I'd have more respect if he'd just stuck it out for us.... but he didn't, and he bailed out... and now we have these TDCJ mugs to look at, and it makes me sick to see what is happening with this agency.
6:12, you sure sound a lot like TB. Dwight Harris is not the reason we are in the mess we are in - Chester set up the corrupt system that included the likes of Lydia, Don Freeman and all those henchmen who have no respect for anyone and were only out to feather their own nests and stroke each others egos. Dwight's biggest problem is that he did not listen to Linda and Neil until it was too late.
As for Dwight taking care of business - he was constantly working the lege to get a better deal for JCOs and Casemanagers. The trouble was, he was surrounded by a pit of vipers who were put in place by his predesessor. He was set up.
I could be wrong but they did leave some ex-TYC staff in charge at Central Office, Stan DeGerolami to name just one.
Is he fighting the good fight for this agency?
Is he assisting with the direction TYC is heading?
Does he believe this agency is better off today than 6 months ago?
I was informed that back in the early 1980's another scandal occurred at the West Texas State School while the girls were housed at there, does anybody know about this? Something about pictures of the girls without clothes or something close to this.
I was informed the Superintendents name was Mr. Alan Spearman, any info regarding this would help.
Are you kidding? Why would he stick around and let them walk him out like they have done so many others? And for a lot less than he is perceived to have done. I'm glad he got out while he could still keep his dignity.
Reason #1 why prospective employees should not approach TYC.
The leaders are not leaders.
When 19 years olds are released based upon SB 103, and some of these youth are sentenced offenders Madden and his merry crew become enraged that these youth could be released back to society. Instead of stepping up and taking responsibility the leaders at TYC blame Ms. Murdoch. Know granted she makes the perfect fall guy/girl based upon the fact she can retire in August and she is on paid suspension. But, a leader would not do this.
TYC has no plan or direction they are waiting for the Sunset review to lead them.
TYC is currently TDCJ.
TYC cannot retain staff based upon high youth populations and the answer from CO is to close more facilities.
TYC is about to embark on having two full facilities stationed in Mart Texas, Mart I and Mart II. Last time I checked they could not employee enough staff to employ one facility.
We could go on about treatment (lack of) but this will be on another post.
TYC got shit canned and they still rally around Dwight Harris?
Amazing…………
I have been critical of Dwight, but I don't think he was a bad person or intended for things to end up the way they did.
I do think he possessed to view that was too narrow in focus to adequately manage TYC, was a micro-manager, too worried about numbers and appearances, and often a bad judge of character.
As assistant he should have done more to reign in the squabbling between Clay and Steen. I also believe that he was so busy worrying about trends and lawsuits in other states that he often lost focus on running the agency that was under his command...given all of that, I do think he cared about the agency itself.
Ultimately, whomever you personally blame, he was the captain of the ship who broke with tradition and was on the first life boat outta here. Dwight therefore is ultimately responsible for allowing TDCJ privateers/pirates to take over...
Unfortunately, there are no Captain Jack Sparrows, Elizabeth Swans, or Will Turner's in this sordid tale...heck I'd even take a Barbosa right now, at least he knew how to lead. Unfortunately, this lot does appear to live by the pirates code and it is everyman for himself, Arrrh!!!
None of us really have a clue what is going on. And I am speaking for many facilities - as I talk to the folks employed at various ones. All we know is that the environment is unsafe and that has been proliferated by Austin. They talk a good game and leave us hanging with no clear direction.
We just want to take care of the kids, make a decent living, and get out of the drama.
In Crockett Friday -Ed Owens, Tommy Bayes and others came basically unannounced to our facility. They met with people about our feelings on the state of our institution. We told them. In the last 2 months it has gone to a well controlled atmosphere of safety to one where the kids are in control - and NO ONE feels safe. Kids don't, staff don't. It is ineffective. Why because we are being run by an idiot that has no clue. He makes deals with kids, deballs staff in front of the kids... We are all PRAYING that they heard us and something will be done on our campus.
Maybe all you others will get this visit too - maybe something will be done. Before it is too late and there are serious repercussions for the state of Texas.
