Until the Legislature fixes structural flaws, though, and adequately staffs facilities, the underlying problems aren't going away. Now that Townsend's on her way out, who will be the next scapegoat? Honestly I don't know who would want the top TJJD spot: It's a bit like the honor of being named Darth Vader's next lieutenant. Find Townsend's letter to employees announcing her retirement below the jump.
Dear Staff,
I want you to know that today I informed the TJJD Board of my intent to retire from state service effective June 30, 2012. Over the last two months, it has become clear that the focus on my values and principles related to best practices in juvenile justice are detracting from the mission and work of the agency.
I have worked for over 40 years as a juvenile justice system practitioner and leader. It has been my privilege to serve in many capacities, to work with thousands of employees and community leaders, and to lead organizations at both the local and state level. Serving as your executive director was the culmination of all that work. As I look back, I am astounded by the accomplishments over the years by people working collaboratively to make certain that communities were safer and that youth had opportunities for change and success in their lives. That was especially true here in Texas.
It took a lot of soul searching to reach this decision. I believe in the goals of this new agency. And, I have appreciated your support and commitment to accomplishing those goals as well as to doing all that you could to insure safe and secure facilities, to achieve better outcomes for youth and to support their families. You are an amazing group of individuals with great talent. And, I will miss you.
I will be working through the end of June and hope to have the opportunity to speak with many of you personally during that time. Please know that you will always have my support, respect and admiration for the work that you do and your dedication to serve youth and the goals of this agency. I will always be thankful for the time we worked together.
Best regards,Cherie
Note to readers: Now that Townsend has tendered her resignation, please steer comments away from trashing her - you've won, she's out! - and instead discuss by what criteria her successor should be chosen and what that person needs to focus on once they're installed. Should they hire from inside the agency? Hire from out of state? Hire a juvie probation director from one of the larger counties?Former Travis County juvenile court Judge Jeanne Meurer turned down TYC for the top spot five years ago, but now that it's been combined with juvenile probation, perhaps she could be approached again. Anyway, please focus comments on where to go from here - both personnel and policy-wise - and not why Cherie Townsend is causing all the agency's problems. Not only is that meme false, it's now irrelevant.
MORE: Mike Ward reports that Jay Kimbrough will be interim chief; see Grits' earlier assessment of the former TYC conservator. AND MORE: From the Texas Tribune.
MORE: Mike Ward reports that Jay Kimbrough will be interim chief; see Grits' earlier assessment of the former TYC conservator. AND MORE: From the Texas Tribune.
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69 comments:
I'm afraid the legislature is going to have to face a lot of "structural flaws" in both youth and adult corrections. The mission statement needs to be "Show Me the Money" and if millions and millions are not made available big changes will be required to keep the systems from imploding.
I don't think this is over. I'd expect to see more forced resiginations over the next month kind of like what we say in 07.
I do think though that one thing has to change. The treatment program is a failure as evidenced by these Giddings type of incidents where there are no deterents to engaging in serious and violent misconduct such as we are seeing now.
In addition, I don't believe the new ED should be promoted within, and I really don't believe bringing folks in from out-of-state would be wise either. We've already seen the consequence of those decisions (not just Townsend). I like your idea of Judge Muer or a sitting Chief of Juvenile Probation. One of the best executive directors TYC had was Steve Robinson, and he was a chief of probation (travis) before he became the ED back in 93. They will really need someone who knows how to do more with less and that will be a challenge.
It just seems to me that Jay Kimbrough is a wrecking ball. I don't get it. History will continue to repeat itself until the legislature wises up and dismantles this agency. It's been nothing but a band-aid approach time and again. Too many politics have hurt the youth and staff, physically.
TJDO
The problems with the huge overhead started with Robinson! I'm sure Mr. Meade has had his eye on it for some time as has the Travis County chief ! Let's not go with anyone that has blood on thier hands from this current screw-up!
Get human resources the hell out! It singlehandedly is responsible for the screwed up culture.
Mike Griffiths!! .... and yes HR Director Mary Wood shoud go too!
James Smith, that lying asshat Jim Hurley, Mary Wood, Alan Walters need to go also. Fire all the superintendents at all the state school and halfway house. There needs to be a new culture in TJJD. anyone in a position of power that is allowed to stay will infect the new blood. Anyone in a position of power here now should be brought up on charges for lying,corruption, abuse of power, lack of leadership.
