TJJD Hosts Legislative Open House at Giddings State School

GIDDINGS, Texas – On June 28, 2017, TJJD hosted a Legislative Open House at the Giddings State School. About 40 guests converged on the campus to learn more about the work of TJJD and specifically about the Youth In Custody Practice Model and how it is being woven into facility operations. Guests were able to hear from the YICPM consultants, tour the facility, visit with youth and staff, and hear about how the YICPM will affect TJJD’s approach to serving youth in state facilities. It was a unique opportunity for Capitol office legislative staff and an elected official to see what the agency does, rather than simply hearing about it. Other guests included members of the Texas Juvenile Justice Board, a juvenile judge from Williamson County, the Independent Ombudsman, and representatives from partner agencies. Executive Director, David Reilly, said, “I believe that as more people ‘come and see,’ more will understand and fully support the work we do. This is in large part because guests can meet the facility staff and the youth that we serve. It’s the on-site and on the ground experience that makes all the difference.”

Guests toured several posts on campus, including the school, vocational programs, an area used for incentive activities, the newly established PAWS dorm and the security unit. They were led by facility staff and youth. Guests were also treated to lunch prepared by Principal Dennis Smith.

Staff from other facilities and around the agency also attended, to highlight the good work of each facility and several programs through informational booths that guests could visit throughout the day.

A lot of work went into planning this event and the list of people who contributed is long. They include Jorge Gonzalez, Charles Kelm, Anita Schwartz, Janet Sheelar, Frederick Horton, Dennis Smith, Donna Miller, Brenda Medack, Russell Falke, Wanona Posas, Eric Mattocks, Mark Satterwhite, Jason Stork, Tommy Ewing, Gary Clopton, Keith Kubena, Nathan Dunk, Calvin Berger, Wayne Rackel, James Mitschke, Steven Rackel, Carl Williams, Jerome Gordon, John Alamillo, Darla Michalk, David Groce, Chet Rittgers, Stephanie Collins, Boris Jumper, Thurman Sims, Monica Harrison, Barbara Moore, Tanya Ragston, Ramiro Hernandez, Terri Elliott, Olumide Ogunlabi, Victoria Evans, Ramiro Hernandez, Bennie Scott, Derrick Sneed, Ace Myrick, and Spencer Caldwell.