DJJ Bulletin Board
Messages
2005
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These are e-mail messages received by justice4kids.org about Florida's Department of Juvenile Justice and its facilities. Messages are about staff, youth or general conditions within the DJJ. The only way conditions within the Department will ever change is when people speak out. If you have knowledge of abuse or neglect of children, discrimination or unfair treatment of staff, then tell us. To send us a message, click here.
Click an excerpt below to read the complete message.
● "Blue Dot" refers to mandatory double shift without adequate notice.
03/30/05 DJJ: i work for djj...we are not the problem its the damn idiots making the rules.
this is in reply to no bad kids. first from the tone of your letter you are implying all djj staff are uneducated idiots, 2nd the starting salary that they are offering will never attract quality people who are needed. i work for djj and i assure you we are breaking our ass to do what is best for these kids, everyday we face a constant battle with new rules etc. that the job just becomes downright impossible. you are correct when you inform people to write their politicians though, until these tightwads start releasing some money nothing will change. we are not the problem its the damn idiots making the rules.
03/30/05 Osceola JDC: CONCERNS/QUESTIONS FOR MR.HOFFMAN. THERES A RUMOR THAT YOU`RE LEAVING,GOOOOOOD.
TO START,I HAVE SEVERAL CONCERNS FOR AND QUESTIONS FOR MR.HOFFMAN OR ANYONE WHO COULD ANSWER.THIS FACILITY HAS VERY LOW MORALE DUE TO THE FACT OF NEGATIVE PROMOTIONS.HOW IS IT MR.HOFFMAN THAT YOU COULD PROMOTE THESE OFFICERS TO SUPERVISER OR L.T.MR.HOFFMAN,YOU HAVE A SUPERVISOR AT YOUR FACILITY THAT WAS SUSPENDED FOR SUSPENDED D.L. THAT HE DID`NT REPORT.THIS SUPERVISOR HAS HAD SEVERAL ABUSE CALLS ON HIM AND GRIEVENCES THAT WERE SWEPT UNDER THE RUG.YOU HAVE ALSO RECIEVED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF VERBAL ABUSE.THAT YOU CONTINUE TO OVERLOOK.NOW TO ADD TO THE LOW MORALE...ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENED IN 2004,YOU WENT AHEAD AND MADE HIM SUPERVISOR OF THE (YEAR).NOW IF THAT AINT A SLAP IN THE FACE TO ALL THE OTHER OFFICERS.THERES A RUMOR THAT YOU`RE LEAVING,GOOOOOOD.MAYBE THE NEW SUPERINTENDANT WILL BE BETTER,STAY TUNED TOMORROW,SAME PLACE,SAME TIME.LOW MORALE.
03/29/05 DJJ: there is no such thing as a bad kid, just ones who made poor decisions
The frustation that many of the parents and staff experience is miss directed. Why does the state not have a true civil service exame for DJJ employees prior to the employee selection for an inveriew. At least we would have a pool of candidates who can reason,practice logic, write and articulate their thoughts. At the present time we have administators who never went to collge, or just for a year or two years. We are dealing with kids who made poor decisions and it takes a compassionate, understanding and educated individaul to help them.As for the childen, " what we live we learn , what we learn we practice, what we practice we become." When these children return to the same environment with little to no support system , does it suprise anyone that the recidivision rate is so high.I have been working with children and young adults incarcerated for over 15 years.All of them someday will be released.And the majority of them had experience incredible trama in their lives. Why don't we provide some real therapy while they are incarcerated. Oh, I forgot that would require resources and money! Write your congress person, the Govenor What ever it takes to aquire the resourses need.Because remember, there is no such thing as a bad kid, just ones who has made poor decisions. And someday when released they we be your neignbor.
03/26/05 Orange JDC: curious to find out...ORJDC's Nurse Supervisor- Tracy and the mental health supervisor Ines
I am curious to find out what the general cconsensusis on ORJDC's Nurse Supervisor- Tracy and the mental health supervisor Ines and their team. Just curious to find if my experiences with them are similar to yours.
03/26/05 Orange JDC: thank Ms. Ines Vilar, the Mental Health Supervisor and her staff for always having her door open
It is safe to say that it takes a lot for people to get along when we are tired and frustrated. I want to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Ines Vilar, the Mental Health Supervisor and her staff for always having her door open, for being available when we need someone to vent with and for genuinely caring about the kids and us. Needless to say that I CANNOT say that we have the sane relationship with the other outside provider, nursing, as the nursing supervisor is someone NO ONE cans stand. Thanks Ines and keep up the good work!
03/26/05 Orange & Volusia JDC: ...there are 2 sides to every story...kids often lie; staff get broken jaws
I wanted to take a moment to clarify some things after reading this website for a little while. I was a Juvenile Detention Officer in both Orange and Volusia Counties. I have worked with both Males and Females, although mostly with Males. I am am not implying that DJJ is wonderful, it's not, but there are 2 sides to every story, and I can tell you from situations I dealt with personally, that kids often lie, or at the least exagerate. Parents have a tendency to believe the child no matter what. For instance. During visitation one evening, I was approached by the parent of a girl, who was irrate. Her daughter had told her the staff had not allowed her to brush her teeth in 4 days. The mother wanted to speak with the staff in charge of her daughter. I said "you are." I then proceeded to inform her mother, that her daughter was telling her a story, as I had given her a toothbrush and put the paste on it myself not 2 hours earlier. I had also been the staff assigned hygiene the day before, and had seen to her toothbrush then. I proceeded to approach the girl and ask her why she was trying to cause drama, the girl had nothing to say. Another example would be a different visitation I was Chaperoning where a parent approached me concerning her sons "starvation." He had told his mother we were starving him. Fact of the matter was, that boy was on my Mod and often chose not to eat the food, as he didn't like it. He wouldn't eat tuna fish, chicken salad, anything that could be percieved to be a fruit or vegetable, etc. The State is required to serve healthy well balanced meals, and the kids don't like a fair amount of what that might be, BUT, that doesn't change the fact that those kids are offered 3 good meals daily. Only the kids with dietary restrictions are permitted changes in menu. (ie. allergies documented by a physician or medical restrictions.)The kids complain about the bugs, there wouldn't be so much of a bug issue if they chose not to sneak food into the rooms and leave the crumbs laying around. They would be allowed to stay up past 8pm if they were behaving appropriately, many don't, and then are angry when they have to go to bed before 9:30pm. The physical abuse aspect is another issue. There are bad apples in any barrel no doubt, but I can tell you I went home daily with large painful bruises put there by "children." I have seen staff get broken jaws for following procedure and dropping a kids level for refusing to go to their room when instructed. I have seen kids bang thier heads on walls, then try to say a staffmember did it to them. I had a kid "attempt" suicide to go to the mental heath facility becuase other kids told him they let them do whatever they wanted there.(he admitted that to me later on) There are MANY rough kids who know just what to say and do to manipulate the system, there are also a few who just messed up a little and were put in with the rougher kids. I ask you to try to see both sides when you judge. It is simple to point fingers, but I have been in the facilities. I have been in the ER because of a kid wanting his own way and fighting the staff. I do not condone abuse of any kind, but that is in fact a jail for kids, not daycare, and I can tell you, those kids have more rights then the Officers put there to care for them. These are not average kids.
