Bulletin Board Messages
2005

Home | Up | April | May | June

These are e-mail messages received by justice4kids.org about Florida's juvenile justice system (JJS) in general and the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) in particular.  Messages are about staff, youth and conditions within the system. The only way conditions will ever change is when people speak out.  If you have knowledge of abuse or neglect of children, discrimination or unfair treatment then tell us. To send us a message, click here.

Click an excerpt below to read the complete message.

June 2005

top

May 2005

top

April 2005

top

06/30/05 DJJ: to all the DJJ workers that complain of long hours and not enough pay - So...if the hours were better, and the pay was better, you would treat our kids better??? To the one DJJ worker that states they did not kill someone's child, I say you did, you and all the other DJJ workers that didn't report the wrong doing. ALL of you that turn a blind eye to it, are guilty as the perpetrator!!!! ~Dawn Chase

I wanted to make a comment to all the DJJ workers out there that complain of long hours and not enough pay.. Just because you don't make 100,000. or more a year does not give you the right to mistreat or abuse ANYONE!!! You don't like the pay??? Go and take yourself back to school and get an education in a field that will pay you much more. So, most of you are telling us, that if the hours were better, and the pay was better, you would treat our kids better??? Sounds like a bunch of BS to me, and to many other parents. To the one DJJ worker that states they did not kill someone's child, I say you did, you and all the other DJJ workers that didn't report the wrong doing, and the abuse going on for fear of loosing your job, and being a whistle blower!! You that think about yourselves instead of the children entrusted in your care. ALL of you that turn a blind eye to it, are guilty as the perpetrator!!!! ~Dawn Chase

top

06/30/05 DJJ: In response to 06/30/05 DJJ: I am holding Secretary Shembri and all the top dogs under him responsible for allowing all this abuse and mistreatment; I have contacted 20/20 about this website, and have directed their Producer to take notice of Florida's DJJ system; Secretary Shembri is no better then William Bankhead, you turn a blind eye to the cover ups. why wasn't Rodney Baynard prosecuted for breaking MY son's arm???  ~Dawn Chase

In response to 06/30/05 DJJ: Response to parent who wants people who have witnessed abuse to contact her:...system should be held accountable. {Schembri] continues to ignore the fact that the Private Providers...are interested only in money; this Administration is also in a crash and burn mode ~Anonymous

I am holding Secretary Shembri and all the top dogs under him responsible for allowing all this abuse and mistreatment of government funds that private contractors do. I have contacted 20/20 about this website, and have directed their Producer to take notice of Florida's DJJ system, Hopefully they will look into it, and contact us as parents and honest DJJ workers. DJJ has got to be the most crooked department in Florida. Secretary Shembri is no better then William Bankhead, you turn a blind eye to the cover ups. Instead of prosecuting those DJJ workers like they ALL need to be, they fire them, and let them get away with it. Yes, some are prosecuted, but why wasn't Rodney Baynard prosecuted for breaking MY son's arm??? Its all there in the IG's report on the home page of this site. case #2003-02952... yes, that was the report I called in [see page 58 at http://www.djj.state.fl.us/DJJServices/inspectorgeneral/OIG%20Annual%20Re port%202004.pdf], one of many of abuse at Greenville Hills Academy!! Proof is there that THEY screwed up hiring this Jerk!! So what next??? The man looses his job, but not prosecuted for the assult on my son?? Where the heck is the justice in this? ~Dawn Chase

top

06/30/05 DJJ: To the "person" who wants us as parents to "GET A CLUE?" You are one loud mouth out of a bunch of chicken anonymous posters that the words you spew mean nothing to us. For your information, the "system" put MY son on all kinds of meds that HE DID NOT NEED!! WHAT A CROCK THIS SYSTEM IS!!! I HATE WHAT YOU ALL HAVE DONE TO MY SON, AND TO THE CHILDREN OF THIS STATE!! I AM VERY VERY ANGRY WITH WHAT YOU ALL HAVE GOTTEN AWAY WITH!!! ~Dawn Chase

To the "person" who wants us as parents to "GET A CLUE?" You are one loud mouth out of a bunch of chicken anonymous posters that the words you spew mean nothing to us. For your information, the "system" put MY son on all kinds of meds that HE DID NOT NEED!! These meds caused irrational behavior with him, so they land him in DJJ!!! What a crock if you think I am not a good parent!! How dare you make insinuations towards us as parents with children in this system!! YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!!!!! I had a very close family, my children mean the world to me, and I love them despite their faults. I can tell you this, if you or anyone ever laid a hand on me the wrong way, I would not be one to allow you to do it, and so as my son has been, he has already had one of you DJJ workers break his arm, do you think he is going to let someone else break it again??? Would you allow someone to beat you up??? I don't think so. My son is innocent in this last episode, he did NOT hit any DJJ staff member, they said he did, they have NO proof, tape was missing or erased!! THEY WANTED HIM OUT OF THERE BECAUSE I REPORTED ABUSE IN THE PROGRAM!!! Yet he is the one that is now going to adult jail for it, he just turned 17!!! He will be appealing this situation as he was scared into taking this plea bargain. WHAT A CROCK THIS SYSTEM IS!!! I HATE WHAT YOU ALL HAVE DONE TO MY SON, AND TO THE CHILDREN OF THIS STATE!! I AM VERY VERY ANGRY WITH WHAT YOU ALL HAVE GOTTEN AWAY WITH!!! ~Dawn Chase

top

06/30/05 Escambia JDC: At ERDC there are major issues at the facility - unfair treatment with the staff,nepotism,and promotions. The superintendent at the facility are not fair to certain staffs,and if you file a greviance against certain supervisors,administration retaliates against you for being within your rights, These and a lot of other issues needs immediate attention by Mr. Schembri. ~Anonymous

At ERDC there are major issues at the facility. First lets start with unfair treatment with the staff, nepotism, and promotions. The Superintendent at the facility are not fair to certain staffs, and if you file a greviance against certain supervisors, Administration retaliates against you for being within your rights. These and a lot of other issues needs immediate attention by Mr. Schembri. There are staffs that has been at the facility for less than 12 months of employment and has been promoted already, Other staff been ther for 5 plus years and has not been promoted. The position of the assistant superintendent was not posted when It was vacant, Instead the superintendent of the facility pointed a Supervisor for the position, not allowing other qualified and the other Asst. At the center to apply for the job and that is not fair at all. There are relatives working on the same shift with the supervisor and he gets treated different from the other staff and all other staffs are very aware of this. When situations arrives between the workers and certain supervisors, Nothing is done about this when you approach the assistant supertindent she does not know how to address issues like this. There are husband and wife working in the same office at the facility(nepotism).there are different rules and guidelines for certain staffs, Depending on who you are(for example the dress codes)pink under shirts the uniforms and hoop earrings is ok for some to wear and not for others. Tremendous amounts of call ins and nothing said by the supervisors or Assist. Superintendent if the like them, Thats not fair to others and needs to be addressed by Mr. Schembri. So please come and address these Issues at the center. Very very important. There are also staffs been at the facility for years and wante to come to day shifts and they are not allowed to do so. ~Anonymous

top

06/30/05 DJJ: Reply to 6/29/05 by Dawn. First off let me say "Yes we do care about our jobs." We don't put our names because we would be fired or made to quit. But let me say this, it is wrong if he [your child] didn't hit a staff and was charged with it. But direct your frustration and anger at Schembri and the people that have the power to correct that. ~Anonymous

Reply to the message left on 6/29/05 by Dawn. First off let me say "Yes we do care about our jobs." We don't put our names because we would be fired or made to quit. If that happens are you going to pay my bills or let me live with you. I DON'T THINK SO, so don't judge me and tell me I don't have guts. I have a family to provide for and need a job. Most Officers like what they do and don't abuse kids, so don't group everyone togther. Secondly, many of these kids will call the abuse hotline just because they didn't get their way. If you cry wolf too many times the people that come out to investigate tend not to believe a youth that is known for calling all the time. You can say what you want, but this job can be very tough at times. Many people think we watch your average kid in the neighborhood. Trust me we Don't. Most of these "kids" are in for serious charge(Agg Assults to 1st Degree Murder.) They also have a problem with authority. I have seen these "kids" fight staff, they will punch, kick, and spit on you. And when you are dealing with some of the older boys, they are stronger than most of the staff. So if a person starts hitting you are you going to let them. This is not to say that they should be abused, but sometimes it takes a few officers to gain control of a youth and there are always chances someone will get hurt. If they try and fight staff we have a right to protect ourselves so we can go home to our families in one piece. But, NO KID SHOULD EVER BE ABUSED. Your child put himself in jail, no one else did that for him. So stop blaming everyone else for his actions. But let me say this, it is wrong if he didn't hit a staff and was charged with it. But direct your frustration and anger at Schembri and the people that have the power to correct that. ~Anonymous

top

06/30/05 DJJ/Manatee JDC/Central: Robert Raggett-Your region is a accident waiting to happen and when it does you will be on the stand in front of a jury to explain why. Mr. Turner-you need to look into this man, because he only cares for himself. He will never be a part of the TEAM you are trying to make this department. ~Anonymous

I don't know if anyone else has put two and two together yet, but if you look at all the complaints on this web site, you come to see that 95% of them come from the central region JDC. And who does that fall under? No other than Robert Raggett. He is the type of guy that only looks out for himself and friends. I know that Frank Gargett is a friend of his and he(F.Gargett) got away with abuseing a youth in his custody. When it was reported by a Supervisor and SJDO they both were retailiated against by Garrgett and Raggett. Something that they say will NOT be tolerated. And eventually that supervisor was fired because of this, and the SJDO was reassigned to a different shift that administration knew that he couldn't work due to family issues. If you don't call that retaliation than I don't know what is. These men did their jobs and were punished for it. Why did they allow this to happen? Because in the department, there is "A good ol boy system" they look out for each other and if your not in it than watch out. Raggett I know you are aware of this web site and read it. Well here is a message for you. In time the tides will change on you. Your region is a accident waiting to happen and when it does you will be on the stand in front of a jury to explain why. Mr. Turner you need to look into this man, because he only cares for himself. He will never be a part of the TEAM you are trying to make this department. Ms. Corry keep up the good work and help us get this guy out of his postion before another tragedy happens. ~Anonymous

top

06/30/05 DJJ: Mr. Turner, I recently read Mr. Schembri's article about all the cases he has referred to law enforcement...In Detention, we should not be blamed for the Residential Programs shortcomings.The last thing we need is to be lumped together with programs that are privately administered and are money making machines. ~Anonymous

Mr. Turner, I recently read Mr. Schembri's article in the newspapers about all the cases he has referred to law enforcement for investigation and it brought one question to mind. Could someone please address how many of these cases were within the Detention Centers vs Residential. Mr. Schembri is quick to point out the changes he is making and some have been positive but PLEASE pass on to him that he is part of the morale problem when he fails to recognize the difference between the two areas. In Detention we have made some mistakes and a few of them have been tragic. We have in the past and continue to take our lumps for them, but we should not be blamed for the Residential Programs shortcomings. We have morale problems and of course the staffing problems we are having only helps to intensify the problems. We do need help in many areas but our department overall is still an infant so these problems are expected to some degree. The last thing we need is to be lumped together with programs that are privately administered and are money making machines. Please pass on to Mr. Schembri this is a real injustice to the Detention Staff who are working everyday to try to provide a safe and secure environment for a tough to handle group of kids. We need to hear a few positive things not always the bad that someone else is doing the majority of. ~Anonymous

top

06/30/05 DJJ: Response to parent who wants people who have witnessed abuse to contact her:...system should be held accountable. {Schembri] continues to ignore the fact that the Private Providers...are interested only in money; this Administration is also in a crash and burn mode ~Anonymous

In reference to the parent who wants people who have witnessed abuse to contact her: There is no doubt that mistakes and sometimes actual abuse does occur within DJJ and for this the system should be held accountable. Some of the most note worthy situations as are often mentioned on this site took place in Detention Centers. Some of these situations such as Paisley was blatantly wrong. Some of the others were avoidable but certainly not forseen ahead of time, but from these incidents there has been improvements in oversight. Currently our Secretary seems to only be interested in selling himself to the media so I don't think anything else will be accomplished unless he can look good in the process. He continues to ignore the fact that the Private Providers for the Programs that the politicians put in to play are interested only in money. They pay their staff sub-standard pay, force Overtime on them that the Detention Staff have never seen the likes of, and have contracts with DJJ that protect them from the same over-sight that the Detention Centers are given. Inadaquate and antique recording equipment still remains a problem when investigations are called for. The Program area of DJJ is where the real fiasco is within DJJ and it seems to go unaddressed because no one has a solution for the problem. Within the Detention Centers we are dealing with staff shortages, low pay, and a Secretary that is more interested in being an actor than an Administrator. Detention Staff please do us all a favor and keep trugging along. While I do not agree with everything that is currently going on we must all realize that this Administration is also in a crash and burn mode but as in the previous one there are some good people who are capable of making the needed changes that will suffer the fall-out when Schembri leaves. We are trying to do a tough job under difficult circumstances and it seems to many only think their contribution should be to complain an find fault, suck it up and do our jobs in spite of Schembri and his media circus. Together we will see this situation through and be stronger for it. ~Anonymous

top

06/29/05 DJJ: I want parents that have witnessed abuse on their children, and other children to please come forward and call me or email me. Just because a child misbehaves, does not give DJJ a right to beat our children to a pulp or break bones and bash in heads. My son called me tonight and said "Mom, I will be dead before I get out" He fears for his life in the adult prison. ~Dawn

As for you staff that have posted anonymously, your postings do not make one bit of difference to most of us, it only shows that you don't have the guts to stand up for what is right,your only worried about your own jobs. As a parent that has seen abuse now in 3 out of the 5 facility's I've had to deal with I won't lie about it. I will say that the two facility's that have earned my respect is Jackson Juvenile, and Pensacola Boys Base, why?? because of the Administrators there, and the staff. As for OYDC and Dozier, Greenville HIlls, these have got to be the scum of DJJ. OYDC, my daughter and I would visit my son there, only to receive sexual snide comments made towards us. When I complained about it, they immediately began transfer procedures of my son. Only to have him start another program over. He then went to Jackson Juvenile, and things looked good, but then I was told that my son was transferred to Dozier, but this time with time served, things were going ok there, until I reported abuse towards another boy that my son witnessed. The guard J.C White cornered my son in the cottage he was at, and asked if his mother called DCF about it, and my son said he was very threatening towards him, and scared him. I called Ed Leeks administrator of Dozier, and they moved my son to another cottage, yet J.C White is still working there. My son also witnessed along with another gaurd by the name of Mr. Bryant, another boy being beaten up by Mr. Zanders, then after he beat him up, went back and erased the tapeing. Mr. Bryant never spoke up about it though. After I reported all this, my son started to get harrassed and restrained, then accused of hitting a staff member which he swears on the bible he did not hit this man. He is now going into the adult prison because he didn't know what to do about fighting this system, he just turned 17! My son called me tonight and said "Mom, I will be dead before I get out" He fears for his life in the adult prison, and said that some of the men where he is now, have told him that everyone gets beat up bad when they go through Lake Butler. What a horrible thing for us to have to deal with. What a cover up Ed Leeks has going.. get the kid arrested, and sent off so that his mother can't call in abuse that the boy sees going on. I would like to know how many abuse calls Aurthur G. Dozier School for Boys has on them. Even Ginger Green of DCF stated to me "looks like they are trying to cover up" Why then won't anyone come forward? I'll tell you why, you parents, Because they don't care about our kids, only the money in their pockets. I would work there for free just so that I could confirm all of the mess going on!!! I want parents that have witnessed abuse on their children, and other children to please come forward and call me or email me. Just because a child misbehaves, does not give DJJ a right to beat our children to a pulp or break bones and bash in heads. You DJJ staff that think you can get away with it, will one day pay for your actions, and be without a job and behind bars for aggravated assult and battery. ~ Dawn 850-983-6777

top

06/29/05 DJJ: Re. 04/11/05 DJJ-to become JDO, thorough back ground screening: I beg to differ with this, as my Son had his arm broken in 2002 by a staff member by the name of Rodney Baynard. This staff member also has a record with the Greenville Florida Sheriffs department for aggravated assult. ~Dawn

04/11/05 DJJ-to become Juvenile Detention Officer, thorough back ground screening...no qualifications to become a parent

There is a very thorough back ground screening Juvenile Justice employees must clear in order to be hired. This is followed by an Academy and a series of exams that must be passed in order for someone to become Juvenile Detention Officer. This is followed up by a year long probationary period. On the other hand there are no qualifications whatsoever for someone to become a parent (besides biological). This becomes quite evident when one observes the amount of youth that come into DJJ custody with what appears to be a complete lack of home training.

