TJJD News & Announcements

The Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter threw a “Very Merry Un-Birthday Party” on April 13 at the McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility (MCSJCF) in Mart. Forty-four youth and 111 family members attended the “Alice in Wonderland”-themed party and spent the afternoon playing party games together. Volunteers with the McLennan County Community Resource Council for Troubled Texas Youth served hotdogs, chips, cupcakes, and punch/water to the youth and their families. Families were permitted to bring an “un-birthday” present to their child during this event, in lieu of a gift for their child’s actual birthdate, which is not allowed. The gifts had to be one of four designated items - a pair of socks, a pair of house shoes, an age-appropriate book or a pair of pajamas, in black, white or gray or some combination of that. All gifts were inspected as family members entered the facility, and turned over to staff. Mary Garrity, family liaison, organized the Family...

EDINBURG, Texas – Evins Regional Juvenile Center celebrated the Easter weekend by having a daylong family event. The day was filled with food, music, a variety of games, and an Easter egg hunt for Evins youth and youth that have children. The event was partially funded by volunteers and the Evins Volunteer Council, now renamed the South Texas Youth Council. PHOTO: Father and son enjoying a beautiful day at Evins Easter egg Hunt

AUSTIN, Texas – The Family Supports Department has obtained a new strategy to keep families informed of happenings in the agency. A family newsletter is being published on a quarterly basis. The first edition was released in July of 2016. Departments from across the agency are providing information that is helping families stay connected to their youth. The newsletter is available on the TJJD webpage and is mailed to each youth’s home address. The newsletter is entitled The Family Connection and is published in English and Spanish. The link to the English copy of the newsletter is accessed at the bottom of the Family Services page using the link below. www.tjjd.texas.gov/programs/family_support_services.aspx

GAINESVILLE, Texas – On January 19, 2017, Gainesville State School hosted Breakfast and Bingo for the Gainesville youth and their families as well as their mentors. Youth and family members enjoyed breakfast, played bingo, took pictures and enjoyed visiting with one another. A total of 100 people were in attendance for this event. The Gainesville Student Support Council sponsored the event and provided the meal, bingo prizes, and photographs for both the youth and the family. Due to the great success of the event, Gainesville State School plans on making this an annual event. Photo: Family members visit with their youth at the Breakfast and Bingo event.

AUSTIN, Texas – In 2008, TJJD began an annual family survey to determine how families feel about their child’s rehabilitation progress. The survey is available on the TJJD website and allows families to rate various issues such as education, medical care, case management, youth safety, and other areas of interest. The survey has also been provided to family members during visitation weekends and through mail outs. Survey results provide information on family views and provide guidance for areas of improvement. In 2016, the agency collected 457 responses from family members across the state. 386 responses were in English and 71 in Spanish.

The focus of TJJD’s Family Liaison services is to increase the family involvement in the rehabilitation of youth by developing, organizing, implementing, and overseeing family engagement activities at each facility. The agency has moved from family-informed care to family-involved care and sees families as assets in rehabilitation efforts and successful community re-entry. Family Liaisons coach, educate, support, and encourage family members to participate in and help administer the rehabilitation plan for their youth. Opportunities for family participation come during regularly scheduled campus activities, family-focused seminars and forums, contact and web-based visitation, and multi-disciplinary team meetings. In March 2008, TJJD administered the first satisfaction survey to families regarding their perception of TJJD services. Those survey results established a baseline from which to measure improvements. In an effort to boost participation, this year’s survey was accessible ...