03/26/05 Orange JDC: out of interest for my former coworkers...if any of you need anything, let me know ~ Ms. Coles ladylanedaytona@aol.com
I check into this site periodically out of interest for my former coworkers. I spent time in ORJDC as an Officer. This was time I wouldn't have missed for anything, and time I would never want to repeat. Today, after reading many of the postings, I am extremely disheartened. JDO's and SJDO's, my prayers and thoughts are with you. It sounds as if things have gotten extremely bad. Officers, STICK TOGETHER. Not in cliques. As a whole. You are all in the same situation, suffering the same disrespect, and disregard. Ms. Ortiz and I, when I was there, had what we jokingly called "debriefing". It was invaluable. We went outside when the shift was done, and just fussed, whined and smoked. We didn't take DJJ home, we left it in a cloud of Marlboro smoke in the parking lot. We didn't leave until the other was able to go. Camradarie will relieve a great deal of stress, but to achieve that camradarie, you have to set aside the gossip, the differences you may have with another person, and for the love of everything holy- stop minding other peoples personal business! If it isn't going to make an impact on your life in 5 years, it isn't worth worrying about. Staff, pull together- help each other- laugh-laugh a LOT, it helps. Life is only as serious as you let it be. I know the blue dots are hard. The blue dots are what convinced me to resign from Volusia (my babies are only small once) and I know many of you don't have the option to quit- but those of you who were fortunate enough not to be bluedotted one night, help take part of the workload off those less fortunate, you never know, they might just return the favor later on. If you all work TOGETHER, help each other out- DAILY, it will benefit you all. Negativity takes way too much energy!Be lazy!
To the ones, Administration and Staff alike, who are doing your co-workers nasty, no deed goes unrewarded. If your not doing your share of the work, lying, gossiping, etc. Take a good, hard, HONEST look at yourself, you might not like what you find. I would suggest change in priority and attitude, your integrity is all you have when the cards are down, and furthermore, You never can tell when you might need one of the staff you wronged to get your back.
Lastly, my email address is included, if any of you need anything, let me know. I'm around and will do what I can. Even if you just need to bitch. I don't need to have known you for that offer to be valid. Take care of each other, and be safe. ~S. Coles
03/25/05 Volusia JDC: Paul [Finn], you and your henchmen should be in jail for the death of my grandson.
I am Shawn Smith's Grandmother.
Shawn died October 30, 2001 at the Volusia JDC. Mr. Paul Finn was then and still is the superintendent of this facility. Paul, you and your henchmen should be in jail for the death of my grandson. NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE.
You, Paul Finn are responsible for the actions, or in Shawn's case, inactions of the staff you "Command". Your little military regime must be destroyed and removed from ever being allowed to harm another child.
I have watched from the sidelines waiting for change to come to the DJJ system and obviously nothing has changed, since you are still there in charge, with some of the same people who killed Shawn.
I am not waiting anymore. My goal is to do everything in my power to rid the DJJ of you and people like you who are abusing and killing our children.
To any one who is reading this who has had a child in Volusia [JDC], please contact me and share with me your story. Good or bad. I desperately want to hear if there are any truly good people in the system. These are the ones we need to support and help.
Send e-mail to JudyKay Leece, Shawn Smith's Grandmother.
03/25/05 DJJ: Call me Mr. Schembri, I can help. JudyKay Leece, Shawn Smith's grandmother
I am Shawn Smith's grandmother. I want to thank everyone who has said a prayer or had my family in their thoughts.
I am posting to this board to let everyone know that from where I am standing nothing has changed in the State of Florida DJJ system. I have continually monitored all the postings since my grandson died and they say the same thing over and over again.
Enough is enough. Mr. Schembri I demand that you set your house in order. What ever it takes, do it. If it means firing every JDO, then do it. If it means letting these children go, then do it. You need to get rid of all the bureaucratic overhead and funnel the money down to the lower levels so that adequate personnel can manage the day to day care of our troubled youth.
My family, Omar Paisley's family and Danny Matthews' family have paid the ultimate price for just trying to find help for our children only to find there was no help available.
I would like for you to see how the state of Missouri runs their facilities and to emulate them. Let's take the "Military Type" of supervision out of DJJ. No uniforms or ranks or badges, just caring individuals that want to work with juveniles, not just get a paycheck. I know that there are those JDO's who truly care and work hard to help these juveniles, but there are not enough of them, and the abusers and the uncaring far out number them.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Call me Mr. Schembri, I can help. JudyKay Leece
03/21/05 Boot Camp-Manatee: The state took her son away to abuse him and she has no rights or power? Can anyone help?
Does anyone listen? Can anyone help? My best friend's son is at Manatee Boot Camp. The stories she tells me about what is going on there would put any other adult acting in this manner to juveniles in jail. She has been on the phone to every agency imaginable with no results. The state took her son away to abuse him and she has no rights or power? She or I would gladly detail the horrors to anyone who could help. I'll check back...
