By David N. Krough, TJJD Communications

It is whispered among those tasked with guarding the security and safety of the public that the biggest successes remain silent, while the smallest of failures can be deafening.

While there are so many stories of success out of TJJD every day, it’s not often enough that the life-changing stories of those who go on to achieve greater goals post-institution are amplified.

This spring, 23-year-old J.M. is one such success.

J.M. grew up in the Brownsville area and was sent to the Evins Regional Juvenile Center in 2016 when he was 15 years old for a five-year term. He was able to graduate from high school a year early, take college-level courses and enroll in the campus work program at Evins. This spring, he graduated with his Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Texas Southmost College, in Brownsville.

“I remember student (J.M.) very distinctly, because he was such a dedicated student here in school,” said Education Reentry Liaison Chris Lopez. “He always strived to do his best and earn the highest grade possible, often even taking homework back to his dorm.”

The TJJD Parrie Haynes Trust scholarship has played a big part in J.M.’s journey.

The scholarship was started when Texans Parrie Haynes and John C. Wende set up the Trusts in their wills to benefit the Corsicana State Home and orphans of Texas. The home later became the Corsicana State School and was a facility of the former Texas Youth Commission, now TJJD.

J.M. recalled that Lopez and Evins’ Academic Counselor Araceli Sanchez both worked to help guide him towards obtaining the grant.

“They reached out to me to inform me that I was actually approved for it,” J.M. said. “And that's when I was about to go back into school for my associates in general studies. (It) was perfect timing, in the sense that I got the aid I needed when I was about to start.”

To qualify for the scholarship, a student must already have their diploma or GED, had experience in the loss of a parent by death, incarceration, or parental rights, complete the application process and write an essay for acceptance.

“The students discharge at different times and most of the time we catch them before so we can at least get an application and explain the benefits to them before they just walk out the door completely,” TJJD Reentry Trust Fund Coordinator Myra Chandler explained. “We try to plant this seed of higher education or even a vocational or technical certification. You know, the trust will also fund and we want the youth to be aware of the opportunity, you know, that's available to them through the trust,” according to Chandler.

“(J.M.) was definitely a student that stood out from a crowd,” Sanchez said. “He was serious in his determination to achieve educational success and make his family proud. Teachers and colleagues that worked with him speak of him often as being a great success story, considering the environment he was in.”

Lopez explained that once J.M. was motivated to continue his interest in post-secondary education in the community, they helped him complete his college application and even got a furlough approved so he and the JCO staff could bring him to take the SAT. From there, J.M. was able to finish up the scholarship application process and essay.

Taking on opportunity at TJJD

During his time at Evins, J.M. said he felt his opportunities were somewhat limited, but he took on everything he could, earning his high school diploma a year early in 2018. He also dove into any number of courses to obtain certifications, as well as taking advantage of college-level courses.

“I guess I took it as a learning experience. I tried to make the best of it . . . I did the agricultural certificate, some carpentry . . . I took advantage of the college courses,” he recalled.

J.M. also completed a lifeguard certification in a program that partnered with the Red Cross.

“I was kind of exploring different career paths,” he said of his time at Evins. “I was thinking about welding, eventually pursuing a degree in that or dentistry.”

That path eventually led him to the healthcare field.

“It's been a pretty good career choice, actually. Since being a recipient of the scholarship offered through TJJD, I actually acquired a certificate that allowed me to go into the nursing field and I (now) enjoy it quite a bit,” he said.

Once in nursing school, J.M. said it was very challenging. He had taken the general studies before moving into the prerequisites of basic sciences, anatomy and physiology.

“I was a bit nervous but, I just feel like I kind of just set my mind to it and I didn't want to limit myself … I want to try and fail before even giving up and not trying at all.”

J.M. said his time in the nursing program also had the unique challenge of being during the COVID pandemic, which enabled him to integrate some of his learning into an evolving and challenging situation.