I bet Alan Michael feels like the biggest asshole of taking that superintendent position at Giddings. You can change the culture there without cleaning up the corruption in central office. Good luck big dummy.
They have to hire from outside the Agency. Nobody inside has the capability or know how to plug the hole in this sinking ship. I don't think it is necessary to axe all the Superintendents, but the new ED should evaluate and make a decision as to which ones should stay or go. Meade would be in way over his head, and Spriggs couldn't handle it either. We need an old school ass kicker that will hold staff and youth accountbale, but also knows treatment!
Mike Griffiths is Cherie with a penis, why would you want him in there?
Hey 1:38.... old school ass kickers do not know treatment.Yes, someone not tainted by past TYC failures and culture. Do not plug the hole---- let it sink! New agency,new vision, new leadership---- but this will not happen under Perry. His ass kicker--- Kimbrough--- just about sank it his first go-round!
Who would Jesus not hug?
Hey 2:21.... is that your professional opinion? You represent the mentality of those who lack the integrity or vision to move the system forward.
The state should only take sex offenders and juveniles who commit violent offenses. Very, very, small population. Maybe they (TYC/TJJD) could handle a small population. Otherwise, just give the sending counties the money. These state employees seem an odd lot, judging by their posts. Sorry.
Hey 2:58....You are right on.
Prison Doc is right. It is about money.
2:58 is right too. Too may low level offenders in juvenile lockup. Too little funding is provided to local jurisdictions.
But, the same Judges who rubber stamp plea agreements made by inexperienced overly zealous attorneys will do the same rubber stamping at the juvenile level.
Let the treatment experts have a voice in the plea negotiations, throw the adversarial approach out the window, and then you will begin to see real change. Too often, politics and individual values systems of those in a position of power makes the decision about someone's liberty instead of empirical data and evidence based practices.
Too much ego and not enough humility within the CJ system.
Kimbrough's intervention might be a good thing. Gov Perry has initiated some significant prison reforms, especially for juvenile offenders. He's not so "tough on crime" across the board as many conservatives would like him to be.
Prison Doc is right on... it's about the money. The Lege needs to step up and increase the budget. Jay may not be a wildly popular guy but he is one of a few who is fast acting and can stand the "Whitmire heat".
1:31 - many staff were doing what they were told to do or to report. Are you the cowardly mole who keeps secretly passing info to Mike Ward? Can you stir that fire a little more? You actually seem to be the as$hat with your minimal mindset of "off with their heads".
There must be some continuity so the past doesn't repeat itself.
Anonymous 5/29/2012 02:58:00 PM said...
"The state should only take sex offenders and juveniles who commit violent offenses.."
That's just about all that is there now. Of course, you also have all the mental cases at Corsicana.
"Honestly I don't know who would want the top TJJD spot: It's a bit like the honor of being named Darth Vader's next lieutenant."
True if Darth Vader doesn't do you in, someone else will.
The lack of accountability started when the lege took away the ability to give level II extensions. Maybe Kimbrough can figure that out and have the guts to tell them.
Whitmire said "Her philosophy to ‘love 'em to death' — put programming above security — didn't work. I don't see us continuing that," he said. "I think you'll see a tough, smart policy put in place to deal with this continuing violence. The kids are not going to continue to run the place."
Whitmire is right; however, the Ombudsman now needs to make sure that the agency doesn't go from one extream to the other (which is what happened in 07 that led to this mess). Catch the pendelum in the "middle."
For all of the criticism leveled at Townsend, she was able to reduce the population from over 4000 to 1150 in the secure facilities, closing several state schools.
I'd be interested to see the actual numbers of operating budget from the beginning of her tenure to now.