I have to beg to differ with this, as my Son had his arm broken in 2002 by a staff member by the name of Rodney Baynard. This staff member also has a record with the Greenville Florida Sheriffs department for aggravated assult. Explain how this one got pass this "extensive backgroung check?" When Assistant Regional Director Vicki Burnett was told about this man's background, her reply was "He should not be working for us" Funny, he was working for DJJ, she also stated "he must have slipped through the cracks" She then asked me "what can I do to make you feel better!" Wow.. I've been complaining of abuse at Greenville Hills Academy now for over 8 months and begged to have him transferred, it took someone with a criminal background to break my sons upper arm to get anyone to listen and believe it. The horrible thing about it was he only had 47 days left before coming home, and if he was transferred to another program, he would have to start his sentence over again. My son weighed 137 pounds when he went there and was 113 when he left in 8 months. This is totally wrong in the system, if a child has to be transferred due to abuse, he or she should receive time served in a program and all points and acheivements transferred with them.
~Dawn 850-983-6777

top

06/29/05 Manatee JDC: Two staff hurt. A pregnant female left on the floor by herself attacked by a youth. A male staff attacked by a youth so severely unable to return to work. Both incidents were the staffs fault, they were working alone. Take action Mr.Turner. ~Anonymous

Two staff hurt while on the job at Manatee. A pregnant female left on the floor by herself attacked by a youth. A male staff attacked by a youth so severely unable to return to work. No concern shown by Administration. Both incidents were the staffs fault, they were working alone without adequate staff. How so? Manatee operates daily without adequate staff. Take action Mr.Turner. ~Anonymous

top

06/28/05 Manatee JDC: Mr.Turner, Manatee Detention runs daily without adequate staffing levels. Administrations is very aware of the conditions but do not want to be accountable if incidents occur. We will have a total of three resignations this week. ~Anonymous staff

Mr.Turner, Is anyone paying attention to the working conditions at Manatee Detention. New Supervisor decides working conditions are not in compliance to properly ensure efficient operation of the facility and quits on the spot without notice. Manatee Detention runs daily without adequate staffing levels. Administrations is not affected by the high turn over rate. Why? Because they are not working directly in the conditions staff are forced to work in. Forced to holdover. Forced to work ill or when family members are ill. They are not working along side the staff, they are sitting in their offices hiding from the problems they have created. Administrations is very aware of the conditions but do not want to be accountable if incidents occur. They want to delegate the cause and blame onto someone else what better way, sitting in the office away from the front line staff and youth. Superintendent Gargett new title should be DO SO LITTLE Gargett. The youth we serve are at risk because the staff are at risk. IS ANYONE LISTENING?

I am a staff that was called at home with the information of the supervisors resignation. I was off on this day but not surprised with his decision. We will have a total of three resignations this week.

Tallahassee actions speaks louder than words.

One last question Staff at Manatee are not allowed to take the much needed time deserved off, only forty hours at a time regardless of the amount of time on the books. Ridiculous, why? Anonymous staff

top

06/27/05 DJJ: Our Children need reform, care and help, not abuse!!!! My son is only 17, he has been "jailed" long enough for crimes, and this time he is INNOCENT and is still being sent to an ADULT jail because of retaliations, and cover ups.
~Dawn Chase

Our Children need reform, care and help, not abuse!!!! My son has not had the chance to have a normal teenage life, no dances at the school, no prom, no ballgames. NOTHING!! Please direct your attentions to www.justice4kids.org . I truly believe that a major reform and monitoring of this department needs to be done. My son is only 17, he has been "jailed" long enough for the crimes he has done, and this time he is INNOCENT and is still being sent to an ADULT jail because of retaliations, and cover ups. Please start listening to the Parents and the kids!!!! My son has been in this system now close to 4 years!!!!

Thank you for your time,

Mrs. Dawn M Chase 850-983-6777

top

06/27/05 DJJ/Dozier: They have charged my son with battery on a detention staff, felony, and have tried him as an adult!!! All this because of a cover up, and retaliation towards my son and me for reporting abuse. I am one angry mother, that you all sit there on your high seats, and cannot do something to protect these kids. Since You, Mr. Schembri, has taken over this office, I have NOT seen any changes. ~Dawn Chase

I received a phone call from Vicki Burnett and Gary Rivenbark, and the exact words from Gary Rivenbark were, There was a camera in the exact place that Cxxxxxxxxx stated there was, but the tape had been taped over!!! Then when Gary Rivenbark was asked by Cxxxxxxxxx's attorney about the tape, he changed his story as well, stating that nothing was seen on the tape!!! Insinuating, that the tape was intact, yet as he stated things were "fuzzy"!!

They have charged my son with battery on a detention staff, felony, and have tried him as an adult!!! All this because of a cover up, and retaliation towards my son and me for reporting abuse. During the depositions, Ed Leeks stated that he NEVER spoke to me about this incident, a bold face lie, as I contacted Vicki Burnett, and Gary Rivenbark about the conversation I had with Mr. Leeks. My Son is now sitting at Jackson County Correctional awaiting transfer to Lake Butler because there was not enough evidence to prove his innocence. He was threatened with 5 years of prison if he didn't take a plea bargain. My son just turned 17 in April. Where is the justice in all of this? For all I know and all I feel, is that these two men, J.C White, and Mr. Wilson were good friends, and since I reported J.C White for abuse, the retaliation was to get Cxxxxxxxxxx out of Dozier, and sent away so that he would not be there to report the abuse. The system that you are running makes me sick to my stomach. I will swear on my Mothers grave, should anymore harm come to my son in this system, I will begin a class action suite against this state for ALL of the injustice and abuse left unchecked and the abuse my son has had to endure.I am one angry mother, that you all sit there on your high seats, and cannot do something to protect these kids. Stop hiring untrained and uneducated people to deal with children that have emotional problems. They need to be cared for, not beaten and threatened!! Since You, Mr. Schembri, has taken over this office, I have NOT seen any changes. Ed Leeks is about to retire with a fat pension, and after all the complaints about Dozier?? Why was he allowed to remain there as Superintendent??? He has pulled the wool over all of your eyes. My Son has gone through enough hell. Read his file about his abuse at Greenville and the broken arm he had from Rodney Baynard, a staff member that was hired with a history of aggravated assault. The investigator General has this file. Nothing was done about that... as I found out that he has a relative working for DCF in that case, nothing went to the state attorney about that incident, no police were called, yet they blamed it all on my young son, and basically said I was a liar. This happened in 2002!!! You all need to read what is going on in your system!! ~Dawn Chase

top

06/27/05 DJJ/Dozier: Mr. Schembri, Govenor Bush, Are you not aware of the cover ups, and retaliation that your staff has committed? During ISP, my son and staff member Mr. Bryant witnessed staff member Mr. Zanders beat up a child, then erase the video taping of the beating. ~Dawn Chase 850-983-6777

Below in part, is a letter I sent to Secretary Schembri,Govenor Bush, and State Sentators of FL.

Mr. Schembri, Govenor Bush, Are you not aware of the cover ups, and retaliation that your staff has committed? My son had 20 days left before coming home to Dozier. While there, he witnessed numerous occasions of staff abusing the children in their care. I called DCF and reported this a number of times, and also reported the incidents described to me by my son to Vicki Burnett, and Gary Rivenbark. After reporting an incident of Staff Member J.C White at the Aurthur G. Dozier facility, of J.C White kicking another resident by the name of Uxxxx Cummings, J.C White cornered my son, and asked him if his mother called DCF on him. My son became nervous and scared of him, and was transferred to another cottage. Uxxxx Cummings was questioned about the incident and denied it, because he was scared of retaliation. This is where things started going downhill for my son. During ISP, my son and staff member Mr. Bryant witnessed staff member Mr. Zanders beat up a child, then erase the video taping of the beating. My son stated that Mr. Bryant told him that this was very wrong. However, nothing was done in this instance. The next couple of weeks, went by, and then my Son who was in a classroom was escorted out by Mr. Wilson, a staff member, restrained him for NO reason except Cxxxxxxxxxx was upset. He got ugly with my son, and took him down, in the process hitting his face on my son's shoulder, causing the glasses he was wearing to hit his upper cheek, and then hollered that my son hit him, when indeed my son stated he did NOT, and that Mr. Wilson swung at him twice while he was on the ground. Mr. Leeks informed me that this was a serious matter because Mr. Wilson had to file workmans comp, and take off from work from the injury. My Son stated Mr. Wilson NEVER took off, nor was he absent from work. This all can be checked through work records. My son, Cxxxxxxxxx Sholly also stated that he was indeed within camera and video range of the whole ordeal and insisted that this needed to be reviewed. I contacted Ed Leeks, administrator of Dozier in Marianna FL, and he stated to me that there were no camera's. I told him that my Son said their were, and he described the exact location in which they were. I then spoke to my son about this incident again, and decided to call and beg Mr. Leeks to check out the camera's. Mr. Leeks, he then informed me, there was a camera, however they were out of camera range. I then contacted Vicki Burnett, and she assured me that Gary Rivenbark would investigate this matter, and review the film and camera location. ~Dawn Chase

top

06/26/05 DJJ: Re. 06/26/05 Barrerio: Gus Barrerio did a good job at helping to hide Daniels death...He has never called as promised. As for Commissioner Schembri HE IS A TRUE NEW YORKER! Survival is only for the fit ,you watch out for #1 first and foremost. ~Diana Matthews

RESPONSE TO: 06/26/05 DJJ: Gus Barrerio, you did a good job at pulling back a few layers of the ugly culture. Gus Barrerio did a good job at helping to hide Daniels death in PC. DJJ 9 days prior to Omars death in Miami Dade center. To this day though I even sent a Christmas card from my family to his. He has never called as promised at the Clearwater college meeting in Oct, 03.It is now two years , 26 days ,23hours and 9 minutes since my heart and souls death. Please if these people are doing anything tell me this. 1. Why did Officer Elswick open those doors or did he ? 2.Why did it take from 22:00 till 22:10 from 911 to be called ? 3.Why did dispatch not call it in as a stat emergency or tramtic call instead of reg medical call. 4.Why does the EMT sheets state this for fact ? 5.Why does it take from 22:10 till 22:51 to get my baby to a hospital though EMT state they were there by 22:46 the hospital has 22:51 for arrival? 6. This is about a 7 min ride at 10 pm so why does it take about 41 minutes to arrive so my baby can receive help. 7. If this was a fight then why does the EMT reports state from the guard that Daniel was pouched twice fell and hit his head on a toilet? 8. If this is true why do the EMT team find Daniel head in door way body inside cell ? 9. Oh I forget someone read my sons mind after he was dead a knew he would have thrown a pounch, I am only his mother why would I know better? Gus Barrerio might be a good guy but I have yet to see this! As for Commissioner Schembri HE IS A TRUE NEW YORKER! Survival is only for the fit ,you watch out for #1 first and foremost. This I can testify to I was born and raised in Brooklyn N.Y. So please tell me why my baby Daniel is gone ,He only wanted help! As for other children getting hurt my niece through marrage has been and presently being hurt by this system her name is Samantha. Forever in tears Diana

top

06/26/05 DJJ: Commissioner Schembri, here are the facts. THE ANGUISHED STORIES YOU READ ON THIS SITE ARE TRUE...spend a few days and nights living at some of your facilities and working IN UNIFORM ...Imagine an exhausted, confused staff member (that would be you) paired with a scared adolescent. ~Anonymous

To: Justice4kids and Florida's Department of Juvenile Justice

I have worked with troubled youth for many years in several states. In Florida I have worked as a licensed psychologist for three providers, a high risk residential program, two detention centers and a residential substance abuse treatment program. I am a consultant with a corporation that addresses dysfunctional companies as well. With the change of administration after the child died at the Miami-Dade center I watched the agency for signs of core change. There have been none. Only cute and increasingly bizarre antics by Schembri and his handlers. Newspaper fodder.

Jeb Bush, take note. Even though you are in your halcyon days, you still have an opportunity to make the needed changes in DJJ management that are responsive to the stories of neglect and abuse that are posted on this site. It is your responsibility to ensure that another child does not suffer or die. (There are lots of kids who suffer, who are neglected or abused but they don't make the news because they were lucky enough to survive), Schembri has not made change but he is a master at diverting attention from the problems that are stacking up under his watch. He has launched a successful repetitive, hypnotic-like campaign to convince everyone that he is the mirror image of a television character. I remember the show. The main character was a chubby little self-effacing policeman who used unusual but successful tactics. A very warm and fuzzy show. "The Commish" always erred on the side of truth and sincerity. If only life did imitate art.

Commissioner Schembri, here are the facts. THE ANGUISHED STORIES YOU READ ON THIS SITE ARE TRUE. You need to LISTEN to the detention staff and the parents. I know listening is as difficult for you as it is for any megalomaniac but LISTENING is part of your job. I see what detention staff are put through on a daily basis. Its not the kids so much as it is the politics and the constantly shifting expectations. One day detention staff are put in uniforms and told that they are guards. The next day they are told they are not guards but counselors. They are told to care about kids and show respect but no one shows them respect. And you should know that you can't teach values. People change in response to appropriate role models. And when they are exhausted from working 16 hours with 3 hours of sleep, their focus is elsewhere. Remember Maslow's hierarchy of needs? Does anyone in Tallahassee remember?

Commissioner Schembri, spend a few days and nights living at some of your facilities and working IN UNIFORM alongside detention staff. Imagine an exhausted, confused staff member (that would be you) paired with a scared adolescent. Ask yourself, Commissioner Scchembri, what are the program's expectations of me as a staff member, or as the child. See for yourself the meaning of word salad. Most of my time is spent with kids dealing with their fear and anxiety over staff. Most are not mentally ill when they enter the system, but I can't say they aren't by the time they leave. People need to distinguish between the disturbed youth with mental health needs from the "mentally ill youth." Another label these kids do not deserve or need.

Gus Barrerio, you did a good job at pulling back a few layers of the ugly culture that is the culture of DJJ. But it doesn't stop there. You need to keep an eye on these people. Everytime the Commish, these good ole boys, the private providers, or the agency itself commits an act that is not for the good of the children, an injustice has occurred. And each injustice is woven into the fabric of the shawl that DJJ uses when it needs a cover-up. As for Commissioner Schembri, my clinical recommendation is that he is provided his own little pink room up in Tallahasee.

Like so many others before me, I can't wait until my contract expires. Never again will I work for any provider, program, company, etc. that does business with this agency. I can no longer stomach it. ~Anonymous

top

06/24/05 Redirections Program: She was not a good candidate for Redirections and someone should be reprimanded and policy changed following such a bad judgment call. ~B. H.

My child has been in two long term facilities and was sent home on 04/19/05 and proceeded to miss curfew and stay out all night. She was hanging out with bad influences who were older than her, most over 18, and involved in prostitution and other crime. I was worried someone would kill her.

Her EYA counselor was reluctant to violate her or do anything about the behavior and it wasn't until she was staying out all night for three weeks that a pick up order was sent to the judge, at my insistance.

It took three missing person reports and three attempts to have her arrested and her pick up order enforced before it actually was done. In short, she was finally arrested just minutes before she left the house on her way out of state, having stopped home only to get her clothes and paycheck and my extra cell phone.

She was finally violated for her conditional release after one solid month of almost daily violations. The order was not entered into the computer initially and we only found this out when we tried to have it enforced unsuccessfully twice, each time the police presence gave her warning of an eventual arrest and more reason to flee.

Finally by getting the Judge on the phone as the police were attempting to leave our home without arresting her, the order was finally enforced in the nick of time.

The next step was a transfer hearing to decide what level facility to which she would be placed.

At this hearing the commitment manager, Virgil Harris, suggested a Redirections program which is for kids who have their probation violated but do not have any new charges. In the Redirections program, the family would recieve in home counseling and community services would be utilized instead of placing her in a facility. The child, in theory as advertised on their web site, would receive individual therapy and assistance with peer choices and other problem areas.

