volume vi number 2 spring 2018 - texas probation association

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION ARTICLES Severe Emotional and Behavioral Problems: Barriers for Texas Youth Accessing Mental Health Court Programs By Justin J. Joseph, M.A. Prairie View A&M NEWS FROM THE FIELD Volume VI Number 2 Spring 2018 JOURNAL OF T HE T EXAS PROBATION ASSOCIATION

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Page 1: Volume VI Number 2 Spring 2018 - Texas Probation Association

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION

ARTICLESSevere Emotional and Behavioral Problems:

Barriers for Texas Youth Accessing Mental Health Court ProgramsBy Justin J. Joseph, M.A.

Prairie View A&M

NEWS FROM THE FIELD

Volume VI Number 2 Spring 2018

Journal of The Texas ProbaTion associaTion

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TEXAS PROBATIONVolume VI Number 2 Spring 2018

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President:Chris ThomasJasper CSCD121 N. Austin Rm 301Jasper, TX 75951(409)-224-7151

Vice President:Iris Bonner-LewisHarris County JPD1200 CongressHouston, TX 77002(713)-394-4340

Treasurer:Karma ChamblessMatagorda CSCDP.O. Box 2279Bay City, TX 77404(979)-245-4569

Secretary:Kirbie HumbleJasper CSCD121 N. Austin Rm 301Jasper, TX 75951(409)-224-7158

Parliamentarian:Toby RossDenton CSCD650 S. Mayhill RoadDenton, TX 76208(904)-349-3300

Secretariat:Angela SemarSam Houston State UniversityHuntsville, TX 77341936-294-3073

Juvenile Discipline:Linda BrookeTarrant JPD2701 Kimbo RoadFt. Worth, TX 76111(817)-838-4600

Juvenile Discipline:Aris JohnsonGregg County JPD1102 E. KilpatrickLongview, TX 75606(903)-758-0121

Juvenile Discipline:Ed CockrellJefferson County JPD5326 Hwy.. 69 SouthBeaumont, TX 77705(409)-722-7474

Adult Discipline:Mike WolfeTaylor County CSCD301 Oak St.Abilene, TX 79602(325)-674-1247

At Large:Billie Jean BramWharton County JPDP.O. Box 3038Wharton, TX 77488(979)-532-2465

Adult Discipline:David RowanLubbock/Crosby CSCD700 Main StreetLubbock, TX 79401(806)-755-1200

At Large:Roger ArredondoHidalgo County CSCDP.O. Box 970Edinburg, TX 78540(956)-587-6000

At Large:Bradley WilburnShelby CSCD114 Hurst St.Center, TX 75935(936)-591-4171

Adult Discipline:Greg Dillon, PhDDallas County CSCD133 N. Riverfront Blvd. 9th f lDallas, TX 75207(214)-653-5183

Alumni Board Member:A.C. BerryWilliamson County JPDFlorence, TX 76527(512)-635-3088

Texas Probation is published quarterly (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall) by Sam Houston Press and Copy Center in Huntsville, Texas, for the Texas Probation Association. The contents of articles or other materials contained in Texas Probation do not reflect the endorsements, official attitudes, or positions of the Texas Probation Association or the George J. Beto Criminal Justice Center at Sam Houston State University unless so stated. Articles may be reproduced without charge as long as permission is obtained from the editor and credit is given to both the author and Texas Probation.

CONTENTSPRESIDENT’S LETTER .................................................................................................... 1

ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION ...................................................... 2

ARTICLESSEVERE EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS: BARRIERS FOR TEXAS YOUTH ACCESSING MENTAL HEALTH COURT PROGRAMS ................................3By Justin J. Joseph, M.A.

NEWS FROM THE FIELD ............................................................................................. 10

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

April, 2018Howdy!

I hope this message finds everyone enjoying a wonderful spring! The Texas Probation Association is preparing for an educational and fun-filled conference in Galveston on April 15th through 18th. The conference planning committee members have been working diligently to provide a memorable conference for all who attend. After all, TPA has not been to Galveston in twelve years!

Your co-chairs for the conference, Glenn Watson of Galveston JPD and Francesco Coppola of Galveston CSCD have done an outstanding job with the agenda and socials. Sunday evening State Representative Dr. Gregg Bonnen will speak at the opening session. Monday morning at the R. Allison Joyce Prayer Breakfast we will have House Corrections Chairman James White in attendance. Glenn and Fran decided to try something new for a social. Monday evening there will be a crawfish boil. For those of you who love mud bugs, it will be a treat.

In addition to continuing to provide training and networking opportunities at conferences, your board of directors has provided much needed support to your juvenile and adult legislative committees. Your juvenile committee chair is Linda Brooke. Your adult co-chairs are Arnold Patrick and Mike Wolfe. Each of these folks spend countless hours on the phone, as well as on the road to and from Austin and points in between, working tirelessly for the betterment of our profession. As I write this message, they are preparing to attend a House Select Committee hearing on opioids on Tuesday, March 27th.

The April 18th House Appropriations Committee hearing will examine the funding structure the Legislative Budget Board uses to fund adult and juvenile probation. The adult committee has tried for years to identify the funding formula. Not until December of last year were

they able to obtain this formula during a Senate Finance interim hearing.

We encourage all TPA members to become more familiar with each of the committees and their functions. As you, a member of TPA, become more involved in activities of the Association, we hope you will encourage your colleagues to also become members, thereby further strengthening our Association. This increase in membership is one of the goals of your board of directors.

In working toward the goals your board has identified, we hope to have more of our members directly involved with committees and other activities. If you or anyone else you know is interested in becoming a member of any committee, please feel free to contact any board member or committee chair. We look forward to working with many new committee members as your association grows.

With all of this in mind, consider your role in YOUR association. Get involved! Great learning opportunities, professional development, and lifelong friendships await you.

See you in Galveston!Christopher B. ThomasTPA President

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ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION

TPA 2018 Annual ConferenceThe Texas Probation Association 2018 Annual Conference is Sunday April 15, 2018 through Wednesday April 18, 2018 in Galveston, TX at the lovely Moody Gardens Hotel. Hopefully you have registered to attend and are participating in the Bob Thomas Memorial Golf Tournament! As usual we have an excellent array of vendors and some very interesting sessions. And, don’t forget about the Crawfish Boil Monday April 16, 2018 from 6–9 p.m.!

Advanced Education Scholarship Nominations for the TPA Advanced Education Scholarship were due March 16, 2018. Winners will be announced at the upcoming conference. The Advanced Education committee awards a $200 scholarship (or more) to be used for trade/technical school or college to deserving probationer(s) who have made commendable progress while on probation. The probationers may be active or closed within 30 days, and they must be between the ages of 16 to 25, who have made commendable progress while on probation with a $200.00 scholarship or more to be use for trade/technical school or college.

