Skip to main content

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.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

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. ...
Read more

IN MEMORY AND APPRECIATION: Trayce Haynes Alexander

Trayce Haynes Alexander, of Cat Spring, Texas passed away in April.  She was a JCO IV at the Giddings State School and began her employment with the Texas Youth Commission on January 5, 2009, as a JCO III.  She was promoted to a JCO IV on April 1, 2010.  Trayce was a hardworking, loyal and dedicated staff member and friend.  Her number one priority was the youth in her dorm and she would drive one hour and forty minutes everyday (even in ill health) to try to make a difference in the lives of the youth she worked with. She was well respected by both staff and youth due to her extraordinary work ethic.  The boys could always depend on her to hold them accountable. She is survived by her husband Geoff Alexander and two daughters, Kristyn and Robyn Alexander. Trayce was born on September 3, 1952.  She earned a BS from Southwest Texas State University in Law Enforcement.
Read more

The House of Eli

Situated on a quiet corner lot in a Sherman, Texas neighborhood is a turn-of-the-century home recently renovated to its former grandeur. And just as the house has undergone a renewal, those living inside the house are engaged their own transformations. House of Eli, Inc. is a transitional living home for boys ages 17-21. The driving force behind the home is Tawni Hodge, the home’s executive director and visionary who has discovered an outlet for her concern for young men in difficult situations. Hodge has a passion and expertise in working with young men from her years as a foster parent and her experiences as a chaplain working with juvenile services. Her vision of a home where young men could grow spiritually and emotionally, learn life skills and make lifelong family connections was enough to convince local community and business leaders to provide the necessary resources to make House of Eli a reality. Guidance is provided by Hodge, two additional house parents, and two...
Read more