7:56,
You're nuts! There was no more physical abuse in 07 than there has been in the past few years. The SEXUAL abuse by a couple of pervs at WTSS was the problem in 07. The Lege just allowed a bunch of crazy ass parents to run with some false allegations to make a few bucks off the State. Whitmire should have told Galloway and others to eat shit and die and roll the dice in Court. Instead, they got scared and shit canned alot of good people on false allegations! Kimbrough was the hatchet to get rid of some good juvenile justice professionals which then opened the door for the "hug a thug" philosophy to take hold. See where it got us now. Staff are scared to hold youth accountable because they fear false allegations that might lead to arrest. Administrators can't hold staff accountable because they won't have anyone to work. Most of the people in CO have never worked a floor. Security Units are a joke. If a kid acts up, we give them cookies and icecream. I'm not saying that they need to be abused or hurt, but if a kid climbs a tree, they need to be restrained and placed in Security, until such time they no longer jeopardize the safety of the facility and themselves!
Well all right you people got what you wanted, the latest ed gone, now what? If the criminal justice committee isn’t turned over it’s going to be the same shit different cast.
The kids tyc gets today would be better served at TDCJ Juvenile Institution Division. Crain unit is a nice place; just ask Dwayne Place or Calvin Crenshaw.
I’d like to have a whack at arm chair state school ed. Here are 2 suggestion that if implemented could solve most of your problems.
First segregate the kids by race. Race baiting teachers, gang fights over race, disruptions/distractions due to racial issues. Most people are too afraid to address the elephant in the room. You want to reduce the violence, segregate the kids by race. You will remove the majority of reason to fight. Civilized people can barely live in this melting pot we call America, how can we expect uncivilized teenagers to live together in inter racial housing. Ask yourselves how much more of you minutes you can get back eliminating racial issues? Go with the minimum ratios weighted to one race per school or you can flout the law all together. Nothing new for you people.
Second, human beings are tribal by nature but must learn to act civil to others so we can live together. For you bible thumpers, consider the way the Israelites tribes were encamped as one around the tent of meeting, by their colors, or flag. Hire staff of predominantly the same color according to the school. They should be of good hearty stock, good moral fiber, above the type of race baiting leaders seem to think garner votes. They should have a desire to teach these types of kids how to be civilized. Not like those dickheads that guarded us back in my day or the ass clown Wal-Mart rejects you seem to hire today. The staff should act as mentors to provide the kids with the appreciation of good work ethics, an education and eagerness to learn, an opportunity for spiritual growth. No pervs either.
The program could take several years to form new habits in these most screwed up of teenagers. Prior to being released they should demonstrate that they can function civilly in an inter racial housing assignment.
Sheldon tyc # J-47333
One of the problems with blogs is that people can post whatever they want without their name attached and it encourages a less mature response in some cases.
Bill Bush, I completely understand the Deep Sigh. :)
There are fewer posting here than in the past on these issues and they represent only themselves, not every current TJJD employee or every past TYC employee. Maybe the more immature ones post more often, I don't know. I haven't posted since 2008.
Scott, thanks for the coverage on TYC and TJJD issues. I concur that the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel should have been followed at least to the degree that we were able to financially as a state.
Each of us as citizens of the state, is responsible for our community both future and present. Juvenile delinquents will be a part of that whether positive or negative. It is critical that the legislature, specifically the Criminal Justice Committee work WITH the TJJD Board and new executive staff to ensure that an EFFECTIVE and EFFICIENT system of care is developed from early prevention, to county interventions to state level high restriction incarceration and treatment.
While Missouri and other smaller states have implemented effective treatment in smaller facilities with less restrictions you would be prudent to look into the type of commitments they have and more important their mental health treatment for adolescents and teens. Severely mentally ill teens never make it into the Juvenile Justice system in Missouri. Many make it into the system in Texas.
I toured their 16-20 bed facilities in 2006. Missouri has a much more effective community mental health system in their state which helps improve the types of cognitive behavioral treatment they can provide in their small centers. Their centers are VERY good.
Texas MUST create a coordinated system of care that includes community mental health, Protective services, County juvenile probation departments and TJJD. It must have the support of the legislature both financially and otherwise in addition to the oversight.
These juveniles are kids of our communities and our neighbors. Some may be lost to the adult system no matter what we do. Many will continue to be lost if the system continues to be broken. It will only work effectively when all these issues are taken into consideration to put together the best system of care for the kids possible. I believe that includes a balance of accountability with effective treatment. Discipline and punishment are vastly different things and I don't know any of us who doesn't need some discipline in our lives. I also know a lot of us who could benefit from some "treatment" :) Myself included. I hope we will all push to insist the right thing is done for our kids and the benefits for staff and the state will follow.