Just remember it was just a visit to check on your overall security and safety like was done at Al Price a week earlier. The purpose one would surmise is that the Administration at Al Price (who were suspended) would come back and state "Crockett had youth on their roofs like us and you did not visit that campus". It is basically cover your behind tactics.
So to ensure consistency is in place they had to go to Crockett. Now whether you were heard or if anyone cares, just take a look around the state of the agency today and ask yourself "Does it really matter"?
I agree with the dismissal of the Superintendent and the Business Manger at AP because the Super was a racist and the Business Manger was stealing the money. How do you run a correctional facilty with no bleach? Kim Fowler basically came to Al Price and tore the campus apart and now we are left trying to fix what she tore up. First Hurricane Rita now Hurricane Fowler aka Big Groceries. Our cries for help were finally heard so we thank you Ms. Pope and Mr. Humphery for answering our prayers. It has only been a week since her departure and you can feel the unity of the campus again. I know that with Fowler and Broussard gone Al Price will be a much better place to work. For the record no youth were shanked last week at Al Price
I don't blame you one bit 5:26 for feeling the way you do about your leadership and their mass exodus; however, we were shown the video tape of the assault on that Hispanic boy and that was pretty damn violent. I hope yall get it under control over there, because from what I saw, they could've killed that boy. Instead, a broken jaw? Not good.
I hope yall can get it under control. I know you guys can. You just need a strong leader. You guys really need Alan Walters. He's a TYC grown up boy, started from a JCO - now Superintendent (he may have been a TCY kid as well knowing him in his ass kicking days). Alan would be a great fit down there. We need more Walters in TYC. Oh, he loved Fowler too. just ask him ;)
You judge leaders by how they came to a campus and where that campus is when they leave. I would challenge all to look at this and ask yourself did they make a difference?
Any person appointed to a position without earning the position is tainted. Look at we have now and can you honestly state we are better off today. If you state yes, go to the back of the line with your 6 months experience in TYC.
I was told Al Price has been given two strong leaders in a guy name Ayo (supt) and Jones (asst. supt). Why would they want Walters when I was told these two guys have a vision and do not give out ice cream to youth when they are misbehaving?
I don't have anything to say "bad" about either of the two there at the present; however, Walters is the best when it comes down to cleaning up facilities.
I know Fowler and do not like her one bit, but racist? Calling her racist tells a lot about you.
Ayo and Chuck are both fine individuals. I just hope they are good at wrestling alligators!
Alligators?? They both better start with some Purple Barney Dolls before they progress to Alligators. Neither have any real experience in these positions and you are talking about Al Price. Look at the history of this facility and go from there. By the way this facility was closed after the hurricane and all staff were trained from the top to the bottom and all the youth were brought in 20 a week and they received behavior management training, and where are they NOW??
Anon @9:46, it's not about talking bad about individuals. It's about the sheer stupidity of our higher ups assigning inexperienced administrators to facilities that
are on the verge of diaster. Ayo
may be a good, but very much a protege of Harrison, the supt at WTSS at the height of the sex scandal. He followed him from Victory Field to WTSS. Need I say more.
Now here's another idiotic move by our Jr. TDCJ regime. WTSS is getting Davis as the supt and Hollis as the asst. supt. Why is Davis still around with the mess he created in San Saba and Sheffield. We hear he was Barnard's protoge while she was at San Saba. How has he managed to fly under the radar? Why isn't he gone? Hollis was there with the Brookins mess, what sense does sending these two to WTSS make??
TYC is like a big family, we all know what these individuals are like because we have worked with them and know firsthand their weaknesses, downfalls, egos and arogances. It just so happens that they have worked themselves up the ladder by hook or crook and managed to fool higherups! Not all of them are sincere about rehabilitating youth or youth at all! It's about achieving status by stepping on anyone at any cost to achieve it. It's sad that it is not about who is the most experienced for the job, but with TDCJ, getting rid of all our experience, what's a regime to do but try to safe face by placing them in positions we all know they can't handle so their jobs can be saved!
They have to keep Hollis -- he's a whistleblower, you know. He's a TYC employee as long as he wants to be...
