Texas Appleseed and two national advocacy groups are praising today’s unanimous Sunset Advisory Commission vote to restructure the state’s juvenile system by abolishing the Texas Youth Commission and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission and creating a new entity.MORE: From the Texas Tribune, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Austin Statesman, and the Lone Star Report.
“The Texas Sunset Commission took a visionary step forward in the ongoing reform of Texas’ juvenile justice system. Today’s vote builds on the reform efforts begun in 2007 and 2009 and positions Texas to move toward a more cost-effective system by emphasizing effective, community-based treatment,” said Texas Appleseed Deputy Director Deborah Fowler.
Pat Arthur, Senior Attorney, National Center for Youth Law, said, “Incarcerating youth in TYC facilities in remote parts of Texas exacerbates problems finding mental health professionals and teachers to serve these youth. "Texas has an opportunity to create a national juvenile justice model that creates meaningful opportunities for appropriate treatment and rehabilitation of youth close to their homes."
Given that Texas’ is facing a $27 billion budget shortfall, streamlining the system can ensure that Texas juvenile justice system provides the services youth need while reducing inefficiencies posed by a top-heavy system. "This is just the right time to take the next big step in the reform of Texas' juvenile justice system,” said Robert Fleischner, Assistant Director with the Center for Public Representation.
Representatives from these three advocacy groups have been working for several years to improve Texas’ juvenile justice system. In August, they requested a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into accounts of unsafe conditions and serious education and mental health programming deficiencies in 10 secure lockdown facilities operated by the TYC.
UPDATE: From another press release on the subject via Texans Care for Children:
Groups’ “Principles of Juvenile Justice Reform” Offer a Plan for Troubled Youth
As Sunset Commission recommends abolishing the Texas Youth Commission and Texas Juvenile Probation Commission, advocates unite behind recommendations for reform
Understand that restructuring the juvenile justice system is not, in itself, reform. Don’t incarcerate youth for minor crimes or send kids to adult prisons. And let more funds go to counties offering community services that keep kids out of confinement.
These are a few of the “Guiding Principles of Juvenile Justice Reform for Texas” that major advocacy groups asked state leaders to look to, as the Sunset Commission voted Wednesday to end the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) and the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission (TJPC) and replace them with a new agency. Texans Care for Children, Advocacy, Inc., Texas Appleseed, the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, and Texas Network of Youth Services were among the groups signing on to the 12 principles, meant to guide reforms in the state’s juvenile justice system that started in 2007.“As Texas plans for the future of juvenile justice, we need to focus on what works,” said Jodie Smith, policy director at Texans Care for Children, which convenes the Texas Juvenile Justice Roundtable. “The experience of other states and communities here in Texas is that the best way to rehabilitate youth and maintain public safety is to keep juvenile offenders close to home—either under community supervision or in small, home-like settings—where they can get schooling and the supports they need to get their lives on a positive path. Maintaining and improving youths’ access to effective, community-based services, which has been a growing focus in Texas since reforms began, needs to remain the way forward.”The “Guiding Principles of Juvenile Justice Reform for Texas” are enclosed, and available here (pdf)
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59 comments:
I think the intentions behind this are basically good ones but I still worry the kids will be the ones whom suffer the politicians good intentions. My major concern is what will happen to kids with determinate sentences for capital murder and such. I have been unable to locate much information on what plans are being considered for these violent offenders. My guess is they will get shipped off to adult prisons and in the future more kids will be certified as adults. My son is in the system and will have already transferred to TDCJ by the time all this goes into effect but it still concerns me howmthis will affect and effect future violent offenders.
To Quote: "If you can't do the time, Don't do the crime." Without real treatment and change on their part, do we really want the Violent Offenders and Capitol Murderers walking amoung us. It's not the same as the non violent dope users.
Both the Fort Worth and Houston papers are reporting that the savings from a merged agency are premised upon that merged agency closing the TYC's Victory Field, Pyote and Ron Jackson II facilities. Unfortunately for these projections, TYC has ALREADY closed both Pyote and Victory Field. Closed facilities cannot be closed again. Consequently the Sunset Commission's claim that a merged agency would result in a $28 million savings of tax-payer dollars is wildly exaggerated.
