Harris County JPD Hosting Interns

Student interns at both undergraduate and graduate levels rotate throughout the different divisions of Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD) providing exposure to all aspects of the juvenile justice system. During 2014 HCJPD hosted 21 interns collectively completing approximately 6,400 hours. Juvenile Probation Officers take on the assignment of teaching and mentoring, providing them professional and practical experience.

As a final project the interns prepare and deliver a presentation to the executive staff where they combine academic knowledge with practical experiences learned during their internship. HCJPD maintains a strong affiliation with local universities and continues to expand the current list to include universities from other states.

The HCJPD Doctoral Internship Program in Professional Psychology provides internship opportunities for students who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program in psychology (clinical, counseling, forensic, or school psychology). Each year, HCJPD accepts three full-time interns for a twelve-month paid internship. HCJPD is a member of the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC), and interns are selected through APPIC’s annual match process.

HCJPD is currently under review to be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) during spring of 2015. Interns are required to complete a minimum of 2,000 clock hours to be used towards licensure. Interns work at least 40 hours per week with at least 25% of the time devoted to direct services. Interns conduct assessments, provide individual, family, and group therapy, crisis intervention, and consultation services. During 2014, five interns completed approximately 4,800 hours; in addition to nine practicum students who completed approximately 2,500 hours.

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

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.

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