I explained the flight risk that she posed and he addressed that by saying the Redirections program had an electronic monitoring component to it which gave me reason to have an open mind towards it and so we said we were willing to try it.

In reality, there was no component involved, my child was released without it in the morning and attempted to run away that night, receiving a domestic violence charge in the process as she fought with us when we tried to prevent her from actually leaving.

She now goes back to a facility for her violation, which was our goal at the onset of this horrid ordeal, but now she faces a new charge of domestic violence and is far worse off than before we took the Commitment Manager's suggestion in an effort to save the state money.

What can we do about this? Someone should step in here and look into how and why this happened. She was not a good candidate for Redirections and someone should be reprimanded and policy changed following such a bad judgment call.

Please tell me your thoughts and any recommendation you may have.

Thanks. ~B.H.

top

06/24/05 DJJ/JDC: To the writer on 06/24/05 regarding shift rotation. I have noticed the favoritism ALWAYS shown to the 6-2 shift...Ever hear the adage: "Out of sight, out of mind!"?...It is time for Mr. Schembri to earn his pay! ~Anonymous

To the writer who posted a comment on 06/24/05 regarding shift rotation at Orange JDC being a bad idea. You need to consider something that I've noticed after working on all of the shifts. Reread your comment on this again. You are making assumptions regarding the other shifts. How about this: I have noticed the favoritism ALWAYS shown to the 6-2 shift. The 6-2 shift has always been the preferred shift to work by almost all staff members because this shift provides the closest schedule for conducting a normal family life. The 2-10 and night shifts are the most arduous and least recognized shifts. In other words if you work on the 2-10 or the night shift you can be sure that in some way, some how you are going to have it stuck to you in one way or the other. The staff administration always shows favoritism to the 6-2 shift because this is the shift where the staff is most visible. Ever hear the adage: "Out of sight, out of mind!" ?? Well, as much as everybody doesn't like to admit it is a real concern and problem. Now, don't ask me for a solution because that is not my job! I hate to say this but it is true. The people who need to produce a solution get paid a heck of a lot more money than I do and I know that is their primary purpose: to come up with solutions to problems -- not insist that subordinates give solutions to serious problems that have no easy solutions. It is another example of the dysfunctiality of the DJJ system. Top management in Tallahasee insisting that we come up with solutions to our problems which are problems that are ingrained in the fabric of DJJ. Just for once I would like to see DJJ management in Tallahasee produce solutions to these problems on their own without insisting and waiting for the frontline workers to obtain the solutions! It is time for Mr. Schembri to earn his pay! .... and you will never have to worry about me kissing anybody's **s to get ahead! ~Anonymous

top

06/24/05 Dozier: Alleged retaliation by staff Winston; videotape of the incident not available; Administrator "Ed Leeks is a liar, crooked, and hides the facts that many youth are being abused in his facility'; [my] son has hairline skull fractures, a broken nose untreated, and a broken arm. ~Dawn

I reported abuse to DCF in the facility of Aurthur G.Dozier on two boys that my son witnessed abuse. After I reported this, the retaliation started and my son only had 20 days left to come home. A staff member by the name of Winston escorted my son out of a classroom, and had both hands behind his back, My Son, C. S. did not resist, yet the staff member insisted C. hit him. I called Ed Leeks and asked him about the Camera and film, I wanted to view this as I didn't believe it. Mr. Leeks stated there were no camera's, I spoke to my son again on the phone, and he insisted he was innocent and yes there were camera's. I then asked Mr. Ed Leeks again if there were camera's, his reply was,"yes, but they were out of camera range" This was a lie, as my son described the exact spot where the incident happened. I called NW Regional department and spoke to Vicki Burnett Ass. Regional Director, she told me Gary Rivenbark would go out to Dozier and check it out, in which he did. Indeed there was a camera, and the tape had been taped over. Now, my son has been arrested, and they are going to try him as an adult, he just turned 17. During depositionMy son's attorney told me that Ed Leeks stated he never spoke to me about this incident,another lie! I have proof he spoke to me as I told three people about our conversation, and they are Vicki Burnett, Gary Rivenbark,and John Provencher JPO,Suzanne Chambers. I also emailed Vicki Burnett about the conversation. Ed Leeks is a liar, crooked, and hides the facts that many youth are being abused in his facility. I wish I knew more parents, I want to charge the state with abuse and neglect in a class action suite. My son has spent over 3 in a half years in these programs,he has hairline fractures throughout his skull, a broken nose untreated, he has had a broken arm, by a staff member that DJJ hired by the name of Rodney Baynard, Baynard has a history recorded with the greenville fl, sherrifs department for aggravated assult and driving a car with wrong tags.. These are the kind of people that are employed by our state. A state that once advocated protecting our kids from abuse. Where is the justice??? If the officials know that one of their own is doing wrong, why are they just allowing it to happen? Are they too worried about the money in their pockets? Meanwhile my son would never make it in prison, some horrible man will end up hurting him. Hasn't he and us his family been put through enough??? ~Dawn

top

06/24/05 Orange JDC: response to 06/20/05 DJJ posting (solutions) - Shift rotation is a terrible idea. People rely on consistencies to make day care arrangements or to have different working hours than their spouse so there kids are not left alone. ~Anonymous

In response to comments posted on 06/20/05 DJJ: Mr. Turner, In 12 years with DJJ you are the first who seems to listen. I have some solutions i hope you will consider. ~ SJDO Shift rotation for staff is a terrible idea. As it is, this job doesn't pay well and includes forced overtime that keeps people away from their families. Now your solution is to bounce people around to different shifts? At Orange Detention the only thing keeping even more people from jumping ship is that we can rely on the knowledge that we have a consistent shift and for the most part consistent days off. People rely on these consistencies to make day care arrangements for their kids or to have different working hours than their spouse so there kids are not left alone. As far as learning what the other shifts do this shouldn't even be an issue with all the overtime we are forced to work. The 6-2 shift has been carrying the 2-10 shift for most of the year. The 2-10 shift has had plenty of first hand knowledge of what happens on the night shift. It would also would be a rarity for the 6-2 shift to run without two or three people held over from the night shift. In conclusion: Rotating shifts are a bad idea! ~Anonymous

top

06/23/05 DJJ: Myself,family and the many parents like Cathy Corry, Terri Mestre, JudyKay Leece will not let Tallahassee sleep again. Things will change so you may do your job and be well to care for your own family at the end of the day. ~Diana Matthews

To The DJJ Officer that wrote. 06/22/05 DJJ: To the writer who told me to face reality -tall. First and formost keep being optimistic , Things shall change! It will be officers like you that help this to come about by speaking out against the wrongs that are happening and still willing to stand strong for there job and beliefs. Were children are safe again and staff are taken care of, plus given the proper tools they need to help these children. As far as Tallahassee goes they were not too busy due to the deaths. One year prior to my son Daniel Jack Matthews Death 5-31-03 in PC.DJJ, there was to be an investigation into PC.DJJ and some other areas. But this was put on a back burner due to more important (as they put it) things in Tallahassee and Washington. To my knowledge the Inspector General delayed the investigation into the conditions of DJJ just prior to the death of my son Daniel.Had they been doing there job just maybe ,more then likely Daniel , Shawn and Omar would be alive today.So any deleamers they have over the neglect of doing there jobs and making your job work by not doing what you and others have just done for them is not do to them being to busy with our son's deaths. This state should have never allowed any state agency that cares for children to become so disfuntional that its own officers are complaning about the conditions. At the first sign of a problem they should have been thinking of ways to make things better, Problems in the work force do not go away on there own. If the state will not care for it's own workers. How are you to STAY STRONG and care for the children. Myself,family and the many parents like Cathy Corry, Terri Mestre, JudyKay Leece will not let Tallahassee sleep again. Things will change so you may do your job and be well to care for your own family at the end of the day. Forever in tears Diana Matthews

top

06/23/05 Manatee JDC: Mr.Turner, Retailation does happen...Staff are not allowed to voice concerns, if we do we are placed on the hit list. Please take a closer look at Manatee. ~Anonymous

Mr.Turner,

Retailation does happen and will continue to happen here at Manatee. We have Administration that feels and have been mentally noted by staff that no disciplinary action will follow for any retailiation against staff. Staff are not allowed to voice concerns, if we do we are placed on the hit list. Take a closer look at the staff situation. Why do you think Manatee has a very high turn over rate? So many things are true on this website stated by my fellow co-workers. Administration need to be forced to work the floor and holdover they are in uniforms now they should be able to complete all daily operations. Can they? No. In order to know the job you must complete the job, maybe a change will happen. Please take a closer look at Manatee. ~Anonymous

top

06/22/05 DJJ: To the writer who told me to face reality -...tall. should have thought of these suggestions but...they were too busy with the deaths; as for Mr. turner he is the only one who i have seen address any of these problems on this website ~SJDO?

To the writer who told me to face reality - i want to thank you for agreeing with my suggestions, as well as the officer from orjdc, and i dont think you are sounding negative. you sound like i did not too long ago, pissed off. as for facing reality,i am. reality for me is i dont want to lose this job. i know what it once was and im being optimistic that it will one day return to that. your right the people in tall. should have thought of these suggestions but i am hoping that they were too busy with the deaths, and other problems that were portraying DJJ in a bad light in the media, that they did not realize what was going on with the officers on the front lines. and i know that facility management has not been telling them of our situations. as for Mr. turner he is the only one who i have seen adress any of these problems on this website and im being hopeful that it means change is coming soon I heard mr. turner speak one time, he was representing djj but it was for a sad occassion. one of the things that struck me was that he was a good speaker who made people listen to what he was saying. if mr. turner keeps his word and presents our problems to schembri i do believe our situation could improve some. i hope you, or any other staff, dont think im kissing his a-- or anything like that its just that for a long time nobody cared about our problems and he looks like he,s stepping foward.and right now that is the only positive thing i see.Mr. turner, i know you read these postings and i sincerly hope you see what we are going through, look at the facts. numerous postings from staff throughout different facilitys, always the same thing. management dont care, forced hold-overs, certain staff not pulling their weight, etc. some of us are depending on you, dont let us down. ~SJDO?

top

06/22/05 Orange JDC: To ORJDC 06/21/05 posting - Let's stop being part of the problem and begin being part of the solution. ADS Priester, Mr. Langford and Mr. Williams are doing a fine job. ~Anonymous

To person from ORJDC who posted on 06/21/05, a couple of comments. The day of the escape Mr. Williams was in a work related meeting and ADS Priester was on the floor working. I have never had an issue that needed to be addressed that ADS Priester did not handle. As far as Mr. Langford is concerned, he was doing the job of two people, Mr. Jenks' and his responsabilities as Supervisor. I do understand and agree that SJDO's and JDO's are extremely over worked and yesterday someone was taken to the hiospital due to stress, but I know that Mr. WIlliams is a solution - focused manager and does not want to continue hear what the problem is, rather, he wants to hear some solutions. So, why do we (myself included) don't stop complaining and star brainstorming how to fix the existing problems - solutions for the people who are in the line of fire by people who are in the firing line are what is needed. And, if you need to vent, Ms. Ines, the mental health supervisor is not just there for the kids, she has made it clear that she's there for us too, and she has prven to be tried and true. Let's stop being part of the problem and begin being part of the solution. ADS Priester, Mr. Langford and Mr. Williams are doing a fine job. Thank you. ~Anonymous

top

06/21/05 Orange JDC: great officers quit due to not being treated well; management..lock themselves in their offices; 2 detainees escaped and were not found until the next day..superintendent was not around. ~Anonymous

I sincerely believe in shift rotation. I am a very committed officer at ORJDC. One that has been around for quite a few years. A committed officer with lots of sick leave that is very faithful to the job and does not abuse sick leave. It is with great sadness how I see day by day how my fellow workers have to struggle to keep on doing a good job. It saddens this officer how great officers quit due to not being treated well. For instance many of the officers do not see daylight. They do not know what it is like to be home with their familiies. Just this past week we had two rushed to the hospital due to stress related illness. About a month ago we had another 2 or 3 officers at the hospital due to illness that a doctor appointment could had stop all emergencies.Due to working doubles they are not allow to keep their doctors appointments. We see a lot of certified workers that could be helping the floor staff but instead they are told by upper management that they do not have to help. They lock themselves in their offices just pretending they are working. When I was hired I got the impression that our first priority is the floor.We have a great responsibility to make sure these young people are in a safe and secure environment. We had an escape a month ago. 2 detainees escaped and were not found until the next day. Our superintendent was not around. He had ADS Priester in charge that day. ADS Priester was no where to be found that day. The shift supervisor Mr. Langford was also good for nothing. Is it my understanding that it 0 tolerance. There is a consequence for escapes. ADS and supervisors should be held accountable for. Consequences: One staff got suspended for 2 weeks. Nothing was done to the ADS or Supervisor on the floor that day. Perhaps this needs to be check out. It was an escape that was not necessary. Perhaps a shift rotation is a must. Let's all learn how to do each other's job. It is a great idea especially when we do not know day by day who will be out. Let's stop locking ourselves in our offices when we are in a critical stage. Let's have consideration for each other. ~Anonymous

top

06/21/05 Osceola JDC: We at Osceola welcome Mr Lowry and hope that he will be the type of manager that DJJ is sorely lacking. ~Anonymous

We at Osceola welcome Mr Lowry and hope that he will be the type of manager that DJJ is sorely lacking.Mr Hoffman has handed over to you quite a few lazy,self serving people.He did this through favortism and his own dishonest and unfair practices. It's to bad it's not like when a new coach takes over and replaces all the old assistant coaches with his own people because believe me Mr Lowry you would. We challenge you to find out who the good staff and team players are and not be impressed by someone just because they wear the white shirt.A lot of good people have left here because of what has gone on over the years and more are leaving everyday including myself.I really don't have much faith in this system especially when Mr. Turner thinks a solution is to give more money to problem and incompetant supervisors by making them Comandants as they did here.Whatever "Mission" is being accomplised is only because of the JDO, SJDO and a few supervisors that still remember where they came from.
~Anonymous

top

06/21/05 DJJ: Retaliation will not be tolerated ~ Perry S. Turner

Cathy I've [arrived] now in my 60th year when I have knowledge of something not right I will investigate and take proper action. Retaliation will not be tolerated.

Perry
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

Sent: Mon Jun 20 19:07:34 2005Original Message
From: cathycorry@juno.com  <cathycorry@juno.com >
To: Turner, Perry <Perry.Turner@djj.state.fl.us >
CC: Secretary Schembri <Secretary.Schembri@djj.state.fl.us >; Casey, Steve <Charles.Casey@djj.state.fl.us >
Subject: Re: Feedback from justice4kids.org [DJJ/Detention frustrations]

Perry, FYI - I do not know who the writer is, but we will post your reply on the website in hopes that the writer will then make contact. BUT, just so you know, I've communicated with alot of staff and the fear of retaliation is huge regarding anything that is viewed as 'making waves'. You state 'No one will be retaliated against for an incorrect pay check'. How do you know this? ~ Cathy www.justice4kids.org

On Mon, 20 Jun 2005 18:20:37 -0400 "Turner, Perry" <Perry.Turner@djj.state.fl.us > writes:

Cathy, Have them call me, No one will be retaliated against for an incorrect pay check anyway. I can't help someone if I don't know who they are or the facility.

Perry

Sent: Monday, June 20, 2005 6:11 PM
From: cathycorry@juno.com [mailto:cathycorry@juno.com]
To: Turner, Perry Cc: Secretary Schembri Subject: Fw: Feedback from justice4kids.org [DJJ/Detention frustrations]

Perry.... please read message, below, received at www.justice4kids.org  ~ Cathy

Excerpts: Mr. Turner, . . .I didn't receive my overtime check . . . Officers come on here to vent their frustrations, but don't put their names because they will be retaliated against!!!