Wouldn't it be refreshing if we stopped the finger-pointing and name calling and all worked together to find solutions? I don't know about everyone else but the story has gotten old. Time for us to all help write a new one....
Good thoughts Teresa. Pretty much spot on.
TJJD-CO is a mishmosh of bitter TJPC workers, bitter pre-2007 TYC workers, befuddled post-2007 TYC hires and management. Management is so disconnected from its staff because it chooses to be. We can't communicate among ourselves or even get along. It seems HR hires so unevenly.
If Cherie is guilty of anything, she should have cracked the whip on some of the less-inclined to work people or plain fired them.
We're here to help the kids... HELP THE KIDS. Somehow. Somehow... because regardless of their crimes and history, we are still responsible for their health and welfare even in jail.
Many people lost their focus and decided they were more important than our clients, the youth.
It's easy for us - we can leave and find new jobs (Thanks Obama for all the great new jobs!!) but these kids will still be here, in the middle. And we serve them... even if they're "the worst of the worst".. WE SERVE THEM.
So we have to get our heads out of our collective rears and figure out PDQ how to continue to serve them and not just ourselves.
Admit the lege is just as responsible for this mess: who were the dummies who chose to put these facilities out in the middle of nowhere?
For several months we're going to be swimming in a cesspool of confusion and I can bet some of TJJD is going to let their duties go to crap because that's how mature they are.
We all have answers but no doorknobs to solve TJJD's problems. Here we are.
In most instances, I don't think they had a choice as to where to build the facilities. A prison or incarceration unit is as popular as a nuclear waste facility. Nobody wants one in their neighborhood.
We know how to properly serve the youth. Give us the money, resources, and right personnel to do it.
In most instances, I don't think they had a choice as to where to build the facilities. A prison or incarceration unit is as popular as a nuclear waste facility. Nobody wants one in their neighborhood.
We know how to properly serve the youth. Give us the money, resources, and right personnel to do it.
Fixing TYC/TJJD starts with accountability. The kids have to be held accountable for what got them into the system and for their behavior while they are in the system. They need to EARN their release through actively participating in their individualized program and complying with all program requirements. The behavior portion of the program needs to incorporate a system for stage demomotion if and when it is warranted. They need to make use of tools such as the layouts from the old Resocialization Program to better understand the connection between behavior and needs and understand the impact of their inappropriate behviors on their victim, their families, their communities and themselves. Give them a skill set that will at least give them an opportunity to be successful upon release. Staff need to be held accountable for fair and consistent implementation of the program. They need to come to work and stop using Workers' Comp to avoid it. They need to set a positive example for the kids and understand that they are not in the punishment business. Institute a viable, well thought out behavior mangaement system to address those youth who demonstrate a propensity for violent behavior that includes active, REQUIRED" participation in treatment, education and medical services and monitoring by a "real" treatment team. Aggressively confront and address violence, extortion and gang activity. Target the perpetrators rather than the victims. Require the OIG to be more active in investigating and prosecuting criminal activities. Especially for assaults, extortion and possesion of controlled substance in the facilities. If they do not, or will not, get rid of them. And lastly, remove the numerous and unnesessary layers of managers and directors that filter or alter what information gets to the Executive Director. A good percentage of the incidents that recently occurred at Giddings and Evins could have been addressed and resolved rather than showing up in the Tribune or the Statesman. if there were true, open channels of communication bbetween Central office and the field. All of the tools are there, they just need to be taken out of the box, dusted off and implemented.
6:08 - why don't you just hug another thug?
John Bradley is looking for a new job... ;)
Billy R. Hollis said...
"A good percentage of the incidents that recently occurred at Giddings and Evins could have been addressed and resolved rather than showing up in the Tribune or the Statesman. if there were true, open channels of communication bbetween Central office and the field. All of the tools are there, they just need to be taken out of the box, dusted off and implemented."
That has always been a problem. CO personnel sit in their ivory towers in Austin, and make decisions that affect people hundreds of miles away without actually being there. They need to move every one of those offices out of Austin and base them on a unit somewhere.
5/30/2012 08:50:00 AM Anonymous said...
