SAN FRANCISCO JUVENILE HALL NEWSLETTER

“STRAIGHT OUTTA THE HALL”

November 2017

From the Desk of Chief Allen A. Nance

It’s that time

of the year

again! I can

always tell

when the

changing of

the seasons

arrives. Not

just because

the weather

is a bit

brisker in

the early mornings, or the leaves start to

change, or even the early rains as we start

the rainy season. No, these aren’t the

indicators that tend to get my attention the

most these days. It’s the offering of

Pumpkin Spice flavoring at the local

Starbucks! There is something about the

pumpkin that is underrated and yet

particularly appreciated by many. The

distinct flavor and alluring presence in

pop-up farms and patches, draws us to its

presence and sets the tone for the Holiday

Season.

This time of year, I also begin to reflect on

the past year and think retrospectively

about the things we have accomplished

and the goals we have yet to achieve. I am

grateful for the incredible staff who care so

much about the youths we serve in our

roles as surrogate parents when they are in

our custody and care at Juvenile Hall and

Log Cabin Ranch. I take pause to smile

and be thankful that we are given this

awesome responsibility that requires

wisdom, patience, and grace, and that so

many have taken on this awesome task,

freely, and without hesitation.

As you think about those signals and signs

of the season that are key markers for you,

give thought to those for whom you care

deeply and be mindful of our important

mission to serve the public. Also, take time

to enjoy a warm beverage. Perhaps, one

that contains a little pumpkin spice!

UNIT RECOGNITION

Last condition on Unit:

UNIT 1: 10/29/17

UNIT 5: 9/29/17

UNIT 6: 9/18/17

UNIT 7: 10/19/17

= Winner

Please see the Training Board, located in the sign-in area, for dates and times for the Real Colors, Instructor Development, and Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Youth and Young Adults in the Justice System Training.

CHIEF PROBATION OFFICERS OF CALIFORNIA (CPOC)

In October, the Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) celebrated A Decade of Progress, Probation’s Success with Juvenile Realignment with a two-day conference. The event included compliments from Governor Jerry Brown, Attorney General Xavier Becerra, Secretary of CDCR Scott Kernan, Director of DJJ Chuck Supple and several Chief Probation Officers from around the state. Chief Nance spoke about the transformation of juvenile justice reform in California and “The Next Decade of Juvenile Justice.” Kwanza Morton, Tony Hurley and Lisa Randall made a presentation on the our own JPD Juvenile Collaborative Reentry Unit (JCRU). Additionally, two of our successful youth spoke about their experiences with probation in San Francisco in front of the entire audience! Also, in attendance: ACPO Paula Hernandez, Juvenile Hall Director Luis Recinos and LCR Director Marc Humphries along with JPD staff listed below. A huge round of applause to those who attended and represented our Juvenile Probation Department so well!

Left to right: Chief Nance, Ms. Randall, Mr. Haynes, Director Humphries, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Hurley, ACPO Hernandez, Ms. Bill, Mr. Williams, Mr. Morton and Director Recinos.

TRAINING

TRAUMA INFORMED

The upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday can be traumatic for many who recall hunger,

isolation, and chaos. Considering the Trauma Informed Core Principles, we must remember those who do not associate the crispness in the air, the colored leaves that cover your path and the smell of fireplaces ignited by neighbors this time of year with compassion and dependability. Trauma can be overwhelming and creates a feeling of being isolated or betrayed making it difficult to trust others and receive support. The compassion and dependability you share with the youth in your care, and with your partners at work, fosters relationships conducive to re-establishing trusting connections with others that foster mutual wellness.

This Thanksgiving, strive to act compassionately with interactions demonstrating genuine expressions of concern and support. Seek to develop secure and dependable relationships characterized by mutual respect. Promote dependability and create trust buy communicating in ways that are clear, inclusive and useful to others.

Paula Hernandez, Assistant Chief Probation Officer

OTHER JJC REMINDERS AND INFORMATION

Please remember that there is no parking in the court designated parking spots as well as in the area marked for disability parking (unless you have a “DP” parking placard).

No School November 23 and 24, 2017.

**Next JJC All Staff Meeting Scheduled for Wednesday, December 13 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.**

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

GO WOODSIDE WARRIORS!

November 8, 2017 - JJC Youth vs. Olympic Club Basketball Game-6pm November 11, 2017 - Veterans Day November 23, 2017 - Thanksgiving

JJC KITCHEN

Thanksgiving is just right around the corner folks! Everyone loves being surrounded by family and friends, and of course: Black Friday Shopping!!! Oh, but what’s better than the shopping and FOOD! Here is what our youth will be enjoying on Thanksgiving Day:

STAFF RECOGINITON

Thank you to all the staff who participated and contributed to Combined Charities.

