I've heard rumblings all morning, and now The Dallas News is reporting that "Texas Youth Commission Acting Executive Director Dimitria Pope will either resign or be terminated by the end of the day, high ranking state officials said Monday."
I guess somebody finally gave her a push.
This is good news for employees and youth, but now the more difficult task of righting the troubled agency faces those who are left.
UPDATE: See MSM coverage from the Dallas News, the Houston Chronicle, the Austin Statesman, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
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145 comments:
Pope is not the only one to get the boot today- details very soon
MN was the other, but this was a very positive step. Now, Mr. N needs to look at every position who was promoted during this reign and continue to make tough decisions about their future employment and possible demotions.
Wow, great job Nedekoff.
I knew this is the way it was headed, but not that it would happen before a permanent replacement was named.
I wish we could get rid of all bureaucrats like this. Maybe we should put more agencies under conservatorship.
Again, thanks for making the tough call Nedekoff. Tough as in politically charged, not tough as in deciding whether or not the useless excuse for a human needed to go. We all knew that.
What about Wanda King at Mart? She is pope's running buddy.
It seems like a step in the right direction. Mr. N. Please take a long hard look at promotions that were made while Ms. Pope was acting E.D. I know that positions had to be filled, but some of these promoted employees had not been in their former positions long enough to know what they were doing much less promote 2 steps in 1 year or less!!
Finally, her reign of terror is over. Now let's get on with selecting a new ED and move forward for the youth of Texas!
On Monday afternoon, after word leaked that she had been given until the end of the day to leave, Ms. Pope told reporters she was “still employed” by the TYC. “You can put an exclamation point on that!”
I understand she was escorted out. One less problem. Now the remaining staff will have to become serious about major changes for the kids benefit. zit should be interesting.
"she was escorted out"
"You can put an exclamation point on that!"
Somebody on another string said Whitmire was in the anger phase of the five stages of grief: Looks like D'ope is still in denial.
That's a good song 2:22, but we need a clip of a big choir singing "Oh Happy Day". That's how I feel right now. What a relief!
xdOk lets get the BBQ started and celebrate!!!!!!!!Ding Dong the Pope Is Gone!!!
Assuming Dimitria Pope and Mickey Neel's departures becomes a reality, Richard Nedelkoff has done the State of Texas a great service. And while it is hard for me to praise Rick Perry, he is to be commended for appointing Richard Nedelkoff as conservator and for supporting him in bringing about positive change at the Texas Youth Commission.
Working in central office these days must be terrifying.
These folks have to know that they can never again work anywhere else in a similar capacity.
For Pope this is a career ending firing.
For most, TYC was a last stop to begin with.
This is wonderful news! The people at Central Office are giddy and are gonna celebrate tonight! It feels like a great weight has been lifted off our backs.
Can anyone actually confirm that the deed has taken place?
I don't even work at tyc anymore, but i am going to the store tonight and buy a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
AND
"You can put an exclamation point on that!"
Richard, you have just performed a miracle for the youth, citizens, staff and family members of the state of texas.
you rock!
AND
"You can put an exclamation point on that!"
O.K.....it is5:06 pm Monday 2-11-08. Is D.Pope really gone? Has anyone actually seen her take her broom and go home??? Or is this still speculation.
I just came up with a great idea. All this border controversy and illegal immigration problems and border fencing issues, all we have to do is appoint the "Pope" in charge of the Rio Grande border and people on both sides of the border will stay at least 100 or so miles away. Probably more. I would probably move to the polar ice cap (north or south) just so I could be a safe distance away. Actually, being a stoleway on the next space shuttle would probably be the better of the two options. And give the carpet to a border town school. It would just be the right thing to do. tdn
The only thing I have to say is that it is very sad that TYC had to loose so many good people because of who was doing who and all the political BS. I am glad she is gone but it should not stop there. There are many that were promoted during her rein that those positions need to be looked at as well. It is sad when I have the youth coming to me and telling me they don't feel safe because out administration say they are allowed to keep a sharpened toothbrush in their room as long as they don't use it....Please if it has been sharpened to a point what other use is there. My prayers are with Mr. N because we needed him a long time ago.
Last note why are we as tax payers not demanding that charges be filed and the money the D. Pope used be paid back. I have seen people terminated for making a mistake on their timesheet, but it was seen as stealing time. Good luck Mr. N and God Bless
Can anyone actually confirm that the deed has taken place?
Ditto .... anyone?
Well this action was past due. Pope got exactly what she deserved. Mr. N., good luck with the rebuilding. Too bad Pope, left you with so many individuals in the wrong jobs. I know that you have many tough decisions in front you.
I am certain that you will do the right for the youth and the employees.
PS I know that many of Pope's appointment are running for cover today.
I'm still giggling at the tune... puts a little pep in my step. Tomorrow we'll know who all reads/listen to Grits because we'll all be humming/singing/whistling the tune.
Did any of you actually see her leave the building under escort?
Her buddy Neal has resigned also, came from a good source. Don't know for sure, but pretty sure its truth.
Loved the tune!
Think we should throw these shirts in the trash too. No mail them back to her and she can sell them at her next gig, a garage sell.
This is what down: Pope left early in the morning for "a meeting downtown." Just as she skipped out Friday after lunch, she hauled ass out of there first thing in the morning. Micky Neal hung out and was observed wheeling her box out on a cart looking for a corner to hang her sign, "A cheeseburger would sure be nice" to the 2nd floor elevator, and pushing her cart to the garage.
No one was "escorted out." In fact, it went quickly. I think Mr. N has too much class than to do what Pope did with those innocent folks who were unfairly terminated. In fact, don't be surprised if he doesn't thank both of them for their public service. It's just a class act thing to do, and I'm sure he'll do just that despite those us who sang the "ding-dong" song today.
It you ever need assurance, go try to send them an e-mail on the TYC account. "poof." They are gone.
Hail Nedlekoff!!
It is classy on his part to not have them escorted out, but it would also be nice for them to know how it feels.
So - is anyone, officially saying she is gone?
It's official. Just crossed the DMN at 7 PM:
AUSTIN - Dimitria Pope, acting executive director of the Texas Youth Commission, resigned her post Monday evening, officials said.
Ms. Pope, who had held the job since June, had been told by TYC's conservator Monday morning she would be fired if she did not quit.
Officials said a replacement could be named within days.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/021208dntextyc.b0ffd126.html
It sure feels good. DPope got the shaft. Well deserved. Whitmire needs to give her and Neel a job.
I wonder why Neel was let go? Pope acted like her people were the best. Well that two sharks that are gone. Hopefully, many more will go as well.