In most instances, I don't think they had a choice as to where to build the facilities. A prison or incarceration unit is as popular as a nuclear waste facility. Nobody wants one in their neighborhood.
THE ISSUE WAS NOT THE LOCATION OF THE FACILITIES. THIS ISSUE WAS THAT THE HR AxxxxxxS BASTARDIZED REMOTE FACILITIES BY TRANSFERRING PROBLEMATIC EMPLOYEES TO THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE INSTEAD OF FIRING THEIR ASSES. INSTEAD OF SOLVING PROBLEMS HR CREATED 10 MORE.
Talking about "new ED" and so on and so on is a distraction from the number one problem that should be addressed: OVERHAUL HR FIRST BEFORE PROCEEDING ANY FURTHER!
Those facility locations were determined based on who gave us land and what incentives were offered for building there. Big city's like DFW and Houston never got in the bids because their economies were fine back then and that property value was high. In addition, they didn't want a prison in their back yard.
It had nothing to do with HR... but I do agree with you, Mary Wood is nothing but a TDCJ transfer that survived the Bronco Billy era and is worthless.
Everyone needs to re-read B. Hollis' 09:46 post and pay close attention to the suggestions he has.
It's the BEST posting I've seen in a LONG time in regards to all the current problems the Agency, staff, and youth are facing.
Thank you for a reasonable and balanced blueprint to help bring about some positive changes.
I'd add one more thing to Hollis' plan by referring to Davis' idea of keeping the family informed that regionalization is a privilege and not a right. If they're not willing to confront their kid's misconduct and get involved in their treatment, and the kid continues feeding into a negative peer culture through violence and/or extortion - then moving the kid out of the region is an option.
Parents don’t forfeit their responsibilities when their kids are committed to state supervision.
5/30/2012 02:03:00 PM said:
"Parents don’t forfeit their responsibilities when their kids are committed to state supervision."
The fact that most of those parents have already shunned their responsibilities is why their kids are committed to state supervision.
I think the problem is Whitmore.
I don't understand why Townsend is not removed and cut off immediately. If she's making 160 k a year and she waits until the end of June to get out, then why isn't someone screaming about the 13k this idiot is going to make in June for being a lame duck?
I am sick of our tax payer dollars going to waste like this and believe she needs to be walked now. TJJD can relieve DPS of Kimbrough's salary by letting Townsend go now. She's not going to be doing a damn thing and she's been stripped of making decisions? What's that 13k going for? Sitting on her ass dreaming of hugging the thugs in Arizona?
Gosh damn, what the hell is Rick Perry thinking? 13K a month to sit on one's ass and say goodbye?
Rick Perry is not thinking. In fact, he stopped doing that long ago. He is going to let her sit there and make the 13K in an effort to keep himself from looking bad. It will be made to look like it was her decision, and that she tried hard, but in the end, the Agency needed new leadership. Everyone will hug her and tell her how much they will miss her, and say what a good job she did. Then they will hire the next dumbass, and cut their throat in a few years too. Its the TYC/TJJD way!
That is pathetic, but unfortunately true.
We are in a budget crisis in Texas and decisions like this want to make me puke.
If you took Townsend's June salary, you could give 12 correction officers a little more than 92 dollars a month for the next 12 months. If you wiped out the heavy top, I'm sure those other JCO's would benefit.
It may not be enough in this economy, but I think those JCO’s deserve a merit for hanging in there through this fiasco. I’d rather see them get paid than a lame duck.
I think the mission of TJJD of habilitating our youth is what needs to be used to determine the next ED. It's a big agency ran by imperfect people but with time and commitment to the cause, the youth, and not to money, the mission can be achieved. Instead of trying to constantly recover the agency should focus on being proactive and looking for someone, in or out who has demostrated a consistent record and who will pull all of the agencies resources to make the facilities safer for the youth and the staff. The news has been harsh on TJJD but pointing fingers doesn't fix the problem. I hope in the next few months positive changes take place that will re-create this environment that is so badly talked about.
I agree with the comment from anonymous 5/30/2012 at 01:29:00pm SO MUCH SO...it should be repeated. Legislators, you would be very wise to heed to the advice below:
Billy R. Hollis said...