From school to work

Currently, J.M. is working at a trauma level two hospital in the area.

“I've definitely had a little bit of everything, I guess. I'd actually had to initiate compressions on a patient and kind of resuscitate them. I had the opportunity to see how. Every discipline kind of comes together and just homes in on that one patient.”

“I had the respiratory team come in and pretty much intubate, help manage the airway. I had a physician come in and kind of coordinate the medications, the health history. I had other nurses on the unit come in and help with establishing intravenous switching on compressions and I was pretty much just there coordinating, pretty much letting the new emergency team come in and updating them on the patient's status. (Reviewing) what medications were last given, any abnormal rhythms that were coming in.”

“That's when I first had the opportunity to kind of put everything I learned in school together, because it was not only an emergent situation that called for quick thinking, but also I had to communicate very efficiently, because it was a matter of time kind of thing.”

Looking back on his time with TJJD, J.M. said he saw “a little bit of everything.”

He described his time there as “just trying to focus on yourself, improving anything you can while you're there taking part,” and reaching for any opportunities.

He recalls telling himself to not get discouraged over waiting for his release and to focus on his education.

“It's worth it, any little investment that you do for yourself, whether it's just getting your high school diploma or taking any certification classes that they offer or college courses. It definitely helps upon release, whether it's continuing education or landing a first job.”

“I wish J.M. nothing but the best in his bright future. I am humbled to learn of his success and how I may have helped him on his way to a great future,” Lopez said.

Sanchez noted that she had spread the word to her Evins’ colleagues about the graduation this week.

“We are all very proud of him and wish him nothing but success in the future. It’s refreshing to hear news like this and gives us hope that his success can repeat with other students,” she said.

For now, J.M. is getting ready for his national nurses' licensing exam and hoping for a full-time position in the intensive care unit at his hospital.

By David Krough, TJJD Communications

JCO Brandon Thibodeaux

Juvenile Correctional Officer Brandon Thibodeaux started working at Giddings State School in the Capital Offender dorm in 2015.

“I came to Giddings just looking for a job to make ends meet, not knowing that it would turn into a job that I enjoy coming to,” he said.

Thibodeaux credits his parents, along with his training staff Aretha Bradford and Stephanie Collins, for helping him to become a part of the great team that works there today.

“My mother has worked for multiple college financial aid departments throughout her career after serving in the Army. My father has worked for Waller County sheriff department for Lord knows how long, after serving in the Army as well. Their dedication and work ethic has inspired me to work hard and be an example for others.”

Working with the Capital Offender Group Thibodeaux said, has been his favorite part of the job so far, watching how the youth start in group(s) and go through the process, all the while learning about themselves and their peers.

“I have learned to be more patient and look for the reasons behind peoples’ behavior and not the actual behavior they present,” he said.

“A.C. was one youth I (will) never forget. He was charismatic and knew his policies to the point where I had to learn them to ensure that myself and staff members could quote them as well as he could.”

Thibodeaux said he especially enjoys the dorm during down time playing dominoes or spades along with heading outside for athletics and other games.

“My age and old bones make it hard, but it's in me to compete,” he added.

Long hours on the job can be difficult he said, if you don't know how to manage your time.

“Being a JCO is not for the weak of heart. The youth will test you mentally like every teenager does, (it’s) just that you have multiple ones doing it at once. If you can get past that, then you'll have a blast working with them and trying to lead them down a better path.”

“Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”

 

JCO Tia Morris

Tia Morris has served as a Juvenile Correctional Officer with McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility, in Mart, for nearly two years.

Morris used to work in the adult system and moved to TJJD, motivated to help kids avoid becoming a part of the adult justice system.

“With kids, it's different. There's an aspect of molding that can take effect with the right people in the right environment, with the right circumstances, you might be able to just kind of … (help shape) what their mentality is of their life when they get out.”

Morris says the best part of her day in being able to what is called “depositing emotional coins,” just checking in with the kids to let them know she is available to help and listen.