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SEVERE EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS: BARRIERS FOR TEXAS YOUTH ACCESSING MENTAL HEALTH COURT PROGRAMSBy Justin J. Joseph

Justin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehead State University in Kentucky. He also received a Master of Arts degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology from Morehead State University. He is currently a doctoral student attending Prairie View A&M University. He has teaching experience both at Morehead State University and Prairie View A&M. His overall research interest concentrates on developing more effective techniques for evaluating and diagnosing antisocial personality disorder and psychopathy in low socioeconomic communities. Justin was also a volunteer intern at Georgia Diagnostic and Classification prison during the summer of 2014.

ARTICLES

IntroductionThe children advocacy organization, Children at Risk,

(CAR, p. 81, 2012) has written, “Many of the Juvenile Mental Health Courts in Texas will deny admission into their respective programs if the juvenile is referred to detention with a property crime such as robbery, a violent referral, a sexual offense, or are significantly involved in a gang.” Several of these youth cases relate to conduct disorder (Osho, Joseph, Scott, & Adams, 2016; APA, 2013; Skeem, Polascheck, Patrick, & Lilienfeld, 2011; Frick, 2009; Frick 2006; Frick, 2002); therefore, Texas Juvenile Mental Health Courts may inadvertently ignore a youth subpopulation suffering from psychological issues. This article questions whether these referral practices inadvertently discriminate against a subset of juveniles and then provides policy recommendations.

Children at Risk (2013) reported approximately 20,000 minors in Harris County require psychological services. Unfortunately, roughly 5,000 youth receive the services needed. For instance, in 2014 and 2015, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) reported most Texas youth diagnosed with psychological illness and substance abuse problems did not receive treatment. Furthermore, in 2016 the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute for Texas (MMHI) revealed there are over 500,000 adolescents with diagnosable severe emotional disturbances (SED) in Texas. Severe emotional problem behaviors adversely affect an individual’s performance. These severe emotional and problem behaviors include but

are not limited to ADHD, conduct disorder, and depression (SAMHSA, 2015, 2014; APA, 2013). Secondly, a majority of youth suffering with SED are 200% below the poverty line; therefore, they lack the resources to access the services to improve. Thirdly, over 150,000 adolescents cope with serious SEDs such as conduct disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar, and depression, and approximately 30,000 youth with SED remain in the school to prison pipeline. Unfortunately, CAR (2013) reports that typically, youth mature unaware of their psychological issues until they are diagnosed by a professional in the justice system. Therefore, mental health courts are necessary considering their ability to divert vulnerable youth from the justice system (CAR, 2012; 2013).

Texas Juvenile Mental Health CourtsJuvenile Mental Health Courts (JMHC) were developed to

remedy youth court issues such as processing and ineffective monitoring. The goals of these specialized courts are (1) increasing and maintaining public safety, (2) enhancing the quality of life for participants, (3) reducing recidivism amongst juveniles, and (4) providing a cost-effective method for dealing with youth in the justice system (CAR, 2012). JMHCs provide numerous advantages for handling adolescents in the justice system, which are (1) utilizing a multidisciplinary approach to develop individualized treatment plans, (2) prioritizing community-based referrals over residential treatment, (3) being cost-effective, (4) reducing recidivism, (5) fostering collaboration between the

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juvenile justice system and mental health service providers in the community, and (6) undertaking a multi-pronged approach for handling referred youth (CAR, 2012).

Juvenile Mental Health Courts employ a separate docket amalgamated with local mental health authorities, judicial officials, probation officers, and public defenders. This team manages juveniles identified with psychological issues in the justice system. Juvenile Mental Health Courts require consent from the legal guardians of selected youth and are entirely voluntary (CAR, 2012). Through identifying the psychological needs of youth, collaborating with community psychological services, and positive reinforcement JMHCs accomplish successful rehabilitation efforts for juveniles in the justice system (CAR, 2012). The majority of Texas Juvenile Mental Health Courts concentrate on pre-adjudicated youth, and after successful completion, the charges are dropped and sealed, while failure results in experiencing the conventional juvenile justice process. The only court that works with convicted youth is in El Paso, which serves as an alternative to traditional probation (CAR, 2012).

The CAR publication (2013) described the mental health docket for the Harris County JMHC as significantly different from criminal or civil cases. The docket starts with the court psychologist interviewing the youth regarding his/her progress since the last visit. These inquiries concentrate on activities during leisure. Youth making adequate process may report engaging in pro-social activities throughout the community. Otherwise, adolescents struggling report boredom and ineffective use of spare time (CAR, 2013). The parental involvement concentrates on assisting youth to accomplish their goals, to attend counseling sessions and courts dates, and to take prescriptions, if applicable. Finally, the role of the judge reflects that of a social worker or guardian. The judge focuses on assisting adolescents with setting attainable goals such as drafting a paper, house chores, and increasing community involvement. Furthermore, the judge is provided the opportunity to develop a rapport with the juvenile, and to effectively administer positive and negative reinforcement to facilitate positive behavior (CAR, 2013). This environment fosters pro-social development amongst youth while removing negative stereotypes for both parents and youth of the justice system, without labeling the family.

In Texas, juveniles must be diagnosed with an Axis I psychological illness for consideration in these specialized courts. Many disorders associated with severe emotional and behavioral problems fall under these broad categories. Secondly, youth must have a willing, supportive adult to participate in the program because Texas JMHCs utilize the wrap around method for treatment. The wrap around method involves providing treatment, educational, and training courses for the family. For instance, guardians may receive

education on advocating for their child/children within the school system or locating services to assist their families.

Some programs, such as those in Travis and Harris Counties, are stricter in their eligibility requirements. For instance, Travis County (Austin, TX) states that (1) juveniles cannot be charged with a sexually related offense, (2) the pending charge should be unrelated to truancy or running away, (3) there are no previous convictions, (4) the juvenile must have an Axis I diagnosis, (5) the diagnosis must be comorbid not just conduct disorder or substance abuse disorder, (6) the juvenile is appropriate for deferred prosecution, and (7) guardians or parents must be willing to participate (CAR, 2012). Conversely, eligibility in El Paso involves: (1) risk of home removal, (2) previous conviction, (3) Axis 1 diagnosis other than or in addition to substance abuse, mental retardation, autism, or pervasive developmental disorder, and (4) Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score below 50. Furthermore, El Paso does not screen every juvenile for psychological issues in the youth justice system (CAR, 2012).

Juvenile Mental Health Courts in Harris County, where Houston is located, accept youth between 10-17 years old with (1) a mental health diagnosis (2) a charge that is either a misdemeanor or felony offense, and (3) family members willing to participate in the program. Ineligible juveniles are those who (1) are charged with a sexual offense, (2) have a substance abuse problem, (3) suffer from mental retardation, and (4) have significant gang involvement (CAR, 2012). Therefore, statewide Juvenile Mental Health Courts lack consistency regarding which youth are deemed eligible for participation.

