Texas Youth Commission CONNECTING WITH A PURPOSE A

Texas Youth Commission CONNECTING WITH A PURPOSE A Seamless Transition Model

Texas Youth Commission Presenters: Thomas Fuller, M. ED. , L. P. C. Thomas. Fuller@tyc. state. tx. us Manager, Educational Liaisons 512 -424 -6357 June Richmond, M. ED. , M. S. W. Special Educational Liaison June. Richmond@tyc. state. tx. us 512 -533 -2757 Bobby King, M. S. Educational Liaison 254 -297 -5715 Bobby. King @tyc. state. tx. us Edna B. Martinez, B. A. T. Edna. Martinez@tyc. state. tx. us Wendy Gable, M. A. Wendy. Gable@tyc. state. tx. us Educational Liaison 512 -927 -8181 x 405 Educational Liaison 214 -678 -3624

TYC Facilities Approximately 7, 800 Youth in Texas are incarcerated in institutions, contract care facilities, halfway houses or are on parole. Successful completion of the TYC program involves completion of the resocialization process and movement through four phases of treatment. TYC’s goal is successful transition to the community for each youth.

Phase Assessment Team (PAT) Each TYC youth’s progress is reviewed: Every 30 calendar days Within the three resocialization areas In terms of the four phases to be reached for success

Resocialization Process A B Academic Behavior & C Workforce Development CORRECTIONAL THERAPY

EDUCATIONAL GOALS TYC Facility GED High School Diploma Post Secondary Vo-Tech Program/ On-site work College

First things first! Youth are given a copy of their withdrawal record upon release from a state facility, contract facility or halfway house. In addition, copies must be sent to the parole officer and appropriate educational liaison within 24 hours.

The Best Solution Youth of compulsory school age are encouraged to complete their high school diploma upon release. Students who have earned a GED and are wishing to return to public school to earn a diploma or attend college are assisted in doing so. Number of prior credits earned and the age of the youth are used in making this consideration…but each case is considered on its own merits

Transition to Parole: Our strength lies in collaboration and cooperation A Seamless Educational Transition for Adjudicated Youth Requires Cooperation Between: ØState Facilities ØLocal Education Agencies (LEAs) ØParole Officers ØEducational Liaisons ØYouth ØParents/Guardians

We’ve got you covered! All 254 counties of Texas are served by an Educational Liaison and a Special Educational Liaison

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Educational Liaisons: Roles and Responsibilities Records retrieval Communication with: youth parents guardians parole officers school personnel Clarification of education law Involved in GED Preparation and Testing Assist parole officers to understand educational terminology and processes Enrollment assistance for youth in: public schools special education GED programs higher education work programs Review of educational programs and services at TYC contract care facilities and halfway houses

Target Population: Data are compiled and regular reports are generated about TYC youth who are: Øof compulsory school age, Øin need of a GED or diploma Østudents with disabilities, not currently enrolled in a formal educational program

Youth with disabilities in the aftercare process who do not have a diploma or GED are entered in the Special Education Tracking System Three databases are maintained: Under 18 Over 18 No longer active

Examples of Data Tracking Distribution of youth by type of placement and disability Identification of youth who are not enrolled or receiving special education

Pitfalls and Possibilities in the Seamless Transition Process

Pitfalls for TYC Youth You don’t live in our district… That class isn’t being offered right now… It’s the wrong time of the year… Is it safe to have this youth in our school?

Possibilities for TYC Youth • Youth completes FAFSA and financial assistance application • Parole Officers present a recommendation • Student meets Student Expectation guidelines • Youth must demonstrate aptitude for and interest in higher education • Youth must successfully complete the THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment)

Avenues of Opportunity Trades We Barber School ldin g Health Occupations Building Co mp ut er T ech nol o gy Auto Mechanics

Workforce Development Collaborates with: Parole Educational Liaisons Community based organizations Workforce development boards AND Provides specialized transitional aftercare workers in three parole offices

Workforce Development at TYC A comprehensive strategy coordinated with: Resocialization program Specialized treatment Educational programs It includes workforce development programs and linkages with community based organizations (CBO's) for additional training, supportive services, and employment assistance during aftercare.

Workforce Development Programs at TYC Offer students a variety of opportunities to obtain skills necessary to make their transfer back into society successful, such as: Employability Skills Training through the Project RIO-Y (Reintegration of Offenders) Program On-the-job Training and Employment Experience through the Prison Industry Enhancement (PIE) and Campus Work Programs Occupational Skills Training through our Career & Technology Education (CATE) Programs

Outcome Measures TYC tracks the number of youth who are: 1. Enrolled in School 2. Enrolled in GED preparation classes 3. Enrolled in a post-secondary program 4. Entering the workforce and earning a wage 5. Demonstrating responsible citizenship These measures, when met, result in a positive discharge and reduced recidivism.