Date: Mon, 20 Jun 2005 17:06:43 -0400
Forwarded message
From: CGI-Mailer <cgi-mailer@perfora.net>
To: cathycorry@juno.com
Subject: Feedback from justice4kids.org Message-ID: <0MKz1m-1DkTTU0MMm-0004uh@mrelay.perfora.net>

Topic: DJJ - Other

Comments:

Mr. Turner, it bad enough that we have to work double shifts. But, now it's hit an all time low. I am a officer that had overtime during the pay week of 5-20-6-02.and I didn't recieve my overtime check that due to me today. I called to find out why and I was told that it was never approved by administration. The lady I spoke with from People's Fist says there is nothing that can be done and I will have to wait until July 5 to get my money. Most of us officers live from paycheck to paycheck and all this does is effect me. Administration doesn't care because its not their money missing. I was told today that if it was not in by friday before they left than once they approve everyones, they don't go back and check them again. I submitted mine friday afternoon because on thursday nights peoples first web site doesn't let you on to submit your time. I do it this way every two weeks and never had a problem until now. They messed up and now I have to wait another two weeks for the money I earned. Not to mention I have bills that need to be paid and now my checks will bounce because my money is not there. I had over 20 hours of overtime that is owed to me for that pay period. That comes out to around $300.00. This is the type of stuff that shows that administration dosen't care. How can you forget to approve someones timesheet? Mr. Turner I don't think there is much you can do to help with my situation, but please be aware that some of the people that are under you, only care about their jobs and will step on whoever they have to to keep them. No matter what. Officers come on here to vent their frustrations, but don't put their names because they will be retaliated against!!!

The mission of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice: To protect the public by reducing juvenile crime and the delinquency in Florida

Perry S. Turner
Assistant Secretary Detention Services
2737 Centerview Drive Suite 309
Tallahassee Fl. 32399-3100
850-921-6292 Office
352-266-9898 Cell

top

06/21/05 DJJ: Re: email of June 13, 2005: One of Secretary Schembri's goals this year is to improve the organization. He has charged Louise Mondragon, Bureau Chief of Personnel Services, with chairing a workgroup in reducing staff turnover. 
~ Perry S. Turner

[To Cathy Corry] This response is to your email of June 13, 2005.

One of Secretary Schembri's goals this year is to improve the organization. He has charged Louise Mondragon, Bureau Chief of Personnel Services, with chairing a workgroup in reducing staff turnover.

Some of the issues being addressed are:

Some improvements made this past year include:

Perry S. Turner
Assistant Secretary Detention Services
2737 Centerview Drive Suite 309
Tallahassee Fl. 32399-3100
850-921-6292 Office
352-266-9898 Cell

top

06/21/05 DJJ: Re 6/20/05 I have some solutions...: I really appreciate suggestions for improvement. ~Perry S. Turner

[Re 6/20/05 I have some solutions...} Good suggestions, we created Shift Commanders per shift and have implemented Admin schedules to provide after hours and weekend coverage. Under COMSTAT we monitor sick workers comp and extended leaves as well. I plan to implement the suggestion of a facility of the month at our next Directors meeting. Thanks for the suggestions I really appreciate suggestions for improvement.

Perry S. Turner
Assistant Secretary Detention Services
2737 Centerview Drive Suite 309
Tallahassee Fl. 32399-3100
850-921-6292 Office

top

06/21/06 DJJ: To the SJDO who posted on 06/20/05: I agree with your suggestions with the exception that Mr. Turner is interested in listening to our suggestions. Get real. Face reality. ~Anonymous

Reference the 06/20/05 DJJ posting: Mr. Turner, In 12 years with DJJ you are the first who seems to listen. I have some solutions i hope you will consider. ~ SJDO

To the SJDO who posted on 06/20/05: I agree with your suggestions with the exception that Mr. Turner is interested in listening to our suggestions. Think about this a minute: Mr. Turner & the other ranking appointees within the DJJ are getting paid a lot more money than you (a SJDO) to come up with suggestions for improving the work place). Why hasn't anyone in Tallahasee come up with these suggestions? It's not brain surgery for sure. How hard would it be for these people in Tallahasee to think of the ideas you have stated on the web site? Not to hard I'll bet. The truth of the matter is that they should have (could have) or would have if they cared enough to think through improvements needed to sustain the DJJ work force adequately. I'm telling you (and I've said it before) these people in Tallahasee who are well paid and well cushioned from the daily stress and problems with the DJJ work environment are out of touch and out of concern for what is occuring with the their organization. I think it is ridiculous for deckplate workers (i.e., JDO's & SDJO'S) to have to suggest these type of improvements on a public website which is meant exclusively for the eyes and ears of DJJ SENIOR MANAGEMENT! What are these clowns getting paid for in the first place?? It is a ringing indictment of their lack of concern and care of the organization. Why do I say this? I have heard similiar suggestions for improvement with DJJ before: all with no appreciable changes. I say DJJ needs to be shaken up (like all organizations which have not undergone substantial reorganization in years and then turned into corrupt, wasteful, beaureaucratic "empires" for the top people to exploit their people. I don't mean for this to sound bitter or negative but the truth is there and it is time for Mr. Schembri to admit it. BTW, when (if ever) has Mr. Schembri EVER made a comment on this website? I (for one) am sick and tired of hearing the same RHETORIC from his deputy, Mr. Turner! Is Schembri simply delegating EVERYTHING to this guy and hiding behind that big desk and office in Tallahasee. Get real. Face reality. ~Anonymous

top

06/20/05 Riverside Academy: Son's medical needs have been neg. - not taking him to the ER when he hurt his ankle, taking 3 months to get him to a dentist for a impacked wisdow tooth, forgetting to give him medicine for heart murmur. A staff member picked him up by his neck and banged his head on the wall. ~S Anstey

My son is at riverside academy in tampa. They are doing so many things wrong. His medical needs have been neg. many times.From not taking him to the ER when he hurt his ankle, to taking 3 months to get him to a dentist for a impacked wisdow tooth. I believe they have a ARNP working for them that does not have a license that i can find. then forgetting to give him his medicine for his heart murmur not once but twice. A staff member picked him up by his neck and banged his head on the wall because my son said something he did not like. I'm trying to get him home before a cause any problems. I have written the judge and our state attorney. My lawyer is working on getting me a court date. He has been at riverside since jan.12th. Last fall he was at the detention center and he lost 10ilbs. in 20 days. He was hungry all the time. He is not a big kid and did not have any weight to loose. The state was only allowed to keep him 5 days some how it became 20. my lawyer went to court to get him out then. I have read how they are trying to clean up the system. Maybe they are but they have a long way to go. We must hold them accountable for what they do. The way i see it is they have been trusted with the most important thing in my life. IF I DID TO MY SON WHAT THEY HAVE HE WOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN AWAY FROM ME. He needs to be taken away from them. I could go on and on. I have alot to say. If you want to know my sons story let me know. I have gotten alot of information on what they have done so i can prove most of it.Any body that cares about the kids leaves. His casemanger left 2 months ago. His therapist is leaving in Aug. she told me she would not feel comfortable leaving before some of her kids left. She said that place is nothing like she thought it would be. She really wants to help kids. She once said i would be happy if i could help just one. The case manger had been there for 3 or 4 years. The therapist going on 1 yr. I have tried to get them to tell what they know. I guess eveyone is to scared. It seems almost every week i find out something else that has happened that is wrong. They hate me there. They don't have to many parents in there face like i'am. Besides getting my son home i would love to be able to help. I've even told my son he should write a book. I know he has lots of stories. I'll stop for now. Thanks for reading this. ~S Anstey

top

06/20/05 DJJ: Here is the list of all the top personnel within DJJ. I want to know their job descriptions, qualifications and salaries. I am going to call & ask for that information. Would anyone else care to join me? ~JudyKay Leece

DJJ - Here is the list of all the top personnel within DJJ. I want to know what their job descriptions are, what their qualifications are (and how their qualifications make them suited for their position) and I want to know what their salaries are. I am going to start calling these people and asking for that information. Would anyone else care to join me? I strongly believe that the budget cuts need to start at the top. This money can be better served elsewhere in the system. A 3.5% increase of $80,000.00 is a whole lot more than 3.5% of $25,000.00.

~ JudyKay Leece jleece@cfl.rr.com 321-356-3891

top

06/20/05 DJJ: Mr. Turner, In 12 years with DJJ you are the first who seems to listen. I have some solutions i hope you will consider. ~ SJDO

Mr. Turner, first off i want to thank you for taking a interest in our problems. In 12 years with DJJ you are the first who seems to listen. I enjoy my job and i feel im effective in keeping my facility running properly. But i cannot seem to ignore the serious turn-over we are having.It seems like on a daily basis someone is turning in their resignation, for those who cannot leave for what-ever reasons i see alot of "doctors notes" appearing. In my opinion the reasons these problems are occuring is not because of the pay, as this agency never paid alot and yet people still stayed, it is because of low moral. As a front line staff imagine how difficult my job is when my leaders,(Supt. Asst. Supt), have a "dont care attitude". There are days when i go home exhausted and these people dont lift a finger to help me, or any other staff.Another problem is "fairness". There are some Officers that just dont have any Team-skills These are the first staff to take off when a problem occurs, and continuosly abuse sick-time. When Administration allows them to get away with this type of behavior it sets a poor example for others who are left to pick up the slack. I realize people get sick but when the same staff call in every week that is not sick, its abuse. I have some solutions i hope you will consider. Require Admin. to work the floor, not only will this show support to the common officer, it would foster teamwork and alleviate burning out staff. Past examples have shown that when the boss is around people all of a sudden are motivated to work. Monitor sick-leave. as i stated earlier some people are really abusing this and putting alot of stress on those who stay. Initiate rotating schedules.Let all staff see what other shifts expierence{ i know alot of people are not going to like this one} but police dept.s have been doing this for years and it really works to keeping a fresh perspective to the job. With proper advanced notice staff will have time to adjust their family schedules and would find that as soon as they were getting burned out they would rotate to a new assighnment. Staff who work 2nd shift would see their children more often, 1st shift would get a break from the numerous obligations of days and 3rd shift would get a better understanding of how the facility runs when youth are out and about. Have a facility of the month, Recognize one facility and have some type of dinner at that facilty where staff could bring their family and some of the higher ups {yourself or Mr. Schembri etc. ) could atttend. When i first started nobody was leaving this job, it took many,many years to get promoted, there was teamwork, pride, genuine friendships among staff. im sorry to say i dont witness that no more. I, for one, want to feel appreciated, i firmly believe happy people do a better job and that is why DJJ is having the problems we are, most people are un-happy with the job. In closing i belive what we really need is strong leadership, show the people that they are needed and they will stay. Thank You, SJDO?

top

06/20/05 DJJ: Mr. Turner, I didn't receive my overtime check...; Officers come on here to vent their frustrations, but don't put their names because they will be retaliated against!!! ~ Anonymous

Mr. Turner, it bad enough that we have to work double shifts. But, now it's hit an all time low. I am a officer that had overtime during the pay week of 5-20-6-02.and I didn't recieve my overtime check that due to me today. I called to find out why and I was told that it was never approved by administration. The lady I spoke with from People's Fist says there is nothing that can be done and I will have to wait until July 5 to get my money. Most of us officers live from paycheck to paycheck and all this does is effect me. Administration doesn't care because its not their money missing. I was told today that if it was not in by friday before they left than once they approve everyones, they don't go back and check them again. I submitted mine friday afternoon because on thursday nights peoples first web site doesn't let you on to submit your time. I do it this way every two weeks and never had a problem until now. They messed up and now I have to wait another two weeks for the money I earned. Not to mention I have bills that need to be paid and now my checks will bounce because my money is not there. I had over 20 hours of overtime that is owed to me for that pay period. That comes out to around $300.00. This is the type of stuff that shows that administration dosen't care. How can you forget to approve someones timesheet? Mr. Turner I don't think there is much you can do to help with my situation, but please be aware that some of the people that are under you, only care about their jobs and will step on whoever they have to to keep them. No matter what. Officers come on here to vent their frustrations, but don't put their names because they will be retaliated against!!! ~ Anonymous

top

06/18/05 Manatee JDC: Please Mr.P.Turner, Tell us here at Manatee what is the problem with keeping staff working in the facility. Why are we forced to holdover day after day... ~Anonymous

Please Mr.P.Turner, Tell us here at Manatee what is the problem with keeping staff working in the facility. Why are we forced to holdover day after day without even a thank you. We also have a family just like the Administration they get to pick when they are going to work and when they are not. They pick the time they are going to come into the facility, are they forced to write a incident report to explain why they are late? Who is watching them? When you see the number of staff that have come and gone many with time in what is the problem? Keep up the great work for the children Ms.Corry and we the dedicated State Employed Workers will promise to continue to protect and serve our great investment the Children of the State of Florida. ~Anonymous

top

06/16/05 DJJ: JDO training... due to budget constraints we were temporarily putting on academies with personnel that did not require overnight stays until the end of the fiscal year. ~Perry S. Turner

Ms. Corry -

At the Detention Services Training Institute, Staff Development Director Eber Brown informed those present that due to budget constraints we were temporarily putting on academies with personnel that did not require overnight stays until the end of the fiscal year. He has worked with detention and currently there are 4 JDO academies in session.

The Secretary and Deputy Secretary along with this office are committed to training. This modification was implemented so that officer training would not cease. We all understand the need for trained staff and appreciate your concerns.

Perry S. Turner
Assistant Secretary Detention Services
2737 Centerview Drive Suite 309
Tallahassee Fl. 32399-3100
850-921-6292 Office

top

06/14/05 DJJ: In Mr. Schembri's book he talks about being innovative and showing the line staff how much they are valued. ~Concerned but still committed

Recently my co-workers who went to the Training Institute in Daytona returned with word that the training classes for JDO'S are being reduced and we can no longer send trainees to training outside their geographical area. While I understand the need to save money this decision is hard to undestand. Every facility I am aware of is understaffed and there should be no doubt from other posting on this site that people are being held over to cover shortages of staff. The idea of cutting the training classes available for new hires is hard to understand when these are the people who will hopefully reduce the forced overtime situations we are currently experiencing. While I will admit I do not know first hand of the number of empty seats in the classes that are being conducted I have not heard of any that were canceled due to lack of students. Decisions such as these will only serve to make the staffing situation we are currently experiencing that much harder to overcome. In Mr. Schembri's book he talks about being innovative and showing the line staff how much they are valued. I do not think continuing to force employees to work unwanted overtime while trainees sit around waiting on an academy to be scheduled was what he had in mind. There are many dedicated staff who come to work daily and never complain, they just do what it takes to get a difficult job done who I am sure share my amazment on this decision. Mr. Schembri, Mr. Casey, and Mr. Turner please take a moment and re-examine this decision as it is only serving to prolong and making this difficult situation last longer than it needs to.

~Concerned but still committed

top

06/13/05 DJJ: Ms. Corry, Good Idea, we will compile and get back with you...~ Perry S. Turner

Mon, 13 Jun 2005 10:22:58 Ms. Corry, Good Idea, we will compile and get back with you, probably will take a few days. I'm in the field most of the week. Perry S. Turner Assistant Secretary Detention Services

Monday, June 13, 2005 9:40 AM Perry, Please read JUSTICE4KIDS.ORG website posting below. Then, as this writer suggests, would you please state specific examples of what you are doing to address the complaints. Thanks! Cathy www.justice4kids.org

top

06/13/05 DJJ: Re. the posting of 06/08/05: A 3.5% pay raise for all state employees doesn't help JDO's. For years we've been asking for higher pay exclusively for the JDO's & SJDO's for a reason ... ~ JDO Realistic

Ref the posting of 06/08/05 DJJ: Re JDC officer complaints:...Department is addressing...turnover and officer retention. ~ Perry S. Turner

A 3.5% pay raise for all state employees doesn't help JDO's. As long as all other state employees are receiving pay raises it would be more of an incentive for us to look for employment elsewhere within the florida state government and receive the same amount of pay. For years we've been asking for higher pay exclusively for the JDO's & SJDO's for a reason ... - JDO Realistic.

top

06/12/05 DJJ:  Re.  Mr. Turner's posting on 06/08/05: You say the DJJ is addressing our complaints? It is easy to say this but another thing to state specific examples ~ Anonymous

Re: 06/08/05 DJJ: Re JDC officer complaints:...Department is addressing...turnover and officer retention. ~ Perry S.Turner

This is in response to Mr. Turner's posting on 06/08/05: You say the DJJ is addressing our complaints? It is easy to say this but another thing to state specific examples of what you are doing (each complaint should be addressed individually - I say it just sounds like more TALK ... something everyone in DJJ is used to). Also, you say good news because all state employees are due to receive a 3.5% pay raise in August (the largest in 10 years); I know myself and my colleagues have been saying for years that DJJ employees are entitled to more ... we are not typical state employees ... our job responsibilities place us in harm's way on a daily basis (something the typical state employee doesn't have to worry about - unless they work for FHP). Sounds like more of the same - you can talk the talk but can you walk the walk? ~ Anonymous

top

06/08/05 DJJ: Re JDC officer complaints:...Department is addressing...turnover and officer retention. ~ Perry S.Turner

From: "Turner, Perry" <Perry.Turner@djj.state.fl.us >
To: <cathycorry@juno.com >
Cc: "Secretary Schembri" <Secretary.Schembri@djj.state.fl.us >,"Casey, Steve" <Charles.Casey@djj.state.fl.us >,"McNeely, Jane" <Jane.McNeely@djj.state.fl.us >,"Criswell, John" <John.Criswell@djj.state.fl.us >
Date: Wed, 8 Jun 2005 18:54:26 -0400
Subject: RE: Feedback from justice4kids.org [DJJ DETENTION MESSAGES] Message-ID: <5816E4BB195147478B0652C86533440B027A6BC9@r2exchange.djj.state.fl.us>

Ms. Corry, Received the information, the Department is addressing strategies on turnover and officer retention. Good News, State Employee's will receive a 3.5% increase effective 8-1-05. This is the largest increase in approximately 10 years.

