These remain trying times for Texas' youth prison system. TYC's third conservator, Richard Nedelkoff, leaves the agency with daunting tasks still facing it and an intense legislative session coming in which the agency will undergo Sunset review and the entire juvenile justice system may be substantially altered to reduce TYC's role and shift more responsibility to counties."The agency's not fixed. I don't think anybody who knows will say it is," [state Sen. John] Whitmire said. "But the conservatorship was not working at fixing anything, either. I'm not sure it makes much difference whether it's in conservatorship or not.
"We need a new model for TYC; that's for sure."
State Rep. Jerry Madden, a Richardson Republican who is Whitmire's co-chairman, said that although "none of us believe everything is fixed at TYC, I think the conservatorship probably had accomplished as much as it could."
Good luck Ms. Townsend, you're going to need it.
.jpg)
59 comments:
What did the Conservatorship really accomplish? A couple of extra bucks in the pockets of some close friends of Gov. Perry and President Bush? Let's be real, the Agency is as screwed up as it was 18 months ago. Thank you Jay Kimbrough, Ed Owens, Demetria Pope, and Richard Nedelkoff for nothing. Hope you enjoy the few extra dollars that the government has thrown your way, as you did nothing for the Texas Youth Commission, except close a few facilities, that took many needed jobs from good people, fired a few hundred (mostly innocent) employees, did away with the treatment program and replaced it with nothing, and remodeled the ED's office. Oh wait, ya'll did a magnificant job covering the Governor's ass so it wouldn't look like he knew what had happened out in WTSS all along. Please go away now and take your politics with you, we have a job to do here cleaning up the mess ya'll have left.
Thank you Governor Perry for removing TYC from conservatorship and placing Cherie Townsend, a dedicated and competent juvenile justice leader, in charge of the agency. At last we have someone at the helm of the agency that knows something about juvenile justice and possesses the passion of the job.
Welcome Cherie. I hope you will become familiar with "Raped by The State". You have been gone for awhile, and the book is full of details about what caused the failure of the agency. The lege seen some of the sex scandal, but ignored what caused the internal breakdown with abuse cover-ups by management and poor administrators that were concerned for their advancement, rather than care and control of youth. They allowed the bad staff to take over and ruin youth lives and employees as well.
Best wishes, but know what really happened inside TYC, aside from the sex scandal. Watch your back.
As additional consideration is given to what will happen to TYC more and more talk is given to the topic of merging TYC and TJPC. I suspect if the county facilities were give the same attention as TYC many abuses would be uncovered. TJPC pays little attention to what happens at the county level. Take a close at Grayson County and the corruption and abuses will be crystal clear.
Ah yes, but corruption on the county level is easier to hide and when uncovered, easier to isolate. This way Texas can continue to do juvie corrections on the 'cheap' with no big, single target like TYC for DOJ to focus on...
wow ..... easy to make accusations as an anonymous blogger ..... if you have information go report it??
Dear Anonymous 12:02 pm:
I would appreciate you calling me or TJPC with any "corruption or abuse allegations." If you are a professional you are obligated to report. I will more than welcome anyone wanting to visit our facility.
Bill Bristow
Director
bristowb@co.grayson.tx.us
or TJPC Abuse and Neglect
1-877-786-7263
Bill
Rumor has it that you have placed collaboratiors at various TYC institutions over the years to help you with your research. At West Texas, there are several Case Managers who are suspect due to advanced degrees and licenses. So now that your book is just about finished, what's the truth?
The wrecking crew has packed up and left town! Jerry Madden, for once, is correct; the conservatorship has done all it can. It has taken a state agency that needed correcting and totally destroyed it and many of the work force it took years to build. Millions of tax payer money has been funneled to special interests while covering Governor Rick Perry's ass. The truly guilty got away clean while a few poor folks were demonized and their lives seriously damaged. Oh I am sorry I forgot all of you who were in control of the TYC make over scam job are the select elite people who deserve the best at the expenses of the many. I think the counties will be forced to handle most of TYC's work so the state level politicians are insulated from responsibility. The Governor and every member of the Texas Legislature should be deeply ashamed of their handling of TYC but I know none of them will ever feel the slightest twinge of guilt. Throw the bums out of office! Just how many of our tax dollars are we going to allow them to waste while they do a terrible job. Our Governor and Legislature no longer represent the people of Texas; they are out to make as much money as possible for themselves and their supporters.
