tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post2950996949671724403..comments2024-03-15T05:45:01.402-05:00Comments on Grits for Breakfast: A closer look at the 'Missouri model' for juvie correctionsGritsforbreakfasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10152152869466958902noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-66966000475718147832008-09-24T21:02:00.000-05:002008-09-24T21:02:00.000-05:008:12pm what new policies are you referring too, th...8:12pm what new policies are you referring too, the new CMS? Direction, what direction are you referring too, the new programs put in place, or are they in place? Leaders we have none and have had none for quite some time, Administrators at the Institutions can only follow the lead from CO, when CO has no clue where their going or where they have been. If we attempt to deter from this mixed signal we have been getting???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-68266154927158165922008-09-24T20:48:00.000-05:002008-09-24T20:48:00.000-05:00It is interesting that with Senate Bill 103 TYC mo...It is interesting that with Senate Bill 103 TYC moved away from some of the central tenets of the Missouri Model. Longer periods of commitment for serious offenders, age of majority at 21 both exist in MO. Now in TYC we are close to being down to only 19 year olds and we are pushing kids out...how does that fit with MO?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-75570152885382562062008-09-24T20:45:00.000-05:002008-09-24T20:45:00.000-05:00Exactly my point. But you cannot completely clean ...Exactly my point. But you cannot completely clean house. Conservator has put a plan in place, has people in place he thinks can do the job and now the new ED will come in and take a look at the institutional level. Gadow and Smith will not be going anywhere soon. Regional directors, superintendents, assistant superintendents are next.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-4963048613268036112008-09-24T20:12:00.000-05:002008-09-24T20:12:00.000-05:00"The smaller fish do not make the changes and cour..."The smaller fish do not make the changes and course of direction, they generally follow the biddings of those above them."<BR/><BR/>Come on now. You don't really believe that do you? Anyone who works in this field knows that its those people (from those who report to CO executives, down to facility administration) who deter new direction. They're usually the ones who have the most tenure in the agency and dont want things to change. They'll do whatever it takes to prevent those underneath them from getting the opportunity for promotion. They'll only look out for their administrator friends (who wont bid for their positions). <BR/><BR/>A good leader should recognize where the dead weight is hiding and unfortunately its the people who have the most power. Mid-level management are the most powerful employees because they're the ones who work in the field with the staff. CO can only create policy and procedure. Its mid-level management who are responsible for practice and they guide whether it will be a good or bad practice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-70907316832278234772008-09-24T06:45:00.000-05:002008-09-24T06:45:00.000-05:00It's the top two Gadow and Smith who will be looke...It's the top two Gadow and Smith who will be looked at (or should be). This is how any real leader goes about conducting business. The smaller fish do not make the changes and course of direction, they generally follow the biddings of those above them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-45013992365245738942008-09-23T23:15:00.000-05:002008-09-23T23:15:00.000-05:00Perspective people. Nedelkoff would not/should not...Perspective people. <BR/><BR/>Nedelkoff would not/should not make changes at the institutional level at this point. He brought in some higher level administrators. the new ED will be the one to clean house at the regional and institutional level. This is how it should be. the new ED will have to put some of her own people in place at the middle level of management. Ones she believes can do the bidding of Gadow and Smith.<BR/><BR/>think the current administration has been hesitant to make institutional level/regional development changes. this is something to be left to the permanent executive director.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-65232519020788771012008-09-22T18:59:00.000-05:002008-09-22T18:59:00.000-05:00Looking at the recent article you posted of the in...Looking at the recent article you posted of the interview with Jerry Madden, it all remains in doubt whether the lege will be willing to pay the money necessary to make it work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-50045142768520808572008-09-22T16:53:00.000-05:002008-09-22T16:53:00.000-05:00Yeah, Chip is there to protect the old dogs.Yeah, Chip is there to protect the old dogs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-28043676547395974742008-09-22T10:18:00.000-05:002008-09-22T10:18:00.000-05:00I just got back from training on a portion of the ...I just got back from training on a portion of the new program we're getting in TYC. I can't wait until we have some kind of coherent program instead of the chaos and uncertainty we have now.