Perry S. Turner
Assistant Secretary Detention Services
2737 Centerview Drive suite 309
Tallahassee, Fl. 32399-3100
850-921-6292, Cell 352-266-9898

-----Original Message-----
Subject: Fw: Feedback from justice4kids.org [DJJ DETENTION MESSAGES]
From: cathycorry@juno.com [mailto:cathycorry@juno.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 08, 2005 11:41 AM
To: Turner, Perry
Cc: Secretary Schembri; Casey, Steve; McNeely, Jane; Criswell, John

Perry, The 7 messages below were received at our website during the past 2 weeks. The messages are anonymous, but most writers describe themselves as DJJ detention workers. One signatory is "JDO Realistic". Most workers are conveying a common theme - low morale, lack of teamwork by administration, inadequate staffing (forced holdovers/burnout). This climate in detention is NOT good for the youth. I am hoping that these issues are immediately addressed, so that we receive more positive messages about detention centers. Cathy Corry - www.justice4kids.org

All of these messages, and others, are posted at http://justice4kids.org/Documents/DJJBuletinBoard/DJJBltnBrd.htm

Date: Wed, 25 May 2005 21:57:00 -0400 Topic: DJJ - Other Comments: I think that it's just great that DJJ has required all Superintendents to wear a uniform (just like all JDO's, SJDO's and JDO Supervisors). I have wondered why the Superintendents were allowed to wear civilian clothes in the first place; it certainly didn't promote teamwork -- I remember the bitterness I felt working at JDC and hearing one thing from staff but seeing another situation that I was experiencing working with JDO's on the floor with the detainees. At least it's a step in the right direction! The mindset now is that since everyone wears a uniform (including staff & superintendents) they are accountable and a part of the same work environment as the JDO's. Previously it has always felt like the superintendents and staff were in a separate category as far as accountability and responsibility for the care of the juveniles in state custody at JDC. This is the first positive change that I have actually been able to see first hand; my wish is that more changes like this start happening (I won't start naming them here because I have already posted previous comments and suggestions - but they are numerous!).

Date: Mon, 30 May 2005 18:29:32 -0400 Topic: Hillsborough West JDC Comments: This message is for administration all the way up to Schembri. All the officers that work the floor including the supervisors are getting worn out. You make us work these double shifts(16hrs)and then we have to come back to do it again. Why can't administration come in and work a little overtime? Let me answer that for you, BECAUSE 1. YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR STAFF AND 2. YOU MIGHT ACTUALLY BREAK A SWEAT IF YOU WORK THE FLOOR. You all sit in your offices until 4pm and then are out the door to go home to your family, while you have officers that are stuck to work another shift. Why are the officers inconvienced, if you are short on staff lock the criminals down. Don't forget they are the ones in jail. But, no you can't do that, because they might miss a movie that we show them. All these youths do on the weekend is watch movies all day, and the only reason officers show them movies is to make our job easier. Maybe this is why these "kids" come back time and time again. The West gets over populated and we have to deal with it, but if the East gets over populated they send them to the West. So now, us at the West have to work even more. Why does Administration allow this to happen? Maybe they get more money for more youth in the facility. The only Administrator that I have seen work the floor is Mr. Carter. He was the only one that was MAN enough to stay and work. He did this so an officer could go home to see their family. So THANK YOU Mr. Carter. Why was he the only one that would stay and the other ones won't?

Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 21:49:59 -0400 Topic: Seminole JDC Comments: I am an officer at Seminole, the best detention center in Central as far as I am concerned. I have visited this site several times, but never left a message. I just want to encourage my fellow officers. It is out time now to be VERY short staffed, but don't giv up yet. Lets stick together and support each other wholeheartedly. I know we have some very aggressive kids to deal with; male as well as female. If we just keep a cool head and use our strengths to cover our weaknesses, we will come up again to have a super strong set of shifts that will surpass any obsticle thrown in our way. Staff, supervisors as well as ADS's stay encouraged.

Date: Sat, 04 Jun 2005 01:37:53 -0400 Topic: Hillsborough West JDC Comments: In response to Mrs. Matthews post on 6/03/05. First off, let me say I'm sorry for your loss. I don't believe there is anything worst than losing your child and my prayers are with you. Secondly, a lot of incidents could be avoided if there was proper staffing in these detention centers. I have worked for the department for a few years now and the problems are just getting worse. We have 3 or 4 officers here that have as many as 40 hours overtime in a pay period. And then several more officers that between 20 and 30 hours overtime. This is a problem when you only get a couple hours sleep and then have to come back and do it again. Our job relies on us being alert so incidents don't happen. This is not to say that it will keep all incidents from happening but it can stop most. Just in the last few days we have had several fights break out. This is due to two things 1. over populated and 2. Staff being exhausted from all this holding we have to do. These two factors can be a deadly mix(literally). What is it going to take for this problem to stop? Officers are getting burned out and administration doesn't really care. All they say is hang in there it will get better, and we thank you for your hard work. But, at the end of the day they go home to their family and we're stuck working 16 hours. If they really cared for their staff, they would put forth the effort to stay a day or two during the week so their "hard working staff" could go home and get some sleep. So from a hard working staff to Administration come be part of the so called TEAM and work a little overtime. It won't kill you, trust me I'm still here after 30 hours overtime.

Date: Sat, 04 Jun 2005 14:53:34 -0400 Topic: DJJ - Other Comments: Response to the 06/04/05 posting. The mandatory overtime required by officers working in JDC's are not reasonable especially when we have families to not only provide financial support but also to provide nurturing & emotional encouragement (not possible when we are forced to blue-dot on an 8-hour shift or subject to recall at ANY time a shortfall occurs. I agree that the Superintendents & Assistants should be REQUIRED to spend additional hours helping the JDO's, SJDO's & Supervisors when significant manning deficiencies are occuring. The fact that these superintendents do not spend the amount of time in the JDC's that their subordinates are forced to is a significant morale problem and smacks in the face of everything that Florida state government preaches about spending more time with your family and the encouragement of team work within DJJ; what a farce! -- Any significant manning shortfalls at a JDC facility should (with no questions asked) require that ALL staff including superintendents and AD's be subject to the same amount of hourly work that their subordinates are forced to endure! The way it is now -- senior management at these JDC facilities do not really identify themselves with the problem because it doesn't really affect their personal lives at all - they need to become directly involved with the shift's by contributing their time to helping JDO's avoid continuous over-time blue-dots. JDO Realistic.

Date: Sun, 05 Jun 2005 18:00:58 -0400 Topic: DJJ - Other Comments: What is a juvenile detention center? It is a holding facility for juveniles charged with crimes against the state. We have a tremendous responsibility to keep the community safe as well as the custody, care, safety, and supervision of these youth. Of coarse I realize that the Assistant Superintendents have other duties and responsibilities outside of the direct supervision of these youth, but I want to get "real" for a moment. Without all the detained juveniles being housed in these units or mods not a single one of us would have a reason to come to work. Within these units reside the heart and soul of any detention facility. So it saddens me to watch as my co-workers and myself put in 50-60+ hours week after week with no end in sight. Officers continue to resign or get injured as our staffing levels become more critical every day. Not to mention the thousands of dollars of overtime being spent at the taxpayer's expense. Morale is at an all time low. Don't get me wrong, if your an employee that wants the OT and is willing to put in the long hours than more power to you. But what about those of us that want to go home and see their own children? Many officers have been forcibly under threat of losing their jobs been neglecting their own families and personnel responsibilities. Here comes my point. Not once have I seen anyone in a white shirt step in to allow someone to go home to their family. I'm not saying it hasn't happened. What I'm saying is that I haven't seen it happen nor has any of my co-workers that I have discussed this with seen this type of event occur. It certainly hasn't happened to me personally. If it did occur I believe it would be a huge moral boost.

Date: Sun, 05 Jun 2005 21:49:20 -0400 Topic: DJJ - Other Comments: im tired. i work at a jdc (other than hills.) and we are having the same problem. no staff and forced holdovers. and our admin. is just as useless as a rock. these people really dont care. it couldnt be more obvious. but im forced to stay. why? because i have a wife and children. if i quit i would have a real problem finding another job in todays market.djj is the worst job i ever had, and i had some bad ones. if there is anything positive about my situation its that i find myself becoming more and more involved in my childrens lifes because i see firsthand what happens when the get in the system. all i can say is that im fair with"your Children" and i try my best to treat them like my own. but i will admit some days im not mentally up to the challenge due to the pressures that admin. put upon us.at this point all i can say is GOD HELP US!!!!!

top

06/05/05 DJJ: im tired...no staff and forced holdovers. and our admin. is just as useless as a rock. these people really dont care. it couldnt be more obvious. ~Anonymous

im tired. i work at a jdc (other than hills.) and we are having the same problem. no staff and forced holdovers. and our admin. is just as useless as a rock. these people really dont care. it couldnt be more obvious. but im forced to stay. why? because i have a wife and children. if i quit i would have a real problem finding another job in todays market.djj is the worst job i ever had, and i had some bad ones. if there is anything positive about my situation its that i find myself becoming more and more involved in my childrens lifes because i see firsthand what happens when they get in the system. all i can say is that im fair with "your Children" and i try my best to treat them like my own. but i will admit some days im not mentally up to the challenge due to the pressures that admin. put upon us.at this point all i can say is GOD HELP US!!!!! ~Anonymous

top

06/05/05 DJJ: ...thousands of dollars of overtime at the taxpayer's expense; Not once have I seen anyone in a white shirt step in to allow someone to go home to their family. ~Anonymous

What is a juvenile detention center? It is a holding facility for juveniles charged with crimes against the state. We have a tremendous responsibility to keep the community safe as well as the custody, care, safety, and supervision of these youth. Of coarse I realize that the Assistant Superintendents have other duties and responsibilities outside of the direct supervision of these youth, but I want to get "real" for a moment. Without all the detained juveniles being housed in these units or mods not a single one of us would have a reason to come to work. Within these units reside the heart and soul of any detention facility. So it saddens me to watch as my co-workers and myself put in 50-60+ hours week after week with no end in sight. Officers continue to resign or get injured as our staffing levels become more critical every day. Not to mention the thousands of dollars of overtime being spent at the taxpayer's expense. Morale is at an all time low. Don't get me wrong, if your an employee that wants the OT and is willing to put in the long hours than more power to you. But what about those of us that want to go home and see their own children? Many officers have been forcibly under threat of losing their jobs been neglecting their own families and personnel responsibilities. Here comes my point. Not once have I seen anyone in a white shirt step in to allow someone to go home to their family. I'm not saying it hasn't happened. What I'm saying is that I haven't seen it happen nor has any of my co-workers that I have discussed this with seen this type of event occur. It certainly hasn't happened to me personally. If it did occur I believe it would be a huge moral boost. ~Anonymous

top

06/04/06 Hillsborough West JDC: re: June 4th post...who said that the post was written when I was on the clock...~Anonymous

In response to June 4th post. First off who said that the post was written when I was on the clock, at work. Some people have computers at home if you didn't know. It is the year 2005. ~Anonymous

top

06/04/05 Hillsborough West JDC:...surfing the internet to complain about your job while at work...that's either dumb or stupid! ~Anonymous

To the officer from Hillsborough West that claims to have worked 30 hours overtime: You've got to be very dumb, or so tired that you are just not thinking. You claim to be working so hard, but you are surfing the internet to complain about your job while at work. Now that's either dumb or stupid! ~Anonymous

top

06/04/05 DJJ: Response to the 06/04/05 posting: senior management . . .need to become directly involved with the shift's by contributing their time to helping JDO's avoid continuous over-time blue-dots. ~JDO Realistic

06/04/05 Hillsborough West JDC: response to Matthews post 6/03/05...I'm sorry for your loss; a lot of incidents could be avoided if there was proper staffing in these detention centers. ~Anonymous

Response to the 06/04/05 posting. The mandatory overtime required by officers working in JDC's are not reasonable especially when we have families to not only provide financial support but also to provide nurturing & emotional encouragement (not possible when we are forced to blue-dot on an 8-hour shift or subject to recall at ANY time a shortfall occurs. I agree that the Superintendents & Assistants should be REQUIRED to spend additional hours helping the JDO's, SJDO's & Supervisors when significant manning deficiencies are occuring. The fact that these superintendents do not spend the amount of time in the JDC's that their subordinates are forced to is a significant morale problem and smacks in the face of everything that Florida state government preaches about spending more time with your family and the encouragement of team work within DJJ; what a farce! -- Any significant manning shortfalls at a JDC facility should (with no questions asked) require that ALL staff including superintendents and AD's be subject to the same amount of hourly work that their subordinates are forced to endure! The way it is now -- senior management at these JDC facilities do not really identify themselves with the problem because it doesn't really affect their personal lives at all - they need to become directly involved with the shift's by contributing their time to helping JDO's avoid continuous over-time blue-dots. ~JDO Realistic.

top

06/04/05 Hillsborough West JDC: response to Matthews post 6/03/05...I'm sorry for your loss; a lot of incidents could be avoided if there was proper staffing in these detention centers. ~Anonymous

In response to Mrs. Matthews post on 6/03/05. First off, let me say I'm sorry for your loss. I don't believe there is anything worst than losing your child and my prayers are with you. Secondly, a lot of incidents could be avoided if there was proper staffing in these detention centers. I have worked for the department for a few years now and the problems are just getting worse. We have 3 or 4 officers here that have as many as 40 hours overtime in a pay period. And then several more officers that between 20 and 30 hours overtime. This is a problem when you only get a couple hours sleep and then have to come back and do it again. Our job relies on us being alert so incidents don't happen. This is not to say that it will keep all incidents from happening but it can stop most. Just in the last few days we have had several fights break out. This is due to two things 1. over populated and 2. Staff being exhausted from all this holding we have to do. These two factors can be a deadly mix(literally). What is it going to take for this problem to stop? Officers are getting burned out and administration doesn't really care. All they say is hang in there it will get better, and we thank you for your hard work. But, at the end of the day they go home to their family and we're stuck working 16 hours. If they really cared for their staff, they would put forth the effort to stay a day or two during the week so their "hard working staff" could go home and get some sleep. So from a hard working staff to Administration come be part of the so called TEAM and work a little overtime. It won't kill you, trust me I'm still here after 30 hours overtime. ~Anonymous

top

06/03/05 Seminole JDC: I am an officer at Seminole, the best detention center in Central as far as I am concerned. I just want to encourage my fellow officers. ~Anonymous

