Motivational Interviewing and Other Regional Training Available to Juvenile Probation Departments

AUSTIN, Texas – TJJD’s Juvenile Justice Training Academy offers Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a course for departments or regions to assist in the development of skills necessary to facilitate positive change in the thoughts and behavior of individuals. MI is a client centered, evidence based program that allows effective prosocial communication between people. This training provides a thorough introduction on how to use the program techniques to enhance communications between staff and youth and among staff. The 16-24 hour course begins with an overview of basic communication skills and principles of effective interventions. It is followed by stages of change models and the fundamental principles of MI. This interactive course was developed so participants engage in active listening with others, identify target areas for further exploration, and have the tools needed to respond in nonconfrontational ways.

If staff have already been trained in MI, TJJD also offers an 8 hour MI Booster training. This course serves as a review, update, and practice session to ensure sustainability of the skills developed in the initial training. In addition, participants will also receive training in advanced MI skills associated with evidence-based practices.

If you are interested in receiving additional information, or to schedule a training for your department or region, please contact Andy Fazzio at 512.490.7696 or Andy.Fazzio@tjjd.texas.gov.

TJJD’s Juvenile Justice Training Academy also offers a plethora of regional training opportunities to assist departments in providing employees with a unique training experience to enhance their professional development while attending training with peers from other probation departments. Each region has its own unique needs, and this training would allow regional representatives the opportunity to select from a menu of available training. The primary mission continues to be to advance organizational performance and individual development. Training options include over 30 topics to choose from. If you are interested in scheduling a regional training in your area, please complete the Regional Professional Development Training Request Form online, or you may contact John Kinsey at 512.490.7697 or John.Kinsey@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