03/19/05 Boot Camp-Pinellas: "Who is the sick adult that enjoys watching young boys exersise naked?"
March 18,2005 My son is in Pineallas county boot camp. He told me about the abuse that goes on there.boys having their head slammed into a wall One youth said he wanted to kill himself. The DIs response was to put him in the middle of the basket ball court naked and put a blanket around him and told him to go ahead kill yourself.The youth there also have been made to exercise naked. they are in the restroom or what is known as the head .Who is the sick adult that enjoys watching young boys exersise naked?Are the pitchers being put on the internet?without anyone knowing it? Even during transition my son was denided the right to go to church.I question my sons caseworkers actions when shes with my son . Mysons classmates at Bayside highschool said she acted like my sons girlfriend.I thought she just liked him because he was doing so well .Suddenly .it was as though he couldn"t do anything right therefore she had to spend an entire day with him at school. She made several comments to him about the attention he showed his female classmates.She made a comment in front of me about my son sharing his lunch with a girl the day she spent the day with him at school. Isaw the look on her face when she was telling me about it .I did not like the look on her face. At this time I beg all parents who have a son in the Pineallas county Bootcamp to please talk to your sons about what goes on behind clossed doors .
03/19/05 DJJ: Kingsley in Arcadia: harming of youth needs immediate investigation!...like a zoo for wild apes
i know some girls at Kingsley in Arcadia, that is one place that needs immediate investigation! Guards allowing youths to harm other youths, guards themselves harming youths and so on. The place is more like a zoo for wild apes then a place where they are suppose to teach girls to better themselfs and live correctly in society. Someone needs to look into that place A.S.A.P!
●02/27/05 DJJ: If they have to pay MAJOR over time, maybe that will stop the "March of the Blue Dots!"
Regarding the blue dots. According to the Wage and Labor, if there is not 8 hours between shifts, they have to pay you continuously from the time that you started your shift until which time there is 8 hours between your shifts and is considered time and a half!!! I will post the link here for you!!! If they have to pay MAJOR over time, maybe that will stop the "March of the Blue Dots!"
02/23/05 Three Springs of Broward: Mr. Black, with "correctional mentally" seemed interested only in punishment; I saw questionable behavior on his part that concerned me.
I am a previous employee of Three Springs of Broward, a level 8 juvenile sexual offender program. For almost two years, I and my co-workers strived to help over 50 young offenders to turn around their lives. We were doing well until a new director was hired by the name of Mr. Black. This man seemed interested only in punishment, rather than in rehabilitation. He came with a "correctional mentally" and since his arrival he has systematically fired anyone that opposes his opinions or tries to stand up for the rights of children. During my employment, I saw questionable behavior on his part that concerned me. Although I verbalized my concerns to Mr. Block and Ms. Cruz no one seemed interested in investigating the situation.
02/23/05 Three Springs of Broward: Director Mr. Black holds a more checkered past than any of the over 80 offenders that have crossed the program's front doors
I have long been disillusioned by the lack of leadership and care exemplified by Mr. Black and Mr. Block. However, I now find myself to be outraged by the fact that Mr. Black, the Director of Three Spring's level 8 Sexual Offender Program, the man that has fired a multitude of employees (including therapist and case managers) often for unknown reasons, is an ex-porn star (by his own admission). How can a man with this type of past constitute a good role model for young sexual offenders? What audacity!!!! He hides behind his position to take advantage of young boys and inflict fear in the hearts of those that surround him and yet he holds a more checkered past than any of the over 80 offenders that have crossed the program's front doors. How does this happen?
●02/21/05 Orange JDC We will continue to see more deaths and accidents but nothing will be done
Of course nothing will be done regarding the crisis we are presently going thru. That is why the low income staff will continue to make mistakes and keep quitting and getting hurt. We do not know what a Merit Raise is or cost of living raise. My pets are treated much better at home that what I am treated at work. We will continue to see more deaths and accidents but nothing will be done. They do not want to hear the JDOS or SJDOS. No darn about how we feel. Even when we do a great job we never see any praise. We will keep voicing our voices and let the people that care know how we feel. We have to go thru hell when doing a blue dot. We have staff at ORJDC that have work 24 hours straight. The supervisor tells them it is okay if they volunteer. We come in 1/2 earlier for briefing but we do not know what it is to take a 15 minutes break. We cannot take a 15 minutes break. WHY? We are usually running the mods by ourselves. The females being alone on a male's mod. Do not believe this take a look at the camera. It happens almost everyday. This is only the beginning of many things that coninue to happen at the detention centers. We NEED HELP NOW.
02/20/05 DJJ...is the most backward agency i have ever witnessed. mr. schembri, mr.turner and others . . . if the public only knew what idiots they really are.
ms. correy. please follow up with your coorespondence with mr. turner. it is very obvious that this web site has some power and as they say the squeeky wheel gets the grease. i feel that mr. turner is no better than the rest of the bunch as i have met him. he is a good public speaker, i give him that, but as far as officer safety and concerns i get the impression that he just does not care. djj is the most backward agency i have ever witnessed and i laugh at some of the things that these fools ask us to do on a daily basis. i am a fantastic officer and i take pride in myself and i care about these children and i do treat them like my own. i have not used force on a youth in years as i have figured out how to make them comply with my earned respect from them. mr. schembri, mr.turner and others should learn to do the same with their officers. if the public only knew what idiots they really are.
●02/20/05 Manatee JDC same as Orange: constant holding over with only hours worth of sleep only to report back to duty within hours
The hard working people at Manatee feel the same as the hard working people in Orange are feeling. We are over worked and stressed. We want to know when will it stop the abuse that this is causing to our bodies and families that we are unable to see because we are to tired due to constant holding over daily two to three people with only hours worth of sleep only to report back to duty within hours or written up for being late or to tired to report after giving all you can to uncaring people.
●02/18/05 Orange JDC Two words expresses the torment, the anger, confusion and pain...... BLUE DOT!!!!!