Anonymous 1:45 PM
Your being facetious? A book, spies, collaborators, me?! You have the wrong Bill.
Bill Bristow aka 007
ANON 12:02 - "I suspect if the county facilities were give the same attention as TYC many abuses would be uncovered."
What kind of garbage is that? You suspect ... what are you guessing?
Seems Mr. Bristow responded to your anonymous blog entry pretty quickly. I think you should give him a call or call TJPC and report.
You really shouldn't lump in the local county facilities in with the problems that have occurred at TYC.
Don't listen to these sleazy cocksuckers, Bill. Only thing they're good at is drive-by character assasination (anonymous, of course). When asked to put up or shut up, they ALWAYS shut up.
Plato
Wichita County has placed many kids at Grayson County over the years. They run an exceptional program which is evident by the success we see in the kids when they return home.
Kirk Wolfe
Chief, Wichita County
Good Luck Ms. Townsend !!
okay have you seen the proclamation by Rick Perry:
Texas Youth Commission Proclamation
October 14, 2008
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, on March 2, 2007, the Legislative Audit Committee met pursuant to Texas Government Code Sec. 2104.021 and found that gross fiscal mismanagement existed at the Texas Youth Commission (“TYC”) and I placed the agency into conservatorship; and
WHEREAS, I appointed a Conservator to investigate all matters relating to mismanagement of TYC; and
WHEREAS, TYC was required to develop reform and rehabilitation plans to ensure the agency complies with state fiscal management policies and has implemented these plans; and
WHEREAS the Conservator of TYC has found that the conditions that prompted the agency to be placed in conservatorship have been remedied and that the requirements of Senate Bill No. 103, 80th Texas Legislature, the TYC reform bill, are being observed, as are various provisions of the General Appropriations Act, which provide guidelines to reform the commission;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICK PERRY, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, by virtue of the power vested in me by the Constitution and laws of this state, do hereby declare that fiscal management issues at TYC have been remedied, confidence has been restored in agency operations and TYC is no longer under conservatorship.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my Office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 14th day of October, 2008.
__________________________
RICK PERRY
Governor
I see the conservator leaving at this point as indicating that the governor and TYC administration is not committed to making major changes at TYC. The purpose of the conservator, in my opinion, was to more-or-less cover up an overwhelming mess. True, the conservators did take measure to address the sex abuse scandal. They had more surveillance cameras installed at a cost of a small fortune, placed a law enforcement officer at each TYC facility, and terminated staff with felony criminal and sex offender records. That sounds nice, but the question is: how well does it work? Does anyone look at the surveillance tapes, and does the law enforcement officer collaborate in cover-ups of TYC staff wrongdoing or he is an honest law enforcement officer? I don't think any data has been presented in the public forum to address these issues. The real question is how much physical and sexual abuse is still going on at TYC facilities not only according to their own records (which may be cleverly biased in ways favorable to themselves) but according to some independent investigation? I have heard, for instance, that the level of youth-on-youth and staff on youth physical violence remains very high at all TYC facilities. The places are virtual hells. Anyone who feels that they their children can be sent to TYC without worrying themselves to death is kidding themselves. TYC seems to being very hush hush about all of this. And what about the grave deficiencies in their educational and rehabilitation programs which are more than enough to knock them dead in the eyes of any honest administration, and give many parents heart attacks. What about their deficiencies in general education, special education, and vocational education as spelled out in the recent Ombudsperson's report, and what about their insufficents numbers of licensed psychologist, sex offender therapists, and substance abuse therapists? What about their recidivism of at least 50% (and probably more)? I hope that the legislature and the Sunset Commission address these issues, and bring to light all the glaring deficiencies.
To those interested in Grayson County:
What is happening to those with mental illness/special education status in this facility is appalling. What is our policy on misbehavior for those with mental illness. Isolate them. The records are here. Come see how many hours/days of isolation kids are kept locked away.
Anonymous 8:55pm,
Plato must be right! Anon, Mr. Bristow has invited you to call him. If you are indeed a professional, not just a disgruntled ex-employee, use the TJPC hot line number. Put up or shut up and grow some. To others, Grayson has always been open door so go meet the staff, teachers, volunteers and counselors. Great group! Keep up the good work in such trying times.