Every donation counts!

Congratulations to Counselor Rasmussen for winning the JJC in-house raffle for his

participation in Combined Charities Spaghetti Luncheon. Also, congratulations to Mr.

Guerrero and Mr. Recinos for winning the JPD 1st and 2nd raffle baskets.

Please WELCOME our new Buildings & Grounds Superintendent, David Quock!

JJC POLICIES

Yearly JJC Policy and Medical update training will be coming up soon. Dates and times will be posted on the Training Board.

LOG CABIN RANCH

“Warm thoughts and prayers of health and happiness to Ms. Ebony Thorpe as she begins maternity leave pending the birth of her first child.”

- Mark Humphries, LCR Director

HUMAN RESOURCES

Reminder Regarding Upcoming Observed Holiday Just a friendly reminder, the November 11 Veterans Day holiday falls on Saturday this year. Friday, November 10 is the observed legal holiday. Juvenile Probation Department must remain open on November 10, and the Department has made provisions for its minimum staffing needs. Employees will be compensated accordingly. All timekeepers and managers have been informed about observed holiday staffing and compensation. If you are not sure whether you are scheduled to work on November 10 or November 11, please discuss your schedule with your supervisor in advance.

PROBATION

If you think you are seeing lots of new faces in the administration building these days, it’s

because you are! We are excited to announce that over the next several months, we will be

on-boarding several new PO’s and Social Workers. Our Social Workers are the first to be

ready to come on-board.

• Rhonda Williams is a new Social Worker who started on 10/23. Rhonda has many

years of experience working here in San Francisco for Human Services. She will be

working in the JCRU Unit recruiting and supporting foster families.

• Natalia Topik will also begin her career with us as a Social Worker on 11/6. She

will also be working to recruit and support foster families.

• Therese Turcios, formerly of CJCJ, will be starting on 11/6. She will be in the

Placement Unit assisting youth who will be re-entering the community from long-

term placements.

• We are also very excited to announce that Juvenile Hall Counselor Joana

Fernandez has accepted a position as a Probation Officer and will be starting that

new position on 11/6.

• Jonte McQueen is a unit secretary who began her work in the Private Placement

Unit on 7/31.

The Research and Planning Unit is coming along with Holly Axe, Michelle Schurig

and Cody Xuereb. Holly and Michelle are quickly getting their feet wet with all that is “Title

IVE Waiver” and Cody with the co-management of Automon. We’re excited to have them on

board and we will keep you posted as the rest of the new staff trickle in!

Of course, for every “Hello,” there is a “Goodbye.” In the last several months, Probation

Services has had to say goodbye to several staff members:

• Social Workers Domingo Jarquin and Polina Abramson left the Department to

pursue promotional opportunities in other places as did Maria Batres.

• Probation Officers Beverly Becker, Margaret Walsh, Jose Ledon, and Kari

Totah have all recently retired after long and illustrious careers.

JJC PROGRAMS

On September 30, 2017, Juvenile Hall youth and staff celebrated Latino Heritage Month. A big “Thank you” to the members of Street Violence Intervention Progam (SVIP) for bringing in the Aztec Group to perform for everyone. The dancing was fabulous. Also, can’t forget the awesome food that was cooked for everyone by John Nauer and his team! In case you missed it here are a few pictures from the event!

BARBER SHOP FORUM!

On Thursday, October 12, 2017 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Juvenile Hall participated in the Barber Shop Forum. The Barber Shop Forum aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and citizens of the community by creating open and honest discussion between community members and local lawenforcement agencies. This is the first time a Barbershop Forum has been held in a Juvenile hall. The event was moderated by Paul Chambers of KTVU Channel 2. Law enforcement members from different agencies throughout the Bay Area came to meet and talk with our youth Juvenile Hall. The result of the forum was that our youth left the program feeling a sense of connection with those in law enforcement who are willing to support them upon release.

RAFFLE!

As we all know the holidays bring love, laughter, leftovers and some extra “love handles.” To help motivate you to kick start your fitness

routine, enter to win this workout basket by cutting out the following

coupon and returning it to Grewal or Cecy by November 30th.

Basket includes: Water Bottle, Earbuds, Armband, Protein Bar, Workout Bag, Workout Towel, “Straight Outta The Hall” T-shirt, 8lb Hand-weight.

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LETS GET FIT!

Name ___________________________ Division _________________________