Texas Juvenile Justice Department Press Releases

• Published on May 5, 2023 - 21:10 GMT

  Patty Garza has one of the 'best jobs' at TJJD coordinating interns, volunteers and parole programs for the South Region

  By John McGreevy, TJJD Communications This isn’t a problem for Patty Garza, the Community Relations and Family Coordinator for TJJD’s South Region.   South Region, she explains, “means the region above Waco, down through the Valley and over through El Paso …

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• Published on April 27, 2023 - 22:58 GMT

  Ayres House youth listen to and feel the sound of calm during a 'sound bath'

  By John McGreevy, TJJD Communications The staff and volunteers at our facilities are always looking for new ways to help the youth in our care learn to regulate their emotions. Recently, the youth and staff at TJJD’s Ayres Halfway House, in San Antonio, …

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• Published on April 10, 2023 - 20:01 GMT

  This National Volunteer Month TJJD salutes the dozens of volunteers who share their time and skills with TJJD youth

  By John McGreey, TJJD Communications Martin Luther King, Jr. said “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” This especially comes to mind right now as April is National Volunteer Month. TJJD’s core objectives are to help shape the lives of the …

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• Published on April 7, 2023 - 16:30 GMT

  Giddings State School showcases student accomplishments at Open House and Family Day

  By TJJD Communications   The Giddings State School was proud to host an Open House and Family Day at the campus on Saturday, March 25.   Family and loved ones spent time with their youth while visiting the campus and touring the Lone Star High School …

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• Published on March 24, 2023 - 16:59 GMT

  Jennifer Brown embraces her mentoring role as assistant superintendent at Gainesville State School

  By Barbara Kessler, TJJD Communications   The challenges might come in the form of behaviorally challenged youth or a leadership conundrum. Either way, she applies the skills she’s honed – listening, mentoring, building rapport – to help others navigate …

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• Published on March 16, 2023 - 21:39 GMT

  Evins Campus Volunteers Faithfully Serve Youth and Their Families with Meals, Events and Donations

  By Fidel Garcia, Community Volunteer Coordinator, Evins Regional Juvenile Center Last month, the Volunteer Council serving the Evins campus, in Edinburg, sponsored an Easter family event and helped a family that was struggling financially so that they …

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• Published on March 16, 2023 - 21:17 GMT

  Spotlight On: Monica Harrison, Manager of Operations, Giddings State School

  By John McGreevy, TJJD Communications Everyone who excels in their work has their own style, their own approach to how they go about it. What Monica Harrison brings to the job is her love of working with the youth in TJJD care. “I enjoy working with them …

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• Published on March 10, 2023 - 22:53 GMT

  Dr. Henry Schmidt joins TJJD as Director of Structured Programming and Accountability

  By Barbara Kessler, TJJD Communications Texas Juvenile Justice Department is pleased to welcome Henry Schmidt III, Ph.D., a former clinical director for Washington State’s Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration, as the agency’s Director of Structured …

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• Published on March 9, 2023 - 23:35 GMT

  Youth at Gainesville State School 'bubbling with enthusiasm' over new vocal program led community volunteers

  By John McGreevy, TJJD Communications Some talented and hard-working students at the Gainesville State School are getting the chance to express themselves in a creative and educational way with the launch of a regular program of vocal workshops.   It …

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• Published on March 7, 2023 - 16:46 GMT

  Spotlight On: Willie Brown, Supt. of Schaeffer House

  By Barbara Kessler, TJJD Communications Willie Brown knows that seeing a brawny guy like him playing Barbie dolls would probably draw a chuckle. But that’s OK with him because he is a man of many of varied passions and commitments. He loves weightlifting …

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• Published on February 27, 2023 - 23:00 GMT

  Longtime TJJD Board member Jimmy Smith leaves a big legacy

  By Barbara Kessler, TJJD Communications TJJD bid farewell and wished a happy retirement to longtime board member James "Jimmy" Smith at the last TJJD Board meeting, held in February.  Smith was appointed by Gov. Rick Perry to serve as one of the …

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• Published on February 9, 2023 - 18:41 GMT

  Stichin for the Journey Group Delights Ayres Halfway House Youth with Donations of Handcrafted Quilts

  By Patty Garza, Community Relations & Family Coordinator, Ayres House and South Parole Ayres Halfway House, in San Antonio, has been blessed to partner with “Stichin for the Journey,” a group of San Antonio area quilters with remarkable talents and big …

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• Published on February 8, 2023 - 02:25 GMT

  TJJD's online Caregiver Training series resumes this month, helping loved ones with their youth's transition home

  By John McGreevy, TJJD Communications Starting February 21, TJJD resumes its Texas Model Training for TJJD Youth Caregivers and Families. It’s an interactive training series that offers family and caregivers an overall approach to understanding the Texas …

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• Published on February 2, 2023 - 22:48 GMT

  Weather Update for Friday, Feb. 3

  With the winter storm continuing to affect much of Texas, TJJD announced these modifications for Friday, Feb. 3, 2023.  This Inclement weather notification is for the following locations for Friday, February 3, 2023: Fort Worth District Office Gainesville …

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• Published on February 2, 2023 - 04:21 GMT

  Weather Related Changes for Thursday, Feb. 2

  With the winter storm continuing to affect much of Texas, TJJD announced these modifications for Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023.  This notification is for the following locations for Thursday, February 2, 2023: Fort Worth District Office Gainesville State School …

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• Published on January 30, 2023 - 23:23 GMT

  TJJD Weather-Related Changes for Jan. 30 & 31

    As winter weather moves into Texas, TJJD made this announcement today, Monday, Jan. 30: Expected winter weather conditions today and tomorrow will impact the following locations: Austin Central Office Ayres Halfway House Fort Worth District Office …

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• Published on January 27, 2023 - 23:12 GMT

  Carter and Team Visit Secure Facilities, Halfway Houses and Probation Departments

  By TJJD Communications Executive Director Shandra Carter, Chief of Staff Sean Grove and other TJJD leaders kicked off the new year by visiting all five secure facilities, where they met with the superintendents and local leadership teams. The mission: To …

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• Published on January 23, 2023 - 20:00 GMT

  TJJD Youth Make and Donate Rocking Horses to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas

  Working with the youth in our care, their success is measured in many ways. High on the list is when they can experience firsthand the importance of doing something for others, for their communities. In this instance, youth from the Giddings State School …

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• Published on December 7, 2022 - 16:17 GMT

  Gainesville hosts huge Family Day event for Thanksgiving

  By TJJD Communications Gainesville State School hosted a large and lively Family Day event for Thanksgiving, with dozens of families and youth enjoying a Chick-fil-A lunch donated by the Potter’s House of Dallas followed by musical entertainment by the …

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• Published on November 30, 2022 - 22:59 GMT

  Ayres House celebrates recent graduate who's going on to college

  By Barbara Kessler, TJJD Communications Many youths come to TJJD behind in school, often years behind grade level. That they were not focused on school is no surprise. Some spent their energy elsewhere, while others lacked the support they needed to …

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