Well Pope misery loves company. Now, you are all by yourself. No bullies allowed!
They need a Brown Bag lunch in Central Office to help them debrief. The entire agency is in need of CISM (critical incident stress management).
I think everyone in the agency needs a brown bag lunch to hear a public address from our guy Nedlekoff.
We have the technology, but a personal approach is always best - except when you're.... nahhhh she's gone.
It's time to get excited, but I think all JCO's need to hear the message even if that means we cross cover campuses and require Central Office to help work the floor.
A Q&A would help us dearly. So let's Town Hall it at all campuses, and let’s hear from our leader.
It's official-
AUSTIN — The embattled acting executive director charged with trying to rebuild the scandal-ridden Texas Youth Commission has resigned.
Dimitria Pope stepped down late Monday, agency spokesman Jim Hurley said. No interim replacement was immediately named.
Pope had served in the job since June as officials struggled to reform a state juvenile justice system that was embarrassed last year by an alleged sex scandal involving inmates and administrators and claims of physical abuse and neglect.
State lawmakers ordered a complete restructuring of the system that houses young offenders aged 10 to 19.
Pope came to the TYC from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. She was criticized by inmate advocates who said the agency had become too much like the adult corrections system with increased use of pepper spray and isolation.
She also was questioned over budget matters, including payment of overtime and spending more than $500,000 on office renovations and relocations.
Last week, Pope said she expected to be forced out of her job by new agency conservator Richard Nedelkoff.
"Chuy"
Has it been confirmed that Neel has been forced out as well? I know someone saw her puching a cart out of the building, but was it her stuff or her boss's personal property? Just curious.
Fresh from the Dallas Morning News
"AUSTIN - Dimitria Pope, acting executive director of the Texas Youth Commission, resigned her post Monday evening, officials said.
Ms. Pope, who had held the job since June, had been told by TYC's conservator Monday morning she would be fired if she did not quit.
Officials said a replacement could be named within days."
Where is the Statesman's with their coverage of TYC?
And thank you Richard Nedlekoff for holding your ground. My family appreciates it, and I wish the best for yours as well. :> Whitsfoe
How sweet it is. You gambled and you lost. Your felt that treating employees like crap was the way to go. But you were wrong!
You are probably the only ED to have been fired within six months of being in the job. However, on your defense I will say that the other ED's earned their job. You were given TYC on a gold platter but you blew it. Shame on you!
Good travels to you. By the way, are your loyal TDCJ croonies checking on you? I bet not, they have moved on.
Can D'Pope be contacted for a going away party given to her by the "White Females with Ph.D's" ??
They need to digs more into CO's purchasing policies. I have heard that Lisa Maldando issued a directive to all purchasers to just issue the orders to a HUB business because she promised the Legislators she would raise the number of HUB businesses that got state business. This has got to be against the law!
When we asked you to have "Feast Day" during the holidays you refused. You stated that we needed to let go of old TYC traditions.
By the way, your picture does not belongs on the wall with TYC's previous ED's. Remember, one of the first that you did upon arriving to TYC was to take Mr. Harris' picture off the wall. How classless on your part? You even felt that you could rewrite TYC's history.
Unlike you, Dwight Harris is an honorable and decent man. See who will remember you the day after tomorrow. We still praise Mr. Harris and always will.
"Where is the Statesman's with their coverage of TYC?"
Top Texas Youth Commission official resigns
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/gen/ap/TX_Juvenile_Prisons_Pope.html
daMaldy is the worst thing that ever happen to purchasing!! She should go with daPope!
Enjoy the future, not the past. It's to me like a New Year and not a divulge of the past. A rebirth if you will. We can make it happen.
typical of Statesman: "the EMBATTLED acting executive director..." You have to be engaged to be embattled; salvos on innocents does not qualify as a battle.
Free at last, free at last. Thank God almighty, we are free at last!!!
Why not put up a survey on and lets see the results:
- who suppoted Pope v.
- Who dispised her
Lets cut to the chase...
so, anyone have any inside info on who the new E.D. might be?
It is an AP release. The Chronicle has it, also.
deMaldy...hehe! She WAS a mistake and should go with dePope!
Wonder if I click my heels three times....hummm.
Lets just hope the new E.D. is well versed in psycho babble and knows a lot of mush.
Also, we need someone who can talk dogma to the CO education crew about the imaginary student body that is the focus of their efforts.
During his tenure, Dwight Harris ran TYC into the ground. Problem is, he was followed by someone even less qualified. Both are good riddance, IMO.
Plato
Well Ms. Pope,
It really had nothing to do with the Sharks, Snakes, and Barracudas. While all of us out there who despised your involvement with TYC would like to take credit, you are the only one to blame.
It is a bright day for TYC!
The new administration must review the higher level management positions to be sure they have the background, credentials, and experience to be in their positions. This includes both the treatment and corrections side of things.
The new treatment program is actually less psychobabble than resocialization
Principle among those on the treatment side who have no business in their positions are DW and GD.
Hey Plato 2/11/2008 09:07:00 PM,
You are so wrong. Dwight Harris is a decent and honorable man! The fall of TYC can be laid at the feet of one woman - Lydia Barnard, who orchestrated the cover up of the abuse to keep it from coming fully to the attention of Dwight and the board.
The past is past and we have a chance to bring the agency back to a good name. Onward and upward, for those of us who are still here, we will work together for the betterment. Mr. Nedelkoff, we await your direction.
9:07 - Hmm -- I thought Dwight Harris had full knowledge since he mentioned it in a taped meeting to Whitmire?
anon @ 9:54pm-
What about the Superintendent who was at WTSS when this occurred, who then was promoted to a Regional Director?
And lest I forget the Program Specialist who was also informed of Brookins misdeeds and was then also promoted to a Regional Director. Please read the Rangers report. I think we have a theme going here, turn a blind on on corruption and get promoted to a Regional Directors job.
10:05, there's a big difference between covering up, which Barnard did, reporting to the legislature, which Harris did, and conveniently forgetting you were told, which Whitmire did.
Dwight was a good man but he was not a strong leader.
ok... so now are they going to look at all Pope's appointees that did not even interview for their jobs?
Let's see....Foster and his crew
Wood and her crew from TDCJ,
all those from TDCJ that just showed up and said "today is my first day"
and made HR scramble for the damned conservator letter....oh please play the song again....about the witch...hhhmmmm I am happy for the TYC employees that hung in there..bless you......
oh yea and 2 more HR staff left....why don't they see all the staff left once M. Wood came on board.
The next move should not simply be who else needs to go, but who needs to be promoted or brought into TYC.
Suggestions?