Two words expresses the torment, the anger, confusion and pain...... BLUE DOT!!!!! I feel such a wreck inside me after going home from a blue dot. My emotions making me go insane and taking the best out of me. I know exactly how everybody else feels. We cannot focus and at times we feel so meaningless. So tired of the headaches. Knowing that even though tomorrow is another day, for us it is another day with less energy and reason. Underneath we are all screaming for somebody to hear us but they cannot hear our cries. We feel such darness embracing us and yet we cannot fight free. We are losing our families and ourselves one day at a time. I am living proof of what blue dots has done to my family. Today I am angry for letting work control my life. When my family needed me I was always at work. When my kids wanted to go on school field trips with me it was impossible. Blue dots were a priority and it destroyed my relationship with my spouse and children. I just failed at all the simple things for being so tired and never at home. It is a torment knowing that you cannot function properly. You try doing your best at work but your body cannot focus. Is that whey we have presently 26 officers on sick leave or workman's comp? When we have to break fights our body is not strong and our mind is blank. This is a high risk job and yet nobody will take this serious until something drastic occurs. We need to feel safe and strong and DJJ is definetely not giving us the security and protection we deserve......
02/18/05 Orange JDC It's a sorry situation when an Investigator from DJJ has to defend another employee on this website regarding misconduct
Regarding the comments posted on the website pertaining to Ms. Singh. I think it is wrong for people to anonymously accuse someone else by name in a public forum. People deserve to be treated with better respect than that. Any grievance with Ms. Singh should be dealt with her directly not on the internet. Also, just because an investigation did not find fault or wrong-doing does not mean nothing happened. An investigation can be corrupted just as easy as the person doing the wrong-doing. Something to think about. It's a sorry situation when an Investigator from DJJ has to defend another employee on this website regarding misconduct. Something is not right in the air here........!
●02/17/05 Orange JDC Singh's transfer & BLUE DOTS: I would consider that “She is not welcome back by half of the staff” to be a ringing endorsement...
Why is Ms. Singh “not welcome back by half of the staff for all the damages that she has caused?” Could it be that she was trying to make sure that people were accountable for their actions? Perhaps it is because she was the QA coordinator and her job was to point out the inconsistencies and items needing improvement. Perhaps it is because she pointed out to the ADSs that staff had not received replacement uniforms in several years. Or that youth did not have adequate hygiene products or hygiene bags to ensure proper sanitation. Or that the facility was consistently out of supplies and staff had to bring in their own gloves, etc. Perhaps it is because she actually performed inspections and documented the violations and reported the maintenance that needed to be done in the facility to the ADSs. Or because she dared to ask the ADSs why sleeping rooms were “closed for maintenance” for months at a time. Perhaps it is because she pointed out to the ADSs paperwork that that was improperly filled out or incomplete. Or that supervisors were throwing incident, confinement and PAR reports in the trash because they “did not want to have to do all of that paperwork before their shift was over”. Blue dots? Maybe the injuries and workman’s comp are from unreported incidents and staff turnover is so high because the working environment is dangerous because the behavior management system is not enforced. Perhaps it is because she pointed out to the ADSs that using the computerized system for paperwork, would eliminate “lost or forgotten paperwork”. Perhaps it is because she pointed out to the ADSs that doing it “the Orange RJDC way” is not in compliance with the DJJ departmental policies and procedures. Perhaps it is because even after she pointed out all of these things and more to the ADSs, they took NO ACTION to correct them. Or because after a QA which the facility barely passed, she spent much of her own time developing a corrective action plan which would have actually brought the facility into compliance with the QA standards and DJJ policies. Of course that would have meant that the ADSs actually had to do their jobs. (Fat chance of that happening) Now you are scared she is coming back to Orange into a position where she can take the actions necessary to bring Orange RJDC into compliance with the QA standards and DJJ policies. You’re scared because that would mean that you actually have to do your job correctly. I would, in this case, consider that “She is not welcome back by half of the staff” to be a ringing endorsement of Ms. Singh for any position she is applying for at Orange RJDC. It sounds like she did not want to follow leaders that are not following the direction of the department. Rather decided that the best way to follow the direction set by the department is to lead from the front.
●02/15/05 DJJ Ms. Singh was NOT found guilty of falsifying room checks at Orange Detention Center. Mr. Michael Williams will select his Assist. Super. after he weighs all the candidates pros and cons.
Dear Ms. Corry, I would like to respond to the unnamed person who anonymously complained regarding Ms. Singh's interview for promotion at Orange RJDC [02/12/05 Orange JDC TO our leader Mr. Schembri]. The first issue I would like to respond to, is the fact that Ms. Singh was not found guilty of falsifying room checks at Orange Detention Center. I personally conducted the investigation into that matter and I can assure you that the allegation made by the writer is inaccurate.. The results of that investigation may be obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.
Secondly, any person within the Department of Juvenile Justice if qualified may apply for a position that is available. Merely having an interview does not preclude a person from being hired or rejected. The Superintendent of Orange Regional Juvenile Detention Center, Mr. Michael Williams is a fair, honest and unbiased individual who will select his Assistant Superintendent after he carefully weighs all the candidates pros and cons. Mr. Williams will base his selection solely on who he feels is the individual who will be the best candidate for the position.
In response to the allegation that Ms. Singh does not know her job I can state that she graduated from the DJJ Academy with the highest academic average in her class. Ms. Singh also possesses a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Central Florida in Molecular and Micro Biology. Along with that degree Ms. Singh also has another degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers University. Ms. Singh is a recipient of the ATT Florida Scholarship Award in Political Science. This award is given to one person in each state and Ms. Singh was the winner in Florida. Ms. Singh also received the Academic Achievement Award from the President of the United States George Herbert Bush. Ms. Singh is completely familiar with the DFMS (DJJ computer system) and taught the use of that system at Orange and Volusia Detention Centers.
Please fellow employee's stop trying to bash Ms. Singh and start trying to emulate her fine example. This is the type of intelligent and well rounded individual that the department must have in order to continue to provide the best services to the youth in our care and custody.