I hear that juvenile probation has been on the up and up looking at practices they may have engaging in similar to TYC and changing those practices. Glad to have taking the beatings for you guys!
I wouldn't worry about your town cryer. I think everyone realizes they are disgrunteled employees spewing these allegations that are inflated as all can get. It reminds me of how overstated one of our alleged problems recently was presented. Once the law guys looked into it, it was a data problem. So now what, is the OIG "covering up?" I don't think so, but I'm sure one bored disgrunteled retired individual will start that allegation when he needs attention again.
It will be interesting to see where the conservator will be working next. Stay tuned.
We know what happens when complaints are filed and people give their names. They become the target. If there's any question about what's going on with Grayson County's handling of juvenile offenders, bring in an outside evaluator who can set the record straight. Don't just brush it off as some disgruntled employee or retiree making stuff up. That's just what happened at TYC and look where things stand.
"If there's any question about what's going on with Grayson County's handling of juvenile offenders, bring in an outside evaluator who can set the record straight"
I believe Grayson County would invite any county or angency to "check it out themselves", they have nothing to hide! Again, if you have personal knowledge of any abuse occurring at any facility, you have duty to report it!
I normally do not read blogs. The inherent “Anonymous” nature of the blog leads itself to
childish, immature ranting of cowards hiding behind the curtain of anonymity, such as we see
here. However, I was emailed this by a colleague, who was surprised (as am I) by the off topic
bashing of an individual and program I hold in high regard. This is directed at whomever posted
speaking of corruption and scandal at the Grayson County Juvenile Department. Whomever you
maybe, I am certain of two things. One, you must have never spent any length of time working
either with or for Mr. Bristow, and two, you must have never visited his facilities. Mr. Bristow
has a well organized, well run facility, staffed with well qualified and dedicated staff. Don’t take
my word for it, be my guest and talk to them. A crisp $100 bill to you if you can find one single
employee from Janitor to Deputy Director that doesn’t like Mr. Bristow. He pursues his work
with a passion, and it shows. From the way he treats the employees to the way he treats the
children. He treats everyone with respect and dignity, and gets the same in return. Kids once in
his bootcamp stop him on the street and tell him how much of a difference he made in their lives.
I invite you to tour his facility and find any wrongdoings of which you speak. I feel comfortable
saying that I think your search will be fruitless.
If you are anything but a disgruntled employee, speak up to the appropriate people, if you are
what you appear to be, take your mindless garbage elsewhere.
WOW...344...you seem so genuine? Why should anyone have any question, now that you have explained that everything is perfect! A few of the top dogs in TYC stated almost the same as you about TYC...then the truth came out. Why are you so bothered? Did someone touch a raw nerve? If the public listened to folks like you, then abuses would never be discovered. How much did you get paid, or do you simply stay in the dark?
It's really a shame that the TYC threads on this site have degenerated into half-baked conspiracy theorizing and personal vendetta.
When I first started reading and posting here, the quality of discussion was much higher. I learned a ton from the TYC staff who posted regularly.
I suspect the recent drift explains why Grits has been reluctant to post on TYC-related developments lately.
Basically, we've allowed a few anonymous trolls to wreck the party.
BB
It appears to me that "344" (Mr. Henderson) revealed his identity and has some personal knowledge of Mr. Bristow's character and dedication to Juvenile Justice and the clients Grayson County serves. To accuse Mr. Hendersoon of taking a bribe is absurd and shows the mentality of your rambling.
Dammitt, Bill, the shots came from the grassy knoll.
Amen Bill.
So when's your book coming out so we can enjoy a book with some meat? I've been looking forward to the history of juvenile justice in Texas given that prior to 1985, it was all word of mouth passed to me. I'm looking forward to it. I really think it'd be intriguing to compare and contrast what's occuring today vs. then but not on GFB. It'd be cool to do it live. Have a book signing party my man, and do it then. I bet you'd have some serious intrest. Timing is perfect if you think about it. You might even make a mint. - Whitsfoe
I don't see how any county run facility could even remotely be compared to a TYC facility. To say TJPC does not know what is going on is crazy. Just look at all the regulations they put on a county and follow it up with monitoring visits to insure compliance. The hotline system being implemented is overboard but is in place already. Mr. Bristow seems like a great person for a "early bird". I understand when someone is successful at what they do there has to be naysayers and disgruntled employees. Hang in there Bill. We all know the truth. Your collegues in the field stand behind you.