I am an officer at Seminole, the best detention center in Central as far as I am concerned. I have visited this site several times, but never left a message. I just want to encourage my fellow officers. It is out time now to be VERY short staffed, but don't giv up yet. Lets stick together and support each other wholeheartedly. I know we have some very aggressive kids to deal with; male as well as female. If we just keep a cool head and use our strengths to cover our weaknesses, we will come up again to have a super strong set of shifts that will surpass any obsticle thrown in our way. Staff, supervisors as well as ADS's stay encouraged. ~Anonymous

top

06/03/05 Hillsborough West JDC: Response to 05/30/05... Though my son Daniel was killed in P.C.DJJ. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK WEST for taking care of my son John several years ago . . . ~Diana Matthews

Response to DJJ officer: 05/30/05 Hillsborough West JDC: Why can't administration come in and work a little overtime? Unfortunately from what I have seen there is not a team effort in most DJJ departments. Administration and higher beleave they are above the rest. Though my son Daniel was killed in P.C.DJJ. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK WEST for taking care of my son John several years ago when he had been lost between Pinellas and Tampa for 4 days due to a wrong arrest. The only ones that help me with my son was West and it's officers that were concern over my sons health.I was very upset to see my son on a stone floor in the hall with a fever , But the officer at the time had explianed they were over crowded and trying to keep John close ,knowing I was on my way to get him. Again I wish I knew the officers name's but I do not rememeber .So I thank you all! Maybe if there had been officers like at West my son Daniel would be alive. Forever in tears Diana

top

05/30/05 DJJ: Responce to 05/30/05 DJJ: Our goverment is like a spoiled ADHD child and without passions, there shall only be confusion. ~Diana Matthews

Responce to: 05/30/05 DJJ: Let me second that thumbs up to the person who wrote the message on 5/27/05. Most of us parents are writing back to those who are seeking help for there children. Now and then there will be a DJJ worker or someone that will get us going.This I will not apoligize for, The simple fact is if they are going to state something, They need to know what they are speaking of. I for one do not beleave it is only children that get hurt and I do blame this state for it's falures. I asure you That this site is the last place on my mine when it comes to getting things change. But it is a place for parents and staff to speak freely, Plus hopfully find help in which I know has happened. Our goverment is like a spoiled ADHD child and without passions, there shall only be confusion. When my lawyer feel the time is right even Governer Bush will hear my family loud and clear. WE WILL NOT STOP UNTILL THEY ARE LISTENING. Forever in tears Diana

top

05/30/05 DJJ: [Part 1] Response to 05/27 and 5/28/05: Since you are such a dam authority on children and why they get hurt while in the custody of DJJ! You then can explain to my family why Daniel is dead at the hands of PC.DJJ...~Diana Matthews

Part 1-Response to: 05/27/05 Pinellas JDC: After reading this board, I want to throw up and 5- 28: From what I see the only one that needs a real clue is your self. If you believe you have a 100 percent grip on your children. You are in for a rude awaking and it is coming soon . I only pray it is not at the expense of one of your children. Since you are such a dam authority on children and why they get hurt while in the custody of DJJ! You then can explain to my family why Daniel is dead at the hands of PC.DJJ. Not once did Daniel raise his hands to a officer or the child that killed him. This is facts stated by the department of PC.DJJ and the Inspector Generals office.(1) How did a senior officer forget his duty’s and stay behind in a class room to put away books? (2)How did Elswick, that had fail a certification test three times remain working ,were as he was able to open two cell doors two hours after lock down allowing another child to go to my son’s cell punch him and kill him. Most important tell me why when my son hit the floor and there was no pulse it was called into 911 as a normal med call , were as dispatch unit had to call back to find out it was a stat emergency.(NO ALARMS WERE SOUNDED!) Why ? Because the efficient DJJ staff did not know protocol or proper procedure in a emergency situation. Or is it there was something to hide. You’re the expert why don’t you tell me. As for backgrounds! , You do not impress me at all! As for a resume if you are looking for a real person to work at DJJ . I Diana Matthews have raised 13 plus children in which the state of N.Y. gave myself and my husband of 26 years custody, Ran North Shore youth center , Taught a art class of 74. Owned my own nursing company ( Tender Loving Care) and let me not forget my last job as a ADT trainer. I am in fact trained in Teams / Acts training to say the least. ( So you understand the meaning) My last duty was to train the train adults and / or do take downs on crimanly insane adults. ~Diana Matthews

top

05/30/05 DJJ: [Part 2] Tomorrow is the anniversary of our sons death. WE WILL DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO PREVENT ANOTHER DEATH LIKE IT OR NOT. ~Diana Matthews

Part 2- So no it would not in the least bother me to work at DJJ to insure the safety of the children and true staff. There father Robert worked for the US. Post office a school district and recently was a Brinks officer. My husband was to work for PC sheriffs dept / or Hillsburgh. until the death of our child. Now mentally he can not. Go figure why? Some of our children is as follows: Donald- owns two corporations , Debra- manager of several apartment complex’s ,Gerald - contractor , Gloria dispatch for anywhere trans port , also hold masters in child psychology, Robert - Home improvement contractor ( age 22), Major Joseph Matthews - Iraq -Serving his country .( age 20),( By the way youngest major), Katherine - Nurse practionor , Christopher - owns his own accounting firm ( age 20). John is still young- but helps manage a park so we , His parents have a home. Shall I go on or do you get the point! I for one have always had a grip on my children and they have never lied to me, no matter how bad thing are. Can you say the same, I am sure you hope so but I doubt it . So do not even begin to think you know any of us parents or what it is like to walk in our shoes. Our children were alive with us! Tomorrow is the anniversary of our sons death. WE WILL DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO PREVENT ANOTHER DEATH LIKE IT OR NOT. I am not going away. Forever in tears Diana Matthews

top

05/30/05 Hillsborough West JDC: Why can't administration come in and work a little overtime? The only Administrator that I have seen work the floor is Mr. Carter. He was the only one that was MAN enough to stay and work. ~Anonymous

This message is for administration all the way up to Schembri. All the officers that work the floor including the supervisors are getting worn out. You make us work these double shifts(16hrs)and then we have to come back to do it again. Why can't administration come in and work a little overtime? Let me answer that for you, BECAUSE 1. YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR STAFF AND 2. YOU MIGHT ACTUALLY BREAK A SWEAT IF YOU WORK THE FLOOR. You all sit in your offices until 4pm and then are out the door to go home to your family, while you have officers that are stuck to work another shift. Why are the officers inconvienced, if you are short on staff lock the criminals down. Don't forget they are the ones in jail. But, no you can't do that, because they might miss a movie that we show them. All these youths do on the weekend is watch movies all day, and the only reason officers show them movies is to make our job easier. Maybe this is why these "kids" come back time and time again. The West gets over populated and we have to deal with it, but if the East gets over populated they send them to the West. So now, us at the West have to work even more. Why does Administration allow this to happen? Maybe they get more money for more youth in the facility. The only Administrator that I have seen work the floor is Mr. Carter. He was the only one that was MAN enough to stay and work. He did this so an officer could go home to see their family. So THANK YOU Mr. Carter. Why was he the only one that would stay and the other ones won't? ~Anonymous

top

05/30/05 DJJ: Let me second that thumbs up to the person who wrote the message on 5/27/05. I suggest that you write, phone and email the leadership within the Florida state government with all these posting and critcisms ~Anonymous

05/28/05 DJJ: To the person who wrote the message on 5/27/05...a thumbs up. Our job is hard enough and on top of that having people complain. ~Anonymous

Let me second that thumbs up to the person who wrote the message on 5/27/05. To those on the outside of DJJ please consider seriously dealing with the state government. You are leveling your critcisms of DJJ at the organization itself which does NOT have the power or ability to change ANYTHING on their own! The people who do have the power and ability to change things within DJJ are the leadership of the Florida state government. I suggest that you write, phone and email the leadership within the Florida state government with all these posting and critcisms and let them get an earfull for a change! Stop being so polite to these people in Tallahasee. Have some back-bone and don't be intimidated by their pompus holier-than-thou mentality. These people in Tallahasee (including and especially Governor Jeb Bush) like to present an air of importance about them which is just a facade. I would really appreciate it if these people would be more accessible to their constituents (who are paying their salaries) through OUR tax dollars. The public affairs game of sending out press releases and newsletters only goes so far and then after a while it gets really old! I am sure that Cathy Corry and some of the other names I've seen on Justice4Kids.Com [Justice4Kids.org] know exactly what I am saying. Anyone who has spent any time trying to communicate with these people understand what I am talking about. I would even go so far as saying that if Governor Bush were to listen to all of your concerns IN PERSON there would be changes happening much faster than what they are now. Communication gets fogged up the higher up you gave to relay the message; the best way to avoid ANY miscommunication or misunderstanding of what you are saying is to go directly to the source -- Governor BUSH! ~Anonymous

top

05/30/05 Pinellas JDC: Children have been abused and killed. try reading a newspaper if you can! I also thank god for guards who do care about children!!! ~Robert G Matthews (Daniel J Matthews' Father)

This is for the two morons that were too worried about saying there names on the 27 and 28 of may. The way you two sound you must have just got done beating your own children, and had nothing better to do, but write on this site. I think that with all that has happen over the years, you think there is no abuse, you are morons! Children have been abused and killed. try reading a newspaper if you can!

Have a good day Robert G Matthews I also thank god for guards who do care about children!!!

top

05/28/05 DJJ: To the person who wrote the message on 5/27/05...a thumbs up. Our job is hard enough and on top of that having people complain. ~Anonymous

To the person who wrote the message on 5/27/05 I give you a thumbs up. It is about time someone informed these parents exactly what we have to deal with in our facilitties. Our job is hard enough and on top of that having people complain. Let them work a week in here and see if they will be singing the same song. ~Anonymous

top

05/27/05 Pinellas JDC: After reading this board, I want to throw up. I worked as a JDO in 2 Counties, and it's always the same crap. Let me just say this. PARENTS GET A CLUE! ~Anonymous

After reading this board, I want to throw up. I worked as a JDO in 2 Counties, and it's always the same crap. Kid screws up, parent turns the blind eye.(ooh. Must be a faze, wouldn't wanna stifle little Johnny, might traumatize him). Let me just say this. PARENTS GET A CLUE! You think you know your children? Bet not. You have NO idea what they are like or what they do when you are not around. Hence, them commiting crimes. From what I saw personally, the injuries Youth got while in the care of DJJ, every single time, stemmed from them acting out violently and having to be restrained. When the Officers try to restrain them, they fight all the harder. Next thing you know, somebody gets hurt. I'd venture to say 80% of the time it is an Officer. Do you hear them on this site fussing? BUT, let one of your sweet innocent babies start swinging on staff or another Youth, and get a boo-boo, and here are their Mommies squalling on the Justice 4 Kids site. Fact. You people have NO IDEA what actually goes on in those facilities. You know what you little sweeties tell you. Which I'd bet the bank is at least half bullcrap. Gee WHIZ, here's an idea!! Teach your kids responsiblity, teach accountability, practice both in your homes!! And a Little Jesus wouldn't hurt!! Read Proverbs- it clearly states in several places that physical disipline is necessary. If you had given that a try at home, maybe they wouldn't be in DJJ at all, and you'd be spouting your foolish idea's elsewhere. Parents dont like being held responsible?? Well, NOW we know where your kids get it dont we????? signed- Tired of the Liberal Tree Hugging Whiners Who DIDN'T take the time to worry about their kids till they were incarcerated. PS. If you spent as much time mentoring as you do on this website, you'd actually be accomplishing something for a child. I mentor 2, 1 preteen, 1 teen, I'm a parent of 2. None of these kids have ever been in trouble. Why? I spend time with them. I know where they are at all times. I'm ALL UP in their buisnessbecause it's my JOB. I'm strict, but those kids will never wonder if I care. They know from example. ~Anonymous

top

05/25/05 DJJ: I think that it's just great that DJJ has required all Superintendents to wear a uniform (just like all JDO's, SJDO's and JDO Supervisors). ~Anonymous

I think that it's just great that DJJ has required all Superintendents to wear a uniform (just like all JDO's, SJDO's and JDO Supervisors). I have wondered why the Superintendents were allowed to wear civilian clothes in the first place; it certainly didn't promote teamwork -- I remember the bitterness I felt working at JDC and hearing one thing from staff but seeing another situation that I was experiencing working with JDO's on the floor with the detainees. At least it's a step in the right direction! The mindset now is that since everyone wears a uniform (including staff & superintendents) they are accountable and a part of the same work environment as the JDO's. Previously it has always felt like the superintendents and staff were in a separate category as far as accountability and responsibility for the care of the juveniles in state custody at JDC. This is the first positive change that I have actually been able to see first hand; my wish is that more changes like this start happening (I won't start naming them here because I have already posted previous comments and suggestions - but they are numerous!). ~Anonymous

top

05/24/05 JJS: Lionel Tate/Tiffany Eunick...Justice for kids? I don't think so! Rather Justice for the kids that know they can get away with murder ~Anonymous

I think you are very misguided. You are some of the most naieve people I know to believe that regardless of what a child does, they are innocent. What about Tiffany Eunick? what do you think she was feeling as her body was being slammed into the floor, her liver being ripped away from the rest of her body? Certainly not "Oh, Lionel is just playing with me!" He knew what he was doing and it is being proven by the latest incidents he is getting by with. All he is thinking is I got away with that, what's going to stop me now? You really need to take a step back and look at what you are promoting. Justice for kids? I don't think so! Rather Justice for the kids that know they can get away with murder, not the ones that have been murdered and suffer unimaginable pain! Afer all, wasn't Lionel's mother a state trooper? I would think that would be the best teacher of what is right and wrong? At some point, children must become responsible - he knew what he wsa doing and now it is time to pay. With his life in prison if necessary! ~Anonymous

top

05/24/05 JJS: Lionel Tate/Tiffany Eunick...maybe you can't tell the difference between a CRIMINAL and a VICTIM anymore. ~Anonymous

I am frustrated and discouraged that you cared so little for Tiffany Eunick's life that you advocated for Lionel Tate's release. He has now been arrested TWICE since his release -- which you advocated -- once with a WEAPON, a 4 inch blade; and now with a GUN, after having BEATEN a 12 year old child. You care nothing about innocent victims. Or maybe you can't tell the difference between a CRIMINAL and a VICTIM anymore. If this "poor boy" kills someone else's child while you're wasting time and energy on him, you can be assured that you have blood on your hands. ~Anonymous

top

05/24/05 Orange JDC: Good job Mr. Williams...You work hard and it shows... ~Anonymous

Good job Mr. Williams on a satisfactory Q&A. You work hard and it shows and we respect and value you for it. Keep up the good work! ~Anonymous

top

05/23/05 Milton Girls Facility: Reply to 05/23/05 Milton Girls Facility: I have e-mailed everyone I could think of...~Diana Matthews

Reply to :05/23/05 Milton Girls Facility: Has anyone checked on the girl at Milton? She almost died!!!!!! I have e-mailed everyone I could think of, I pray the little girl is doing better and someone has gotten there . Forever in tears ~Diana Matthews

top

05/23/05 Milton Girls Facility: To the person talking about the girl at the Milton Center...call 1-800-96ABUSE. ~Anonymous

To the person talking about the girl at the Milton Center. You seem to have all the facts or allegations concerning this case. Feel free to call 1-800-96ABUSE. If you know all these things to be true or have a resobnable suspicion, you should make the call and have it investigated. ~Anonymous

top

05/23/05 DJJ: Apparently Secretary Schembri...doesn't want to hear what the problems are! ~Anonymous

I'm at my wits end. Apparently Secretary Schembri only wants to hear good news. I have repeatedly contacted him regarding the low morale among DJJ staff; he remains aloof and distant (at times he reminds me of a prima donna -- he certainly seems to come off to me like a "big-wig" in Tallahassee and not easily approachable on subjects that are negative within the organization). My impression is this guy doesn't want to hear what the problems are! He's only looking for the touchy-feely good news and seems not interested in hearing of the numerous challenges facing DJJ staff every day. It's real commendable that he published the "good news gazette" but isn't that something that just white-washes the problems? -- Get real ... When will he come down off his white ivory tower, take off his rose-colored glasses and make an effort to listen to what all of these anonymous posting are saying? Shutting out unpleasant news within DJJ will definately NOT help the organization! It would help if Secretary Schembri actually took the time to listen to what his people are saying and then take action to improve DJJ - so far all I see is a bunch of smoke and mirrors; this guy is a great actor but does he talk the walk? I already see that he "talks the talk". ~Anonymous

top

05/23/05 Milton Girls Facility: Has anyone checked on the girl at Milton? She almost died!!!!!! ~Anonymous

