Youth Diversions Begin

After nearly a year of organization and planning, TJJD is set to begin assisting counties with diverting eligible youth from state placements. The agency’s Regionalization Task Force, comprised of county probation chiefs from around the state along with other stakeholders, has met six times to develop guidelines regarding what type of youth will be best served in a regional placement as opposed to commitment to the state system. The Task Force also worked on a funding mechanism to ensure state funding for these diversions.

Beginning June 1, 2016, TJJD will begin accepting applications from counties to place youth who meet diversion criteria. By the end of Fiscal Year 2016, 30 youth will be diverted from state placement. In 2017, an additional 150 youth will be diverted. TJJD staff, county officials and providers have worked diligently to identify regional placement options that will provide youth with the appropriate services in a location closer to their families.

Once an application is received from a county, TJJD’s review team will examine the youth profile and treatment plan and select the best candidates for diversion. In cases with a short turnaround time, applications may be considered within five days. In all cases, counties will be notified prior to the youth’s court date whether the youth will be approved for diversion funding.

According to TJJD Executive Director David Reilly, “Our goal is to treat kids in the least restrictive environments possible. Keeping them closer to their families will increase the chances for positive outcomes.”

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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