Fixing TYC/TJJD starts with accountability. The kids have to be held accountable for what got them into the system and for their behavior while they are in the system. They need to EARN their release through actively participating in their individualized program and complying with all program requirements. The behavior portion of the program needs to incorporate a system for stage demomotion if and when it is warranted. They need to make use of tools such as the layouts from the old Resocialization Program to better understand the connection between behavior and needs and understand the impact of their inappropriate behviors on their victim, their families, their communities and themselves. Give them a skill set that will at least give them an opportunity to be successful upon release. Staff need to be held accountable for fair and consistent implementation of the program. They need to come to work and stop using Workers' Comp to avoid it. They need to set a positive example for the kids and understand that they are not in the punishment business. Institute a viable, well thought out behavior mangaement system to address those youth who demonstrate a propensity for violent behavior that includes active, REQUIRED" participation in treatment, education and medical services and monitoring by a "real" treatment team. Aggressively confront and address violence, extortion and gang activity. Target the perpetrators rather than the victims. Require the OIG to be more active in investigating and prosecuting criminal activities. Especially for assaults, extortion and possesion of controlled substance in the facilities. If they do not, or will not, get rid of them. And lastly, remove the numerous and unnesessary layers of managers and directors that filter or alter what information gets to the Executive Director. A good percentage of the incidents that recently occurred at Giddings and Evins could have been addressed and resolved rather than showing up in the Tribune or the Statesman. if there were true, open channels of communication bbetween Central office and the field. All of the tools are there, they just need to be taken out of the box, dusted off and implemented.
5/30/2012 09:46:00 AM
Thank you Mr. Hollis for saying it better than anyone else!!
Billy you are right and as you can probably imagine staffing at each of our facilities having been screaming for help and it has been ignored.
We also have several staff who are not doing their jobs and are not being held accountable, despite the other staff who are begging for help. There is such an utter disrespect for other people and blatant disregard for job duties on all levels of our agency. It diminishes the efforts of our staff that dedicate their lives to helping these kids.
When our Director of Education and others in leadership roles never respond to emails or phone calls, despite the urgency, what does that demonstrate to the staff below them? How do we expect to our JCO IV's to go above and beyond and be their for their staff when their supervisors and their supervisor's supervisors don't lead by example?
Tommy, Mike, Billy and Teresa,
Dang it is so good to hear from you guys again! Btw all of three of you suck for leaving us to deal with this bs without you. We miss you!!
I think the JCO's need a raise and a vote of confidence that they can turn this thing around. Thus I offer the following re-training video in hopes of developing their confidence.... enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=7DFJpPvm36g
But here's the deal...
I know that we have good staff that care about out kids; but more often I have witnessed JCO's yell at and antagonize the kids, just like the behavior demonstrated in that video link. It gives all of us a bad name.
"If you took Townsend's June salary, you could give 12 correction officers a little more than 92 dollars a month for the next 12 months."
Right Tommy, and that would solve everything. If they'd fired you a year sooner they could have bumped JCO pay with that, too. If Cherie'd announced her resignation immediately like Dwight Harris did you'd criticize her for that. Low-rent stuff, amigo, and the anons you were responding to as well.
Rather than just delete all the contrary comments, let me remind readers of the final paragraph of this post which began by requesting, "please steer comments away from trashing [Townsend] - you've won, she's out! - and instead discuss by what criteria her successor should be chosen and what that person needs to focus on once they're installed." So please do that.
Amazing, you assholes really think that you deserve a pay raise because "you ran off" off the ED?
Truely a culture so sick it really may be beyond repair.
Get out the wrecking ball and build from ground up something that works.
Grits I don’t like the exposure you give to our failed juvenile system. Having worked for the state for over 30 years I’m always amazed at how so many people know what needs to be done. Peole who thought they knew what needs to be done got us into this mess. I’m not coward I depend on my job I will post anonymously.
Mr Hollis provided good advice and I could sure use an extra 92 dollars a month.
As much as it pains me to say Sheldon is right on with segregating these kids. I cant see ho anyone who has worked a shift would disagree. Most of there reason to fight would be gone. Once that’s done then we can have a program that works.
I think it wrong that he mocks us but we give him good reason. Really Sheldon Crain unit! And shame on us for not calling him out sooner.