Thanks for defending the non violent drug user. I have a son thats in tyc with a non violent record.This merger worry's me for reasons of our County never had any drug help before.The county's have the buddy system thing going on like TYC.Within the Judges, DAs,appointed attorneys etc...Also my son has had a few really bad POs who will crush you, by the abuse of their position.Will go into Court with you talk about a dirty UA but fails to mention when the kid is doing something right like completed a program, did well on a leg monitor etc..How do you think these kid's got to tyc? Our probation department put them there.My son was put there for a referal he was found not guilty of,and dirty ua but it still resulted in a VOP. As a parent I do believe even as a Juvenile if you commit a certain type of crime you cant be just living among the rest of us freely.I do know this somehow the juveniles will lose. Curious to see if they get the help that was not there prior.And the programs that was there before, well frankly it's a joke.
2:42...Your quote "How do you think these kid's got to tyc? Our probation department put them there.
I would disagree 100% with this, the choices your kid made to break the law is the reason he's where he's at...It's mostly your fault for not teaching him right from wrong.
@1:25 -- of course we don't want dangerous people walking in our midst but your point is meaningless...my point is that the kids who need the most treatment, the violent offenders, are the ones who most likely won't get anything but adult jail time. If you think that will make you any safer when they get out you are mistaken.
@2:52 -- when you were growing up and acted like a stupid ass was it your parents fault? if you have a drink and take a drive these days is it your parent's fault? when you get a speeding ticket is it your parents fault? when you dated the wrong person or your marriage failed or you turn out to have a child that breaks the law is all that still your parents fault? that you are such a judemental ass--is that your parents fault? at some point kids start making decisions on their own and it is not ALL the parents fault. what about kids who have awful parents and are great kids? who gets all the credit for them? People like you really irritate me it is so obvious you are clueless to the true nature of juvenile delinquency.
One can only wish the best for the students and employees of this troubled agency. Juvenile corrections in Texas is what it is. At no time in its history has it been anything but brutal and demoralizing on all those involved. More so today because the issues that make tyc so bad are such a political mine field making it where tyc just can’t be fixed at this time. Therefore let the bureaucrat shuffle begin.
Sheldon tyc#47333 II con/sofas
Mountain View State School for Boys
Gatesville State School for Boys
I think that is the calmest thing I have heard you say Sheldon.....and it is so true. It seems I'm the one losing my patience this time.
The rate of employee injury in TYC hovers around 20% per year.
This was in the Sunset Commission report. Twenty percent a year? What if someone worked at TYC for five years--what would their odds be of being assaulted by one of these children? 20x5=?
High Five to Charity. Granted some parents are not great role models for their children. Some parents don't enforce rules at home. Some parents don't take the time to know where their children are hanging out.
Then there are those parents who live a good life and do everything to keep their kids on the right path, providing them opportunities for a good life and right choices, yet their child still chooses the wrong path.
Juveniles do not end up in the justice system simply because of their parents. There are other reasons. Sometimes a myriad of reasons. That is why probation officers should be administering risk and assessment screenings to assess what areas to focus on in their treatment and rehabilitation of the juvenile.
The justice system needs to be more proactive than reactive to succeed.
05:00
When you speak of students sent to TYC is the term "parents" or "parent?" How many of them have even met their "father."
What is the real difference besides one CEO versus two CEOs? Back when we received misdemeanor offenders they averaged over five adjudications before being sent to TYC. Under this new 'all in one' how much patience will they demonstrate before incarcerating them in whatever it's called then? Will these services be cheaper in Dallas county than they were in Ward county where monthly rent is under $500.00 and the property tax on a 3 bedroom brick home is less than $600.00 a year. There may be more psychologists but they'll probably cost more, the JCOs almost definitely will.
When I speak of the juvenile justice system, I was not speaking of TYC specifically. I was speaking of juveniles in the justice system as a whole. Juveniles are processed through the probation side first typically before TYC is even an option.
But you make a great point about parent vs parents as well as the presence of their father or lack of father in their life.
