Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive and accepting society.

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History.com | AECF | LOC.gov

June 1st marks the start of hurricane season, and it's crucial to prioritize preparedness and safety. Today, take the initiative to assess your vulnerability to hurricanes, check if you reside within an evacuation zone, and review and update your insurance coverage.

It's also wise to create a checklist of essential items to restock in your hurricane emergency kit and start planning ahead to safeguard your home in anticipation of the upcoming season.

Remember, hurricane season extends until November 30th, so it's essential to maintain preparedness throughout this period.

NOAA | Ready Harris | Evacuation Map | Ready.gov

In 2019, she initiated the establishment of the Transformation Team, a dynamic initiative focused on training and implementing TBRI best practices and principles throughout the department.

In 2020, Jennifer was promoted to Facility Administrator of Harris County Leadership Academy, and most recently, she assumed the role of Director of Residential Services.

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To learn the department from different aspects and to combine your passion for assisting our populations with your career goals. I began working here in 1998 and have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people and see the many changes that have taken place within Juvenile Justice and HCJPD.

In my time with this department, I have raised two daughters, made lifelong friends, and positively impacted the lives of staff and our youth through building healthy relationships.

Recently, I began practicing yoga. I started attending classes to get in shape, but the benefits are much more. I am more centered in both my work and personal life. Yoga has taught me to breathe, pause, and enjoy life.

I enjoy cheering for my favorite football team, the San Francisco 49ers, spending time with my family and dogs, listening to true crime podcasts, and binge-watching shows on Netflix.

During my time at BBRC, I enlisted the aid of friends to save a stray Yorkie (whom we affectionately named Katie) whose pups had been abandoned on the ROPES course. They were eventually adopted by families up north.

My primary goal is to facilitate the ongoing growth of Residential Services and unlock its maximum potential. The facilities have significantly improved our therapeutic approach to working with youth. It is essential to be intentional in our interactions with youth, viewing behavior, programs, and treatment through a trauma-informed lens. Since joining this department, we have reduced post-facility placements from four to two, resulting in a smaller, more focused population. Our current practice places only those youth who genuinely require residential care.

My top priority goals include ensuring staff retention, individualizing case plans to meet each youth's unique needs, facilitating smooth transitions during intake, establishing comprehensive release plans, and, most importantly, creating a sense of safety and security for our staff and the youth we serve.

Recognizing the importance of education and the potential of every student, our YDOs have generously volunteered their time to conduct tutorials and assist the CESS (Campus Education Support Specialist), Ms. Flores. Together, they have prioritized the GED students, working diligently to help them achieve their academic goals. These tutoring sessions take place on weekends and whenever staffing and programming allow.

One of the remarkable aspects of our YDOs' efforts is their commitment to tailoring the tutoring experience to each student's specific needs. They have enlisted tutors for various subjects and make it a point to identify the areas in which the students require assistance. Doing so ensures that the support provided is comprehensive, targeted, and effective.

We commend the collaborative efforts of our YDOs. Their dedication is making a significant impact on our student's lives. Let's support and encourage them as they strive to empower our students.

A special thanks to Shift Supervisor Daniel Kongo, who has played a pivotal role in organizing

In an exciting development, Education Services hosted its inaugural Project Based Learning (PBL) competition during the spring semester. PBL is a Student-centered pedagogy that fosters a deeper understanding through active exploration of real-world challenges and problems.

The Intake and Court Services Division has embraced a new approach to diverting youth, centering around the needs of the family and the mental health concerns of youth.

On May 1, 2023, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (The Harris Center), in collaboration with Harris County Juvenile Probation, Harris County Resources for Children and Adults, Harris County District Attorney's Office and the Kinder Institute of Urban Research opened the Youth Diversion Center (YDC).

The Youth Diversion Center is a 24-hour crisis center that serves male, female, and non-gender conforming youth, ages 13-17, who need temporary respite care due to a mental health crisis that may involve family conflict that cannot be immediately de-escalated on scene.

The primary objective of the Youth Diversion Center is to divert youth from further involvement in the juvenile and criminal justice systems by intervening at a critical point in their lives. The center aims to address the immediate crisis by creating a normalized environment while fostering reintegration within the community and family.

Trained professionals provide round-the-clock care and offer individual and group skills training to assist in achieving personalized crisis plan goals. Appropriate medication considerations will be implemented as necessary.

At the Youth Diversion Center, seven young people (three males and four females) are currently benefiting from various services, including individual, family, and group counseling. These services target their current crisis and support their reintegration into the community and family structure.

Last month, the Juvenile Board approved two new private placement options, Boy’s Town and TLW Transformation Center.

Boy’s Town is located in Nebraska. The facility has family-style residential homes and focuses on providing and teaching social and independent-living skills. They also focus on building healthy relationships. This program services males and females between the ages of 13 and 17.

TLW Transformation Center is a brand new non-secure residential program located in the Houston area. This program is for females, ages 6 to 17, with emotional, behavioral, and mental health concerns. The program provides independent living skills and individual, group, and family counseling services. They also offer skills-based services.

We currently have eleven (11) contracted facilities providing various treatment programs, including substance abuse treatment, mental health/behavior management, and sex offender treatment. We have two (2) out-of-state facilities, and nine (9) others are in-state facilities. These programs range from six (6) months to one (1) year stay.

LaDon James was selected to fill in as the interim Intake Supervisor. LaDon joined the department in 1998 and has worked in several programs, including Serious Offenders Supervision, Project Spotlight, Deferred Adjudication Program, Institutional Aftercare Program, Community Based Stabilization Unit, and Intake Services. LaDon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the interim Intake Supervisor position.

Court Services JPO Ashley Agnew, most recently served as a Parole Officer for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. She also has previous experience as a Caregiver, Youth Group Counselor, and Case Manager.

Court Services JPO, Benjamin Bass, brings to the unit a great deal of experience and passion from his previous roles as a Juvenile Supervision Officer at BBRC, an Inventory Specialist, and most recently, as a Youth Development Coach/Auxiliary Team Member with HCLA. Benjamin conducted Restorative Circles and Nurture Groups with youth and worked with young people in the Animal Kingdom and Garden Program.

ICS wishes a farewell to PAT Officer Cristina Ordonez and Court JPO Odetta Jones. Cristina, who recently graduated from law school, will pursue an attorney career. Odetta is starting a new path with the district clerk's office. We thank them for their commitment, time, and services to the Court Services Unit and wish them success in their future endeavors.

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