She enjoys going into the dorms for playing spades and shooting hoops or playing volleyball,

“I'm able to just go around and hang out and, check in with the ones that have maybe been too quiet to make sure that their mental health is up or … talk to the ones who have been too loud and ‘like, hey … it's ok, but you’re bringing a lot of heat on yourself that you told me you don't want. Are we still watering those seeds that we planted as far as who we see yourself as compared to who we are in the everyday aspect? If you're not putting in those 1% better each day (coins) - we're not going to get to our goal.”

Morris says she explains to the youth that how we grow from hardships is what makes us better as people.

“It's OK to be angry, but it's how your anger may affect other people that matters. I find that most times when I communicate with a kid or I'm counseling with a kid, they really either just want to be heard or hugged or helped.”

Morris recalled how she helped out one of her most challenging students after a confrontation where she just asked the girl to come outside and talk.

“About 15 minutes in, she starts crying, (she said) ‘I want to be who I see myself as, but it doesn't match up with the environment that I'm in.’ I just told her the calmest place to find yourself is going to be the same way it is in a tornado. It's going to be in the eye of that storm and everything around you is going to seem like it's spinning … in a complete disarray and it's, it seems like you can't hold on to it. But if you find a sense of peace within yourself, nothing here will matter because it's all temporary, you're either going to make it or break it.”

“And regardless of how it goes, I need you to understand like it's your choice. These are your stories and only you have to live with your choices and your actions.”

That student ended up earning her GED and was released just a few months later and it was clear, Morris said, that her teachers and other staff had seen remarkable and positive changes in that time.

“I may not be able to reach every kid but reaching that one can reach another. It only takes one, to change a nation and sometimes that one can be that kid that I met, nine months ago. Or it could be the kids you meet tomorrow. It's worth it, the bad days and the good days. We’re not just changing lives, we’re paving ways to better futures.”

 

JCO Julissa Muro

Julissa Muro has been a Juvenile Correctional Officer at the Evins Regional Juvenile Center in Edinburg for nearly two years. 

Muro worked with youth in a foster home setting previously in her career and was already trained in trauma-informed care before coming to TJJD.

JCOs like Muro in the Redirect Program (RDP) work to prevent violence among youth who have serious rule violations. Muro says the majority of kids there need more direction to stay productive and positive during group times within their dorm.

“I consistently bring in board games, encourage my youth to express themselves with their music and art,” she said. “When possible, we encourage them to showcase their athleticism either outside by running ball game tournaments in our courtyard or workout challenges. If a youth is willing to express themselves positively, I will always be willing to lend a hand to help make things work out for them.” 

Muro cites her mother, who has worked for 40 years as a teacher and her 91-year-old grandfather as her inspirations.

“My grandfather (is) the epitome of how hard work pays off and to always be willing to extend a hand … (he never) changed his mannerisms and compassion for those in need and he has always reminded me to keep myself humble, take care of my work, and be willing to take risks for the betterment of your future.” 

Muro recalled the story of working with one 15 -year-old with whom she was able to eventually build a relationship in the RDP group.

“He would act up, there was no stopping him. He would commit to whatever trouble he was going to get himself into,” she said. “Even though we had our ups and downs, I remember he was getting ready to leave to another state school to continue his treatment when he started crying to me and another peer.”

The boy eventually admitted to Muro that he was scared that he wasn't going to find staff that cared about him the way he felt the staff at Evins had treated him. Ultimately, he saw them as positive role models.

“At that moment, I had some kind of confirmation that I was doing something right here and that I would continue to not give up on those who have given up on themselves,” she said. 

“At the end of the day, I am aware I work what is ultimately the field of corrections (but) I have learned to implement how to be unbiased, being more mindful about practicing what I preach and lastly being aware of my surroundings yet keeping calm and collected,” Muro said.