2:52.. You couldnt be more wrong about me. My Son has two Parents,25 years of Marriage.Five older Brothers and Sister whom never incountered a run in with the law, never seen a Juvenile are Adult Court room.But also they dont have the mental diognosis as him.And yes I stayed on his butt constantly.I searched all around Texas for treatments.But with no funds are insurance had to rely on my County which had no sucess either.But there also was not alot of effort put forth from the courts.It was just easier to put him in tyc.And did you hear me say he did not make poor choices. I agree, poorly stupid ones.And the assessment were done.when it comes to mental health we have MHMR. And I think the Doc was stealing the meds.Drug assessment one facility in our County. Would fail a UA before any bed was aval for him.Lets just hope for the best, and there be more resources that work.
I truly wish someone, anyone would please tell me where these facilities are that happen to be so close to their communities? They do not exist and if they do they are full with misdemeanor youth, the felons generally go to TYC.
So where will these felons go now that raped, murdered, aggravated assault, etc, when the local community based program wants no part of them, well they go to TYC.
All these so called experts who want to chime in and talk about how these children should be close to mom and dad, have no real life experience of dealing with these violent youth, except the time they visited one facility back in college when they were writing their thesis paper.
I would like to see what the voters think about all this down the road when a 15 year old rapes and kills his 12 year old playmate. Do you really think they want this 15 year old in some local community based program for 12 months prior to his release, really don't think this will set well with them.
Will the new agency be state of county? ERS or TCDRS? Rule of 75 or 80? What about insurance?
Ferguson, Move the older kids out and the younger kids in. Centrally located to 90% of the populous, can house up 2400, and is already professionally staffed. Shuffle some paperwork and violent offender problem solved.
I just read the “Guiding Principles of Juvenile Justice Reform for Texas.” These people must be from another planet. I don't even know where to begin.
The main thing true reform requires is something Texas is short on - money, and lots of it. And, an end to the political games. So I guess true reform actually needs two things.
Well I certainly hope that alot of consideration has been or will be given to the people placed on the transition team and ultimately to the placement of a great director over this new agency. NEITHER of the current directors are capable of handling their current agencies. A nationwide search should be conducted before the naming of the executive director.
Many reforms are due. The facility end will be first and formost but as they merge the two sides the adoption of operating procedures will need to be merged and that is where reform is needed, both from the TYC side and the TJPC side. PLEASE adjust policies to be in the real world, not some lawsuit driven idealistic theory from people who have never worked in the field. I challenge all the advocacy groups to work several weeks in a detention facility, small medium and large, to have hands on experience before you spout out how reforms need to be made. Let experts in the field who work with the youth tell you what needs changing.
Close the old TYC facilities,
get rid of dead weight at both TYC and TJPC. There is your $28mil savings. It's all about the money but I hope it is about the kids and the officers who care for them. TJPC has no clue how to run their own side so I hope TYC people don't get hurt. They better prepare for a Nazi state because I understand that is the way TJPC operates their county auditors now. HEIL AARON.
Charity, the kids will be better off than they are now. I believe the new agency will have the resources to provide treatment and services lacking in the current TYC facilities. My fear is as 6:33 AM stated. Get a different director to take this new agency in a different direction and please do not led the advocacy groups make you believe they know what they are talking about. They have not and are too scared to actually get their hands dirty to see the real everyday grind of caring for a violent youth while providing as much treatment for them as you can. Legislators need to listen to experts from the probation and facility sides of the coin. That is your valuable information. Create an advisory group of JPO's and corrections officers, people on the front line, and listen to them. That is where the real information will be found.
WAY TO GO SUNSET!!!!
Thank you Senator Whitmire for pulling the trigger. NOw, put someone in charge that cares for the children across the state. Let them implement change. Let them develop new services for kids. Don't overburden the facilities with regulations that are unworkable. Let the probation departments exhaust every resource they can before committing to the facilities but GIVE THEM MORE TO WORK WITH. With a projected $28 Milliion in savings push more to the county level to provide the intensive treatment most kids need before being sent off. Ditto on Advocacy Groups and their lack of hands on experience.