<BR/><BR/>My main concerns regarding the Missouri Model have been mentioned here and there in other posts, but may have been lost amongst the other comments. <BR/><BR/>1. Will the legislature pay for the change to the Missouri Model and keep it funded at the levels needed to operate it properly? This includes paying for the quality staff and administrators to run the program, even if it means a massive reboot on staffing.<BR/><BR/>2. Will the changes include a spectrum of options based on the needs of the youths? Step-up & step-down facilities, a privelege system that is actually funded and implemented logically, and a means to hold the violent youths accountable for their actions.<BR/><BR/>It's not that I don't want to change, I'm just afraid that if we tried it'd get hosed up like eveything else for the past 18 months and the budget will get slashed every year just so some admins can get a bonus check or the lege can score votes for re-election. I don't want to see history repeat itself again.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps this is an oversimplified idea, but the only way out I can see is two-pronged. On the one hand, we give "Old TYC" all the support they need to function now. Program, funding, etc. Don't aim for perfect, just something that will work and keep everyone safe. Treatment would be nice while we're at it, but operational safety first. While this is going on, we decide what we want the "New TYC" to be and start building it from the ground up. Smaller facilities with the full spectrum of restriction and privelege levels. Interviewing, hiring, and training a new cadre of staff and administrators from wherever you can get them. Yes, even some "Old TYC" people can transfer over if they have the skills and mindset needed for the new program. When eveything is in place and ready to go, make the change happen. Any "Old TYC" staff who aren't suited for the new program can be transferred to another state agency more appropriate to them (most likely TDCJ) or given a separation package and maybe even a referral for job skills training in a new field.<BR/><BR/>No, this won't be cheap, but if you want to do this right, you can't do it cheap.<BR/><BR/>In other words, it's like the story my officemate from Sam Houston likes to tell. When a tiger is attacking you and your first rifle shot didn't work, you feed him your left arm while you use your right arm to reload the rifle to shoot the tiger again, and you'd better hit this time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-81213645662391541922008-09-22T04:08:00.000-05:002008-09-22T04:08:00.000-05:00Thanks 4:52.I truly hope I can find something else...Thanks 4:52.<BR/><BR/>I truly hope I can find something else in the field to do. As it is now I guess I'll go back to my previous profession, which is welding.The sad thing is, I'd been trying to break in to this profession for nearly 5 years when I finally got the call to work in Mart. Thanks again to all the people here who have offered me encouragement and took the time to listen to what I had to say. God Bless you allBDwacohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14765963398033883190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-18144112534977323032008-09-21T16:52:00.000-05:002008-09-21T16:52:00.000-05:00bdwaco,You did the right thing by leaving. You wi...bdwaco,<BR/><BR/>You did the right thing by leaving. You will find another job where your talents and experience is valued, and you will be much happier. Take it from someone that knows. I too had to leave TYC after a 10 year career that I devoted my life to. It is a bitter pill to swallow at first, but there are other jobs out there where you can work with youth and actually have leadership that cares about you and the youth. God Bless You.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-35232268548769606582008-09-21T16:19:00.000-05:002008-09-21T16:19:00.000-05:00First of all, I'd like to thank the many folks w...First of all, I'd like to thank the many folks who extended well wishes to me and my wife. The blogger who said the agency is trying to run us off before we could file a lawsuit is right. Last Friday I submitted my letter of resignation. I could no longer allow my wife to be placed in harms way every single day because of the uncaring attitude of Mr Barton and the ODS's underneath him. The ladies in HR forwarded my reasons for leaving to Mr Walters in Austin, and I laid it all out for Curtis Simmons, Charles Barton, and whoever else I could think to contact. This in my opinion is why TYC cannot retain competent help. I am not claiming to be the worlds best JCO, but with my military background, the fact that I am an ordained minister, and my genuine care and desire to help these kids I feel I was a definite assett to TYC, and the way I was treated, and my wife was treated is an absolute shame.<BR/><BR/>I do plan on contacting the OIG tomorrow. It may be a case of closing the barn door after the horses have fled, but I guess it won't hurt anything.