Trust me, no one is flying under the radar unless your from TDCJ or have your nose up their butts.
We just lost nearly all of our administration at Al Price and some did not deserve this. Only an idiot would believe that anyone working for TYC is flying under the radar, if they can take out any TYC staff and show they are making progress (getting headlines) it will take place.
Now we have two men with little experience running the ship and we hope they are fast learners?
We still have some staff in Central Office that should be sent to the field or sent packing. How did all the correction specialists survive? Did they not work for Barnard, Morelock, DeGerolami, Harrison, Canary? Only one of these are still standing, DeGerolami, what about culpability on their parts.
Anon @ 6:36, with people like you implying we are idiots for a comment you did not agree with, just stinks. No wonder they are got rid of people at Al Price. But don't fret, the supt you are getting also considers everyone an idiot but himself, he'll fit right in!!
Not implying , stating facts. Apparently either you have been on vacation or new to the agency.
The "implication" was made that staff at TYC could or were flying under the radar. I find this hard to believe after the past 4 months.
Now you can disagree with this but, only and idiot would state anyone could fly under the TDCJ radar.
The new superintendent will get a chance to prove all of us right or wrong, time will tell but I will not judge him until then.
07/28-10:05am Sounds like sour grapes to me. Sorry you were more incompetent that those you are complaining about and couldn't get a better job.
07/27-9:46 & 10:03pm Rumor (since that's how you appear to judge others) has it that Ayo knew what Brookins was doing and ignored it. Jones, I hear, has a history of sexual harassment. Strong?
7-29/8:07am - Sour grapes, you have no idea what you are talking about! I won't dignify you with another answer after this one. You have nothing credible to say.
There you guys go again, turning on each other and playing right in TDCJ's hand. Despite your differences, you all might want to try and stick together. I'd rather much see TYC employees comment on how you guys are getting hosed by non-qualified TDC personnel.
anon @ 2:47, you correct! We need to stick together.
Before y'all start trashing Hollis, please remember that he was the one reprimanded by Lydia for making allegations about Brookings.
As a lowly caseworker, he had the guts to stand up and holler foul!
I don't know the man, but that sounds like moral courage to me. Old Salty.
You are right the staff at Al Price were trained from top to bottom after being closed from the hurricane and we all were very excited about the new Al Price but Kim Fowler arrived and basically stated that we were not going to use the 7 Habits and it was basically her way or the highway. Her attitude of this is the way I want it instead of what was best for the facility is the reason why Al Price is in the shape that it's in now. Before her arrival everyone was focused on working together to make the facility run smooth but she was not interested in what worked she just wanted to change everything like welding the youth's lockers shut so the youth wouldn't slam them now the have to put their clothes on the dirty floor or in cubbies that she had the youth in woodshop make exposing them to any and everybody that walks on the dorms. I don't know what her motives were but everything she changed blew up in her face. If it's not broke don't try to fix it.
Report: Al Price Administrators Disciplined Following Pepper Spray Incident
Reported by: Scott Price
Tuesday, Jul 31, 2007 @10:00am CST
KBTV has confirmed that the Texas Youth Commission has begun laying off administrators following an incident where pepper spray was used to regain control of juvenile detainees in early July. TYC spokesman Jim Hurley told KBTV they felt it was time for a new management team and that they had lost confidence in the existing team. Hurley says those being replaced include the superintendent, assistant superintendent, security director, business manager, school principal and an assistant principal at the facility. Hurley says they sent a team to the facility earlier in the year and with recent incidents it was a good time to make a change. Stay tuned to KBTV for the latest on this on your Hometown News at 5,6 and 10.
Some of you talk about how great Walters is. Remember he came from San Saba where Barnard was the supt. So, he's not all that perfect. It doesn't matter where you came from, but where you are going. And, what we need right now are managers who care about the staff and their families. Then, those staff can take care of the kids. We need managers' support. Maybe by having people from TDCJ who may not know anything about TYC, can straighten out some of this mess. That has been the problem in the past. You promote those you know because they were drinking buddies. It doesn't matter whether or not they are qualified for the position.
And now whar matters is if you know DaPope.
11:51....you nailed it!
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