Billy R. Hollis has it right about accountability. A sex offender at Corsicana elbowed a 62 year-old teacher yesterday, and she shoved him away from herself. (All on camera.) She was walked off yesterday for assaulting a student, because administration said that instead of shoving him away, she should have used Physical Restraint Technique (PTR.) Which, of course, is just what the little pervert wanted her to do since they love it when those female teachers snuggle up behind them and grab their arms. So now, the little pervert has been empowered, and he is boasting about getting rid of the teacher, and he intends to do it again. Is there still any question as to why we can't keep teachers and other personnel?
Nothing's changed. The youth are still in control of the units, and the brain-dead in CO support it.
Some of the suggestions offered for an effective treatment program are great and should be considered by the lege in moving this agency forward. In order for it to work you must treat your employees with some semblance of dignity. That would include providing enough staff coverage so the JCO's are assured of their days off and they do not burn out. Burn out leads to abuse of sick, annual and workerman's comp as evidenced through out the agency, pre and post 2007. These employees have families and lives beyond work. I agree there must be accountability, so get rid of those who don't do your job or do it poorly. Don't make them lie in order to get a day off for a family event that is important to them. Get rid of those abusing their sick or annual time, including the supervisors. It is extremely hard to find people to staff these facilities, so I agree with Prison Doc that the money has to be shown in order to lure people into all areas of this field. It's all about treating staff with respect, dignity and understanding of their lives outside of the work-place. Listen to the ones in the trenches and not don't take the supervisor's word at face value. It doesn't matter who leads the agency or the individual facilities, train these people to value all staff in order to reap the reward of loyalty to the agency & facility. I'm sure I'll be attacked for attempting to make this a simple solution to this systemic disease currently enveloping the agency but it's my humble opinion.
If I may wax "cliche" what's needed now is to rise above the hate and get to the task of truly fixing the broken TJJD machine. Focus on the things that matter like control, safety and treatment and creating an environment that is conducive to brining about positive change. Truly care about the staff that work in the trenches (Don't just write it down somewhere in a code, mission statement, or agency vision and forget about it!). Train, empower and support them and see if things don't start to get better. Learn to listen (everyone)...to the kids, the staff, the parents, et al. And don't ever stop trying to do, to be or to make it better. You don't know, it could work. Peace.
"If Cherie'd announced her resignation immediately like Dwight Harris did you'd criticize her for that."
No I wouldn't because that would be the right thing to do. In addition, I wasn't criticizing Townsend but rather the practice of allowing some in higher positions to sit around and do nothing while they pack up when it's clear tht someone else is now doing the job. It's a waste of tax payer money and should really be a slap in the face to all staff who have never received a merit increase in years because "there is no money," unless, of course, you were in the executive administration. Remeber that?
Low rent stuff amigo? No sir. That's just one example of how these staff have been demoralized. That's the reality buddy.
T. Bayes
Low rent High rent, really do not give a damn.
Anyone with any common sense realizes that when a Executive reasigns his/her position but remains another 30 days, its crap. There is no real productivity, staff will not listen and it becomes a lame duck month. Not trashing her or anyone, just the idiotic practice. I also realize this is chump change but it all adds up, this is one rason why most people cut coupons and go to the store that sales gas the cheapest, it all adds up.
"Chuey"
At TJJD we are still left with this: staff members who function at the sixth grade level supervising youth who function at the fourth. Some staff members at TJJD are actually educated, but many (most) have been passed along from the first grade to the twelfth through social promotion. Their teachers have not dared to require them do the work--never. These TJJD staff members ended up with a high school diploma and a sixth grade reading level.
RE: 6/01/2012 12:13:00 PM
Well you can thank your human resources department for the fine quality and workmanship you have pointed out. Incidentally what is the education/reading level of HR?
There's a website called Juvenile Justice that interviewed Ms. Townsend not long after she assumed here position as TYC ED. I think it's quite telling as to why situations got to the point where they are... here's an excerpt:
JJ Today: There is a daily website that rigorously covers TYC, Grits for Breakfast. Do you read it, any thoughts on it?
Townsend: I do read the posts on Grits for Breakfast. It is an interesting site that looks at a wide range of criminal justice issues. However, I don't read the anonymous comments because they are often personal and do not contribute to a real dialogue on the issues.