Walters, Stroud, Davis and others need to be recognized for what they can bring to the table. We also need to bring some folks from the outside and pair their fresh ideas with these folks who know TYC like the back of their hand.
Let's not forget Jeff Berry!
Could we please get some of these knowledgeable, ethical, non ass kissers promoted??? The agency has enough yes men and woman in positions of authority to last for at least the next 20 years.
Also it should be taken into consideration how many people were set up for complete failure such as those at Mart. It has become a dumping ground that even the most competent Superintendents would have trouble overcoming.
Chip Walters could have done it and probably made it look easy but there aren't many Chip Walters in the agency.
To Quote Roy Clark
"Thank God and Greyhound she's gone."
Chip Walters for President!!!
Teresa Stroud for Vice President!!
dimitria pope is not a psychologically healthy human being - she oversaw the firing of numerous excellent staff, threatened and intimidated remaining staff, and if the allegations prove true, misappropriated state funds.
having been witness to her deranged behavior on more than one occasion, it boggles the mind to think that anyone with sense would ever place her in a position of responsibility.
perhaps now the texas youth commission can finally begin to make positive changes. dimitria pope's all-too-long tenure with the agency only served to make the matter worse, not to rebuild it.
Contrary to the views expressed by Will Harrell and John Whitmire, we do not want Dimitria Pope and her followers back in the adult criminal justice system.
The story in the Houston Chronicle seems sympathetic to Pope somehow. What's with Sylvester Turner? Did he treat Owens that way? I hope Nedelkoff has the courage and political cover to continue to do what he thinks is right.
The Commen in the paper is incredible, I thought that S. Turner would be pleased to see Demetria and the mess she assembled
go. Certainly he was abundantly aware that her days were numbered with the TYC. I am a regular Joe, and I knew she was on her way out. I think that nedlekof hadled it properly; he did not have any need to air this dirty laundry or to publicize the humiliating (for Demetria) release of her service from the organization. They would have complained just as much if he had released her in a public fasion as they are saying should have been done. I dont think that there is any kind of transparency
problem here. If anything Nedlekof was overly patient allowing abundant time for demetria to read between the lines and realize that there was no real position for her in the new line up. He gave her time to seek a lateral position and step out in a dignified manner; she just did not take the que and ultimately forced his hand. For her, it seems as if it was one last opportunity to blow a chance to do the right thing for the TYC.
L
How many of you TYC employees have forwarded an e-mail to Mr. Nedelkoff concerning suggestions on improving TYC?
Have you identified your organizational needs? Have you provided him with practical solutions to the core problems?
Remember Mr. Nedelkoff is attempting to resolve the problems with limited funds and a critical staff shortage. Give him a TRUE picture of how short-staffed the units are; let him know what you were required to report concerning manipulation of staff stats vs. what you are actually operating with.
This is probably the last chance TYC has to continue to be a seperate State Agency.
Good Luck!
Retired 2004
"Regular Joe" posting at 8:45 a.m. is absolutely correct.
I understand that everyone may be happy that Pope and Neel are gone. However, being the adults that we are...let's not forget the children. I find no satisfaction in the unemployed but I do with such aggressive means ask "what about the children". Pope literally has turned the Mart Unit into a prison, and yet there are still children there. What about the children Mr. Nedelkoff? I mean, there are lawsuits out there - DOJ, Class Action and Individual for damages....things that could have been prevented...we, the people, the civilians paying those state workers paychecks want to know....Now what? Yes, we are aware "it takes a minute"...and yes, it took a minute to abuse those children, beat down the staff, file lawsuits, abate questions, and yet it took weeks to slowly give a "hint" that Pope was going to be fired? Please! Let's get the ball moving...the employees and chidren are still wondering...what's next?
Mr Nedelkoff showed tremendous class in the e-mails he just sent to all employees. He gave both Ms Pope and Neel dignified send-offs. The second e-mail specifically solicits the very things "retired 2004" suggested.
I think this guy is the real deal. Old Salty
Someone post the emails Nedelkoff sent this a.m.
TYC Staff,
As I indicated to you when I first came aboard as the Texas Youth Commission conservator, I believe it is necessary to put together a permanent management team to lead this agency in the years to come. That naturally assumes there would be some changes in the current management structure.
I deeply appreciate the public service Dimitria Pope provided the Texas Youth Commission during this past year. She entered the agency at a troubled time and helped the agency move forward in its efforts to implement the reforms of Senate Bill 103. She assumed a leadership position in an organization under intense scrutiny when others declined to do so. I applaud her for her dedication, commitment and efforts.
We are entering a new phase in the evolution of the TYC. On Monday, I accepted the resignation of Ms. Pope as the agency’s acting executive director. I would like to thank her for her public service and wish her well in her future endeavors.
Also on Monday, I accepted the resignation of TYC Chief of Staff Mickey Neel. Like Ms. Pope, Ms. Neel joined the agency last summer during a crucial period. She has contributed valuable time and energy to this agency and is a true public servant. She also has my sincere thanks.
It is my expectation to fill the executive director and chief of staff positions as expeditiously as possible. If you have been working with either Ms. Pope or Ms. Neel, please contact me with the issues you are currently addressing.
Transitions are always difficult but I thank you for your patience and diligence during this difficult period.
Richard Nedelkoff, MS, JD.
Conservator
Texas Youth Commission
richard.nedelkoff@tyc.state.tx.us
There is and has been a political war that TYC is caught up in. What you saw unfold yesterday was only a single battle, the war rages on. The care of the children or staff has never been the focal point of what has happened at TYC. There are two clear cut political sides in this war and a house divided will always be in ruin. There is a third group who is standing back, patiently waiting for the demise of TYC so contract care can make its unopposed entrance to save the day and make huge sums of money for a select few. My “I told you so” is less than 18 months away.
FTM
WHY US
When will changes come that actually make a differnce to the employees or Children in the system?
Finally fed up and saying something about TYC! I must say this is hard for me to do since I work there. First of all you do not have a clue of what we are going through meaning the people that have to work to provide for their families, at the same time get spit on, urine throwed on you , stabbed at , punched, and at the same time listen to someone tell you if you call in sick you have to bring a Doctors excuse!!!!!!!
After running yourself down from working 56 -60 hours a week for months, and the time you call in sick will not be deducted from your sick time but you still have overtime? Come on! I truly believe that there is a need for TYC, But at some point in time you have to think about your employees. When weekly schedules are being done and they are giving employees 12 hour shifts like they are at an auction 2-3-4 sometimes 5 in a row !!!!!!, How can any type of rehabilitation program be effective when your most important tool is worn out? (For those who are scratching their heads, when I said "tool" i meant the employees.) And the tip hotline is a joke!!!!!!!, simply because the youth know that they can say anything and get away with it, The system that was built to help our Texas youth become Productive in society ,HAS TRULY FAILED THEM !!!!!, And where I work 2-7 people quit a week! Have we forgotten about quaility of life or family time?