"I hear that juvenile probation has been on the up and up looking at practices they may have engaging in similar to TYC and changing those practices. Glad to have taking the beatings for you guys!"
I hope you didn't take my comment here as negative. Heck, I was the youngest of four boys and used to watch my parents whip their asses daily so I learned from their mistakes and so I didn't repeat them. A lot of us can say that. So, if that was meant for me, sorry that wasn't my intent. You all at the Probation Commission are doing just fine, but our asses in TYC are still red sore, and soon, we'll all have the same hotline! If not, the same belt... umph...
9:02 I GUARANTEE you one thing, a retired employee is not involved in this discussion. Why not you ask? There are none! That's right no one from the Grayson County Department of Juvenile Services has ever made it to retirement. Looks like an "early bird" would have whole flock? Where did they all go, and more importantly why did they go? Mr Henderson I would give you my name so I could collect my $100... but I need to feed my family. When the investigators get here the kids will talk, they always do!!
Do the same anonymous trolls just recycle around and around here? I repeat what I said months ago when I revealed my own identity - the problem with anonymous postings is that cowards and haters can post almost any inappropriate, inaccurate, irresponsible drivel they want; without any fear of being held accountable for their postings. Old Salty
Joe the Plumber said......
Of all the Conservators, Nedelkoff was the best and most effective. Given the political climate and the resistance he faced, he did well in his attempt to develop infrastructure and long term plans for the agency.
What ever Gov. Perry did wrong before, removing the agancy from continued conservator ship was a good move.
Cherie Townsend is the last hope for credibiltiy returning to TYC.
As the new agency leader, she needs to draw as deep and long a line that she can muster the courage to draw in the sand and say outloud for all to hear, "this is now my agency to run and no one elses. I will decide what will close and what will not close. I will decide how to best utilize staff from Central Office and in the field, I will decide what the continuum of care and what regionalization will look like. I will determine if staff will be supported by allowing such tools as OC spray and isolation to be utilized in a manner that is consistent with best practices and in a way that does not violate a child's civil rights, but at the same time provides a tool for controling those youth who would harm staff and other youths. I will ensure that this agency is regarded with respect that we will earn through our transparent management" Will she be able to do this? I believe she will.
As for all the speculation about Grayson County, perhaps this is a matter for the Probation Commission to review in concert with the facilities administration and the local Juvenile Board. Any attempts at discrediting TJPC projects in the hope that it would make consolidating TYC under the TJPC a questionable idea is jealousy. It it were not, we would have heard about these issues before the idea of consolidation was proposed.
Speaking of conservators, our 1st, Jay Kimbrough, is leaving Aggieland and appointed today as Perry's Chief of Staff.
To Joe the Plumber: Read Mike Ward's Article today and Grit's reference to the article. Yes Dick and Ms T have been spot on to date!
Joe; if you are a good plumber your services are needed in Austin; There is a lot of smelly stuff stuck there.
Retired 2004
Whitsfoe,
Thanks. Latest word from my publisher is that the book will come out in Fall 09, a bit later than I had hoped, but that's mostly my own doing. I just turned in the final piece, the epilogue/conclusion, last week.
In the meantime, though, you can check out the shorter policy history report series on the TCJC site. Part 1 is up there now, and we're nearly done with Part 2, which takes the story up thru Morales.
I regret that I couldn't find a way to get Joe the Plumber into the story:)
BB
Jay Kimbrough, appointed today as Perry's Chief of Staff. Things don't happen without a reason.
Kimbrough kept a lot of the old corrupt system in place and seemed to be pals with the worst of the worst of the old TYC crowd (Supers). Look at those Supers who are still in place and see if you don't find Kimbrough's fingerprints on this.
Why did Perry bring Kimbrough up - to keep an eye on things, watch his back and keep Perry's part of the TYC mess out of the spotlight?