If the person complaining at Orange Detention Center put forth the same effort into their work that Ms. Singh had, they would also be interviewing for a promotion. I have always believed in the platitude that outward degradation is a sign of inward jealously.
Sincerely, Jeffrey T. Kracht Investigator RARL, Central Region DJJ.
●02/15/05 Orange JDC BLUE DOTS: It took a death in Miami for DJJ to make some much needed changes. How can the walking dead be expected to stay alert?
In response to 02/12/05 Orange JDC BLUE DOTS: no one cares about your situation. . . not a supervisor not a ASSsistant Supernintendo I understand your bitterness as former employee. When you send a post with profanity that looks like it has been written by someone in elementary school, you are not helping our cause. As a current employee I have been posting to this web site about mandatory 16 hour shifts (blue dots) for over a year. Its good to know there are others out there that feel the same way. That I'm not the only one to almost get killed out on the highway while trying to return to work after a double shift on 3 hours of sleep. It took a death in Miami for DJJ to make some much needed changes in the way they do business. At orange Detention a staff on the 6-2 shift leaves his post at 10PM after working a 16 hour shift. He or she is then expected to report for duty at 5:30AM for briefing. I'm not a math genius, but thats 7 and a half hours between shifts. If one were to consider travel time back and forth to work along with meals, showering, and family obligations, the average person would be fortunate to get 3 to 4 hours of sleep. If an employee comes in late they are written up for being tardy. The shift reports at Orange would show that all 3 shifts are running with blue dots nearly every day of the week. Sometimes as many as 4,5,or 6 people being held over. How is this a safe environment? How can the walking dead be expected to stay alert? Numerous staff are already out on Workman's comp and its only going to get worse. I hope this department doesn't wait to solve this problem after a tragedy occurs. Changes are needed now!
●02/15/05 DJJ Reply to Orange JDC BLUE DOT warning
Ms. Corry, Thank you for forwarding this information [02/12/05 Orange JDC BLUE DOT?], we are looking into the issue. Regards, Perry S. Turner Perry.Turner@djj.state.fl.us Assistant Secretary Detention Services 850-921-6292
●02/15/05 DJJ BLUE DOTS I CAN SEE WHY YOU USED TO BE AN EMPLOYEE YOU CANT EVEN SPELL CORRECTLY
TO THE PERSON PLACING THE MESSAGE ABOUT THE ADMIN. NOT CARING ABOUT THE PEOPLE DURING BLUE DOTS. I CAN SEE WHY YOU USED TO BE AN EMPLOYEE YOU CANT EVEN SPELL CORRECTLY
●02/14/05 DJJ BLUE DOTS: no one cares about your situation. . . not a supervisor not a ASSsistant Supernintendo
In respose to the 2/12/05 BLUE DOT situation, Lady I use to work for this dept and I look at this website from time to time and I tell you I feel you sister no one cares about your situation. remember I say this NO ONE not a supervisor not a ASSsistant Supernintendo none of them. Sure they will hear you out and ACT like they feel sorry for u but in the long run they dont give a shit. Niether should you. work hard and keep looking for a way out. THat place has not changed in 10 years and It wont change anytime soon. Believe me I feel your pain, that job was not going to cost me my marraige my kids my time and most importantly ME. YOu cant blame people for not going to work hell I my self would not go sometimes because I new the outcome of the day. LOve your Self first and then others Take a day or two off and combine it with your days off. You will feel a lot better belive you me. And if a supervisor comes and approaches you about you taking the time Tell him to work your bluedots and have him come home and deal with your sitiuation. Dont let a supervisor or a ASSistant supernintendo threaten your job they cant do it. God Bless all you guys (The Jdo, sjdo) Fuck the rest.....
02/14/05 Manatee JDC Tired and stressed. Accident will happen soon. Tallahassee...What are you doing to clean up Manatee
Manatee Detention workers have given up hope. Where are the workers? Workers are working two shifts. No workers to cover youth on shifts. Workers are tired and stressed. Accident will happen soon. Tallahassee will you have the answers when this happens. What are you doing to clean up Manatee.
●02/14/05 DJJ BLUE DOTS: THERE ARE OFFICERS SUFFERING THE SAME THING YOU ARE THROUGHOUT THE STATE.
TO THE EMPLOYEE ABOUT BLUE DOTS, JUST HANG IN THERE THIS DEPARTMENT IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK EXPECIALLY FOR ME. THERE ARE OFFICERS SUFFERING THE SAME THING YOU ARE THROUGHOUT THE STATE. IT WILL ALL COME TOGETHER
●02/12/05 Orange JDC BLUE DOT? My body is weary and tired; stressed out. What happened to FAMILY FIRST????
Just what is a BLUE DOT? It means that if the next shift does not show up that you are required to stay and work another 8 hours. I have just finished working a blue dot. My body is weary and tired. As I was driving home I was half asleep. I was driving between the 2 lanes. When waiting for the red light I fell asleep for a few minutes and the car behind me was beeping the horn. I got home exhausted knowing that in a matter of 4 hours I need to return back to my job. How Can I get sleep? I have a husband that is expecting dinner. I have children that do not understand how I feel. By the time I did all the chores and try to rest for half an hour the telephone started ringing. I look at my clock. My goodness! I must take a shower and get ready for work. Driving back to work is very difficult. The drivers behind me are not too happy. I keep shifting from one lane to another due to my body being so tired. What a relief! I finally made it to work in one piece. I pray to the Lord and thank him that I am alive one more time. I go to work and half of the crew are out or sick. They need more blue dots. Everybody is tired and upset Meanwhile I am functioning in a daze. I can't hardly walk and I feel dragging my feet.I am walking with a bad headache. I feel so stressed out. I cannot take this. I need my sleep. I have no energy. I let my supervisor be aware of how I feel. He tells me that I can either work or quit my job. I need my job so I will keep working. Please do not judge me when I make all the mistakes. Please do not take it on me when you are feeling the same way and cannot do your job the right way. It is true that we need more staff. But right now we have certified workers that are just moving papers and walking around pretending they are working. If they are going to blue dot some of us they need to blue dot everybody that is certified. Let's be fair. Many of us are quitting. We cannot take this abuse anymore.This is an urgent matter. Nobody seems to be taking this serious. Nobody is doing anything about this. Meanwhile the staff keeps getting sick from stress and other related illness. Some with heart attacks from working 16 hours day 3 and 4 times a week. This is also causing hardship in the family. They change our shifts whenever they feel like it. They have no consideration about your family. You have to cancel your Dr.s appts and kids school appt. due to blue dots. Please help before somebody gets kill in an car accident. This is a serious matter. Nobody seems to care. By the way... What happened to FAMILY FIRST????
