Apr 06, 2012

Dear DJJ Team Members:

Welcome to my weekly letter. Please allow me to share some recent news and announcements.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT: In January 2012, the Bureau of Quality Improvement (QI) began a new process for conducting program reviews. QI reviews replaced quality assurance (QA) reviews. The main difference between the two processes is QI focuses on improvement whereas the old system focused on compliance. Also, the QI process allows review teams to be collaborative with the program staff during the review. Recently, QI Bureau Chief Jennifer Rechichi shared some of the feedback she has received on the new review process. In an email sent on March 21, 2012, Circuit 6 Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Adrienne Conwell wrote:

”I just finished with my QI review and I just want to let you know that this QI process is SO much better than what we had previously. I want to thank you and your team for spearheading this much needed change.”


Providers have also welcomed the new process. Sylvester Scott, assistant superintendent at Pensacola Boys Base, wrote regarding the facility’s review in February:

“…I wanted to personally thank you and your [QI] team for the professionalism you and your team exhibited…We try to help the residents here at the program as much as we can, and help them to better themselves so when they return to their communities, they can be productive citizens and give back to their community. With the new [QI] process, I think you could really see how we try to help these residents…Again, this was the first time in many, many years that a team came in and looked at what we really do with the young men here at Pensacola Boys Base, and didn’t try to discredit us. Lastly, I say thanks again for you and your team for a positive three days.”

PROBATION KUDOS: Aside from their work with probationary youth, the Circuit 6 Unit 103 team of juvenile probation officers (JPOs) regularly volunteers with youth in their community. On March 30, the team visited the HOPE Youth Ranch, a private (non-DJJ), faith-based residential treatment facility for teenage girls with mental health or behavioral concerns. The ranch also serves youth referred through the Florida Department of Children and Families. HOPE staff strives to rehabilitate the girls and help them build self-esteem and confidence to accomplish their goals through equine-assisted therapy, psychiatric counseling, self-enrichment and education. The JPOs recently helped a group of the students design hand-made Easter cards. As they shared glitter, glue, and stickers, the girls also shared their experiences and hopes for the future. Assistant Chief Probation Officer Donna Butt says the group’s volunteer activities reinforce their commitment to DJJ’s mission and builds relationships with local resources for youth. She attributes much of the unit’s community outreach to JPO Supervisor Melissa Fuller, Unit 103’s team leader. Donna noted Melissa’s energy, passion for youth and professionalism as attributes that make her an effective role model and leader. Melissa said of the team’s visit to HOPE, “This experience was a real gift that opened our minds and touched our hearts.”

CLIMATE SURVEY: You may recall I mentioned in the DJJ Climate Survey update of March 13 that program areas had begun making improvements. The Office of Prevention and Community Intervention recently shared actions they have taken to enhance training and communication, and activities to promote unity and fellowship among staff. Most notably, Prevention staffers have not only received internal and external training to bolster performance of their specific duties, but they have also begun cross-training between positions to enhance knowledge and understanding among themselves. I will continue to share the progress our DJJ offices make as we improve our work environment in response to the Climate Survey.

DETENTION KUDOS: Bay Regional Juvenile Detention Center (RJDC) has partnered with Anchorage Children's Home in Panama City to become an official "Safe Place." Juvenile detention staff is already trained to assist youth and families crisis, and now the staff at Bay RJDC can offer even more help to youth in need in their community. The large yellow “Safe Place” sign identifies locations across the nation where youth ages 10-21 can receive help, whether they need hygiene items, food, employment or a safe place to stay. Youth can receive one-time assistance or may be placed into case management with Anchorage staff for long term services. Bay RJDC Superintendent Heather Hart says, “We are very excited about this opportunity to serve our community in this additional role that reflects our desire to have a positive impact on youth and their families!” (Click here for more information on the national Safe Place program.)

Bay RJDC Juvenile Justice Detention Officers Gregory Turner and Felicia Jordan

As we celebrate Good Friday today and Easter on Sunday, I am reminded that this is a season of renewal and new beginnings. To all employees, thank you for your efforts to renew the hopes of the children in our care and offer them a new beginning toward a brighter future.

Sincerely,

Wansley Walters

Secretary

PS: Please send any noteworthy or newsworthy items for consideration in my weekly letter to Communications Director C. J. Drake at cj.drake@djj.state.fl.us or call 850.921.5905. Submissions are considered on a space-available basis and may be edited for clarity and length. Thank you for your cooperation.