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Mart Complex Adds Violent Offender Program

When the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support program came to the Mart campus and it was decided the Violent Offender Program would be part of the first wave PBIS dorm, the treatment team was prepared. This program is based on the highly successful and acclaimed Capital and Serious Violent Offender Program at Giddings, and incorporates much of the proven program into a campus-based treatment program for youth.

The dorm was extremely clean and organized, positive posters were everywhere, groups were taking place and program was followed to the letter. Incentives for good behavior motivated youth to perform and have a positive outlook towards the future. The program is not easy and changing internal culture and personal values is a difficult accomplishment but, with the help of the team, the dorm managed to be the star of Mart Complex and a model dorm.

The dedicated professionals managing the program include front line JCOs, JCO Supervisor Monica Coward, Case manager Alberta Riptoe, Dorm Supervisor Raquel Hightower and Program Supervisor Ana Matei. This team works around the clock to maintain and improve the program, the culture, and the untapped potential of the treatment. Now, since PBIS is officially part of the VOP, the entire team is thriving to be better, more specialized, have organized training for staff, have better motivation and incentive for good behavior and prepare youths to break the negative boundaries and become even stronger.

Photo: The VOP dorm mural, which was created by all the VOP youth participants.

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