Validity of Mental Health Screening Devices Utilized in Texas

Youth in Texas detention centers receive the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Second Version (MAYSI-2) and the Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). Scholars assert that the MAYSI-2 and CGAS suffer from various issues of reliability and validity (Kerig, Moeddel, & Becker, 2011; Lundh, Kowalski, Sundberg, Gumpert, & Landén 2010; Ford, Chapman, Pearson, Borum, & Wolpaw, 2007; Schorre & Vandik, 2003); therefore, the reliance of these instruments throughout the Texas Juvenile Justice system may be problematic. The MAYSI-2 is a 52 item self- report survey designed to examine a juvenile’s psychological risk and characteristics in juvenile justice settings. The instrument encompasses seven subscales: (1) Alcohol/Drug, (2) Angry-Irritable, (3) Depressed-Anxious, (4) Somatic Complaints, (5) Suicide Ideation, (6) Thought Disturbance (boys only), and (7) Traumatic Experiences (McCoy, Vaughn, Maynard, & Sales-Wright, 2014; CAR, 2013; Kerig, Moeddel, & Becker, 2011). The CGAS, an adaption of the Global Assessment Scale, is a unidimensional scale utilized to evaluate

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functional impairment (Lundh, Kowalski, Sundberg, & Landén, 2012). The scale on the CGAS ranges from 0 (insufficient information) to 100 (superior functioning) in 10 point increments (Australian Mental Health Outcomes and Classification Network (AMHOCN), 2017; Lundh et al. 2012). Scores within the range of 71 – 100 suggest normal to superior, 70 – 51 indicate mild to moderate emotional and psychological functioning, and 50 and below are significant for externalizing behaviors that facilitate contact with the juvenile justice system (CAR, 2013; AMHOCN, 2017).

The MAYSI-2 is an empirically validated and reliable instrument, yet it is susceptible to errors associated with most self- report instruments (Collins, Grisso, Vahl, Guy, Mulder, Hornby, Pronk, Markus, Doreleijers & Vermeriren, 2015; McCoy, Vaughn, Maynard, & Sales-Wright, 2014; Kerig, Moeddel, & Becker, 2011; Archer, Simonds-Bisbee, Spiegel, Handel & Elkins, 2010; Ford, Chapman, Pearson, Borum, & Wolpaw, 2007). This screening device is vulnerable to (1) state and trait features at the time of administration, (2) response styles (social desirability, random responses, exaggeration, under-reporting), (3) recall, and (4) time constraints of detention centers (McCoy, Vaughn, Maynard, & Sales-Wright, 2014; Kerig, Moeddel, & Becker, 2011; Archer, Simonds-Bisbee, Spiegel, Handel & Elkins, 2010).

Several studies found evidence of validity and reliability of the Children’s Global Assessment Scale in youth and raters (Schorre & Vandik, 2003; Shaffer, Gould, & Brasic, 1983). Schoure and Vandvik (2003) performed a content analysis of 74 papers examining various aspects of the CGAS. The authors report that only five studies examined the inter-rater reliability of CGAS and yielded somewhat mixed results; two studies found moderate reliability between mother interview, all information, and child interview. They also found the CGAS has significant face validity, yet inconsistency regarding concurrent validity. Finally, CGAS is more useful for predicting outcomes and examining change in comparison to diagnosis and multi-dimensional scales (Schoure et al., 2003). Lundh, Kowalski, Sundberg, Gumpert, and Landén (2010) utilized a quasi-experimental design in a sample of 703 raters to examine inter-rater reliability of CGAS. The authors found moderate inter-rater reliability amongst evaluators with no prior training on the CGAS. Finally, untrained raters were less likely to recognize psychological dysfunction than expert reviewers. Therefore, it is probable that the instruments utilized are not effectively examining the underlying processes involved in psychological illness. Consequently, this results in numerous juveniles receiving an inappropriate diagnosis.

Referral ProcessJuveniles are taken into custody and transported to a

designated juvenile processing office, where they remain for up to six hours (Texas Attorney General Juvenile Justice

Handbook (TAGJJH), 2016). While at the processing office, the child must be monitored by his/her guardian, parent, or attorney. Following this, adolescents not released are transported to a youth detention center (TAGJJH, 2016). While at the detention center or intake, youth are provided a mental health assessment and have a hearing. At the hearing, juveniles are referred to JMHC, Juvenile Drug Court, Juvenile Court, or adult certification (CAR, 2012; 2013). This process may differ by county. For instance, in Austin youth are referred by the Travis County Juvenile Probation Center, probation officers, attorneys, and judges. While in the Probation Center, youth are screened with the MAYSI-2; if a psychological illness is suspected they undergo a 90 day assessment determining eligibility for JMHC (CAR, 2012). Following this, the case is examined by a JMHC team comprised of the Mental Health Court Project Judge, an Assistant District Attorney, a Juvenile Public Defender, the Collaborative Opportunities for Positive Experiences (COPE) Coordinator, two deferred prosecution officers devoted to COPE cases, and a psychologist. Once participants are selected, the probation officer meets with the family at the residence to discuss the program and offer the opportunity to participate (CAR, 2012).

Contrarily, El Paso youth are screened for psychological illness during intake and release because their program concentrates on post-adjudicated youth. The probation officers, juvenile court judges, and attorneys have the ability to refer youth to Juvenile Mental Health Courts in El Paso. The referred cases are reviewed by a team comprised of the program coordinator, judge, probation officers, counselors, public defender, prosecuting attorney, and case managers over a period of a week (CAR, 2012). Following this, each member except the judge has half a vote to decide whether or not to accept the case, with the judge being the tiebreaking vote. Finally, a referral packet including (1) SNDP referral form, (2) pre-disposition report, (3) psychological/psychiatric evaluation, and (4) available mental health history must be sent as submitted by the coordinator. Therefore, after reviewing this evidence, youth referral experiences are contingent upon the goals, location, and resources of the program.

Conduct DisorderConduct Disorder (CD) is the downward extension of adult

psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder to juveniles. This psychological illness is represented by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior which (1) ignores the basics rights of others, (2) disregards age-appropriate societal norms, (3) engages in the infringement of rules, and (4) displays callous-unemotional traits (Frick, 2016; APA, 2013). The American Psychological Association (2013) states “that to be diagnosed with conduct disorder criteria in the past 12 months, the child must display one of the categories below,

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with at least one criterion present in the past six months” (p. 469). These symptoms involve (1) aggression to people or animals, (2) destruction of property, (3) deceitfulness or theft, (4) serious violation of rules, and (5) possession of both academic and occupational impairments (APA, p. 469-470, 2013). Under these broad terms are symptoms identified in the criminological literature as delinquent. The APA (2013) reports actions associated with CD involve bullying, lying, fighting, temper tantrums, theft, setting fires, cruelty to people or animals, truancy, sexual assault, substance abuse, vandalism, and disregard for authority.

Throughout the extant literature, youth with conduct disorder traits (e.g., severe callous-unemotional) predict serious, stable, and aggressive patterns of antisocial behavior (Kahn, Frick, Youngstrom, Youngstrom, Feeny, & Findling, 2013; Reidy, Tremblay, Lilienfeld, 2011; Skeem, Polaschek, Patrick, & Lilienfeld, 2011; Pardini & Fite, 2010; Frick & White, 2008). For instance, Pardini and Fite (2010) examined the incremental utility of conduct disorder (CD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms ability to predict outcomes in various areas. Utilizing a sample of 1,517 adolescent males, the authors found that CD symptoms are the most significant predictor of future delinquency. Jain, Pattanayak, Bhargava, and Dhawan (2016) performed a case study and found a link between CD and substance abuse.