I love the way the politicians keep talking about savings. We are 27 billion dollars in debt. We aren't saving anything. We are cutting expenses that are believed to be luxuries to pay off the debt. All the money being saved is by putting more people on the unemployment rolls and lowering accountability. Before we start patting Madden and Whitmire on the back, shouldn't we realize that they are part of the group that had the credit card that ran up the debt in the first place?
As I said before, I see real problems with this. My observation of history shows that when you merge two long-standing agencies, quite a bit goes marginalized and ignored.
But, in regard to the "Guiding Principles of Juvenile Justice Reform for Texas" these people have to be kidding. They haven't put any thought whatsoever into this. This is nothing but a shotgun approach. I'll just hit on the high points that immediately jump out at me:
Item 2: I didn't know there were any minors in TDC.
Item 3: Total speculation. There is no proof of this for the population that is currently housed in TYC. These are typically the most violent offenders. My nickel says "community based" approaches aren't going to work with these kids.
Items 4 & 5: And, you want to put them closer to their families? For a great many of them, their "families" are what got them in TYC in the first place! And, for many of the rest, you can't even get their families to show up on visitation days with free transportation and a free meal!
Item 6: TYC already has a few knowledgeable people with with these skills. And also, a few excellent educators. But, like always, they are routinely abused by people in Austin looking for an easy paycheck.
Item 8: This one really scares me. TEA has this same power of oversight, and they routinely abuse it to no end to put brown-nosing public school administrators, who can't get a job doing anything else, to work on their payroll "monitoring" low-performing school districts. Oh, and the local school district also has to pick up the tab on this. Oh, and the standards mention a "graduated sanctioning system for facilities that fail to comply with set standards." Really? And, just what do they plan to "sanction?" There's nothing they can sanction except funds that are supposed to be used to service the youth. Nobody but the youth will loose here, because that's what TEA does to public school districts that don't "comply."
Item 11: Just as I thought. These people don't have a clue. The most important thing that will get these youth back up on their feet and becoming productive members of society is education. Yet, you will notice it is the last thing on the list to be mentioned.
Nothing is changing here. Instead of oatmeal for breakfast, they are suggesting a change to cream of wheat.
As I said before, I see real problems with this. My observation of history shows that when you merge two long-standing agencies, quite a bit goes marginalized and ignored.
But, in regard to the "Guiding Principles of Juvenile Justice Reform for Texas" these people have to be kidding. They haven't put any thought whatsoever into this. This is nothing but a shotgun approach. I'll just hit on the high points that immediately jump out at me:
Item 2: I didn't know there were any minors in TDC.
Item 3: Total speculation. There is no proof of this for the population that is currently housed in TYC. These are typically the most violent offenders. My nickel says "community based" approaches aren't going to work with these kids.
Items 4 & 5: And, you want to put them closer to their families? For a great many of them, their "families" are what got them in TYC in the first place! And, for many of the rest, you can't even get their families to show up on visitation days with free transportation and a free meal!
Item 6: TYC already has a few knowledgeable people with with these skills. And also, a few excellent educators. But, like always, they are routinely abused by people in Austin looking for an easy paycheck.
Item 8: This one really scares me. TEA has this same power of oversight, and they routinely abuse it to no end to put brown-nosing public school administrators, who can't get a job doing anything else, to work on their payroll "monitoring" low-performing school districts. Oh, and the local school district also has to pick up the tab on this. Oh, and the standards mention a "graduated sanctioning system for facilities that fail to comply with set standards." Really? And, just what do they plan to "sanction?" There's nothing they can sanction except funds that are supposed to be used to service the youth. Nobody but the youth will loose here, because that's what TEA does to public school districts that don't "comply."
Item 11: Just as I thought. These people don't have a clue. The most important thing that will get these youth back up on their feet and becoming productive members of society is education. Yet, you will notice it is the last thing on the list to be mentioned.
Nothing is changing here. Instead of oatmeal for breakfast, they are suggesting a change to cream of wheat.
