By TJJD Communications — This past April, which is National Volunteer Month, staff at some TJJD facilities talked with volunteers about why they devote their time to helping justice-involved youth and how they came to volunteer at TJJD. Their stories, in …
By TJJD Communications — This past April, which is National Volunteer Month, staff at some TJJD facilities talked with volunteers about why they devote their time to helping justice-involved youth and how they came to volunteer at TJJD. Their stories, in …
TJJD professionals gathered at the State Capitol to celebrate Juvenile Justice Professionals’ Day By TJJD Communications — On Wednesday, April 16 more than 100 juvenile justice professionals from across Texas gathered at the Capitol to be recognized by …
By David N. Krough, TJJD Communications — A small group of TJJD youth are starting to learn the ways of the “Zen Dog,” incorporating dog training skills with healing trauma and rooting out aggressive behavior in animals as well as humans. Last week, The …
By TJJD Communications staff — The Gainesville State Juvenile Correctional Facility recently hosted a three-day event in collaboration with Kairos Torch ministries. Six youth from the facility were joined by volunteer guides to help the youth understand …
Tim Tenpas, left, and the IT Connect team. By David N. Krough, TJJD Communications — After weeks – no wait, months. Actually, strike that. After YEARS of work, the TJJD Connect project is complete! Connect will make case management at TJJD a whole lot …
By David N. Krough, TJJD Communications — Dallas County Juvenile Probation Services staff want to make sure that youth they serve can complete their educational and treatment programs successfully and many times, it’s the little things that help out …
By David N. Krough, TJJD Communications — The Recreation Department hosted a track meet at Mart State Juvenile Correctional Facility over their spring break. Youth competed in shot put, discus, long jump and running events for the 100 and 200-meter dash …
Dr. Jacqueline Page By David N. Krough, TJJD Communications — Dr. Jacqueline Page, an expert in sexual behavior treatment, presented in Austin last week on family reunification training for juvenile justice staffers who work with youth who have abused …
John Deer tractor after refurbishment. John Deere tractor before refurbishment. By David N. Krough, TJJD Communications — The Agricultural Mechanics students at Mart State Juvenile Correctional Facility recently refurbished a tractor as one of their class …
By David N. Krough, TJJD Communications — There’s a lot more to just winning games when it comes to sports for youth at TJJD. The boys on the Lone Star High School Southeast Mustangs basketball team will attest that the taste of victory is sweet, but they …
Matt Smith By TJJD Communications — TJJD has hired a new member for its executive team to lead work on a statewide community-based continuum of care model. Former Williamson County Juvenile Services Assistant Director Matt Smith will be joining the agency …
Vicki Maestas By David N. Krough, TJJD Communications — Child trafficking survivors call Midland Juvenile Probation Officer Vicki Maestas the “teen whisperer” for her abilities to help them transcend trauma and begin healing. She has dedicated her life to …
By TJJD Communications Who wants to be in prison? No one right? Easy answer. But when you’re 15 and angry and unmoored, you may not be thinking about where you’ll end up after the next offense. Where you’ll be when you’re 20 or 25. You’re navigating in the …
With much of Central, East Texas and the Rio Grande Valley under a Winter Storm Warning from Monday afternoon or evening, Jan 20., through Tuesday, Jan. 21 (end times vary by region) TJJD announced these changes for some non-essential and district office …
Stephen Knight Spike Jr. By Barbara Kessler, TJJD Communications — The BARK dorm at Gainesville State Juvenile Correctional Facility celebrated a belated first anniversary last week in a ceremony that featured one of the dog owners the youth helped out …
Dr. Evan Norton, Psy.D By TJJD Communications — TJJD’s Dr. Evan Norton, (Psy.D), has been promoted to Deputy Executive Director, overseeing five departments at TJJD: Integrated Treatment, Medical, Probation, Parole/Reentry and Research. Dr. Norton, who has …
By TJJD Communications — The youth of Tamayo House are starting a new book this New Year for their book club. They met at the beginning of the month to finalize their selection for “Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul” (25th Anniversary Edition.) The book’s …
Due to the winter weather, Gainesville State Juvenile Correctional Facility employees who are non-essential do not have to report to campus on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. Staff who are sole-supervision certified and scheduled to work and providing direct …
By Lonestar High School Southeast Career Prep and Horticulture Teacher Laura Watts — Horticulture students at Giddings State Juvenile Correctional Facility have been busy assembling and learning how to maintain their new tower gardens. The indoor tower …