To see a 13 year old girl cry because she misses her mother because of all the hours she has to work, not to mention that they live in a small town where teenage pregnancy is at least at a 60 % growth rate; or to see a wife cry her heart out not because she works there but because her husband dies in a car crash from being tired from working long hours.
On the issue of pepper spray (O.C. Spray), Since we have been using O.C. Spray rather than Handle with care the only thing hurt on a youth was his pride because He/She could not fight an employee, or the popular thing for the youth to do is "RIDE OUT", Which means to cause a somewhat major disruption and make the staff to either have to use OC Spray, or Handle with care because these little angels dont wanna be locked up, HMMMMM.
Overtime pay - what good is this if you have to use it to pay for a divorce lawyer? Or co-pay for the Doctor because you are ran into the dirt? Or paying fines for not picking you children up on time from school? Or co-pay for medication because no one cares about us trying to do our job so we can survive!!!! Or you have overpaid caseworkers that are in such a hurry to leave at 5pm they wont give 5 minutes of their time to give a kid a call home that does not have time on the phone on the books; or they have just transferred and they wanna let dear mom they made it safely; or when we are short staffed and you ask for their assistance they say : "I do not get paid for that" SHeeeeesh! Some employees have so much annual time it rolls over into sick time at half the rate, is this fair!!!.
Staff to student ratio, saving the best for last , I beleive it is either 1 to 8 /10/ 12, not 16.
would it hurt to shut dow one dorm to provide adequete coverage until we could re-staff and train in a timely manner and let employees work decent hours.
11:13 - you need to be one of the two to seven employees that leave weekly. it's not all about you.
11:40-What an absurd comment. 11:13 I think has stated very valid points that should and need to be addressed if TYC is going to improve. I am a parent of a TYC youth and I read all of these comments from TYC workers and really worry every single day about my son. I truly do feel for the workers at TYC because they are caught in the middle and 11:13 is showing us the things that they go through. What happens when workers have had enough? They get burnt out and then potentially it could affect my son. Comments like 11:13 has NEED to be heard and something needs to be done.
Lisa Sandberg at the Houston Chronicle needs to check herself a little.
That article reads more like an editorial than journalism, esp her derisive reference to Ms. Pope's clashes with "so-called reformers."
BB
not any of this im saying is about me, but its the truth !!!!.
Mart has always had management problems. Walters is a good facilitor but not always professional and he "looked the other way" if you were one of his people. He was like Pope and that he surrounded himself with "his" people. Jeff Berry being one of them. Berry is not good with staff either. A great leader is fair to everyone and knows how to motivate staff. Walters and Berry do not have those skills. Wanda King is neither a facilitor nor leader of people. Mr. Nedelkoff, please send the staff at Mart competent leadership.
You gotta admit, Bill, that's better than being called a "snake" or a "barracuda"!
I guess I'm so used to slanted news coverage on criminal justice topics I didn't even notice that.
Well, you know Grits, we so-called reformers have super shape-shifting powers.:)
To 1:53-That was classic! Love it!
To 1:53-That was classic! Love it!
Yeah, I occasionally shape-shift into a tau tonka.
so will there be another happy hour to celbrate this good news? if so where?
Now maybe we can get a half-day the next holiday, since we did not get one for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years. That would be a good start to freedom and might just boost a little morale.
We can now hope that Big Ned will get rid of the rest of the pos like UCB, Marty Mart, the HR troll can't remember her name, Dr. Rob, K Chalky and Stanley Carl. They made their deals with the devil and should also be shown the door. Ned ought be real careful around these six until that happens. Ther'll be no true agency rehabilitation with these folks in any capacity as employees. Remember that smiling faces tell lies and they sometimes stab you in the back. These folks each either wrote a chapter or a book itself on the subject. I speak for a few of us in different parts of the state that say, "All we can say is Beware, Beware, Beware."
To 11:40: You must not work at TYC or be oblivious to the fact that IT IS ALL ABOUT JCO STAFF!!! THEY are the backbone of our agency....THEY work with our kids 24-7. Yeah, it IS about him/her. Just who do you think will watch the kids without them, huh?
Did y'all see this?
http://www.kten.com/Global/story.asp?S=7861714&nav=menu410_3
Looks like they are moving to create the advisory board dictated by SB103.
7:49 Here is the text from the KTEN TV report. (I should also note that Tom Craddick, House Speaker has been accused of trying to buy his office by paying for campaigns of some Democrats...he is a Republican who lost he support of his won party last year)
Grayson County District Attorney Joe Brown was appointed Tuesday to the Texas Youth Commission Advisory Board.
Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick, who appointed Brown to the position, says Brown's experience with youth and juvenile justice issues qualifies him for the job.
The board is responsible for advising and assisting the executive commissioner on matters concerning the TYC.
It's made up of nine members, three of whom are appointed by the Speaker of the House.
Brown's term became effective Monday.
Below is the entire text from a news release made public Tuesday by Speaker Craddick:
Craddick appoints Brown to the Texas Youth Commission Advisory Board
(AUSTIN) - Speaker Tom Craddick (R - Midland) today appointed Joseph Brown of Sherman to the Advisory Board of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC).
"Mr. Brown's experience with youth and juvenile justice issues greatly qualifies him to serve on this board," Speaker Craddick said. "His knowledge and expertise will no doubt provide needed guidance as reform measures continue to be implemented at the Commission."
The Advisory Board of the Texas Youth Commission will serve under the agency's Conservator, Richard Nedelkoff, who was appointed last December. The board will be responsible for advising the executive commissioner on matters concerning the Texas Youth Commission and will assist the executive commissioner in the performance of the executive commissioner's duties.
The board is made up of nine members, three of which are appointed by the Speaker of the House. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are each also responsible for selecting three individuals to fill the Advisory Board's six remaining positions. The board must include at least one physician, an experienced member of victims' advocacy organization, a mental health professional, and a current or former prosecutor or judge. At least two of the members of the advisory board must have primary experience in a field other than the field of criminal or juvenile justice.
"I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of the reorganization of the Texas Youth Commission," Brown said. "The policies set by the state of Texas for dealing with young offenders are critically important to our efforts to reduce crime, and I am excited about participating in that process. I appreciate Speaker Craddick for appointing me."