“A large portion of our youth have already experienced more adversities than many of us will ever see in a life time so what are we to gain by adding fuel to a fire? Maybe it's just the way I was raised or the people I've worked with who have strongly engraved this into my mindset, but I truly believe (our compassion) is what will help one be successful here.”

 

JCO Stevie Turner

Stevie Turner is a veteran Juvenile Corrections Officer at the Gainesville State School. Turner has been with TJJD/TYC for nearly 30 years, and also has worked at McLennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility, in Mart.

In addition to job security and the benefits of working for TJJD, Turner said he finds working with kids from all different walks of life is one of the most inspiring aspects of being a JCO.

“Working with them - keeping them on the right path and then showing them how to be right and be held accountable for their behaviors and hopefully - be successful, successful young men,” Turner said.

Turner attributes a lot of success he’s seen in youth over the years to providing leadership skills.

“A lot of the kids that I've dealt with over the years - once they get out of the agency, out of the facility, a lot of them want to join the service, you know, like some of them end up going to the Marine Corps (or) to the Army. (They) turned out to be good soldiers or whatnot,” Turner said.

He’s also worked with plenty of youth in obtaining scholarships and many have gone on to success in family life and raising kids.

Turner’s recipe for youth success is: a blend of consistency and a sense of responsibility.

“(Don’t) give up, be fair and consistent and just hold the youth accountable. Teach them discipline, give them structure,” Turner said.

Lessons for TJJD youth also can work into the life of a JCO.

“(The job) taught me to have a lot more patience, whether it be personal life, it's also given me the, necessary skills that maybe not only that the kids were learning, but it helped me as a staff member and also in my personal life as well, learning certain coping skills and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills and things like that to help me be better off,” Turner said. “Not only the kids but myself and my family life as well.”

With so much experience as a JCO, Turner is an inspiration to those fresh on the job.

“It's going to be challenging. It's got its days, weeks and moments every day to even this day. Now it's still challenging for me. I've been doing it over 30 years, but you just have to be fair and consistent and provide discipline and the structure and hold them accountable,” Turner said. “Try to be a positive role model and give them some leadership skills.”

 

 

  

 

By David Krough, TJJD Communications

Addressing the need to maintain mental health for those who work in corrections is an obvious necessity – but somewhere between employees on the front lines and the population in custody, it seems that the team leaders are often the ones getting left behind.

Dr. Rosemary Ricciardelli presented on the topic at the Impact of Mental Health on Leaders in a Correctional Setting at the Barbara Jordan Building, in Austin, on Monday, April 22. About 150 juvenile justice professionals from TJJD and probation departments across the state attended.

Ricciardelli is a highly credentialed professor and published author in the fields of corrections, prisons and wellness. She is the research chair in Safety, Security, and Wellness at the Fisheries and Marine Institute at Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Ricciardelli began her talk by explaining how corrections employees are often the last stop for society in dealing with the incarcerated – likely the most traumatized population in society.

“If you’re working in a prison you’re working with the most vulnerable people in society and you’re not celebrated,” Ricciardelli says.

Her research includes a large study of 900 corrections staffers done in Ontario, the results of which Ricciardelli said, have since been replicated across the provinces in Canada.

Ricciardelli says a staggering 59 percent of those corrections staff surveyed in her studies showed signs of some kind of mental health disorder. The top three being major depression, posttraumatic stress and anxiety. Despite the researchers’ findings, many participants reported never accessing formal mental health supports.

The categories for stress-related mental health conditions include: operational stress injuries – diagnosable mental disorders encountered on the job by first responders and public safety workers; post-traumatic stress injuries resulting from being exposed to such events and moral injury – which can come from having to compromise deeply held moral, ethical or spiritual beliefs while participating in on-the-job events or even from legal or bureaucratic consequences.

And aside from being on the front line of conflict in corrections’ populations, the top two most stressful situations reported on the job are dealing with colleagues and management. Combined, those two issues add up to 50% of stress level. That was followed by the stress of having to adapt to the constant changes in legislative policies and understaffing.