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again, y'allBDwacohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14765963398033883190noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-20834488652329887332008-09-21T13:18:00.000-05:002008-09-21T13:18:00.000-05:00Let me preface my comments that a kid masturbating...Let me preface my comments that a kid masturbating in a classroom is highly offensive and if not addressed could escalate to worse behavior at its worst and shows a definite need for attention by the youth at its best. <BR/><BR/>Most of the post's focus on how the kid should be punished but now how the behavior should be addressed. <BR/><BR/>Many staff and campuses have forgotten how to develop and run a good program. Too much emphasis on the us against them mentality. I understand that in general terms this is how it is (how it is set up with any environment of incarceration) and staff need to work together to survive. Problem is the "team" trying to get results without knowing how to play the game. Security, 225's, Level II's, convicting a youth, are tools but have nothing to do with the finesse of the game. <BR/><BR/>The best programs and staff have always had staff who facilitated a "positive peer culture" by finding what motivates the youth they work with and helps them develop pro-social ways to meet their needs. Example, if a kid wants to be a leader...teach how to be a leader that can benefit the group. Otherwise, he may become a leader that works against staff purposes. <BR/><BR/>Guess, what I am getting down to is that peer accountability via group, huddle ups, etc... will do more to curb this kids behavior than charging him. Peer pressure is more likely to keep him in line. <BR/><BR/>I say this from personal experience of having a very similar situation. By the time the kid got through with the huddle up he never "whipped it out" during the rest of his stay in TYC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-24658774530531862742008-09-21T12:50:00.000-05:002008-09-21T12:50:00.000-05:00TYC has long suffered from a leadership vacuum. Th...TYC has long suffered from a leadership vacuum. The previous administrations (Dwight, Steve, etc...) did not due enough to develop management from the talent pool. That's why back 2000/2001 at an administrators conference when asked who would be eligible for retirement in the next five years almost all of those in attendance raised his/her hand. <BR/><BR/>Then you have the period of micro-management that happened when Dwight became Assistant Exe. Director and everything became about details and numbers. Everything became about appearances. Also due to growth and poor development some person were promoted to his or her level on ineptitude... For some in management it did not appear to matter if their subordinate knew what they were doing as long as did what they were told. Those who were competent but independent thinkers were seen as a threat in the "good ole boy" system. <BR/><BR/>Tyc has to look to the outside if it is going survive. Hopefully, find people who can think outside the box (Missouri Model) but can understand TYC's history (old system and current) and help TYC adapt.<BR/><BR/>TYC has some excellent management prospects in the field (many diamonds in the rough). Also, when considering potential manager they need to look beyond "blind ambition" or those who simply want the power and perceived prestige of the position. <BR/><BR/>To do this TYC needs to find and mentor managers who believe in the rehabilitation (ethical) of youth. People who believe in "possibilities" but can balance it with the "harsher realities." <BR/><BR/>Go back to programs that are less about who has the power and control (control in an illusion) and more about tapping into motivation of the youth through a program that focuses on "peer accountability" and development on social skills.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-85334891850364191272008-09-21T12:21:00.000-05:002008-09-21T12:21:00.000-05:00If "it" hits you in the eye, it could coded as off...If "it" hits you in the eye, it could coded as offensive contact. Just kidding!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-9692701898370084612008-09-21T11:45:00.000-05:002008-09-21T11:45:00.000-05:00"There will never be any consistency at TYC as lon..."There will never be any consistency at TYC as long as they keep moving around the field Administrators."<BR/><BR/>First the complaint was that new facility leadership is coming into TYC from out of state agencies and that CO should hire from within. <BR/><BR/>Now the complaint is that CO is filling facility leadership positions from within TYC but now they're "placing ill equipped leaders over some of the institutions".