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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.

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