I suspect this is something we need to take a close look at. Is Perry's TYC connection the biggest danger he faces and does he have to protect this at all cost? Are there more chapters in TYC story?
Anonymous 9:56pm;
Wow you seem to think you have knowledge from the "inside" like maybe you are an ex-employee or just a disgruntled one trying to cause trouble. I would hate to think that I would work in a place that was of such immoral character as you claim - what would that make you for not reporting such? The only thing I have knowledge of is immoral character between a few "ex" staff members (hence the term EX) which may be the reason they never made it to retirement and can't work in any other Grayson County department either! Guess that leads them to work in car sales to feed that family that wasn't being thought of until now.
What is the story with Grayson County?
There is no story; we need to keep this post on track, TYC!
I have found this banter regarding Grayson County concerning. So I went out and sat across the street and just watched. My observations make me wonder if the juvenile board has looked in on operations lately unobserved. And yes I will report my observations to the proper authorities.
That will be great anon 9:54. Video was rolling. All tapes secured. Kids were doing PT, playing football and basketball. Please call your "authoritiies" then feel free to call me and we will review the video together.
"immature ranting of cowards hiding behind the curtain of anonymity"
So anon 9:54 Bristow called you out. Call the Sheriff, Denison PD, the DA, the juvenile board or whatever authority. Our just have guts and call him to review your observations!
Sam i am
For someone who is so concerned about the treatment of children you sure are dragging your feet. Either put up or SHUT UP! ENOUGH! Stick a fork in it you are done.
Don't be fools. Videos don't show everything. Remember "Hidden in Plain Sight?...."Raped by The State"?
One can do things with videos, when some want things to be changed or 'covered'. You folks with no insight are just guessing or rather guillible about what is true or fixed to appear true.
I have been working within the criminal justice system off and on since 1972. I have seen many different approaches to the juvenile problem, and they all fell short of working. In 1997 I saw an advertisement for drill instructors to start a juvenile boot camp at Grayson county. I have always believed that one of the primary reasons for juvenile problems is the lack of self discipline and self esteem. Why not see if a semi-military organization that tries to instill discipline and self worth could work? Nothing else has worked. I applied and was accepted. The one thing about Grayson County Boot Camp that always, even to this day, impressed me the very most is that we are constantly taught to follow the policy and procedure manual in our daily contact and work with juveniles. This policy and procedure manual has been reviewed by several agencies before being adopted by Grayson County Juvenile Services. Yes, even the state (TJPC), has reviewed our guidelines and approved them. If anyone believes that this organization (TJPC) does not keep strict tabs on juvenile facilities, then you have never been around when we are audited. Yes, they talk to our residents privately when conducting these audits. I am extremely proud to say that Grayson County has been Number One in this state for quite awhile. Our last audit was perfect!!! Grayson County is the first ever (of which I am aware) to receive a 100% score in the state. Being a former police officer, I am quite aware of what abuse is and what it looks like. I feel extremely comfortable in continuing to work for this organization. To the individual who supposely filmed our children, I would like you to be present when these children receive diplomas and rewards for accomplishments they have earned themselves while at boot camp. To see so called tough street kids cry because of earning and receiving positive rewards for the first time in their lives is extremely rewarding. Well, even grown men at this place have shed a tear or two, even I who am probably the oldest here. Those of you who think we are wrong, come forth with a solution to solving the juvenile problem, not just making negative, unsupported accusations.
Art: Your trust and contributions to our program are greatly appreciated. One correction. There are several 100% programs in Texas. The State should be proud of the protections through standards and monitoring that TJPC has put in place. We, as well as many others, will always strive to go above and beyond. As before, myself and our dedicated staff invite all in. We were "transparent" before "transparent" was popular.
Time for us to push forward again.
I am so thankful Jay Kimbrough is gone from Texas A&M University. He embarrassed our research department and then made it public with a press release. Next he added to the pain and suffering of a facility member's family over the boating accident that claimed the life of one of our beloved University members. All Jay Kimbrough knows how to do is grand stand at other people's expense. I hope the administration of Texas A&M University closes the door on Jay Kimbrough ever coming back. Rick Perry you violated your university by helping to place Jay Kimbrough at Texas A&M University to embarrass it. I can easily believe he was responsible for many painful and wrongful actions while he was conservator of the Texas Youth Commission. Evil people often reap what they sow and Jay Kimbrough has a bumper crop in the making.