There is a significant amount of comorbidity amongst youth with CD symptoms such as ADHD, ODD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse disorder (Frick, 2016; Pott, Neldhard, Gutenbrubber, & Becker, 2014; Skeem et al., 2011; Loeber, Burke, Lahey, Winters, & Zera, 2000; Riggs, Leon, Mikulich, & Pottle, 1998; Reebye, Moretti, & Lessard, 1995). Satterfield and Schell (1997) found that males with CD and ADHD were less likely to have favorable outcomes in comparison to their non-comorbid counterparts. More recently, Morder, Groholt, Kjelsberg, Sandstad, and Myhre (2011) longitudinally examined if youth suffering from co-occurring disorders involving CD and other disorders were more likely to perpetrate criminality. They observed that hyperkinetic conduct disorder and severe CD youth predicted delinquency. Intriguingly enough, those suffering from comorbidity were insignificantly related to future antisocial behavior. Sibley et al. (2011) investigated the outcomes of youth with ADHD comorbidity and without. The authors found that youth with CD and ADHD were at risk for various types of delinquency (e.g., theft, robbery, and assault, etc.).

Finally, the empirical literature examining conduct disorder and delinquent provides evidence that this severe emotional behavior problem increases youth propensity to perpetrate various forms of criminality (e.g. mild to severe). Secondly, merged with other severe emotional behavior problems, the likelihood of the involvement increases tremendously. Therefore, it is likely that youth (1) involved

in gangs, (2) charged with sexual offenses, (3) perpetrating burglary or theft, and (4) possessing violent referrals, may be a consequence of underlying psychological issues, which have not been previously diagnosed.

Effectiveness and Composition of Juvenile Mental Health Courts

Various Juvenile Mental Health Courts display a significant amount of effectiveness in successfully assisting youth suffering from psychological illnesses, which facilitated their initial arrest (CAR, 2012; 2013). Children at Risk (2012) reported in 2007 that in the Travis County JMHC, 65.2% of the juveniles successfully completed the program and did not recidivate during the first half of the fiscal year. In 2008, 69.1% of the participants successfully completed the program, and 34.8% recidivated within the following year. In 2009, 82% successfully graduated, with 33% recidivating within the year (CAR, 2012). At the JMHC program located in Harris County, 79% of youth successfully completed the program, accompanied with a 14% recidivism rate. Finally, in El Paso during 2008, 83% of participants successfully completed the program, and 16% recidivated the following year. Recently in 2010, of the 77% participants that completed the program, 16% recidivated within the following year. These results should be interpreted with caution because new arrests, outcomes of arrest, and prior adjudications were unknown during the evaluation (CAR, 2012). Furthermore, there is only a 2% difference between El Paso JMHC participants and non-participants (CAR, 2012).

The majority of these programs are comprised of youth suffering from severe emotional and behavior disturbances (CAR, 2012; 2013), and display significant effectiveness. For instance, Travis and Harris County, and El Paso participants suffered from severe emotional and behavioral disturbances such as mood disorders, depressive disorders, major depressive disorder, disruptive behaviors, Bipolar, and ADHD. Furthermore, both El Paso and Harris County possess a significant number of youth with a violent referral and A/B misdemeanors. Overall, these programs display effectiveness remedying some behaviors (violence, theft) associated with conduct disorder. Secondly, the methods utilized by JMHC have been empirically proven to be effective for treating conduct disorder (Nam & Bahr, 2016; Ronan, Davies, Wikman, Canoy, Jarret & Evans, 2016; Barkoukis, Reiss & Dombeck, 2008).

Recommendations and ConclusionsThere are numerous reasons Juvenile Mental Health

Courts ignore a subset of youth that make contact with the juvenile justice system, which are (1) funding, (2) psychometric instruments utilized for pre-screening, (3) selection bias, (4) restrictions regarding comorbidity, (5) separation of drug and mental health courts, and (6)

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developing more JMHC statewide. Considering, the issues evident in JMHC the probability of ineffectively detecting conduct disordered youth is a reality. Therefore, the development of policies addressing these issues will significantly decrease the probability that conduct disordered youth are ignored.

Evidence suggests both instruments have validity and reliability (McCoy, Vaughn, Maynard, & Sales-Wright, 2014; Collins, Grisso, Vahl, Guy, Mulder, Hornby, Pronk, Markus, Doreleijers & Vermeriren, 2015; Shaffer, Gould, & Brasic, 1983; Schorre & Vandik, 2003); reviewing empirical literature examining the MAYSI-2 and CGAS, it can be concluded the MAYSI- 2 has fewer issues concerning validity and reliability. Furthermore, both are not useful alone for psychological diagnosis due to their design weaknesses. Unfortunately, the MAYSI-2 is the only instrument youth are required to take within the first 48 hours. Therefore, the CGAS is administered at the discretion of the practitioner. This is problematic, considering the lack of inter-rater reliability and diminished ability to detect psychological dysfunction amongst untrained professionals. Therefore, practitioners should be required to administer the CGAS within this period or another psychometric instrument. This will increase the validity and reliability of the pre-screening process throughout the state of Texas. Furthermore, disseminating the weaknesses to practitioners and administrators regarding these psychometric instruments will allow conscientious interpretations.

The first policy should concentrate on the reallocation of funding for Juvenile Mental Health Courts throughout the state. This could be done in several ways, first merging both substance abuse and mental health courts designated for juveniles, considering the fact substance abuse and mental health services are funded independently. Implementing this requires policy makers and state practitioners to recognize the comorbidity of substance abuse and psychological dysfunction, and their complex relationship with delinquency. Evidence suggests numerous mental health issues are comorbid with substance abuse including conduct disorder (Pott, Neldhard, Gutenbrubber, & Becker, 2014; Skeem et al., 2011; Riggs, Leon, Mikulich, & Pottle, 1998). However, Juvenile Mental Health Courts in Texas do not admit youth suffering from substance abuse problems; these juveniles are referred to Juvenile Drug Courts (CAR, 2012; 2013). This restriction makes it difficult to detect conduct disordered youth who are also suffering abuse disorders who may benefit from mental health interventions.

Secondly, programs in other areas have provided evidence of successfully treating both psychological illness and substance abuse issues simultaneously (CAR, 2013). For instance, the Crossroads program in Ohio merges both mental health and substance abuse courts, and report a significant amount of successful graduations coupled with

low recidivism rates (CAR, 2013). Furthermore, approaching both together will make these programs more efficacious. For example, examining the healthcare expenditures for Texas in 2015, if both had been merged mental health programs would have received an additional $83,000,000 (Texas Health Care Spending Report (THCSR), 2015).

