Mart Complex Adds Violent Offender Program

When the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support program came to the Mart campus and it was decided the Violent Offender Program would be part of the first wave PBIS dorm, the treatment team was prepared. This program is based on the highly successful and acclaimed Capital and Serious Violent Offender Program at Giddings, and incorporates much of the proven program into a campus-based treatment program for youth.

The dorm was extremely clean and organized, positive posters were everywhere, groups were taking place and program was followed to the letter. Incentives for good behavior motivated youth to perform and have a positive outlook towards the future. The program is not easy and changing internal culture and personal values is a difficult accomplishment but, with the help of the team, the dorm managed to be the star of Mart Complex and a model dorm.

The dedicated professionals managing the program include front line JCOs, JCO Supervisor Monica Coward, Case manager Alberta Riptoe, Dorm Supervisor Raquel Hightower and Program Supervisor Ana Matei. This team works around the clock to maintain and improve the program, the culture, and the untapped potential of the treatment. Now, since PBIS is officially part of the VOP, the entire team is thriving to be better, more specialized, have organized training for staff, have better motivation and incentive for good behavior and prepare youths to break the negative boundaries and become even stronger.

Photo: The VOP dorm mural, which was created by all the VOP youth participants.

McFadden Sends Youth Home with Backpack of 'Hope'

By Y. Denise Caldwell Community Resource Coordinator, Northern District Parole Office FLOWER MOUND, Texas - Larry Bossaler, McFadden volunteer McFadden Ranch Volunteer Larry Bossaler enjoys his assignment: Making sure that every youth who leaves the McFadden halfway house knows that people are praying for him and wishing him the best in his future. He is the man who brings them their “Good-Bye” backpack. When he delivers the backpacks, he makes sure to do three things – visit with the youth, show the contents of the backpack (because staff put them in the lockers until the youth leaves), and lastly close the visit with a heartfelt prayer. The youth enjoy and appreciate the backpack, the visit and the prayer. Many are a little anxious and scared to leave but knowing that the McFadden volunteers care enough to send them off in this special way, helps them feel a bit less worried. “I always bring an extra backpack,” Larry said. “In case a youth i

McFadden Ranch High School Graduates Honored

DENTON, Texas -- The Kiwanis Club of Denton recognized nine youth from McFadden Ranch who earned their high school diploma or equivalency by inviting them to their April 17 noon meeting and luncheon where they were awarded $50 each for their trust fund. Spearheaded by JCO IV Gregory Winn, a longstanding member of the Kiwanis Club of Denton, the event was truly memorable for the youth who attended. They heard a motivational and moving presentation by Texas Rep. Pat Fallon, who completed the Greatest Endurance Challenge – the World Marathon Challenge – tackling seven marathons in seven days on seven continents. He took the challenge after being inspired by Jonny Wade, a 7-year-old boy who battled pediatric cancer and had only one wish – ‘that no other kid ever gets cancer.’ Wade’s death led to the creation of Pediatric Cancer Foundation for which Fallon raised over $250,000 so far. Fallon, who represents a portion of Denton County, said the takeaway from his experience is that we

Teamwork Leads to Arrest Without Incident

GAINESVILLE, Texas – Late at night on July 21, a young man escaped from the Gainesville State School, and an exceptional team effort ensured that he was found the very next day. Employees from TJJD State Programs, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, local law enforcement, and TJJD Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigators from Gainesville, Brownwood, Mart, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin all answered the call that night. Sgt. Gabriel Medellin was contacted at approximately 2:00 a.m., on July 22. He left San Antonio for Gainesville at approximately 6:00 a.m. to meet with other investigators and begin searching for the youth. At approximately 12:25 p.m., Sgt. Medellin observed a male walking down a highway in Gainesville who matched the description of the youth. Sgt. Medellin made contact, confirmed his identity, and made the arrest without incident. He was assisted by OIG Sergeants Walker Willey (Ron Jackson) and Tom Hamilton (Mart). OIG Chief Forrest Mitchell s

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