02/12/05 Orange JDC TO our leader Mr. Schembri and the inpection general: Ms. Singh is not welcome back [to Orange JDC] by half of the staff for all the damages that she has caused
TO our leader Mr. Schembri and the inpection general please see what justice fairness can be done. Once again Ms. Singh from Volusia County DJJ is trying to come back to Orange JDC. This is the lady that falsified room checks and were covered by Mr. Jenks and Mr. Nichols. She is not welcome back by half of the staff for all the damages that she has caused. A position for Assistant Suprintendent is open and I would not doubt if she gets the position. Many experience staff and supervisors applied. We need to hire somebody that is honest and knows the job. It bothers us when even before they finish interviewing they know who they are going to give the position to. We need to have somebody else from outside to come and do the interviewing so we can get some justice. Ms. Singh learn to get along with staff at Volusia and don't pretend you know it all when instead you are making too many mistakes and you do not know the job. You are afraid of the juveniles. Get with it. Maybe you are in the wrong field. PLEASE LET US ALL GET TREATED WITH DIGNITY
02/08/05 Pinellas JDC: To author of 'abandon all hope' 2-7-05: Please do not give up; sign up with your area council and fight with all you have
To Author of Abandon all hope 2-7-05 First let me introduce myself I am Diana Matthews mother of Daniel Jack Matthews 2-14-1986 - 5-31-2003 died in PCDJJ.Please do not give up. Everyday we grow larger and stronger with thouse who truly care for the safety of the children and staff.Though the changes that are needed are far too slow they shall come as long as we stand together.In your hands lies the most precious part of life OUR CHILDREN for them I pray you do not give up. Please sign up with your area [Juvenile Justice] council and fight with all you have.There are many that want us all to become tired of the fight and give up, I for one will fight with my last breath before I see another child die. Forever in tears Diana
02/08/05 Pinellas Boot Camp BLESS ALL THE PINELLAS COUNTY BOOT CAMP STAFF FOR CARING !
I have been reading almost all the postings at justice4kids.org website and some of them scare me , because i think some of the postings are not true. My son has been at the Pinellas County Boot Camp since 9/23/04. And all I can see that has happened to him "Are all miracles done by the counselors+ all the staff at PJDC. I was one of those mothers that prayed that my son was cougth and sent to a Boot Camp because I was not able to control "Julio" anymore. I first took him to counselors, doctors to find out why he was so offensive and disruptive. and found out that this was the way my child wanted to be. So I let it be ! ! I had no choice !! I had to let him make mistakes ! until he started getting mayor charges for grand theft auto. + other things were happening at school, he was going to school, but to be disruptive and to fight. he was at the verge of getting kicked out from public schools. I was not able to talk to him !! And please don't think that i'm an irresponsible mother. I give all i can to my kids ! ! and i spend good quality time with them. but , my Julio was different. he has been at PJDC for 5 months now and i have seen nothing but changes in him. he now talks about all the grief he caused me and says that he is sorry ! ! I owe all this to the PJDC. he know also talks about his Future ! ! My point here ! ! is don't believe everything you hear or read ! ! and GOOD BLESS ALL THE PINELLAS COUNTY BOOT CAMP STAFF FOR CARING ! ! ! ~ Mrs Ramirez
[For another story of a mother's praise the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department Boot Camp, please click Boot Camp Diary. j4k}
02/07/05 DJJ: their new mission should be "abandon all hope ye who enter"
djj. what a joke. i give up. for now on its just a job and nothing more. these people have got their head so far up their a-- they will never find their way. the job is set up so dam if you do and dam if you dont. i guess this is what happens when politicians play. their new mission should be "abandon all hope ye who enter" staff and youth.
02/03/05 DJJ reorganization and politics is a joke. Carolyn Floyd, Jane McNeely; rhetoric vs. results
DJJ reorganization and politics is a joke. How is it that Carolyn Floyd, Northeast Residential Regional manager keeps her job? Not only keeps her job, but assumes more responsibility in the re-org. Makes no sense to me. Lets take a look at her record as a manager. Programs under her direction frequently have some of the lowest quality assurance scores in the state year after year. The most common theme in DJJ seems to be promoting or reorganizing those that perform the worst and cutting those in the field that actually perform the critical duties of DJJ. Beaurocratic politics I guess. Noone ever gets fired that deserves to be fired either. Let's take Jane Mcneely for example. She is the health care consultant, or whatever it is that she does. Since the Miami grand jury inquiry into the death of Omar Paisley, she has been non existent in DJJ. She has been on extended medical leave or administrative leave since testifying for the grand jury. It is the perception of some people that Secretary Schembri is hiding her,limiting her responsibilities, and not requiring her to attend work like the rest of us. Some would suggest that she knows too much about the real happenings in DJJ and the Secretary is plain scared of her. However, this is in no way fair to other employees that work for DJJ or the taxpayer that she is allowed the freedom to exploit what she knows and collect a hefty salary for staying home and doing nothing. Isn't this extortion? I believe the bottom line in the DJJ hiarchy is that they just do not care about the employees or the youth under their care. Like most politicians the rhetoric often sounds wonderful, but the results are not consistent with the rhetoric. They all have their own personal political agenda's and DJJ is just a stepping stone to meeting that agenda.
