Skip to main content

TJJD Implements New Training Curricula on Gang Awareness, Grooming, Suicide Prevention and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

TJJD has implemented a series of new courses designed to assist staff with additional tools to aid in the successful performance of their jobs.  The Juvenile Justice Training Academy (JJTA) will offer Gang Awareness and Grooming to both TJJD staff and probation personnel.  Suicide Prevention and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury is specifically targeted to TJJD staff, however, a revised version is currently being developed for probation personnel.  These courses will be implemented to all new and tenured staff.

Gang Awareness was developed by the JJTA with the assistance of Office of Inspector General and State Programs and Facilities.  This course provides a basic overview of gangs and gang-related behavior, including components of gang membership. Using scenario-based training, it allows participants to determine whether youth behavior is reportable as gang membership or activity.   The course also outlines reporting requirements for suspected gang activity.  This will be the first of a phased progression of courses in Gang Awareness.  At TJJD, each facility will also provide staff with a presentation by the Office of Inspector General to identify gang related issues and trends that are specific to that facility or region.

Grooming: Are You Vulnerable? was developed by the JJTA with the assistance of the Administrative Investigations and Treatment professionals.  This course covers grooming techniques youth use to manipulate staff into compromising their professional ethics and boundaries. This module also reviews the six types of people a groomer may target.  Participants self-assess using a checklist to determine their susceptibility to various grooming techniques used by youth. This course also provides staff with information regarding types of errors a staff member makes if being groomed and how to intervene on behalf of one another in an effort to protect staff and stop the grooming process.

Suicide Prevention was developed by the JJTA with the assistance of the Treatment professionals of TJJD.  This course introduces new employees to the policies and procedures governing the management of suicidal youth at TJJD. Staff will learn to identify the warning signs and symptoms found in youth dealing with suicidal behavior and five important points that when applied can help prevent suicide attempts by the youth under the care of the juvenile justice system. Staff will recognize how important a professional attitude is towards helping TJJD youth dealing with suicidal thoughts, actions, and behaviors.

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury was developed by the JJTA with the assistance of the Treatment Division of TJJD.  This course explains the difference between non-suicidal self-injury behaviors (NSSI) and suicidal behaviors. Staff will recognize the warning signs and motivating factors of NSSI. Staff will also learn what to do if they manage a youth who is pre-NSSI, committing NSSI, or post NSSI.

For more information, please contact Kristy Almager at 512.490.7125 or Kristy.Almager@tjjd.texas.gov or Chris Ellison at 512.490.7245 or Chris.Ellison@tjjd.texas. gov.

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

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 ...
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