Thirdly, specifically allocating money for mental health services alleviates the stress other tax payer programs bear (CAR, 2013). For instance, CAR (2012; 2013) report that numerous Juvenile Mental Health Courts report a lack of resources, staff, facilities, and insurance coverage. Therefore, allocating funds to combat some of these issues may be extremely effective. For instance, providing funds that assist families paying for these services will allow JMHCs to accept more cases. Furthermore, funds exclusively appropriated for mental health allow JMHCs to increase partnerships throughout communities and regions in their location.

Once resources are allocated, another policy requiring a statewide standard for inclusion and exclusion criteria for Texas Juvenile Mental Health Courts should be established. This policy should explicitly state that youth refused admission for gang involvement, sexual offense, substance abuse, violence (e.g., serious & minor), and theft must have undergone an extensive psychological screening before the decision. The screening must last 120 days before a final decision is reached, considering the DSM-V states symptoms must persist at least six months before a diagnosis of conduct disorder (APA, 2013). Therefore, providing practitioners with additional time to evaluate referred juveniles may increase the validity of their diagnosis resulting in acceptance. Furthermore, this policy compels mental health specialists to consult with other professionals involved in JMHCs regarding their decisions to include or exclude juveniles. This policy removes the probability of selection bias, cultural misinterpretation, and issues associated with the current MAYSI-2 and CGAS. Since youth perpetrating these delinquent behaviors are typically refused admission into Juvenile Mental Health Courts, adopting these policies is vital.

Evidence suggests that the methods utilized by Juvenile Mental Health Courts are effective treatments for conduct disordered youth (CAR, 2012; Eyberg et al., 2008; Webster-Stratton, Reid, 2004; Henggler & Lee, 2003). A majority of minors involved in these delinquent acts (1) are victims themselves, (2) come from impoverished neighborhoods, (3) possess several neurological malfunctions, and (4) lack a support system (Rain, 2013; Frick, 2006; Chapple & Hope 2003; Rosenfeld, Bray, & Egley 1999). Similarly, a majority of conduct disordered youth suffer the same plight (Frick, 2016; 2006; 2002). Finally, expanding the amount of JMHCs in large cities will provide youth who have psychological issues the opportunity to receive treatment. Several cities

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could benefit from the development of Juvenile Mental Health Courts such as Hidalgo, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Tarrant County. Extending the reach to these counties will provide youth suffering from conduct disorder and other psychological issues to receive treatment within their areas. Furthermore, these policies should decrease the phenomenon termed the “cradle to prison pipeline” throughout the state and the number of juveniles referred for adult certification.

Implementing these policy recommendations will provide and require practitioners throughout criminal justice to critically examine more severe psychological issues. Considering the overwhelming evidence of abuse perpetrated within youth detention centers and prisons by staff, adult inmates, and youth inmates (Annie E. Casey Foundation, (ACF) 2015; CAR, 2013; Mendel, 2011), these facilitate may exacerbate CD symptoms. Adoption of these recommendations will require a significant amount of funding but will increase chances that the juvenile justice system can provide juveniles, especially conduct disordered youth, with assistance. Conduct disordered youth may be viewed by juvenile justice practitioners as future criminals due to their behavior problems and personality deficits. The evidence that conduct disordered youth can be effectively treated utilizing methods implemented in Juvenile Mental Health Courts is apparent.

ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and

statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5®). American Psychiatric Pub.

Annie E. Casey Foundation (2015). Maltreatment of youth in U.S. juvenile corrections facilities Baltimore, MD:

Archer, R. P., Simonds-Bisbee, E. C., Spiegel, D. R., Handel, R. W., & Elkins, D. E. (2010). Validity of the Massachusetts youth screening instrument–2 (MAYSI–2) scales in juvenile justice settings. Journal of personality assessment, 92(4), 337-348.

Australian Mental Health Outcomes and Classification Network. (2017). Rater and Clinical Utility Training Manual Child and Adolescent. Retrieved from http://www.amhocn.org/sites/default/files/publication_files/ca_rater_clinical_utility_training_manual.pdf

Barkoukis, A., Reiss, N., & Dombeck, M. (2008). Diagnosis of Conduct Disorder. Retrieved March 24, 2017, from https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/diagnosis-of-conduct-disorder/

Chapple, C. L., & Hope, T. L. (2003). An analysis of the self-control and criminal versatility of gang and dating violence offenders. Violence and victims, 18(6), 671-690.

Children at Risk. (2012) Texas juvenile mental health courts: An evaluation and blueprint for the future. Dallas, TX: Sanborn, R., Lew, D., Hazeltine-Shedd, R., Kimball, S. M.

Makany-Riveria, T., Sanborn, R., Kimball, S. M., Lew, D., SoRelle, R. Children at Risk. (2013) The state of juvenile justice in Texas Dallas, TX.

Eyberg, S. M., Nelson, M. M., & Boggs, S. R. (2008). Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for children and adolescents with disruptive behavior. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 37(1), 215-237.

Ford, J. D., Chapman, J. F., Pearson, G., Borum, R., & Wolpaw, J. M. (2008). Psychometric status and clinical utility of the MAYSI-2 with girls and boys in juvenile detention. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 30(2), 87-99.

Frick, P. J. (2002). Juvenile psychopathy from a developmental perspective: Implications for construct development and use in forensic assessments.

Frick, P. J. (2006). Developmental pathways to conduct disorder. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 15(2), 311-331.

Frick, P. J., & White, S. F. (2008). Research review: The importance of callous-unemotional traits for developmental models of aggressive and antisocial behavior. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 49(4), 359-375.

Frick, P. J. (2009). Extending the construct of psychopathy to youth: Implications for understanding, diagnosing, and treating antisocial children and adolescents. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 54(12), 803-812.

Frick, P. J. (2016). Current research on conduct disorder in children and adolescents. South African Journal of Psychology, 46(2), 160-174.

Henggeler, S. W., & Lee, T. (2003). Multisystemic treatment of serious clinical problems.

Jain, S., Pattanayak, R. D., Bhargava, R., & Dhawan, A. (2016). Early-onset heroin use and its link to conduct disorder: Clinical and management challenges. Journal of Mental Health and Human Behavior, 21(2), 129.

Kahn, R. E., Frick, P. J., Youngstrom, E. A., Kogos Youngstrom, J., Feeny, N. C., & Findling, R. L. (2013). Distinguishing primary and secondary variants of callous-unemotional traits among adolescents in a clinic-referred sample. Psychological assessment, 25(3), 966.

Kerig, P. K., Moeddel, M. A., & Becker, S. P. (2011, October). Assessing the sensitivity and specificity of the MAYSI-2 for detecting trauma among youth in juvenile detention. In Child & Youth Care Forum (Vol. 40, No. 5, pp. 345-362). Springer US.

Loeber, R., Burke, J. D., Lahey, B. B., Winters, A., & Zera, M. (2000). Oppositional defiant and conduct disorder: a review of the past 10 years, part I. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 39(12), 1468-1484.