I hope the new leader of the Texas Youth Commission can give direction to the agency and satisfy the needs of all concerned. There seem to be too many people who have no real working knowledge of the system who are in charge of making policy and laws. Also from what I read there are many competing ideas of how the agency should be run which causes in-fighting. In the field of hard science the rules of operation are more clearly defined with minimal political interference. Social science has so many more variables, it is much more difficult to know the correct path. Often social programs are decided at a political level instead of be being science based. Good luck to all involved in the Texas Youth Commission rebuilding.
Gig 'em Aggies
As is we need more evidence that corruption exists in TYC - one of the biggest perps of the coverup of sexual abuse that started this whole mess has just been changed to eligible for rehire. What about everyone else that was forced out for little or no reason. When can they expect their letters in the mail? You know, the folks who actually know something about juvenile corrections, remember them? What a joke!
Who are you referring too 8:13pm?
Lydia
If Lydia is cleared, then probably Chip and the two directly involved in the sex abuses, will be next! And there is no evidence of cover-up? How can our lawmakers and top TYC leaders sleep at night? Is this what is coming with the new Ex. Dir.?
There is a difference between being cleared of wrongdoing and being eligible for rehire, technically. But we all know, no charges will be filed on anyone who covered up what was going on. Hell, they can't even bring the real criminals to anything we know as justice. Really, the only thing TYC "took" from her was her ability to be hired by another State Agency. And now that is apparently not the case. It must be beneficial to be related to a certain politician. What a disgrace, not just to the Agency, but the State of Texas. This thing gets worse as we go along. What next?
I hope that everyone who was fired, forced to resign or accused of a "crime" by the OIG during the last 18 months, are paying attention.
I agree. If she can wiggle out with political help, why shouldn't all those whose terminations were questionable? Perhaps they should contact an attorney and proceed as a class action against TYC? As usual, the real abusers get away, while others pay dearly for just being there!
Good Luck Mrs T
I'm looking forward to Bills book as well.
I'm looking forward to Bills book as well. I'm curious about Gatesville and cant seem to find any info about when racial desegregation was implemented in relation to the architecture of the campus. I found when valley school was built but it was not much more than a letter to the governor. I remember the old folks talking about how live oak was for the colored boys and hilltop was for white boys. There was an issue in the 50's that was documented when a white woman was assigned as a matron to a colored dorm. I have always been fascinated in the architectural growth of the campus and having interviewed people who were inmates as well as employees from as early as the 30's the stories are very interesting. I know racism in our country is an ugly issue, not much more uglier than what was done to Texas kids who were sent to Gatesville as the last resort, and even worse today's TYC.
IMO TYC has become a joke since Gatesville closed and is so evident in this blog with the disgruntle want to be hall monitors whining about the kids in their care and their supervisors. I believe the Gatesville staff cared about their wards and their wards respected them, not to mention that Gatesville was self sufficient. It was no day care but boys were sent there because the community did not want them. Gatesville made a difference in the lives of many boys in its 80 year history and there is a lot that can be learned form that model.
Sheldon
TYC # 47333
Sheldon,
When I come to GFB I always look for your posts - they are very interesting and personal. I can assure you that there are STILL staff at every campus that care about the youth in their care, that are STILL dedicated employees, and are STILL loyal to TYC. I personally know plenty of staff who work overtime when needed, lead their dorms in a positive maner and are role models to TYC youth - Please do not let a few posters comments jade your view of TYC staff - for those of us who "stuck it out" we deserve at least that. It is kind of like the new saying "if you can't back the president, please back the troops!" It is the administrators, lawmakers, and top brass that need to answer for their behavior and bad decisions - people on the front line are the bread and butter of TYC.
RESPECT
This site gives us the good information about the Grits for Breakfast.
The content is very good.
It provides lots of knowledge.
======================================
Bob
Alcohol Rehab
I posted elsewhere that I could not be sure that the administrators who covered up for the 2 pedaphiles at WTSS were not following orders from outside the agency. If it is true that Lydia's status has been changed to eligible for rehire, then it looks even more like she was following orders, possibly from her cousin.
That's hilarious 1:04.
Post a Comment