Joseph Brown serves the North Texas area as the Criminal District Attorney of Grayson County in Sherman. He was a founding board member of the Children's Advocacy Center of Grayson County, an organization that he has served for more than six years. In 2007 Brown received the County Best Practices Award for the "Special Prosecutor Program," which alleviates jail overcrowding.
Mr. Brown began his term with the TYC effective February 11, 2008.
11:13AM
You mention that Caseworkers can't give 5 minutes of their time, well what about those kids who rather call all their friends instead of their family and you can't do anything about it because they can't be restricted. How about those kids who decide to wait to the last minute to speak up they want something. Well reality check! WE DONT GET PAID OT! We get sent home if have to many hours or forced to take time off when we don't want to for the sake of the kids! We are being told 40 hours and get out! no if's and's or but's! We dont get composated! And after a long day with however youth's you are assigned to, we deserve to go home just like you do! We need to take care of ourselves cause if we don't then who will come back the next day to work with them! You think being a caseworker is so easy, then you become one of those "overpaid caseworkers" and see how you like it! Take on the responsibility of those kids paperwork, Level I-IV Hearings, visitation duty, those caseworker meetings, BMP's, family contacts, individual counseling, group counseling, parole release packets, TDCJ consideration packets, and etc. I love what I do, but people like you just frasturate us cause you think were a bunch of lazy asses who sit on our desks in front of the computer playing with state time! I support what JCO's do, and I praise them as much as I can for their hard work and dedication, but put yourself in our shoes for a week and tell me what you think! I bet you won't last!
February 11, 2007
Richard Nedelkoff, Conservator Texas Youth Commission 4900 N. Lamar 2nd Floor Austin, Texas
Dear Richard:
As per your request, this letter is provided as my formal letter of resignation.
I appreciate Governor Perry’s and the Texas State Legislature’s confidence in me as the Acting Executive Director of the Texas Youth Commission (TYC). Serving in this capacity was quite a challenge, but I leave the position with great pride in knowing that through my leadership and the commitment and dedication of qualified staff, we were able to effectively implement reforms identified in Senate Bill 103! At all times and with many personal sacrifices, we gave our best effort for the youth in our care. It is my hope that as the agency moves forward and you organize your ‘leadership team’, you realize the magnitude of our efforts and draw upon the positives to advance your vision for tomorrow. I wish you much success.
Dimitria D. Pope
Maybe you are one of the ones who do actually do something instead of whining. its not just about you , especially when youth assigned to you havent seen you in weeks and dont know who you are, they dont get their mail in a timely manner, the groups arent ran at all, kids asking the caseworker " please come talk to us", the only time a youth really gets his caseworkers attention is when its time for a hearing, and you have to tell him who you are , JCO cant do the caseworkers job and theirs too, so dont start that crap i see it everyday.
Without Pope as a common enemy the TYC employees are now free to tear into each other! TYC is well on its way to nonexistence and Mr. Ned can’t stop it if he wanted to. There is so much hate and discontent that has built up over the years in TYC there is no hope of getting everyone on the same page. What a slow and painful death TYC has ahead of it, won’t someone put it out of its misery! Put all the kids in contract care until the agency can be rebuilt if Texas has to have an agency like TYC. Ban any past TYC employees from employment in the new agency to prevent them from bringing the old baggage back with them. Personally I would vote for contract care being the permanent replacement because you could easily change contractors if you don’t think the current one is providing the needed services.
Mr. Ned as a Texas tax payer I feel it is time to end the fiasco of TYC and the millions of dollars in tax money being wasted. The state screwed around until the USDOJ got involved which will no doubt cost the tax payers millions, so let’s get the job done. Contract care is the answer for TYC which is one of your areas of vast experience so you should be the just the man to take TYC into contract care. Stop wasting my tax dollars and get the job done Mr. Ned!
Ban any past TYC employees from employment in the new agency to prevent them from bringing the old baggage back with them.
Ridiculous .. sounds like sour grapes from someone who has been fired - er, resigned.
2/13/08 9:19 Grow up! Who do you think works at the contract care facilities?? Ex TYC employees!!! It is not the employees that have the problem it is the management.
The contract care beds that are talked about on this blog DO NOT EXIST IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. The great majority of contract beds are used by probation departments. I know few people in the contract care bidness who want to do deal with TYC since TYC has screwed them so many times in the past. The only sure fire way to reduce TYC population is to further restrict the types of kids counties place at TYC. County probation can take the $ saved by TYC (by restricting access) and have departments send TYC bound kids to contract care thus reducing TYC population.
Plato
Plato,
The budgets in many smaller counties could never provide the care and treatment some of their youth need. Even if they divide up savings from further down-sizing TYC, how do they distribute it? Their population-based share of the TYC budget would still not be enough for some counties to place even one youth in long-term specialized care. I used to do contract psychology work for a county whose entire juvenile probation budget would barely pay for one youth to get contract residential treatment for a year. Even to do this they would have had to lay-off both their juvenile probation officers. Their only residential option was TYC or try to get a serious offender adjudicated as an adult. The problem with county-based services is that some youth will get them and others will not - based on budget, not necessarily need...Just no simple answers.
>Don Brantley
Don - TJPC now has what is called a "small county diversion fund" for those small, money challenged counties and they use the fund to place kids meeting the TJPC criteria. TJPC also has what is called "Level V funding" which mid to large counties use to place in contract care those kids who meet the criteria. Course the $ runs out in March or April every year. Just seems to me that when cost per day for a TYC kid is $160 or more (big bureacuracy to support) and it cost counties $85 to $110 per day to place a kid in contract care, there's money on the table.
Agreed, all this will not work unless TYC further restricts the types of kids (offenses)they receive.
In my mind, TYC should be sent the absolute worst and most violent kids in the state and the remainder should be dealt with locally.
You know as do I that some TYC facilities are going to close and I also imagine no new ones will be built in the foreseeable future. This all in the face of an ever increasing population in this state.
It ain't a proposal laid out in an all or nothing format. Got to be some give and take on everyones part.
Plato
Not an ex TYC employee, just a fed up tax payer. One of the guys you at will emplyees work for.
Not an ex TYC employee, just a fed up tax payer. One of the guys you at will emplyees work for.
hey, I know you, I've seen you on Cops.
I pay your salary. I'll have your badge! ... blah blah blah.
sheesh!
How many extra million $ did TJPC get this biennium on the assumption of less TYC commitments?