Hello anybody on this website!! Has anyone checked on the girl at Milton? You still think kids do not get abused? Has the dept of children and families been notified? She almost died!!!!!! ~Anonymous

top

05/22/05 Milton Girls Facility: girl had a take down on Saturday 5-15. Girl vomited, had a bloody nose, and bloody mouth and was taken to the emergency room ~Anonymous

There is a girl in Milton Girls Residential Facility who had a take down on Saturday 5-15. A fat worker named parker and some other fat 300lb worker jumped on this girl with such force that she now has "racoon eyes"!! This girl vomited, had a bloody nose, and bloody mouth and was taken to the emergency room because the staff were scared. Parker has repeatedly told other girls to "think about their own faces". The girl told the staff after they let her up, that she could not breath. Has anyone tried to see about this young girl's condition? The staff are supposed to video tape these takedowns, but somehow they claim this tape has been lost! Is this part of the par training, to k-i-l-l? Has the CCC been notified? Has these 2 abusive workers been fired yet? Someone needs to get on the stick and get it done! To all the defensive staff on this site that state "we dont kill your kids", well some fat workers almost succeeded with this girl!! It is time to notify the media!!!!!!!! Get rid of parker!!! ~Anonymous

top

05/19/05 DJJ: To whom ever cares: a "happy worker" has posted a message here with filthy cussing in it. ~Lisa Hughes

To whom ever cares: a "happy worker" has posted a message here with filthy cussing in it. If this worker works in a "happy" environment, why are they talking filthy? I have not read any filthy talk from parents on this website, and i do not want to read the filthy talk of the workers. This proves anonymously that DJJ workers will cuss, so do they cuss behind closed doors too? At the children? "Great job, great example"!! Remember parents, we need to spend more time cussing with our kids, so DJJ won't have to! ~Lisa Hughes

top

05/17/05 Hillsborough West JDC: To JDO Realistic - I feel much safer doing my job now then I did when we worked for HRS. Try finding another job that offers what DJJ offers!! ~A FELLOW (happy) Officer

To JDO Realistic

I have worked at the West for a long while, I have seen many changes. One of the chages I was very glad to see was H.R.S. no longer had control of the detention centers. You say that the moral for staff is low........?? Let me tell you how low it was when HRS had "us". The facility had a count of well over 100 on a regular basis. The staff that we had to work with where more thugish then the kids you where responsible for. Each and every day when you reported to work , you knew that it was going to be a war zone it was us against the kids, We had to hope that we would not get hurt so we could come back the next day to do it all over again. We had no Uniforms, no PAR classes, no certification requirments. All we had was our street clothes, tennis shoes and our bare hands and kids that attempted to do serious harm to you every day. Thank goodness DJJ took over, because we no longer had to wear your personal clothes (worry that you may get them torn off of you) We are now required to take PAR classes before going to the floor and we are also required to take certification classes. I feel much safer doing my job now then I did when we worked for HRS. I don't worry every day that I may get hurt and not make it home to my family.

You say that the ADM. don't care about you.....I beg to differ....Gary Portesy is one of the most caring and compassionate Supts. I have ever worked for. He does care what happens to his Officers. He is always searching for ways to make our job easier.

You say we have not gotten a raise in 6 years....We have gotten rasies, not big ones but we have gotten them in the past 6 years, read the paper we are due a raise in August, Grant you it is not a huge raise but it is better then what we have gotten in the past, when you factor in the benifits we recieve, like medical, dental, vision, life ins. deferred comp. we make damn good money. Try finding another job that offers what DJJ offers!! The grass is not greener on the other side, just ask some of the staff that have left, just to come back to greener pastures.

Policies and Procedures.......shit you say....mmmmm. Well those pages you call shit.......I call job security. Learn them, you may learn something you don't know......YOUR JOB!!!!! ~A FELLOW (happy) Officer

top

05/14/05 Brevard JDC: after suffering three hurricanes last season then along came Singh for a total of 4,( 1-800-give "SINGH" BACK) ~Anonymous

after suffering three hurricanes last season then along came Singh for a total of 4,all we want to know is whom did we offend??? Brevard really did not deserve this last disaster!!!!!! is anyone willing to take her back( 1-800-give "SINGH" BACK) ~Anonymous

top

05/14/05 Hillsborough West JDC: ...send an undercover agent into "HRJDCWEST"...see the type of stress and pressure the staff are under and how the kids living conditions are here.~JDO Realistic

Have you seen the Governors new proposed budget for 2005-06. Not a penny more for DJJ. The staff havent received a raise in six years. The facility here is a biohazard. The moral is so low. Our administartion dont care about us. The state dont care. As long as no allegations come from our facility or as long as no children die from appendicites(is that how you spell it.) Nobody cares. This organization could be so much more. The High execs up in Tallahasse are so out of touch from the community. I dont know were they come up with half this shit they call "Facility operating procedures". It should be called : As long as I dont get sued" procedures. What ya'll need to do is send an undercover agent into "HRJDCWEST" with a belt camera and tape recorder and see the type of stress and pressure the staff are under and how the kids living conditions are here. I wouldnt want my dogg staying here for twenty one minutes. ~JDO REALISTIC

top

05/11/05 DJJ: Dear Lisa Hughes, Thank You! Daniel would tell us both he is fine and go help the children. ~Diana Matthews

Dear Lisa Hughes: Thank You! Daniel would tell us both he is fine and go help the children. I only wish my lawyers could move faster and let me speak so children would never suffer again. They did not ask to be born, but somewhere our goverment has decided they should know better then adults. Yet parents have no right to raise them anymore. The bible says a child will lead the way, I just can not stop crying why a child. But if I know my son there will be help for all children. I only pray it be soon that we can stop this and get the goverment to see the children are most important in life, with out them we are nothing. I will fine a way to help if it kills me, for nothing in this world could bring back my baby but letting him see I will protect other children will make him smile down from heaven. We have many little angels watching over. Call if you need to talk or think we can help in any way.
Forever in tears ~Diana Matthews 727-522-5140

top

05/10/05 DJJ: I really appreciate your apology and your understanding. To Diane I am truly sorry for your loss and sorrow. ~Lisa Hughes

I really appreciate your apology and your understanding. The situation with my daughter is complex and would embarrass her terribly. I am frustrated in northwest Florida OK? A DJJ staff member recently has been caught writing romantically to my daughter in a program in the last week. Do not know what has happened yet with this situation. Thank you for your understanding. To Diane I am truly sorry for your loss and sorrow. Keep your chin up god understands your tears. He hears the heart that is unspoken when it is too painful to speak!! I am really hurting again, because of this recent incident. This DJJ staff was planning to run away with my daughter. ~Lisa Hughes

top

05/10/05 DJJ: Response to 05/08/05 DJJ (Lisa Hughes): I never meant to cause further grief or harm to your family; please forgive me if I did so. ~ Anonymous

Response to: 05/08/05 DJJ: When she was 11 years old, they charged my daughter with lewd and lascivious behavior. They charged her because adults had sex with her. None of those adults are in prison today ~Lisa Hughes

Lisa,

First of all, let me again say that I am truly and sincerly sorry and ashamed of what happened to your daughter in state custody. Again, I do not want to get in a pissing contest here ... and I admit that I should respect your views ... the only thing I found objectionable are the accusations made against DJJ staff and which I now realize that you are not intending to accuse all of us but I hope you realize that many of us take it that way because of blanket, general statements being made on here. If you have specific situations regarding these complaints please please write everything down to include: who, what, where, when and how (if you know the details on each incident) .. then forward this to both DJJ's Abuse Hotline AND your state and federal representative. Also, the pressure must be put on DJJ's senior leadership in Tallahasee and also Governor Jeb Bush! Governor Bush should be more proactive in both listening and taking action to ensure improvements are actually being made and not just a bunch of talk from the top bigwigs (I call them all politicians and I mean that in unflattering way because I KNOW that their concerns are other than the kids!). These politicians in Tallahasee might as well be on another planet because they are all disengaged from the daily concerns and problems facing facilities throughout the state. I even think it might be better to move Secretary Schembri down to Miami or Tampa in order to get him closer to these facilities. Tallahasee offers a psychological barrier that is one of the problems that need fixing.

Again, I regret sincerly your loss and never meant to cause further grief or harm to your family; please forgive me if I did so.
~ Anonymous

top

05/09/05 DJJ/DOC Regarding testimony of Ron McAndrew about DOC: You apparently missed a critical detail of Ron McAndrew's testimony ~Cathy Corry

Regarding testimony of Ron McAndrew about DOC: No, I do not see it the way that you do. You apparently missed a critical detail of Ron McAndrew's testimony in which he explains that the 'rogue' officers were being investigated: "...I had the suspects under investigation" and "Crosby was advised that the investigators on this case had had little time at that point to make any conclusive charges" (Testimony excerpts, page 3) ~Cathy Corry

top

05/09/05 DJJ/DOC I read the testimony of Ron McAndrews at length. I could be wrong but this certainly sounds like sour grapes to me when you know something is wrong but do nothing to fix it... ~Anonymous

I took time and read the testimony of Ron McAndrews at length. I still have one question about it all. If I read the testimony correctly, he reported to the Warden that replaced him about the "roug" squad of officers he had working for him and that if something was not done they might one day kill someone. To me this begs the question, If he knew about all this why was he telling his replacement instead of doing something to stop it. I could be wrong but this certainly sounds like sour grapes to me when you know something is wrong but do nothing to fix it and then complain aftert you are gone about the person who replaced you. Am I the only one thats see it in that way? ~Anonymous

top

05/08/05 DJJ: When she was 11 years old, they charged my daughter with lewd and lascivious behavior. They charged her because adults had sex with her. None of those adults are in prison today ~Lisa Hughes

First of all, I would never track you down and I dont care who you are! You have nothing to do with my daughter's situation. You cannot improve anything from where you stand, as I have said, you dont know me or my daughter or what we have been through. You are speculating on my daughter's situation, again!! Let me say it again, this site would not exist if abuse of kids in the system did not occur. No one has blamed you or any other staff that was not involved in matters of our kids. Why are you so opinionated about something you had nothing to do with and that certainly does not concern you? People need to vent and talk with others. This site should not be for smart mouth staff like you. If you did not do anything to a child to abuse or hurt them, great! No one is talking to you! I will express myself when and how I want to. Your response has not changed or improved one thing that has happened to my daughter or any other child's memory that is being honored here. You think about how you would feel if it were your kid, and some smart end staff left messages and did not sign their name. Dont tell us here on this site what to say or how to feel, it will not do any good. You do not know anything about who steered my daughter, if you knew the whole story it would blow your mind!! It was adults who knew better. The system never helped me with that either. But they called my daughter a slut!! When she was 11 years old, they charged my daughter with lewd and lascivious behavior. They charged her because adults had sex with her. None of those adults are in prison today. My daugher is 18 years old now. You got any kind of advice for that smart butt? ~ Lisa Hughes

top

05/08/05 DJJ: In response to 05/06/05 DJJ: Your cause is just... I do understand to a point why you feel you cannot sign your name. ~Diana Matthews

In response to 05/06/05 DJJ: Your cause is just...I do understand to a point why you feel you cannot sign your name. I have spoken with several former and present DJJ officers on a personal level. In which one former officer ( Mr. M ), I found to be very pleasant to speak with. After several hours of talking about, P.C.DJJ and the entire system that surround a child, I left wishing he was still an officer. Unfortunately he did speak out and it had caused the loss of his job to say the least! As to believing I do not face the same problems, you are wrong. I have been arrested, within days of my sons funeral for being robbed. (The system had the man that robbed me for about two years prior to the arrest.) Both my sons have been tazed for my elder one being unconscious after having a seizure and the youngest believing his brother had just been shot. This was an emergency call, for help that leads to 12 officers responding to a seizure. My husband was fired for taking off of work to go to his sons’ funeral. I can go on and on. Point being my children and family are being continuously punished for speaking out, against a failing system. Mined you cases have been won and will be. When I as a parent refer to, THE SYSTEM, I am referring to: Our Government, Parents, Teachers, Officers, Outreach centers, Churches, Doctors, DJJ, and so on. When we were growing up or my husband Bob and I were raising all our children, If we found we were in need of help there was a community to turn to if only an ear to listen and point in the right direction. Today as a parent, if you need help, go to your child’s school or family doctor, ETC. For help you are unfit and / or a dysfunctional family. To go home and find CPS sitting at your house. This would even be fine if there was help at the end of the line, but no! The child received no help. Then classified as ed, ld., sld. and / or told they are of age they do not have to go to school. The family sits and thinks oh my god what did we do. We can lose our children for trying to help them. ~ Diana Matthews

top

05/08/05 DJJ: Here in Florida there is no support system. This is what we are trying to build. If there is no hope in a community there is no help for children. ~Diana Matthews

So the next time this family needs help with their child they try and do it alone. Only to lead to that child being arrested or worse gone forever. Where in this State of Florida is their community ( the bridges that help a parent when their child needs help and cannot do it on their own for whatever reason there may be.) Our children were raised if you did wrong in school a teacher or principle would call and as a group we would deal with the problem. If this was not enough there was the school youth center were families and teachers could find the help needed, this included area officer’s like officer Rory Klutz that could come in state they were sending a family in need, to help prevent this youth from being arrested if possible. It is the support system for children that has been lost. Both parents today need to work. This should only go to show how much a support system is needed more then ever. You as a DJJ officer I would pray you took your job for the love and caring within you to help a child. You are on the other end of the line. You can see what the children around you really need once you can get past their anger and pain. Here in Florida there is no support system. This is what we are trying to build. We need to take both ends of the line and work together to build the body. Without this more children will be lost. If a community cannot stand together to try and help our own children how could we ever expect people in our governments to listen to how it is failing the children. No matter were you turn no one wants to speak out for fear of losing a job in any part of the system. Every time I see one of my sons being mistreated for standing up for what is right I see my son Daniel and a little part of me dies. But I have to be proud of them for what they are doing now it is no longer for themselves, they are older it is for the children. If there is no hope in a community there is no help for children. For the sake of the children tell me this is not so! And yes my son Daniel J Matthews did in fact die while in the care of P.C.DJJ, due to a system that allows persons to work and become officers that cannot pass tests to say the least. This by no means puts down the true officer that goes to work every day with the hope of making a difference in a child’s life, for we all do no thanks to our government it is not for the pay. Forever in tears ~ Diana

top

05/07/05 DJJ: In response to 05/06/05 DJJ: Your cause is just...we remain anonymous...to protect ourselves from retribution...we are facing it every day. ~Anonymous

In response to 05/06/05 DJJ: If you get this upset over a web site, I hate to see how you handle an upset, out of a control or scared child. ~Diana Matthews:

This is what I'm talking about ... still attacking DJJ's people when you need to be attacking Governor Bush & Commissioner Schembri in Tallahasee. Your cause is just but you are targeting the wrong people. Also, the reason we remain anonymous is necessary in order to protect ourselves from retribution. You do not have this problem but we are facing it every day. We use this board as a way to identify problems and hopefully find solutions in an environment that does not allow constructive critcisms or recommendations for improvement (regardless of what is being said by the folks in Tallahasee). ~Anonymous

top

05/07/05 DJJ: Mrs. Hughes we don’t sign our names to this board because you probably would find out where we work and badger us unrelentingly. ~Anonymous

Mrs. Hughes we don’t sign our names to this board because you probably would find out where we work and badger us unrelentingly. You keep telling us to improve on the silence or be quiet. Who is to judge what improving on the silence is? I certainly don’t think all the postings on this board about corruption and abuse are improving the silence, because the silence is much better than lies. The truth is - that not one of us comes to work to abuse kids. If we did, we wouldn’t make it one day. The truth is - that we try our best in a difficult environment. The truth is - that parents should spend more time with their kids so that we don’t have too. The truth is – that DJJ didn’t just kidnap your daughter and place her in a residential program. She probably had diversion, which didn’t work; and probation, which didn’t work. That’s not to mention the countless number of ordinary people, such as teachers and family friends that tried to steer her out of the system, to no avail. She certainly doesn’t need to be abused. And if she comes to our facility she won’t be, but quit blaming us. ~Anonymous

top

05/06/05 DJJ: Response to - I DID NOT KILL YOUR CHILD! STOP BLAMING ME!: If you get this upset over a web site, I hate to see how you handle an upset, out of a control or scared child. ~Diana Matthews

Response to: I DID NOT KILL YOUR CHILD! STOP BLAMING ME! : For a DJJ officer, were is your self control and understanding, If you get this upset over a web site where people can express their pain, feeling and /or needs. Where you cannot even control your language or temper, I hate to see how you handle an upset, out of a control or scared child. As for starting at the top have no worry it has and will happen. It has been said before and I for one will not say it again. I do not blame all staff, but in fact do blame a failing system. If you cannot see this or deal with it, then maybe for the safety of the staff and children. YOU NEED A NEW JOB! Besides no one forces you to read this site. Or is it guilt? You chose.