<BR/><BR/>Sounds like the lege and CO aren't the only ones who don't know what they want. Neither do some of the employees on this blog. The title of this string suggested that we should be discussing the Missouri Model and some of you are talking about masturbation in class. I agree it's an issue but if you cant follow simple directions and post about the Missouri Model, why should the kids follow simple directions to keep their "monkey" tucked away til they get back to their rooms. Even after the discussion goes back to the Missouri Model, you take everyone's attention back to discussing masturbation. Ever think that the kids are doing the same thing? Trying to get everyone's attention? <BR/><BR/>Do you even hear your coworkers talking about riots or staff assaults? Shouldn't your coworkers safety be your first concern. I know, next you'll say that masturbation is an assault of your eyes right?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-53917590369003018782008-09-20T20:55:00.000-05:002008-09-20T20:55:00.000-05:00I would agree with you but have to take exception ...I would agree with you but have to take exception to the latest moves made by this administration. Placing ill equipped leaders over some of the institutions is not acceptable and has little to do with the ledge.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-29640879088061960842008-09-20T20:50:00.000-05:002008-09-20T20:50:00.000-05:00You know movement towards the Missouri model has v...You know movement towards the Missouri model has very little to do with TYC administration and much to do with the legislature. Once the legislature gets on board with the financial support for smaller facilities, then the TYC administration can be held accountable. Until then the legislature should be held accountable for ignoring the recommendations of the blue ribbon panel.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-8169520621155047782008-09-20T20:47:00.000-05:002008-09-20T20:47:00.000-05:00charging youth with misdemeanors for sex offenses ...charging youth with misdemeanors for sex offenses while in TYC would have an impact on their level of risk when evaluated prior to leaving TYC. This may ultimately lead to higher levels of parole supervision.<BR/><BR/>Why shouldn't misdemeanors committed in TYC be prosecuted? If they are 17 years old and they commit a misdemeanor and they are a sentenced offender then ship em out. Prosecute them and move them on to TDCJ. If you are still willing to commit significant offenses when you are locked up, being given a second chance then move on. If this was the norm in TYC this type of behavior would go away.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-58934197726121864332008-09-20T16:07:00.000-05:002008-09-20T16:07:00.000-05:001:56 it may not do anything in TYC and I don't kno...1:56 it may not do anything in TYC and I don't know what it might do in the public sector as far as another charge against the kid. I feel certain that the public sector would feel differently about the situation. I will speak to a judge whom is a good friend of mine in my town and get his input on the situation. But the main point would be to send a message to the kids that we are not going to tolerate this behavior in education. I don't know how this would work out with the ones who are sex offenders and sent to TYC for those crimes, might be a different ballgame for them to get peg again for exposing themselves to others.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-74372480449704563412008-09-20T14:07:00.000-05:002008-09-20T14:07:00.000-05:00Hey Scott,Why don't you create a site entitled "TY...Hey Scott,<BR/>Why don't you create a site entitled "TYC Administrators I Don't Like," for those who always seem to want to air out their personal grievances against people they don't like? Then, whenever someone makes an off-topic ad hominem attack on someone else, move it to that other blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-88112233781294338082008-09-20T13:56:00.000-05:002008-09-20T13:56:00.000-05:00So you file on a kid for a misdemeanor - what do y...So you file on a kid for a misdemeanor - what do you suppose will happen? <BR/> <BR/>Yeah, it's nasty, but, kids don't get time in TYC for misdemeanors any more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-80994355764660444732008-09-20T13:47:00.000-05:002008-09-20T13:47:00.000-05:00Ok, heres one for you all who seem to think, kids ...Ok, heres one for you all who seem to think, kids masturbating in class is fine and dandy and its only a misdemeanor. <BR/> Hell if they can whoop it out and its ok, hell let them start just having sex with each other in the classroom. We can work around that, no problem. Same damn thing, where you have a partner or not, its having SEX WITH YOUR SELF!<BR/> The next one of those that do it in my room, I am going to TRY TO FILE CHARGES against them at least I have tried to stop it. I bet the public sector will agree with me, this has to stop!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-57913897123636263702008-09-20T13:04:00.000-05:002008-09-20T13:04:00.000-05:00"Ignore it" 2:42????"Ignore it" 2:42????Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8597101.post-60039900363834690572008-09-20T11:26:00.000-05:002008-09-20T11:26:00.000-05:002:42 amThere is a big difference in what normal te...2:42 am<BR/><BR/>There is a big difference in what normal teenagers do in private and a TYC youth masturbating in the classroom - we are talking indecent exposure here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com