01/26/05 Manatee JDC Youths medical needs are not taken seriously
When will the harsh punishment "STOP" in Manatee County. Superintendent Gargett continues to cause extreme mental and physical harm to the youth in care. Roach infested food continues to be serve to youth for consumption. Grievances are filed by youth without appropriate results in resolving the issue in the quality of food or other issues grieved. Youth are no longer allowed to write out grievance but verbally has to explain what he or she would like to grieve and staff places in computer. Questions?????????? Youth are placed in extended stays in confinement placement without any other action by youth for continued placement. Youths medical needs are not taken seriously by medical staff available. When will someone realize "Incidents" can be, will be "Are Covered Up" in Manatee.
01/21/05 FL Keys DJJ facilities: it is just a matter of time before the death of staff and children
Once again DJJ has spent Millions of taxpayer dollars on a 15 bed Juvenile Detention Facility and a 30 bed Residential Treatment Facility in the Florida Keys with the result that the 30 bed unit is not occupied and is deteriorating over the years and the 15 bed Detention Facility is running at 30 to 40 percent with a woefully short staff.One reason it was built was to eliminate the need to transport Detained Juveniles over 120 miles to Miami. With U.S.1 the only road in and out of the Keys and deadly accidents happening frequently it is just a matter of time before the death of staff and children. Now, due to staff shortages all female detainies are being shipped to Miami. DJJ put the DU in Florida. Local managment and area managment are unwilling to give up on this stupid idea. Many other questionable pratices are on going at the center. INVESTIGATE NOW befor it is too late.
01/12/05 DJJ Burawski to Schembri: I am committed to improving the work environment for the Juvenile Detention Officers who are putting forth a daily effort but are stymied by DJJ's management heirarchy.
Secretary Schembri,
Over the past few months I have been in contact with your Assistant Secretary for Juvenile Detention Facilities (as I'm sure you have already been made aware). My communications with Mr. Turner have been monitored and posted on the Justice4Kids.Com Website and unfortunately I do not see much progress in getting my messages across regarding a dire need for change within the DJJ work environment. After reading your book I realize that any conversation I have with you will be interpreted as "preaching to the choir".
However, I am asking you to please allow me an opportunity to personally state my position regarding the problems faced by Juvenile Detention Officers within DJJ in an effort to affect a positive change and prevent further incidents of abuse to juveniles in the custody of DJJ. My communications to Mr. Turner are obviously ineffective and are not conveying the message I wish to communicate (and which I am sure he is having your legal people review before he replies back to me and which explains why it seems to take him about 30 days to answer). I am committed to improving the work environment for the Juvenile Detention Officers who are putting forth a daily effort but are stymied by DJJ's management heirarchy.
I am looking forward to hearing a response directly from you on this important and dire issue.
Sincerely,
01/12/05 DJJ: am appalled at the mispelled words, and language usage. No one will listen to you if you sound like that.
I could not help but write. First of all, the previous employees writing about pjdc need to get a sponser. I read a few of their comments, and am appalled at the mispelled words, and language usage. No one will listen to you if you sound like that. I do agree, however that children should have books. I also would approve of a program where tutors came to help the more needy, illiterate children. Please keep in mind that when you write to be heard, it must be done in a way that will make them listen, not so they have to read the sentence over and over again in order to make sense of it.
01/11/05 Orange JDC: a few "atta-boys" (and girls)...a few people stand out in my mind as exceptional
I came back to the Website just to see what was new in DJJ, but decided to leave a message of my own to throw a few "atta-boys" (and girls) out there. I left Orange back in August to go to Volusia, and as bad as I thought it had been in ORJDC, there are worse things. :) Now a couple weeks into 2005, I look back and a few people stand out in my mind as exceptional. Ms. Ortiz.(2-10) I have never known anyone quite like her, and I doubt many people take the time to notice, but she is a fantastic Officer. She has a way with the kids, and trust me, she DOES treat them like her own. Mr. Mayet.(2-10) I don't ever think about him I don't bust up laughing. FA Staff. He made some pretty crappy days tolerable, just by being silly, by being himself. Thanks. Ms. Wright.(2-10) There was a time early in training when I thought there was no way that the little bit of money I was making could possibly be worth all the crap, but then I spent a couple days in MC with Ms. Wright, and she put a colorful light on the happenings in Orange, and nothing seemed quite so serious after that. Mr. Paige.(6-2) Need I say more. He is a mess, but a fun one. He is another person I could never stay grouchy around because he always backed me up and never failed to crack me up. Mr. Butler(2-10) when I worked with him. He was a pain in the butt, and there were several times I wanted to punch a hole in his face, but for some reason I liked him anyway. I can respect his way of speaking plain. I never needed to wonder what he thought. Mr. Landry. I am astounded that he is still there. I never thought he'd stay the first month. He is a great Officer. He was my bud when he started, and still was when I left. Hang in there- one day you might get used to the whole non-militaristic manner. :) Mr. Lake. He was one of my favorite staff because being on the MOD with him was like being on vacation.(something it seemed like he took plenty of :):);) And always good for a laugh. :) If I have forgotten anyone- SORRY! I miss quite a few of you a lot, and there are a couple I don't miss at all. Those I won't name directly, but just the same, one is the GROUCHIEST most foul mannered female I have ever met- and she should be ashamed. Courtesy-(even just a little) WOULDN'T kill you!! She spent a good deal of time in MC. Never could figure that one out--??? The other was one of my Supervisors. Simply put-arrogant butthole. Rude is not an attractive trait. That's all the negative I got. :) ORJDC-stay safe, and keep your humor. ~ S. Coles
01/10/05 DJJ Burawski to Turner: it sounds like you have all the answers and don't see any problems...
Dear Mr. Perry [Turner],
The Department of Juvenile Justice has a repressive, negative work environment which is detrimental to the mission of the department. I would like to testify in person regarding my claims.
If you are sincere in affecting positive change to the Department of Juvenile Justice work environment you will take up my offer to discuss these matters in person and not simply communicate to you via email.
Again, I am only one of many who have a concern in what is happening within the daily work environment among Florida's Juvenile Detention Facilities. Being directly responsible for Florida's Juvenile Detention Facilities you should have many questions regarding my statements to you. In reading the below reply to me it sounds like you have all the answers and don't see any problems within DJJ or the running of Florida's Juvenile Detention Facilities.