Lundh, A., Kowalski, J., Sundberg, C. J., Gumpert, C., & Landén, M. (2010). Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) in a naturalistic clinical setting: Inter-rater reliability and comparison with expert ratings. Psychiatry Research, 177(1), 206-210.

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Lundh, A., Kowalski, J., Sundberg, C. J., & Landén, M. (2012). A comparison of seminar and computer based training on the accuracy and reliability of raters using the Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS). Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 39(6), 458-465.

McCoy, H., Vaughn, M. G., Maynard, B. R., & Salas-Wright, C. P. (2014). Caution or warning? A validity study of the MAYSI-2 with juvenile offenders. Behavioral sciences & the law, 32(4), 508-526.

Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute For Texas. (2016) Estimates of Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions among Children and Adolescents in Texas. Dallas, TX

Mendel, R. A. (2011). No Place for Kids: The Case for Reducing Juvenile Incarceration. Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Mordre, M., Groholt, B., Kjelsberg, E., Sandstad, B., & Myhre, A. M. (2011). The impact of ADHD and conduct disorder in childhood on adult delinquency: A 30 years follow-up study using official crime records. BMC psychiatry, 11(1), 57.

Nam, T. T., & Bahr, W. (2016). Moderators of the effectiveness of multi-systemic therapy outcome for adolescents with severe conduct problems. VNU Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(5), 519-536.

Osho, G. S., Joseph, J., Scott, J., & Adams, M. (2016). An Investigation of Juvenile Gang Membership and Psychopathic Behavior: Evidence from Multilinear Analysis. International Journal of Social Work, 3(2), 29.

Pardini, D. A., & Fite, P. J. (2010). Symptoms of conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and callous-unemotional traits as unique predictors of psychosocial maladjustment in boys: advancing an evidence base for DSM-V. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 49(11), 1134-1144.

Pauli-Pott, U., Neidhard, J., Heinzel-Gutenbrunner, M., & Becker, K. (2014). On the link between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obesity: do comorbid oppositional defiant and conduct disorder matter?. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 23(7), 531-537.

Raine, A. (2013). The anatomy of violence: The biological roots of crime. Vintage.

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Riggs, P. D., Leon, S. L., Mikulich, S. K., & Pottle, L. C. (1998). An open trial of bupropion for ADHD in adolescents with substance use disorders and conduct disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 37(12), 1271-1278.

Ronan, K. R., Davies, G., Wikman, R., Canoy, D., Jarrett, M., & Evans, C. (2016). Family-centered, feedback-informed therapy for conduct disorder: Findings from an empirical

Rosenfeld, R., Bray, T. M., & Egley, A. (1999). Facilitating violence: A comparison of gang-motivated, gang-affiliated, and non-gang youth homicides. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 15(4), 495-516.

Schorre, B. E. H., & Vandvik, I. H. (2004). Global assessment of psychosocial functioning in child and adolescent psychiatry. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 13(5), 273-286.case study. Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, 5(3), 137

Shaffer, D., Gould, M. S., Brasic, J., Ambrosini, P., Fisher, P., Bird, H., & Aluwahlia, S. (1983). A children’s global assessment scale (CGAS). Archives of General psychiatry, 40(11), 1228-1231.

Skeem, J. L., Polaschek, D. L., Patrick, C. J., & Lilienfeld, S. O. (2011). Psychopathic personality: Bridging the gap between scientific evidence and public policy. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 12(3), 95-162.

Sibley, M. H., Pelham, W. E., Molina, B. S., Gnagy, E. M., Waschbusch, D. A., Biswas, A., ... & Karch, K. M. (2011). The delinquency outcomes of boys with ADHD with and without comorbidity. Journal of abnormal child psychology, 39(1), 21-32.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. (2014) . Behavioral Health Barometer (HHS Publication No. SMA-16Baro-2015-TX2015) . Rockville, MD

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. (2015) . Behavioral Health Barometer (HHS Publication No. SMA-15 4895TX2015) . Rockville, MD

Texas Health Care Spending Report (2015) Texas Health Care Spending Report (No. 96-1796) Austin, TX

Texas Attorney General. (2016). Juvenile Justice Handbook. Retrieved from https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/files/cj/juvenile_justice.pdf. Austin, TX: Criminal Justice Division.

Webster-Stratton, C., Reid, M. J., & Hammond, M. (2004). Treating children with early-onset conduct problems: Intervention outcomes for parent, child, and teacher training. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 33(1), 105-124.

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The Concho Valley CSCD hosted CSO certification training 3/19/2018 – 3/24/2018. Twenty-three participants from twelve different CSCDs attended the certification training. Special thanks to the trainers: Joe Ransom-CJAD, Patrick Boyle-CJAD, David Annen-CJAD, Renee Cage-Lubbock Co. CSCD, and Shandus White-Helms-Lubbock Co. CSCD.

NEWS FROM THE FIELD

Young people, especially young men of color, are disappearing from schools, from communities, and from the workforce. Fueled by zero tolerance policies and in-school policing, the school-to-prison pipeline is sweeping disproportionately high numbers of youth into the criminal justice system. For many, it is the start of a lifelong cycle of poverty and imprisonment: Juvenile offenders who lack support and employment prospects upon release often struggle to re-enter society and face a high risk of recidivism. Harris County Juvenile Probation Department (HCJPD)’s “Eight Million Stories” program aims to transform the lives

of opportunity youth (16 – 18 years old) through education, skills training, employment and authentic relationships. The program offers comprehensive support to previously incarcerated youth, helping them stay out of prison and on a path to success.

The program and its staff believe young people belong in school, not in prison. This is an alternative education program that seeks to upend the school-to-prison pipeline by supporting previously incarcerated youth as they re-enter their community and curbing unnecessary referrals from schools to the justice system. Working with local businesses and organizations, the program empowers vulnerable youth to succeed in school and beyond through a holistic educational experience grounded in academics, vocational skills training and social-emotional development.

In its inaugural year, the program served up to 40 juvenile justice-involved students, ages 16 and older in Houston, Texas. The program is completely voluntary, so students only enroll after opting in and confirming their commitment in a two-week on-boarding session. Eight Million Stories seeks to partner with individuals, businesses, organizations, and universities. The program is especially interested in potential

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department’s Eight Million Stories Program Transforming Lives

Concho Valley CSCD Hosts CSO Certification Training

Concho Valley Training 1 and 2

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Young people belong in school, not prison.

