TJJD Kicks Off Tattoo Removal Program

The TJJD tattoo removal program begins this month, with the first removal clinic is scheduled for January 28, 2016 at the Giddings State School. The program will have the use of the latest laser tattoo removal machine that is less invasive than previous machine and requires minimal wound care.
To utilize this service, a youth must make a request to his/her case manager for tattoo removal. The case manager will then take the request to the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) for review. Once MDT approves the request, consents from youth and parents will be obtained. Priority for removal services is given to tattoos that are visible on the hands, arms, face, or neck, or those that reflect gang affiliation. Then youth will be scheduled for an initial consultation with the Medical Director, at which time a treatment plan will be developed. Qualified and trained technicians will be doing the tattoo removal services.

Complete removal of a tattoo may require three to six sessions. Sessions are scheduled at six to eight week intervals. There will be some expectations of youth to participate in this program. For example, a youth will be removed from this service if he acquires additional tattoos or for being noncompliant with aftercare. While the program will begin with youth at Giddings State School, it will expand it to other facilities in the near future.

This is an exciting opportunity for our youth and for TJJD and this program will significantly improve their chances for success when they return to their communities.

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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