The elminiation of these two agencies will not save $28 million. Look at every other merger of state agencies, every single one has cost the state more money. The larger the agency the larger the overhead the state incurs with adminstrative costs. A lot of good people from TJPC / TYC will be out of a job in this tough economy and on unemployment. Unemployment certainly doesnt save the state money. I imagine all but 2 of TYC facilities will close. With the limited state budget, the new agency will not be able to push money to the counties like TJPC did. We (counties) will suffer and our costs will dramatically increase from this merger.
@ 6:49
Do you even know what you're talking about? How can you categorize the genocide of a race of innocent people by a maniacal sociopath to an audit of juvenile case files? Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.
847: Your are a dumb-ass TYC'er trying to save your dumb ass. TYC had many chances and blew all of them. GO die away. Leave the state.
8:55 I bed to differ with you. I believe we saw last session the legislator's understanding that juveniles can be treated in the community with adequate funding. I would hope they would continue and enhance that pool of money to continue the reduction in committments. Granted, there will always be a need for a secure lockdown such as the current TYC due to aggravated offenses but more and more the local departments (yes I am one) are striving to keep the youth in a better setting than the current TYC. Once the facilities are restructured as I hope the intention of this merger is then we should see better services and outcomes from incarcerating youth. I doubt there will be in increase in certifications as previously predicted. I do agree advocacy groups have had too much influence in the legislature but what can we do, they are housed in Austin and have the ear of the lege. Also agree neither of the current executive directors are up to the task of a large state agency. A search should begin soon I hope.
Once again, the public is not getting the full picture. TYC's executive director stands down with no fight whatsoever and is now watching her agency being dismanteled. This merge will be a dangerous mistake, but not as big a mistake as selecting Cherie Townsend as TYC's executive director. I don't want these juvenile felons with rap sheets running the length of my arm in my community, and strongly believe their behavior which lead to their crimes deserve punishment, including being sent far away from home. I'd prefer these little thugs be sent to TDCJ. You got to remember, these "children" have killed, raped, or otherwise committed some very serious law violations and have violated the law several times prior to their commitment to TYC. And we respond to those serious crimes by "keeping them closer to home?" What home? These little bastards ran the streets. Get real people. If the state wants to abolish TYC, then send these little thug bastards to TDCJ.
For those all concerned with having murderers and rapists and violent youth offenders being placed in your community, you should take another look at statements made by Whitmire and the rest of the Sunset Commission - their plan for a merger and community based alternatives includes keeping whatever secure facilities it takes to incarcerate those most violent offenders.
Maybe take a second to read a little more into the situation before making harsh judgments. The people (i.e. your elected officials) aren't the complete morons you would make them out to be...
Touché
There's a pretty nasty little hit piece in the Statesman today about salary increases at TYC.
I'm not sure what's more surprising: the piece's timing and angle, or the actual story of salary increases at a contracting agency in the midst of a budget crisis.
Good grief.
BB
"The people (i.e. your elected officials) aren't the complete morons you would make them out to be..."
I'd agree with one exception: John Whitmire does not impress me whatsoever. His medeling in TYC has been a disaster. He insisted on abolishing the former treatment program which his girlfriend D. Pope did without having something proven in it's place which led to total chaos in TYC facilities, prompting outrageous reactions from the staff (i.e. they quit redirecting and intervening w/these violent youth and laid down) and resulting in the "just do the time" way of thinking that ruined a very good juvenile justice agency four years ago. There is no way TYC can ever recover and mend it's way with Whitmire holding the whip and Cherie Townsend asleep at the wheel.
About the recent salary increases for TYC top brass:
“What the hell are they thinking?” asked Senate Criminal Justice Committee Chairman John Whitmire...
“These raises should be rolled back immediately, and Cherie Townsend (the Youth Commission’s director) should apologize to the people of Texas for doing this when we’re laying off people, cutting programs, making everyone do more and not paying them one cent more.
“It’s totally outrageous,” he said, echoing sentiments from other lawmakers.
Better yet - here's a reality:
Townsend: “I believe that these increases bring these staff into meeting competitive market prices for their services. With the difficult nature of operating this agency, especially as we continue to transition, it is imperative that we retain the services of skilled and tenured staff.”