How unfortunate is it that Demetria Pope is gone and TYC staff are turning on each other--I know that makes Demetria happy. The truth is that TYC cannot be run by one person and believe it or not every person has an important role they are responsible for. Are there bad JCO staff--yes, are there bad Case Managers--yes, are there bad Program Specialist--yes, are there bad supervisors--yes--you get the picture. Making a blanket statement like "the Caseworkers won't even give five minutes" or "the JCO staff can come be Caseworker one day," etc. is the same thing as saying "it's the white females fault TYC is in the shape it's in." Come on people--how can we teach the youth to be respectful if we are not role models. There is no argument that there are bad staff--but I promise you that there are actually Case Managers (and other staff) that give the state time more often than not because they are staying late/coming in early and trying to help the kids. There are also JCO staff that thank God come to work and put up with the abuse, cursing, etc. day after day--without them, who would take care of the youth? My prayer is that now that one of the biggest obstacles is gone (and hopefully more to come) we can pull together and support Mr. Neddlekoff. If the backbitting continues then we are no better than Ms. Pope--who is the poster child for racism, arrogance, inconsideration--you all get the picture. I don't know about the rest of you, but Mr. Neddlekoff has given us the opportunity to provide him with our concerns--not only did I respond back to him with concerns, I also provided Proposed Resolutions to those concerns. I hope the rest of you join me in doing the same thing. I hate it that there are bad Case Managers and I hate it that there are bad JCO staff--but when you think about it, when done correctly, what positions at TYC are more important? It's time we come together, but I also know there will always be those who like the drama, stir up disension and love to downgrade others--let's pull it together for the youth.
Yes, hopefully there are more "obstacles" that will be removed (Ayo, Hawthorne, Bartush, DeGerolami, Lukowiak, Jones, to many to list.) I too will support Neddlekoff as long as he continues to make needed changes. If he tries to make right all the wrongs, it will be a long road ahead for him.
AMEN 8:01--- HONESTLY Grow up people! Your at-will employment is the same as mine as a TYC employee. Your an adult, you chose the job and if you don't like it leave. If you are so discontent, the pay is not enough, the job is too hard, and it is wrecking your family life, then go get a job somewhere else. No one is holding you hostage, and the campus you work on is not on lockdown. My tax dollars that come out of my paycheck, house the youth that assault me. Get over it. You obviously have some free time on your hand if you can sit at your computer, read a blog, and then bellyache about it. It's not about the money. If you are at your job for the reasons you gave at your interview, then you would do what is asked of you, use some compassion on students and staff alike (we all have those that no one likes) while you are at work, then "LEAVE IT AT THE GATE". At the end of the day, I am able to go home to my family "in the free" and just be me. It is your choice to bring home the baggage and let it turn you bitter. At the end of the day I am free, I am a good mother and wife, not just another TYC JUVENILE CORRECTION OFFICER.
AMEN AND AMEN AGAIN 8:01 and 8:16
You guys may be just what we are looking for to actually run each campus. Like 8:16 stated--we all have those we don't like--get over it and focus on what's important. We have all hurt others by our stupidity and others have hurt us--let's move on and stop holding grudges. Let's be the role models (like 8:01 spoke of) and be bigger people--start talking to people you can't stand--at least speak--if they don't accept that it isn't on you at that point, it's on them. Come on guys--we can do this. On my campus I work with a JCO VI and Caseworker that care about the kids and the staff--I don't want to work on any other dorm. Both are fun to work with, have great relationships with the kids (appropriate relationships--just to make that clear) and make our work environment a lot less stressful for staff and kids. If we don't start pulling together, we no longer have Demon Pope to blame--then she gets off scott free.
I think folks are over-exaggerating the "now that Dimitria's gone, we're turning on each other" phenomenon. Unless, y'all are going off on other comment threads, I really don't see anything new and different about the sentiments being expressed here. It essentially comes down to the issue of the various players in a stratified system not understanding the importance of their particular roles. It seems to me that the strife between JCOs, caseworkers, and teachers would best be settled by someone taking a real hard look at what each of you contribute to the facility to make sure that no one is duplicating work and everyone is clear on their role. Not only will it make your jobs easier, it will likely produce better results for the youth.
4:09 I accept your angry frustration, but keep in mind TYC, like all government employees are also taxpayers. Being on the inside may even frustrate and anger us more than it does you. Requiring 300 hours of training (BEFORE the training was developed) meant OT accumulation for current staff, so 1 and 1/2 times as much "outgo" for the same job. The 300 hour figure came from an assumption about TDCJ officers... only somebody forgot we don't carry firearms (only as an example). Imagine having to wear poor quality "uniform" shirts, buy pants and shoes and then be told no raises because we used up the money. Salaries and raises in any business should reflect good performance and encourage quality staff to stay around. The initial refusal to pay OT came extraordinarily close to ending not only TYC, but requiring state police national guard that are not available due to wartime conditions. Unlike a strike or other job action, leaving a job that obligates a person to work for nothing is governed by 13th ammendment. Finally, as a taxpayer, can you imagine the frustration of tax paying staff when they see actions likely to result in extraordinary (and maybe unnecessary) expenses coming from public funds? Remember, Morales took TYC from a budget of about $4 million to $254 million in just 13 years. That same impact would take the current budget of over $400 million times 75!!!!! One of the items we look at is that at Evins, spending a few dollars to get more qualified staff, better buildings etc might have prevented the DOJ lawsuit.
This is very sad. It is not all about JCO staff or all about caseworkers or any other position. Everyone is needed. If you think caseworkers are overpaid you are wrong.
Every position in every department that has direct contact with the youth is underpaid.
Get over the fighting. Show each other respect. Grow up and model some decency and respect for others. If you don't...the kids will never learn to.
Fortunately, Ms. Pope and Bronco were egomaniacs that had no clue what they were doing. Unfortunately, they had the opportunity to contribute to decisions which forever impacted TYC.
But they are gone. Lets move forward together and do what is right for the kids. I am not buying in to the doom and gloom. The contract care boogeyman is just not tied to any observable reality.
The new conservator is actually managing the political landscape quite well. We certainly should try to make him look good and quit this internal negativity and degradation of each other.
Grow up and act like you have grown up or leave the agency.
GRITS,
Any thoughts about the ADAM WALSH act?
I'm with 9:38: move on folks. This business of stabbing each other has to stop.
If you are available and can do so, please submit a leave request to attend the joint committee regarding the hearing on the management of the Texas Youth Commission, Feb. 22nd, 2008 @ 10:00 a.m., and show up. Just show up, because he knows we're planning this to support his actions (Mr. N). We will do it, right in Elmer's face... we will. Watch.
Central Office personnel, we are planning to attend, but we have to do so on our own time. Please make those arrangements. I doubt anyone will deny your time off... just show up. We are gunning for 100 plus, and a standing room only audience.