Sincerely,
BERNARD MICHAEL BURAWSKI
Former Juvenile Detention Officer
Chief Yeoman, U.S. Navy (Retired)
01/10/05 DJJ Turner to Burawski: any incidents or issues that my office becomes aware of is routed...for follow up or investigation.
Dear Mr. Burawski,
In response to your email dated Wednesday, December 29, 2004, I would like to point out that Florida does have a system similar to the federal government's Whistle-Blower Protection Program which you referenced. Florida Statutes 112.3187 through 112.31985 are known as the Whistle-Blower's Act, and may be accessed via [this website]. The Whistle-Blower's Act is also described on page 42 of the State of Florida Empoyee's Handbook.
In addition, as stated in my December 14, 2004, email to you, there are a number of avenues for employees to make known complaints, grievances and/or suggestions. Following is a list of these avenues, some of which I have previously referenced, and the manner in which they may be accessed.
All incidents as outlined in the Central Communications Center (CCC) policy (FDJJ-8000) are to be reported by telephone (1-800-355-2280) within two hours of the incident or within two hours of knowledge of the incident. The CCC is staffed 24-hours per day, seven days per week. Policy Link
Any permanent Career Service employee may file a grievance when the "employee believes that any condition affecting the employee is unjust, inequitable, or a hindrance to effective operation." The employee must complete and submit the Step 1 Career Service Grievance Form to his or her immediate supervisor within seven calendar days of the event giving rise to the grievance. Policy Link Sexual Harassment should be reported to "any manager/supervisor, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, in the Bureau of Personnel, at Suncom 291-6758 or (850) 921-6758." Employees may also opt to file complaints with the Florida Commission on Human Relations or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Policy Link
The Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-96ABUSE) should be contacted if there is "reasonable cause to suspect that a child....has been harmed or is believed to be threatened with harm from a person responsible for the care of the child." Policy Link: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/abuse/publications/mandatedreporters.pdf
Finally, any incidents or issues that my office becomes aware of is routed to the proper administration or agency for follow up or investigation.
Sincerely, Perry S. Turner, Assistant Secretary Detention Services
Perry S. Turner
Assistant Secretary Detention Services
2737 Centerview Drive suite 309
Tallahassee, Fl. 32399-3100
850-921-6292, Cell 352-266-9898
The mission of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice: To protect the public by reducing juvenile crime and the delinquency in Florida
01/05/05 DJJ: My shift heared about Secratary hiring a convict having mesed with a child if true Secratary needs to be fired
Miss. Corry, please keep up the good job you doin. We at the front lines apprecitate you. My shift heared about Secratary hiring a convict having mesed with a child if true Secratary needs to be fired. Where is everbody when managment is in the wrong. We want same treatment as tallahssee. A lot of the same old same. Thanks again.
01/04/05 Osceola JDC: To all the kind and compassionate officers, and 'Hats off to Ms. Zuk'; Keep up the great work.
I wrote several months ago concerning the nasty remarks made about the treatment children receive from officers at the Osceola Juvenile Detention Center. Some very bitter people responded to my message. They were wrong about several things. Bur that is not what I want to discuss in this message- I want to take this time following the holidays (a traditionally difficult time for many) to express my admiration to certain officers (particularly A Shift) for their compassion shown to the kids during the holiday time. Also certain members of the education staff should be recognized for their dedication to the kids. (Hats off to Ms. Zuk) The holidays were made brighter for the kids and some others also because of the "little kindness" that were shown to the kids.
To all the kind and compassionate officers and a few selected others who work day in and day out with the kids- You are wonderful and if anyone can make a difference in the lives of these children you can!!! Keep up the great work- I appreciate you everyday!!
01/03/05 DJJ: blatant disregard for people that we provide services to as well as the employees
I have been employed by the state for 23 years and have never seen the blatant disregard for people that we are suppose to provide services to as well as the employees that work hard to get the job done. Morale is so bad here in the south region and all we hear from Scrembri is short stories. How any one expect us to follow a leader that comes with baggage as he does, especially employing confirmed convicted felons on his management team doesn’t inspire us to follow this leader. Yeah we know about it but we have not read about this in the paper or had any hearings in Tallahassee but you fire our co-workers with small problems in their past. We need true leadership to help us improve the mess that has taken years to get into. Firing all of the worker bees doesn’t solve your problems Scrembri. Be a leader for once, hire true leaders for the south, not people with baggage as you do.
01/02/05 Manatee JDC: News Alert Manatee Detention accident waiting to happen. Tallahassee are you listening? Do you need a eye examine?
News Alert Manatee Detention accident waiting to happen. How long will youth and staff suffer before something happens. The Anonymous writer speaking about F.Gargett has never worked for this man. Question: Are you a female? Question: Are you a African American male or female? Question: Are you a Minority? Have you ever had this man talk to you as if you were a child, spit flying from his mouth while using profanity towards you. Threatening to fire you for doing things he does himself. Tallahassee are you listening? Do you need a eye examine? Check staff ratio on midnights. How can staff complete the job they are completing. A good night there are three or four staff in the building counting supervisor and mastercontrol. Accidents happen at night, how can observation checks be completed without proper staff. Who is watching Sight and Sound youths? Is anyone listening? How long will the abuse go on and Tallahassee continue to cover it up? How many more youth and families will need to suffer before something is done to stop the injustice. How many more deaths? How long will you Tallahassee be able to put off giving the public an answer in allowing our youths to die needlessly or get abused while in state care. How long before you begin to feel guilty about allowing such people that work at Manatee Detention to continue to do the injustice they do towards our youth and brag about it and tell the staff and youth they are not going anywhere because of the people they know. How long? Would you want your kids to suffer such injustice, would you? Manatee Detention has great staff working currently but most are looking for other employment due to the injustice and the need to speak out without feeling that they will be fired, moved to another shift or retaliated against for being a whistleblower. Keep up the great work Justice4kids and Mr.Duggan! We at Manatee Detention stand by you.