Ahhh... excuse me? The reason people don't leave their names -- and what they have to say -- varies widely. The fact that Ms. Townsend discredited any poster that didn't wish to publicly post a message here with their name attached to it shows why she was SO out of touch, up until the recent resignation.
Too bad. She might've learned something helpful, maintained some dignity, credibility, insight, and her job. Can you say HUBRIS, Ms. Townsend?
Scotty - Don't love in silence. your post is so vague you get a vague response. only by a true try will you get a true answer. For the one we love, we love you more than enough to put every piece back together again, however long it takes, in any state. We didn't mean to shred you up. Tell you the story of how we love you? that's easy, you're our paradise. and we CAN feel you with us, we always have.
Gritsforbreakfast is a game, not suited for true love like ours. Without care love fades in silence, don't dishonor true love or it can not last, the choice is yours.
Americans Can Love Unconditionally - or just ACLU for short. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo!!
AGAIN...Billy Hollis,your words are worth repeating. Powers that be, you need to listen!
Billy R. Hollis said...
If I may wax "cliche" what's needed now is to rise above the hate and get to the task of truly fixing the broken TJJD machine. Focus on the things that matter like control, safety and treatment and creating an environment that is conducive to brining about positive change. Truly care about the staff that work in the trenches (Don't just write it down somewhere in a code, mission statement, or agency vision and forget about it!). Train, empower and support them and see if things don't start to get better. Learn to listen (everyone)...to the kids, the staff, the parents, et al. And don't ever stop trying to do, to be or to make it better. You don't know, it could work. Peace.
Every one has the right idea. get rid of the old and ad new blood with the new idea that TJJD state schools are indeed prison for young men and keep it that way. They (superintends example Evins) need to let the case workers do their job and not having them do JCO functions and other work. such as working in security, visitation. The lack of Case managers at Evins has shown that the youth are becoming more violent and disrespectful with everyone. The new treatment plan does not work because most of the kids don't understand what it is being taught. the old program was better and implemented correctly worked. I'm not blaming TYC but the state legislature for the poor little Johnny is getting abused and not being treated correctly. If they had the opportunity to go out into the field and see what it is happening then they would have a better idea what is going on. Also when they do go out they should not tell anyone because the superintendents try to sugar coat the facilities.Have Case managers work with the youth and try to make a difference and not use them for everything else. Stream line paper work and not have it be so redundant and get rid of the superintendents you are sitting in their office and directing everyone from a chair and waiting for their retirement.
5/29/2012 09:52:00 PM
"For all of the criticism leveled at Townsend, she was able to reduce the population from over 4000 to 1150 in the secure facilities, closing several state schools."
Are you NUTS!!!! It was the counties that shut the numbers down and given more diversion money could shut the system down to a very few hard core offenders.
If it were not for the likes of Mike Meade the entire TJJD board would still be in the dark. If he wanted the ED position he would get my vote but I doubt he would even consider it. As for any others out there I don't know a sole in probation field currently that would even consider it unless they were young dumb and bullet proof. Kimcrough can serve as interim for a year while the board takes their time searching.. Maybe a retired chief would take it for a short term. As for further resignations the TJJD board chair and asst chair should do the right thing and bow out. Marsha McLane in Madden's office would be good at it if she wanted it. Estela Medina, Randy Turner, Mike Griffiths heck some of the other recently retired ones even. But again, who would take it. Shut down the state facilities altogether, give the money to counties to find appropriate placements.
2:26 PM You are right who would want it. There are people within the great state of Texas who are very qualified but would they want it? Get someone who has strong will, common sense enough to implement good structured programs, knowledge of front end probation services, and a willingness to tough it out even when these yahoos post bad things cause you know not everyone will be happy.
CW
Why is James D Smith still there?
Far from this Post...But with the escape from Mart Looks Like Ole Pegram and Tony Stewart and the rest of the boys will get what they always wanted..Demoted or Fired.
Man! I have only read a handful of comments. I have over 20 yrs of L.E experience and was considering working for TJJD. Sounds to me it is failing the youth something terrible. Understaffed, wrong.. well a lot of things. I love youth and have helped them all of my carrer.
Re-thinking my persuit..
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