(Hiss Elmer)- whit
Bring a newpaper, and when ole' Elmer starts talking, flip 'em up.
07.05 - yes, TJPC did receive $35 million (for two years) which was distributed to the regions and large counties. The money was a tradeoff for TYC not accepting any more chronic misdemeanor commitments. Last fiscal year, there were 600 plus misdemeanants committed. The $ was for placement and intensive community based programs in the localities.
The issue is and continues to be, how will Mr. N draw down the population (numbers wise)and what happens to the delinquents when there is no room at the inn? (TYC's capacity).
Plato
I remember when TDC no longer took new inmates and they paroled out of the county jail. If TYC wants to force juveniles back on the county it can be done without any new legislation. All TYC has to do is set a max population number based on available staff and refuse to accept any new inmates until someone leaves the TYC system. Under TYC's current system a kid could do his MLS in the county and be kicked to TYC parole. Unless money comes from some new source TYC is going to be forced to downsize and cut staff numbers back as well. Factor in the Federal law suit and it will have to happen.
A couple of things to consider: #1 TYC is in a lot of trouble right now, removing Pope was a no brainer...but what has TYC done that is positive under the conservatorship? TYC has had several different conservators, all with different directions, ideas and philosophies. Committee hearings will be coming up, and everyone is going to want to know: What have you done? Well, until you have an Executive Director in there, TYC has no idea what direction to move in. Sure, Richard has an idea, but will the ED he hires? One other thing to consider...where did Richard come from.......Florida. How is the system out there....and what business did he come from out there? Is it a good chance that he was brought in to see if the Texas Juvenile System could be Privatized........like in Florida?? Heck, if the California Youth Authority can shut down, why not TYC and move towards privatization???
Sometimes, you guys posts make my hair hurt. Rest assured, N. will bring in people who share his philosophy. It's not like Mr. N will name an ED then leave town the next day. Texas will not privatize as that experience (facilities now closed) failed on the community level. The proof is there for all to see.
I marvel at you guys who sit around and dream up scenarios, then post them here, for which you do not have a clue. One crisis gets taken care of but you guys try and manufacture ten others.
Plato
If money becomes available for private run facilities they will come to Texas. This is and has been about money from day one. Numerous people knew kids were being used as sex toys, including the governor and they didn't say a word. The money sign started to flash and TYC was on the way down. As soon as the cash pile is big enough we will be knee deep in treatment beds overnight. I will not say they will be a quality operation but they will spring up.
Is Nedekoff supposed to be informed of things like escapes and riots? Are any of these children dangerous?
Do they never escape or almost never?
When I was hired by TYC over a year ago I was proud of the accomplishment. I never thought I would be smart enough (I work in education) to do a job like this. I also never thought I'd have the strength to put up with the youth that we house. (My brother tells me all the time he doesn't understand how I do it.) I have seen this agency fall apart at the seems. Pope did do us an injustice, yes. But look at it this way also, she did the youth of Texas an injustice as well.With so much discontent it was a breeding ground for the youth to manipulate staff. For those of you who don't work with these types of kids beleive me they do manipulate. I also know that it was scary for awhile. People felt unsafe because of staff shortages. Oh yeah, these "children" are a lot of times HIGHLY ASSAULTIVE. But it gets worse.
It has been said that with the "new and improved " conNEXTions program, "children will no longer have to be accountable for their actions, they will not have to stand at parade rest when in a time-out (they can sit on the floor) even though policy states that we cannot have them in a time-out longer than 15 minutes, and that there will be no more academic input for Phase Assesment". How is this going to help the youth become better citizens and break the cycle of criminology that they have learned in their family? Did anyone else (besides me) think it was awfully interesting that the same Dr. Novy who supported, developed, and pushed this program into place was the same Dr. Novy who left right after it got DUMPED in our laps? Mr. Nedelkoff, if you care about these youth at all make them face up to the wrongs that they have committed. I guess Dr. Novy has never been victimized before. It's a crying shame the injustice being done.
Oh, by the way, I wanted to be the first to tell Grits that the Ron Jackson Facility is being called "Camp Cupcake" by all of it's residence. Not the people that actually live in Brownwood, but the little darlings that are attending this "new boarding school". They are laughing at the fact that they don't have to change and that we ae becoming a lot like TDCJ. "Just come in and sleep, we don't gatta do nuttin ya'll tell us. It's against my rights."
Thank you TYC. I hope Mr. Nedelkoff and some good people with integrity can pull us out of this.
The money went to state employees like Dimitria Pope, who until this week was the acting head of the scandal-plagued Texas Youth Commission. She has been criticized for her handling of that agency, including spending thousands on new office furniture. Last April, while the agency's chief of staff, she got a nearly $14,000 bonus on top of her $88,000 dollar a year salary. TYC says it gave her the bonus to bring her salary more in line with what the position pays.
Ironic, that Pope got a $14,000 bonus in April 2007, when she was not even a TYC employee at that time. It was in June 2007, that she was added to TYC's payroll in the ED's position.
All this tells me is that they Kimbro, Owens, Pope, etc, started stealing from TYC early in their cycle.
I agree with teacher. If you have not worked in this setting or know someone that has, you really don’t have a clue. You hear all the rumors, you read all of the stories in the newspapers, etc… But, keep in mind you are only hearing one side of the story. I have read with interest and disgust articles dating back to March 2007. I read what everyone had to say about the Coke County Facility (and for the record, the reports on that were ummm….false to say the least). I think many people are under the misconception that because these residents are under 21, well 19 now, they are harmless. Have you seen kids today?? A seventeen year-old can do as much, if not more damage than a twenty-five year-old. You are not hearing about the staff that was assaulted for some unknown reason that suffered multiple broken bones and the lady that was responding to help him that broke her leg because the residents had it planned out and spilled soup mixed with soap in the foyer. On the flip side, you are not reading about a re-commit (multiple times) that assaulted a staff (minor injuries), was placed on BMP, then decided to work the program, and you know what? He successfully completed it! That resident had such anger in his eyes the first day he stepped on my dorm, by the time he left he had a smile on his face. To my knowledge he was not recommitted. I’m not saying that “Resocialization” worked, but I do know, the TYC I began working for in 2004 and the TYC that there is today is dramatically different. TYC has always been somewhat of a “tree hugger”, but this new TYC is ridiculous. When we choose to believe the words of juvenile offenders (that have hamburgers and dessert brought in to them, by TYC officials under Ms. Pope’s watch) that just want to be released no matter how they “victimize” others is a day when we believe everything these politicians sitting in their plush offices tell us. How many of these politicians really have an idea of what goes on? How about the staff that do this because they believe in making a difference? Why is no one defending the people that risk their safety day in and day out? Why have we chosen to believe everyone except those that know the true manipulation these residents are capable of? I have the utmost respect for those of you still working with TYC, may God Bless each and everyone of you. You each have what might one of the most difficult jobs in the world and you certainly do not get the credit you deserve.