In the field of corrections, there are several unique issues in dealing with mental health that are not present in most other professions, Ricciardelli said.

Among those, is the necessity of staff and management to remain detached emotionally from people in their care, while at the same time, balancing sometimes highly-charged and traumatic situations, with the need to maintain extreme confidentiality.

“We tell everyone not to display their emotions (while on the job) then get upset when they don’t talk about what is bothering them,” she says. “We can all present how we react (but) we can’t (always) control how we feel inside.”

Managers Face Unique Set of Issues

Corrections managers have the delicate position of being tasked with the responsibility of those under them, as well as feeling the pressures from government agencies and the public to whom they serve – often in the position of leaving their own mental health needs for last, Ricciardelli says.

Respondents in one survey said often times after a potential psychologically traumatic event (PPTE) managers took care of their corrections officers, but often were just expected to go right back to work themselves.

In her surveys, about 60 percent of managerial level staff reported receiving formal training and education for addressing the mental health of others in their but only about 30 percent reported addressing their own mental health.

Those who work in correctional justice settings face many of the same situations as other first responders such as police, paramedics, firefighters and the military.

But one major difference in dealing with a traumatic scene, is that most have the ability to remove themselves from the physical location where a situation may have happened. In corrections, Ricciardelli said, the traumatic situations happen in their daily workplace – where afterwards, inmates “just have to go to their room.”

“That space is your (work) space and you will always relive that.”

This also extends to parole and probation situations to the point where corrections workers are nearly surrounded at all times with their subjects and the consequences of their decisions at work.

Vicarious trauma can also be experienced by others around them, but not necessarily every potential trauma encounter is “psychologically” traumatic, Ricciardelli explained.

“Trauma is not on a hierarchy because you don’t know what (specifically) is going to impact you.”

Solutions: Recognize Impacts and Corrections Workers as First Responders

One proposal to help address mental health issues involves reclassifying corrections officers as state-recognized first responders along with fire, police and medical services. This could help expand training and other incentives for mental health care.

A major issue in dealing with potential psychologically traumatic events is the post-event investigation, whether it be interdepartmental or from a higher-level agency, be it local, state or federal.

“The process itself makes you feel like you did something wrong, even if your actions aren’t wrong, it’s a split-second decision,” Ricciardelli says. “We need to say ‘at some point you will be investigated’ (to) make it normalized That will help ensure transparency and hopefully elicit support from coworkers.

“We all have to own our behaviors – if you own, it you might get in trouble, if you cover it up - you’ll get in a lot of trouble.”

The point of all of this research of course, is not to broad-brush everyone as a potential victim of trauma or even a mental health case, but to recognize the signs before it’s too late, according to Ricciardelli.

“People not recognizing when their health may be compromised – (with) a gradual onset and (then it) keeps getting worse because we wait. It becomes harder to get the help we need. If we don’t recognize it, how do we act?”

Most importantly, what are corrections leaders in a position to do about all of it?

More training is an obvious first choice, along with the other ideas of team building exercises to promote more interconnectedness and reduce interpersonal conflicts.

Regular mental health appointments should also be encouraged – off-site to maintain confidentiality as well as being non-mandatory, to ensure more honesty.

Making broad cultural changes in an institutional setting, Ricciardelli says, is kind of like turning around a cruise ship – if done too quickly, there runs the risk of damaging the structure, but more effective changes come over time with gradual shifts in policies.

“If psychology were like gravity - it might work every time, but not every solution works for every person.”

The first place to start is with self-care, Ricciardelli emphasized, listing the “ABCs” of self-care – Assess where one is doing well and what to focus on; Build on existing activities, skills and interests; and commit to sustainable self-care.

“Don’t make it an unachievable goal.”

(At TJJD, employees needing assistance with mental wellness may contact the agency’s wellness counselors at .)