Toysha Martin, Cris Love, and James Smith, tenured???? How do you define that??? Tenured? None of those identified in that article have been with TYC more than 5 years so how the hell do you call them tenured? None of those who received pay increases have been with that agency more than five years. Check that lie out folks. Tenured? My ass...
What little credibility Ms Townsend had with the rank and file in TYC went out the window with the latest revelations. She does not have a single clue about the most basic principles of leadership. Mme. Antoinette seems to be her role model.
They'll be the first to go in the "merge" and then it won't matter. What a train-wreck.
How did Cherie Townsend give Cris Love a raise? I thought he was independent and reported to the Board? How much independence can one have from the one who controls your paycheck?
I used to be proud of TYC. I devoted years to the cause.
But they lack a leader.
Giving her cabinet raises while the state is facing a 28 B dollar shortfall equates to irresponsibility at best, but total ignorance should never be ignored.
the good senator is one to be talking about money considering his own deep pockets. I'm uncertain how any elected official can make flippant comments about salaries when Texas ranks 48 on the salary scales for its employees in our great nation. Perhaps he should donate his senator pay to the good of the people. 28 million dollar savings in a 28 billion dollar budget shortfall? He better have a bunch of great ideas after this one.
Everyone knows TYC needs to disappear. The budget is just a good way to get rid of this sorely infected agency for good. You just don't place more state money into a wasteful,criminally managed, nonproductive organization.
The question everybody would like to know is why would any leader give the top 8 wage earners pay raises during a budget crunch? Let's not forget that at the same time TYC was losing staff to cuts and RIF's. What could justify these raises and what will happen now after this has been revealed? Would it be beyond this agency to now force employees out of jobs to justify these raises? In lieu of the upcoming merger will tenured employees loose their jobs so these top echelon employees retain theirs? What a mess, I would just hope that the legislators keep a close eye on these impending RIF's and tenured employees losing their job to benefit other less qualified.
Maybe someone should stand up and say "Time to walk out" and let those "tenured" employees identified by Townsend work the floor.
How demoralizing was that article....
Roll these raises back and FIRE the top executives that tried this stupid stunt!
slisthucI've been wondering who Chuy is going to point the finger at this time to save Evins. Also have ya'll noticed the talk about saving money and increasing funding, all in the same breath?
For your info 11:15 them thug bastards you keep refering to, has im sure been paying your salary. The tyc staffers want to talk crap about the youth, name calling and all.1st of all you dont sound much older, grow up.These kid's may have broke the law, but they made it possible for you to have a job. And they have nothing to do with our Goverment Sen, Administrators. And all the political bull shit. So ok lets take it out on the youth, Im sure it's already begun. I cant wait till everyone of the ones who abused these kids are standing in the unemployment line. Cant happen fast enough for me. You should be thanking them for being committed. You got payed!
854: You're one sick MF. Typical TYC employee.
Uh, @9:42, I believe the poster above you was dissing TYC employees. Perhaps you are blinded by your own prejudices.
I think we need to purge, not merge.
Enough already. Merge, purge, abolish, whatever, just do something!
I agree. Dismiss every TYC employee and start a new agency in Ok.
time for a walk out tyc employees let the guys mkaing the "big bucks" run the dorms.....what a disaster in CO
8:54 is right on you TYC punks should be kissing those kids ass, oh wait you Chester’s already do.
oh great lets follow the model of the adult system, its working so well? Even now TDCJ's proposal to cut the budget is to cut the front end probation services not institutions. We used to have an adult probation commission, ever since it was abolished things have steadily gone downhill. This move will make institutions a priority, not this year, but remember this comment in ten years.
LOL .... I just left that same comment under another thread on Grits Board
All of you leeches need to lose your jobs. You have hurt this state for years with your inadequate performance and general state ripoffs.
it,s about time TYC is a big joke and needs to close-Smith in CO and his dumb ass buddies need to apply at 7-11- no wait- i don't think they could even run a convenience store- Get the left wing idiots out and put some right wingers in with some common sense on how to run a correctional unit--i have 20 years exp with TYC and knew this was coming
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