On a another note, those auditors (keep in mind some are from that agency that you all seem to like – TX Jail Commission) that Ms. Pope had in her Calvary, need to ride off with her. They are no better than she is, but apparently karma is still around…
Pope was brought on as a CONSULTANT first remember? you can do an open recirds to see what how much she was paid for this. Maybe that's where the $14K is coming from. So she was getting paid from TDCJ and TYC as a consultant.
10:04,
You are correct, That money was probably a payment to TDCJ for salary re-imbursement. As I recall, Kimbrough increased her pay to $9000 or $10,000 per month and it was paid by TDCJ with TYC re-imbursement until she was moved to the TYC payroll when she became Owens chief of staff.
Howard A. Hickman
They sure were in hurry to get paid. In April, Pope was barely getting started screwing things up.
But we have to keep in mind that Pope took the same approach with the salary for her croonies. That's why today, her croonies are being paid underserved salaries.
There's little doubt that Pope left a mess that will take a while to clean up. What a legacy? She should be proud!
I am just hoping that the conservator takes a very close look at Pope's hires. He can find better qualified indivuals at cheaper rates.
Here is a little list just in case:
Mary Wood
David Walenta
Mary Strong
Steve Foster
Wade Phillips
Regional Correctional Directors
Many supts and asst. supt
Director of Research
Regionals that are clueless-
Bartush
Ayo
Martinez
Superintendents-
Gwan
Jones
Viduarii
Brown
Assistants-
Take your pick
To Plato:
Your comment on 2/13/08 states that some TYC facilities will close. Would you mind elaborating on this? There has been so much speculation on this topic, I am interested in your educated opinion. WHICH facilities to you think are likely to close?
I think the people who developed this new treatment program were in over their heads. I think priveleges are a good idea but behavior has to be a part of stage assessment for advancement. if we are telling the kids they don't have to be prosocial or work the program then they will be happy to count the days.
Please don't leave Lisa Cooke off of the list. Mr. Nedelkoff I hope you look very closely at Mc Fadden Ranch.
I promise you that Ms. Cooke's day is coming very, very soon.
Paul Bartush has to at the top of that list. He tries hard to impress, and on first meeting with him, he's a good salesman. But those of us who have worked with him, he is a total liar. He's out of place. He really needs to be no higher than a P.S II back at Gainesville.
Can you tell us who internally should be promoted up to replace the bad assistants and supers. I've seen enough over the past few months to know the bad actors. Hell I've met them all and share your same view.
For those who question Lisa Cooke at McFadden Ranch, you are obviously not aware of her dedication, commitment, and professionlism in administrating her program. She has been unwrongly and unethically accused of actions that have been investigated and have been continiously proven unconfirmed. TYC needs more administrators of her calibur.
No one is questioning her dedication but the ombudsman. See the Dallas news article. So easy to see who is posting here. Using your work product to attempt to get someone removed.
2/14, 7:35 – Quit with the cutesy questions, and just spit it out if you know something already about an escape and/or a riot at one of the facilities.
2/17, 12:32 – HUH?? I’ve read and re-read the string & the DMN article, but can’t see where you draw this conclusion.
well pope is gone let's start with the MART SUPER....SHE KNOW HER NAME THE ONE HO DON'T KNOW HOW TO RUN A CAMPUS....SHE IS TRASH AND TRYING TO PUT IT ON HER PEOPLE....BRALY IS HER NAME SO PLEASE GO TO MART AND MOVEHER OUT...WE WILL ALL BE HAPPY AND THEN THE PART WILL START....
Since someone brought Martinez out here. Do an open records act on her email. She can't spell, make a sentence or make sense. She is a definite reason other states and other state agencies either laugh now or will laugh us off the face of the earth. They call her boo in the valle.
Looks like Lisa Cooke is NOT "innocent" like she would love you all to believe. Just took longer to unravel her twisted ball of lies and cover-ups.
Your "dedication" to the youth should be a lesson to all those who think they can get away abusing kids.
I hope the OIG prosecutes her to the FULLEST extent of the law!
It looks like Lisa Cooke will finally be removed. Its about time. How much money in lawsuits has she cost the state? Its ridiculous that she was allowed to return in the first place. The people protecting her were the same ones that would have been out of a job had she been terminated. Its about time!!!! TYC will be okay....Justice is being served...FINALLY!
Oh and please stop trying to blame other's for Cookes incompetency. Its not the ombudsman who allowed bleach to be poured on an open wound....it was Cooke. Take responsibility for your own actions Lisa...stop throwing people ahead of you to break your fall.
So what creditable evidence do you have that Cooke will be removed?
It appears that some prior employees at McFadden Ranch who either left on their own or were forced to leave with cause have no venue to "vent" other than to monopolize the Grits' blogs to make their "final", unsubstaniated stand.
Do move on and allow for the rest of us to have the ability to make comments on issues that are more relevant to the major concerns the agency now faces.
Again, my point is proven...12:43 needs to learn to spell before coming on here posting.
You people who think you are doing such a good job at McFadden make me ill. You are so sure that people are "out to get you" you sound almost cult-like!
If you were doing such a great job, outsiders would not be coming in and filing terrible reports about McFadden , nor would McFadden keep making the Newspapers. Face it, you can blame your failure on anybody you want to but the end result is that McFadden is a poor excuse for a state run facility. It's dirty, the staff have very little education, and treat the animals that live there better then the youth in their care.Employees have quit left and right, and even the AG's office has quit defending McFadden in their legal cases because of the obvious and blatant disregard for federal laws. So..who's fault is it again? Its easy to come on here and rip people apart who only did what they were required to do by LAW. McFadden needs closed. End of story.
6:18 Let's only hope this is the end of the story...oh, by the way, in regards to your critique on the misspelling of a word for 12:43, I believe you left a few words out of your next to last sentence??
Let's move on.....
Regarding "2/15/2008 06:40:00 PM".......From this list:
I am just hoping that the conservator takes a very close look at Pope's hires. He can find better qualified indivuals at cheaper rates.
Here is a little list just in case:
Mary Wood
David Walenta
Mary Strong
Steve Foster
Wade Phillips
Regional Correctional Directors
Many supts and asst. supt
Director of Research
Who is the Director of Research now? Chuck no longer there??
Just have to add a down the road
WOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
about the content of the posting.
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