I couldn't attend the summit at the capitol Thursday on juvenile justice and mental health, but Ben Philpott from the Texas Tribune has a brief podcast covering the event.
See also the group Texans Care for Children's page on the Summit from their website, including selected materials from the event.
Archived video is not yet posted on the Senate website but should be listed here when it becomes available.
I’m sure you’re aware that Will Harrell left the agency this month to pursue new opportunities in Louisiana. While we will miss his work and dedication, I believe we can continue the efforts he set in motion with our current staff. Therefore, I will not replace Will, and we are eliminating the position of Director of Special Projects.
ReplyDeleteI have also determined that there is no longer a critical need for an executive level position to be solely responsible for Treatment and Assessment. Therefore, the position is being eliminated and Dianne Gadow will be leaving the agency. Dianne came to TYC at a very important time in the agency’s reform efforts and has been an outstanding advocate for the youth in our care. She has put in countless hours and tremendous effort as we implemented the numerous reforms that are transforming our agency. She will be greatly missed as she goes forward to new opportunities
I am proud of the many reforms that we have implemented throughout the past year within the Texas Youth Commission. We have greatly expanded our treatment programs, expanded our girls programming, implemented a systemwide remedial reading program, along with a host of other improvements that are bringing our agency to the forefront of juvenile justice innovators throughout the country. As we continue to transform and improve, I have continually evaluated the agency for opportunities to strengthen our organization and manage our funding levels effectively. I would like to inform you of some additional recent organizational efficiencies that will enhance our long-term goals.
ReplyDeleteI’m sure you’re aware that Will Harrell left the agency this month to pursue new opportunities in Louisiana. While we will miss his work and dedication, I believe we can continue the efforts he set in motion with our current staff. Therefore, I will not replace Will, and we are eliminating the position of Director of Special Projects.
I have also determined that there is no longer a critical need for an executive level position to be solely responsible for Treatment and Assessment. Therefore, the position is being eliminated and Dianne Gadow will be leaving the agency. Dianne came to TYC at a very important time in the agency’s reform efforts and has been an outstanding advocate for the youth in our care. She has put in countless hours and tremendous effort as we implemented the numerous reforms that are transforming our agency. She will be greatly missed as she goes forward to new opportunities.
This action does not mean we are downgrading our commitment to assessment and treatment. Both functions are of the utmost importance for the youth in our care and will continue to be a top agency priority. However, I believe these functions can be reorganized under the scope of other leadership positions within the current management and treatment team.
These changes, while difficult, are natural occurrences in agencies that undergo transformation. As we continue to build on our successes, adopt new strategies and continue the process of reform, it is imperative that the agency’s leadership continually assess its resources and programs to ensure we are making the best use of our funding.
During the next few weeks, I will be meeting with our Assessment and Treatment teams to discuss the proper placement of these functions and the potential realignment of others. Everyone should understand that we will continue to emphasize the basics of juvenile justice: appropriate assessment and placement, treatment, education, rehabilitation, behavior, and re-entry into the community.
Thank you to each of you who continue doing your jobs with dedication and excellence. I will keep you informed of any additional changes as they occur.
Cherie
Cheryln "Cherie" K. Townsend
Executive Director
shouldn't you provide the context? She surely didn't post on Grits. THis was an email to TYC staff in the last couple of weeks.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tyc.state.tx.us/news/ctownsend_01-26-2010.html
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tyc.state.tx.us/about/tycorg.html
Bla Bla Bla what about whats realy happining in the agency
ReplyDeleteWheres the archived video ?
ReplyDeletethere shouldn't be any juvenile justice and mental health summit, they have an illness, period. The justice systems are clogged with people who don't belong there. To equip the justice systems to deal with the mentally ill is to accept that they will stay in those justice systems in order to receive treatment.
ReplyDelete