To learn more about Eight Million Stories, please contact Program Director Marvin Pierre: Email: [email protected] or visit their website: www.eightmillionstories.org

27

Student Profile Demographics Male 93% Female 7% Average Age 17 years old White 1% Black or African American 55% Hispanic/Latino 44% Asian 0% American Indian or Alaska Native 0% Other/Non-reporting 0%

Risk Factors

Eligible for free or reduced lunch 100%

Single parent household 98%

Average time spent out of traditional school setting 2.5 years

Average academic proficiency level upon enrolling at 8MS 7th grade

Students on juvenile probation upon enrolling at 8MS 93%

8MS Student Success since September 2017

Students who earned at least one nationally recognized certification 100%

Students who gained employment 71%

Students who earned their High School Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D.) 17

Students currently enrolled in college/post-secondary education 6

Recidivism 1

Young people belong in school, not prison. To learn more about Eight Million Stories, please contact Program Director Marvin Pierre: Email: [email protected] or visit their website: www.eightmillionstories.org

mentors, tutors, employers willing to hire our students, mental health providers, and funders. To become part of the

work we’re doing in Houston, contact us.Student Profile of Program Participants

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The Honorable Judge Brent Carr, presiding Judge of County Criminal Court No. 9 and the Tarrant County Veterans Treatment Court, collaborated with a local non-profit organization, Roll Call, that honors and serves veterans to have a very special group of guests speak to the young veterans/participants in the program in March, 2018. The President of Roll Call just so happens to be Kelli Martin, Co-Editor of the TPA Journal, who coordinated and moderated the program!

Left to Right: Shelby “Pete” Goodwin, age 99, US Army Air Corps, Jim Mason, age 94, US Army D-Day Survivor, Judge Brent Carr, USMC, Lee Wreyford, age 90, US Navy, and Don Graves, age 92, USMC Iwo Jima Survivor.

The panel presentation, “Stories of Triumph” featured four very special World War II veterans, one from each branch of the service (Army Air Corps [later the USAF], Army, Navy and Marines). The first guest to speak was James “Jim” B. Mason. Mr. Mason was born February 4, 1924. He joined the Army and received training as a Combat Medic. Mr. Mason landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Out of the 150 troops he landed with, only 13 survived. He and several

guys took a pill box by sticking a grenade on the end of a bayonet and shoving it into the box and blowing it up. During his time in the war he saw many horrific things, including thousands of dead troops and Jewish people. One of his jobs was to tag the dead.

Mr. Mason was in a foxhole near the hedgerows on one occasion and heard the distinct sound of German boots walking along the road. He pulled his bayonet and when the German solider got near him he jumped out of the hole and gutted what he thought was a male Nazi soldier, but discovered it was a young female German in a Nazi uniform. He is still haunted by this today. After Omaha Beach he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was taken prisoner by the Nazis. He later escaped when a bomb hit one end of the stockade where he was being held. After his escape it took him several weeks to make it back to Allied troops. He later fought in the Battle at the Rhine River. Mr. Mason lived through hell and was determined not to let it ruin his life. He didn’t drink alcohol to cope with “shell shock.” He told the veterans court participants it was hard for him to find a job when he returned home from war. He eventually got a job working in the fields for cents a day. He encouraged the veterans court participants to not drink to deal with their problems because it only makes things worse. He worked hard and focused on his family and still to this day wakes up from nightmares from his wartime experiences during WWII. He told them they will never forget what they saw, but they do not have to let it ruin their lives.

Next, a US Navy veteran Lee Wreyford spoke about his time the South Pacific during WWII. Lee Wreyford born on May 7, 1926 in Haskell, Texas. He joined the US Navy

Special WWII Panel Spoke to Younger Era of Veterans in the Tarrant County Veterans’ Treatment Court

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in May of 1944. He went to San Pedro, California and reported on board the USS Haskell, APA 117, a new attack transport. They then went to Alameda and picked up troops and spent 19 days at sea before delivering the troops for the invasion of Finschafen, New Guinea on November 15, 1944. From there they joined the invasion of the Philippines at

Lingayen Gulf. The ship endured various attacks from submarines, kamikazes, and general air raids. Lee was the coxswain in the command landing craft, an LCVP(L). It carried no troops, only five enlisted men and one officer. They coordinated the landing craft that were carrying troops and equipment onto shore. He crossed back and forth the Pacific 10 times during the war.

The Haskell missed the invasion of Iwo Jima but made it to Okinawa for the invasion. Once again Lee was the coxswain on the command landing craft and went in with the first wave. They spent 7 days and 6 nights in the landing craft without getting off, with minimal food and 10 gallons of water for the 6 of them. At night they would refuel from a ship without shutting the engines down. One day they ran onto a reef and couldn’t get off. Lee gunned the engine trying to back off but to no avail. Finally, he let off the throttle and as the boat lifted with the surge, he gunned the engine and they moved off the reef. When less than 50 yards from that spot a mortar round landed right where they had been moments before. When the war ended they carried former POW’s from Japan back to the states. Lee was discharged at Camp Wallace, Texas on June 23, 1946.

Mr. Wreyford talked to the group about self-reflection and being their own “critic” because they know when they are not doing the right thing. He told them to be hard on themselves, to push themselves to be better. Mr. Wreyford has been a successful businessman for many years and even though he’s in his 90s he still works! What an inspiration!

Don Graves, a small 19-year-old fellow of Irish descent from Michigan landed on Iwo Jima, Green Beach One, 3rd wave on February 19, 1945 at 8 o’clock in the morning. Don was a flame thrower on the front lines carrying a 70+ lb. gasoline tank on his 5’6” 140 lb. frame. In the first moments of the 5th Marines’ division arrival on Iwo Jima, this photo was taken of Don.

The Japanese assault continued as US troops moved inch by inch while Don was on the front lines trying to root out

the Japanese from eleven miles of secret tunnels. It took three days to move just 600 feet.

One night while on watch, Don received a radio call saying there were snipers in the area. He could not see them through his binoculars, nor had they received any sniper fire. He radioed back that he didn’t see them. Shortly, a young man came to replace him on watch duty, but Don told him to just go over there and sit down because “he’d get shot.” The others in the unit said, “Let him do it; that’s what he’s here for.” Don reluctantly conceded and not too much longer after that he heard a buzzing, whizzing sound and saw a helmet hit the ground and roll a short distance. The helmet was turned upside down and on the inside net lining was a photo of a pretty girl and a baby. The young man that replaced Don was shot and killed by a sniper right there, only feet from Don, and left behind his young family.

Don endured many gruesome things as you might imagine, killing Japanese soldiers with fire, seeing his friends killed, etc. He said that he asked God to spare him and if he was spared that he’d serve him the rest of his life. Upon returning from the war Don actually went to Hollywood and was a singer and entertainer. When the live entertainment

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Winter Probation Advisory Committee (PAC) Meeting in Austin

At the PAC meeting held on January 17, 2018, TPA Legislative Committee Co-Chair Arnold Patrick of Hidalgo County CSCD was elected to the position of Chair of the PAC. TPA President Chris Thomas of Jasper County CSCD was elected PAC Vice-Chair.

For newer TPA members that may not be familiar with PAC, it is a 14-member committee appointed by the chairman of the Judicial Advisory Council, which

is established in the Texas Government Code. The PAC represents the interests of 121 adult Community Supervision and Corrections Departments through the state, formulates opinions and makes suggestions for improving local community corrections programs and services.

business fizzled out due to the ever-growing popularity of the television, he returned to Michigan and went to work for the Federal Prison system as a Chaplain.

Don conducts speaking engagements 5-6 times per week all around North Texas raising money for Roll Call and inspiring young people to overcome adversities in their lives, to work hard and not let bad things that happen to them define their lives. At the end of the program Don led the entire courtroom in song, by singing “God Bless America!”

