TJJD Implements Revised Curriculum for Juvenile Probation and Supervision Officer Basic Training

AUSTIN, Texas – TJJD’s Juvenile Justice Training Academy (JJTA) recently released revised curriculum for three mandatory topics to be used for juvenile probation and supervision officer basic training. The new materials include the full curriculum on Officer Safety and Mechanical Restraints, Customized Case Design, and Suicide Prevention and Intervention. The JJTA worked with the regional training officers, select field subject matter experts and internal technical authorities for input and review of the approved material. This new material should be used when training officers for certification.

Officer Safety and Mechanical Restraints is a 3.5 hour course that provides an overview of safety considerations when supervising juveniles in and out of an office setting. Participants will examine the proper application of mechanical restraints via scenario-based learning. This course is intended for juvenile probation officers.

Customized Case Design is a 5.5 hour course that considers fundamental concepts necessary for customized case design. Case management principles, including effective documentation and setting goals will be examined and participants will further create a case plan based on the newly implemented Texas Administrative Code standards. This course is designed for juvenile probation officers.

Suicide Prevention and Intervention is a 2.0 hour course that provides an overview of adolescent suicide through an examination of interventions that can be used to provide guidance and support for juveniles struggling with suicidal thoughts and feelings. This course is designed for both juvenile probation officers and juvenile supervision officers.

The new materials may be found online at TJJD’s JJTA Training Resources, or by clicking here (http://www.tjjd.texas.gov/trainingresources/login.aspx). When accessing the page, the curriculum is found under the respective "Mandatory Curriculum" and links to the lesson plan, participant guide, powerpoint presentation, and other applicable documents are available.

For more information, please contact Kristy Almager at 512.490.7125 or Kristy.Almager@tjjd.texas.gov or Chris Ellison at 512.490.7245 or Chris.Ellison@tjjd.texas.gov

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

TJJD News & Announcements

Search This Blog