I worked as an Adult Probation Officer in Smith County, Texas and found working with Adults was not my thing. I worked in the private sector, made some money, but was not happy. Twenty three years ago I decided to make a career change and applied for a Juvenile Probation Officer position in El Paso County and have been here ever since. The best Professional decision I have made in my career!
What types of facilities do you operate?
We currently operate a 62 bed Detention Facility and a 40 bed Post Adjudication facility, AKA: Challenge Academy!
What programs do you feel have proven most successful?
In researching data from the front to the back end of our system, these are our noted successes. Our DP180 diversion supervision program has been able to divert 54% of our departments total referrals, with a 10% recidivism rate. Our Post Adjudication - Challenge Academy had a 68% recidivism rate five years ago. With our Challenge redesign model, the program has yielded great results with a current 13% recidivism rate. We have moved from a Boot Camp model to a Leadership Academy model. We still have a Para-military component, but it is NOT modeled as a” break them down to build them up,” we build on their resiliency and prepare future positive leaders through discipline, structure, education, preparation for adult living, therapy, physical fitness, faith base, gardening, music and the arts.
What do you see as the biggest challenges for juvenile justice in Texas?
I see one of the biggest challenges for Juvenile Justice in Texas is understanding that what works in El Paso may not work in San Antonio and vice versa. Each community needs to create programs that are tailored to their community needs. There is not a one size fits all. We’re just too big of a state and very diverse.
Are there any changes that you are considering in your county?
At this time, we are in communication with the El Paso Independent School District to partner with them in the establishment of an onsite Vocational Program for our detained youth to attend and receive certifications. Our Department was also selected to work with the Council of State Governments and the Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice in exploring our internal Juvenile Justice Reform. We will begin the process in September 2015.
What do you want others to know about your department?
I need other counties to know that I have the best staff in the State of Texas! They are the ones who make the magic happen. We have been so blessed to have the support of our District Court Judge, the Honorable Yahara Lisa Gutierrez, the Juvenile Board as well as Commissioners Court. Without their support, we could not do what we do for victims, youth and families.
When you are not working, how do you spend your time?
When I’m not working, I spend my time ”Picking.” I enjoy spending Saturday mornings at the local flea market, garage or estate sales. I got to the point of opening a small business where I have to follow my rule of one new item in the house, two items to the shop!
What is the best part of your job?
What job? This is a job?....LOL. I was told to find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life. I have arrived, I’m blessed, humbled and grateful to have the opportunity to serve. I am merely passing through and hope to leave a positive legacy for those who follow.
What advice would you give to a young new juvenile justice professional?
I recently attended the APPA conference and heard Antwone Fisher speak and this was my takeaway, “Before you leave on an airplane, the flight attendant provides safety instructions. They let us know in the event of an emergency, oxygen masks will fall from above, place them as such, secure yourself first then assist those around you.” So the take away is “It’s very important to take care of yourself first, then help others in need. You can’t give what you don’t have.”