Pete was born November 23, 1918. He was drafted in 1941 in one of the earliest rounds of the draft. He originally took basic training for the Army at Ft. Sill in Oklahoma and was assigned to the 7th Div. Field Artillery. After desert training, he and others decided to take the test to become pilot cadet. He passed the Army Air Corps test in 1942, and soon went to A&E school in Amarillo, TX then gunnery training in Las Vegas. In the latter part of 1944, he was assigned to duty in Thurleigh, England as a B-17 Flight Engineer. Being the oldest man on his crew he became known as “Pappy.” The pilot of his Flying Fortress was only 19! Shelby was part of the 423rd Bomb Squadron/306th Bomb Group/8th Air Force. He flew 32 bombing missions over Germany with never so much as a scratch. He flew a secret mission shuttling German scientists out of Germany. He also flew the Casey Jones project (the photo-mapping of post-war Europe.) On VE Day Shelby was in Charlie England, at a deployment base when he said, “All hell broke loose.” He had been out “pubbing” and the pubs re-opened and fireworks

began. MP’s told him of surrender and he went off to bed! He was discharged in 1945, but rejoined the service in a few months. He then volunteered to go to Germany with the occupation and was there for almost 3 years serving with the 12th Tactical Air Command. He retired as Chief Master Sergeant on Nov. 30, 1961.

This program was a huge success and the veterans court participants were honored to meet these men who struggled with many of the same issues as veterans do today. The panel

encouraged participants to do the right thing, because they were taught what that is—they are soldiers, they are strong and can overcome adversity.

Roll Call’s mission is to “honor and serve local veterans by providing a regular venue for fellowship and comradery, provide outreach and visitation services, conduct informal needs assessments where warranted, and to share the stories of local veterans through community engagements and publication.” For more information about Roll Call visit their website at www.roll-call.org or on Facebook at @RollCallFTW

L to R: Chris Thomas, Jasper Co. CSCD, PAC Vice-Chair, Arnold Patrick, Hidalgo Co. CSCD, PAC Chair.

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The award of a youth-inspired State Farm grant enabled Harris County Juvenile Probation Department’s (HCJPD) Service-Learning Program (SLP) to have such a banner program in 2017. Entitled “Rock the Mic, Rock the Message: Creating Artopportunities for Wellness (RTM2),” SLP youth created a record number of well-researched, arts-integrated service projects. Of these projects, one project in particular created by Harris County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) middle/high school youth holds sentimental value. The youth participated in a Service-Learning horticultural class, professionally instructed by Janice Brown of “On the Grow.” The youth interactively engaged in the production of vegetables, caring for native plants as well as, studying various habitats. As a result, kale, broccoli, collard/mustard greens, yams, radish, and peppers were plentifully harvested. Vegetables from the garden were donated to Second Servings of Houston. Youth also designed a Butterfly Garden and were educated on the importance of sustaining these habitats for pollinators, as well as other plants and animals.

To add more beauty to this already gorgeous garden, the youth created a garden mural with the assistance of Liz Spencer, Visual Artist with Young Audiences of Houston. This mural was dedicated in honor of the late Myrta Fariza, former Service-Learning Coordinator at JJAEP who lost her life in 2013 during a train crash in Spain.

Describing what the horticulture project taught him, JJAEP youth Mark says, “I feel that this program was a great opportunity and it taught me so much about the vegetable

Harris County Juvenile Probation Department Service Learning Program Inspires!

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Brazos County CSCD would like to recognize Supervisor Chris Arredondo for his 20 years of service with the department and Support Staff Christy Portales for her 25 years of service with the department. Their hard work and dedication to our field is greatly appreciated!!!

garden … and … this will benefit me in the future… if I want to grow my own garden and how to make stuff with the vegetables. I feel that this class is better than my regular class because it is hands on.”

Thanks,Vantrise MenefeeService-Learning Supervisor

Brazos County Recognizes Tenured Employees

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTRIBUTORS

The Texas Probation Journal is a practitioner journal for those interested in community corrections issues, both juvenile and adult disciplines, in Texas. The journal is published quarterly: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. Articles published in the journal reflect current thought, practice, and research in community corrections and related issues in Texas and are scholarly in nature. Authors include not only academicians and researchers, but also attorneys and “front-line” probation and pretrial corrections staff. The editors seek material that is either directly related to the professional interests of readers or of significant peripheral interest. You may also submit information to be included in the “News from the Field” section of the journal pertaining to something interesting occurring in your jurisdiction. For a more thorough description of the submission process please refer to the Texas Probation Association website www.txprobation.com, click on “About Us” and then “Texas Probation Submission.” Specific questions concerning submissions should be directed to:

Kelli Martin, M.A .Co-EditorResearch Unit Supervisor, TCCSCD200 W. Belknap St.Fort Worth, TX 76196Office: 817-884-1222Fax: [email protected] Steve Henderson, Co-EditorLubbock County CSCD701 Main StreetLubbock, TX [email protected] The Criminal Justice Center at Sam

Houston State University serves as the Secretariat for the Texas Probation Association. Texas Probation is published by Sam Houston Press and Copy Center.

Editor/Co-ChairsKelli Martin

Steve Henderson

Associate EditorsDr. Melvin Brown, Jr.

Jim Stott

MembersStephanie Christopher

Darin DeutschTodd Jermstad

Karla KutchRodolfo PerezErnest Perry

Priscilla Solis

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

Adult LegislativeArnold Patrick Hidalgo Co CSCDMike Wolfe Taylor Co CSCD

Advanced EducationTracy Robinson Jefferson CSCD

Awards and ResolutionsLaTricia Coleman Jefferson JPD

Exhibitors Rick Morales Nueces Co CSCDKelly Tootle Jasper Co CSCD

FinanceCara Drenner Brazoria Co CSCD

Juvenile Legislative Terri Smith Dallas Co JPDLinda Brook

MembershipIris Bonner-Lewis Harris JPDRick Trevino Nueces CSCD

NominationsWinfred Fulce Bowie Co CSCD

Registration Sislai Gomez Hidalgo Co CSCD Lupe Washington Brazos Co JPD

Sales Jennie Hoop Tarrant CSCDBrandi Nelson Johnson CSCD

Silent Auction Norma Garcia Hidalgo JPD Rita A. Mascorro Cameron CSCDLeo Perez, Jr. Hidalgo Co CSCD Ana Rodriguez Cameron Co CSCD

Technology WebsiteJaime Torres Hidalgo CSCDFacebookRick Morales Nueces CSCD

Site Selection Aris Johnson Gregg JPDEd Cockrell Jefferson JPDChris Thomas Jasper CSCD

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Organized 1974

Secretariat Since 1994

Sam Houston Press & Copy CenterPublisher Since 1995

Texas Probation AssociationCorrectional Management Institute of TexasGeorge J. Beto Criminal Justice CenterSam Houston State UniversityHuntsville TX 77341-2296