Forever in tears. ~ Diana

top

05/06/05 DJJ: To the JDO Realistic: No one has blamed all the DJJ workers! How come the DJJ staff dont sign their name maybe job security? ~ Lisa Hughes

To the JDO Realistic~we do not kill people because they have problems! What are you some kind of moron? This goes way deeper than "poor Billy"! No one has blamed all the DJJ workers! If this job is as bad as you say, then find another line of work. Do you people understand what dead is? Do you understand what problems are? You stop blaming the parents for not controling their kids. Kids are not with their parents all of the time. Parents can only have so much influence. School teachers, law enforcement in the school, other kids, other "freindly adults" have way much more influence, and most of all the media. Kids are away from their parents 5 days a week. Both parents usually work out of the home! Kids gotta eat! I took the TV out of my home. The world is not a place anymore with good morals. Improve the silence or be quiet. How come the DJJ staff dont sign their name maybe job security? ~ Lisa Hughes

top

05/04/05 DJJ: I DID NOT KILL YOUR CHILD!!!! STOP BLAMING ME! Start lambasting the politicians in Tallahasee and get off our ****ing backs! ~Anonymous

I've said this once and I'll say it again: do not blame the entire organization for the mistakes of a few! When you post generic, blanket statements about DJJ and the incompetency of their staff you are maligning the reputations of EVERYONE who works for DJJ. I DID NOT KILL YOUR CHILD!!!! STOP BLAMING ME! This is exactly what you're doing everytime you post. The first thing you can do to help is to quit blaming DJJ. These kids died in DJJ custody but it isn't right to blame every single worker employed by DJJ (no matter how many times you say you are not). You ask how you can help?? Stop blaming us and get on the case of the politicians in Tallahassee!! They are the ones where the "buck stops here" with. As far as I've seen they have not been held accountable. When is the last time you've heard a general press release from DJJ's commissioner or Governor Bush concerning DJJ? I'm betting that it isn't even on their agenda to keep steady communication with the public and concerned parents about the state of affairs within DJJ. Doesn't that tell you people anything??? THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. Until they start caring then nothing will be improved. Start lambasting the politicians in Tallahasee and get off our ****ing backs!!!!!! ~Anonymous

top

05/04/05 Orange JDC: Ms. Leece, I stand with you in your fight to make DJJ a safe place for youths;...I am sorry I never got the honor to know your grandson. ~Anonymous

Ms. Leece, I stand with you in your fight to make DJJ a safe place for youths who, by erroneous choices (which one of us has not made a wrong choice?) end up there. I too am trying to make a difference, from the inside out - letting each youth I come across during my shift know that they are special people who made a bad choice but that they have value, are not "throw aways" and have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. Please pray that I can continue to make a difference, however small, in detained youths' lives. And, again, I am deeply sorry for your loss and I am sorry I never got the honor to know your grandson. You're in my heart and prayers. ~Anonymous

top

05/04/05 Hillsborough West JDC: You look to DJJ to take care of your kids because you cant control them. ~ JDO Realistic

Why arent we pushing the powers that be to stiffen laws on juvenile offenders. There are kids that have done home invasions grand theft autos. Not just once , but over and over again, and all they get is a slap on the wrist. 21 days in detention. Wait till one of your precious kids steals a car and crashes into your mother or sister while eluding the police. Are you still gonna say save the children. You look to DJJ to take care of your kids because you cant control them. Then you have the nerve to question the treatment they get in DJJ. Keep them at home and you wont have any poor billy problems.~ JDO Realistic

top

05/03/05 DJJ: I have said...JDOs...call me and let me know what we can do to help. Not one person has come forward, not one. ~ JudyKay Leece

Yesterday a co-worker showed me her child's photos for their high school prom. I had to force my emotions down because all I could see was the fact that Shawn was not going to have a prom. OH! I am sorry, I am supposed to "GET OVER" the fact that my grandson is DEAD. Well, the rest of the world is going to have to stop so that nothing every happens to remind me of what has been taken from me.

I have said over and over again to you JDOs to call me and let me know what we can do to help. Not one person has come forward, not one. So do not bitch and moan and groan because we are trying to get things changed by the only way we know how and you do not agree with our methods. We have to do what we feel is right. And we are more than entitled to "GRIEVE" for as long as it takes. You might have been spit on or hit or called a bad name but our children area DEAD. I can not wash away DEAD. I can not heal DEAD. I can not apologize for DEAD.

Parents we need to start campaigning for more funds to be diverted to DJJ but we also need to stipulate how it is going to help and where the need is the greatest. RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH! Start writing letters, hand written, e-mail, phone calls everyday until they can not ignore us. I am picking up the banner and the fight. Please stand with me.
~ JudyKay Leece jleece@cfl.rr.com 321-356-3891

top

05/02/05 Manatee JDC: Sgt. Ordez and Cpl. Gibson sought only to “protect and defend those that could not protect and defend themselves.” ~ Jack Duggan

My fellow parents, The investigation into the abuse of “Bobby” by Gargett and Traxler has recently ended - with both Superintendant Gargett and Seargant Traxler being completely exonerated of all charges, while Sgt Ordaz has been fired!

This is truly corruption in it’s ugliest form. We, as parents, should be outraged with Anthony Shambrie, Perry Turner, and the entire administrative staff of the Dept. of Juvenile Justice, as well as the investigatory abilities, and honesty of the Inspector General’s office and staff. I honestly believe that in the cases where children have lost their lives, if Shambrie, Turner, et al could have found a way to hide the bodies, they would have. What kind of unjust men are these? Do they truly not care?

When I wrote that these men’s mode of operation seemed as if it were taken directly from a Nazi handbook, I was close to the absolute truth. What is happening to our children in the Florida Juvenile Detention Centers is nothing short of criminal. Crimes against our children are being committed, and those malignant scourges are attempting to conceal them. This is a travesty, this is a mockery, this is CRIMINAL! We must cry out in protest! Frank Gargett, Jason Traxler, Robert Ragget, Anthony Shembri, Perry Turner, and all those prevaricators who conducted a mock investigation cannot be allowed to succeed. We cannot allow these men to get away with what they have done to poor “Bobby”, as well as the damage done to the reputation and livelihood of Sgt. Ordaz and Cpl. Gibson, whose honesty and integrity have been rewarded by loss of employment.

As citizens, as Floridians, we must cry out in protest! Governor Bush, we who voted for you and placed you in office, we demand action, we demand justice, we demand righteousness. If you allow this to happen, even through your silence, the answer must be abundantly clear that by your silence, you support and defend the actions of these criminals. Please assure us that we did not make a mistake when we thought you a caring man, when we thought you a man of honor and integrity, when we thought you a leader. Governor, PLEASE answer our fervent prayer. Governor Bush, please look into these allegations and you will find that what we have said is true.

Governor Bush, when you discover the truth please take action against these men. Remove Anthony Shambri and Perry Turner who do not belong in their position. Governor Bush please see to it that Robert Raggett, Frank Gargett and Jason Traxler are brought to justice. Replace these men with persons of honesty and integrity. Governor Bush, quoting our President “ It is up to the strong to protect and defend those that cannot protect and defend themselves.” Governor Bush we are asking you to protect and defend “Bobby”. We are asking that you defend Sgt. Homer Ordez and Cpl. Fabian Gibson from the malicious prosecutions they have suffered at the hands of Robert Ragget and Frank Gargett. Sgt. Ordez and Cpl. Gibson who sought only to “protect and defend those that could not protect and defend themselves.”  ~ Jack Duggan, D.G.A

top

05/02/05 Osceola JDC: Have I heard wrong that Mr. Hoffman is no longer at Osceola? ~ Anonymous

Have I heard wrong in having heard that Mr. Hoffman is no longer at Osceola? ~ Anonymous

top

05/01/05 Osceola JDC: Mr Lowery its time for you to stop your crying and take it like man. ~ Anon.

Now that Mr Hoffman is no longer with Osceola JDC Mr Lowery who will you cry too now.So Mr Lowery its time for you to stop your crying and take it like man. ~ Anon.

top

04/29/05 DJJ: Dear Mrs Lisa Hughes; ...stay strong for your daughter,We will stand together and win this fight for the kids. ~ Diana Matthews

Dear Mrs Lisa Hughes; Like you I have email Gov.Bush , Presedent Bush and First Lady . Never to have recieved a email back. You would pray someone in the goverment cared but I am not sure any do . The only reply I recieved by phone was Bankhead asking me what did I want from him. it was a fight. I might even see part of that if Danny had even thrown his hands , but he had not. The only advice I can give you is to stay strong for your daughter,We will stand together and win this fight for the kids. As far as the system doing anything to you yes they can and will. But I look at it this way they already KILLED my son Daniel and have mentaly killed my other sons with the loss of there brother. The officer,s go at my sons anyway possible and my sons stand by me and fight the abuse they are recieving in court , Mined you my other boys are not in jail nor do they have any real charges, But they have been attacked on a ongoing bases. WE WILL AS A FAMILY STAND TOGTHER AND WIN THIS WAR . There is nothing more they can do to us. They already killed Daniel. We as a family will forever fight for all children and what is right. As to past post from others, that we keep bring up the past ,IT HAS NOT EVEN BEEN TWO YEARS since Daniels death.Heads have not rolled and nothing has changed. ALSO WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO TELL A FAMILY ,FATHER OR MOTHER HOW LONG THEY SHOULD GRIEVE FOR THERE CHILD. No time in the world will heal my pian !!!!!! You can not possibly beleave a five day suspension for a childs life is rolling heads. As too officer Elswick being fired. (HE NEVER PAST THE TEST TO BE HIRED).I will and can say this for anyone that beleaves all is just fine .Sit back and watch because heads as you put it will ROLL! and I have not even gottin started. NO MORE CHILDREN WILL BE ABUSED!!!!!!! Back to Mrs Hughes the help is coming be strong as you can for your daughter. Forever in tears Diana

top

04/28/05 DJJ: so what you are telling me is this: Gov Bush does not care about my daughter!! ~Lisa Hughes

So what you are telling me is this: Gov Bush does not care about my daughter!! Well he can be voted out! I have also written Gov Bush I email him as often as I email here. Think he might want to have me killed. I think the same thing that you do~that someone in DJJ is going to come after me as well, I know that I have "ticked off" the higher ups, but they can get "ticked down". I know when something is wrong with my child, god gave me those built in "BS" detectors! I called Milton girls again yesterday only to be told by the receptionist, "I'm sorry, Renee has stepped out of the building". (case manager for my daughter) Renee has made herself totally unavailable, and I feel that she he is making my daughter feel that while she is at Milton girls, that I can do nothing, sort of undermining my authority! She is a coward and she does not know me!! I wrote her a letter explaining my position, so she might as well "buckle up". If I were a DJJ staff, I would collect everything I could, go to law enforcement. The next time my daughter is injured, I am going to file charges. I have always wondered why DJJ never allows parents back in the dorm quarters, parents are left in the dark, like there is a big secret in the back! I wrote to the ACLU and am waiting to hear back. I have written other links as well, and I am working on a home page for my daughter in pretty pink her favorite color. She is a blessing that god gave me, and I fight for what god gives me. I do not mean anyone innocent on this site any harm, I am trying to fight and be heard for the kids in this world. Abuse should never be part of treatment, but love is a treatment. At home with your own kids, would you not love them first, why would you take any other approach with other people's kids? God is watching all of this. He is my ever present help in time of trouble, do you know how many churches pray for my daughter, you think god is not listening, trust me, he is. I beleive in strength in numbers!! ~ Lisa Hughes

top

04/27/05 DJJ: Re: money is where your focus should be [04/27/05]; the problem starts at the head: Governor Jeb Bush! ...HE DOESN'T CARE!!! I could sign my name but still worry that state officials would...come after me  ~ Anonymous

In response to "04/27/05 DJJ: To parents of youth past or present in DJJ custody: Write or call your legislatures. The money is where your focus should be. ~ Anonymous."

When I read this I had to chuckle alittle to myself. Somewhere on here I read a comment that a fish "rots from the head." Well, this issue about money is where I'm coming from ... the problem starts at the head: Governor Jeb Bush! He is the only one that I can see from my vantage point that is in the position to generate or initiate more appropritations for DJJ's operating budget. Well, let me let you all in a dirty little secret: The Governor is disengaged on this issue. In other words: HE DOESN'T CARE!!! His priorities are elsewhere. Where? Don't ask me because I have no idea. I've tried on numerous occasions to contact him regarding DJJ and have been completely ignored/shut out. That also explains why the DJJ heiarchy doesn't care either. The head of DJJ knows that money for DJJ isn't a priority for Governor Jeb Bush. Guess what? Until Governor Bush DOES SOMETHING this problem will never ever go away. And let me add that this bulletin board will be doing a rousing business with all of the problems associated with an uncaring administration!! In other words (and I feel bad to say this) this website will be pretty busy for a long time to come. And ALL at the expense of these kids who really do need help but only receive a fraction of the assistance that could be given to them to help turn their lives around. I have personally tried on numerous occasions to contact top officials in DJJ, Governor Bush and the Florida House of Representatives on this very issue and each and every time I was completely ignored (like I didn't even exist). This is what you're dealing with. And it is a dirty little secret.....kind of like incest....everybody seems afraid to talk about it or say anything in public for fear of retaliation/retribution. Hey, I'm glad I don't work for the state of Florida anymore. I could sign my name to this post but still worry that state officials would find some other way to come after me. How's that for living in a democratic society? It sucks!! And it's really really sick.. The kids deserve better but I can see that it just isn't in the cards ..... until Governor Bush starts to take an active, concerned, genuine interest in helping DJJ nothing anyone says or does will have a positive affect on this situation. All I can say is good luck because right now you are all fighting a losing cause. ~ Anonymous

top

04/27/05 DJJ: To parents of youth past or present in DJJ custody: Write or call your legislatures. The money is where your focus should be. ~ Anonymous

To parents of youth past or present in DJJ custody: The issue is money. The State of Florida has not been willing to pay the kind of money that is needed to retain experienced well-trained officers in these programs. Nor to keep enough mental health therapists on duty to address every youth’s mental health need. They also are not willing to pay the money to keep a nurse on duty 24 hours a day. A Juvenile Detention Officer starts off at twenty three thousand a year. That is hardly enough to support a family. This is why DJJ has such a high turnover rate. From the first moment an officer steps foot in my facility he already has his resume out. These shortages lead to mandatory 16-hour shifts. When we say we need to go home and care for our own children’s needs we are threatened with termination. We stay and watch your kids and neglect our own for the sake of doing this job. Two officers run a unit of 30 to 40 youth. One of the officers more than likely in my facility has just returned to work from a 16-hour shift on 3 hours of sleep if they are lucky. How alert do you think someone is on that much sleep? Is it a surprise when injuries occur? The State Legislature will not recognize the dangers of this job and refuses to put us on the Special Risk Retirement. Officers continue to be assaulted and injured by these youth. Workman’s comp claims are on the rise. More money would allow us to keep enough officers on a unit to properly supervise these youth. This is preferable to what occurs now whereas an officer is worked to the point of burnout. Money could keep a nurse on duty for all 3 shifts to ensure that youth are getting proper medical care. Several of your kids come to us on psychotropic drugs with serious mental health issues that the average staff is not equipped to handle. The State will not pay to hire officers with degrees in psychology. Mental health therapists are not in abundance our facility which holds over 100 youth on a time. Mental health issues cannot be dealt with immediately. The school program is also under funded. Those of you with children in those privately run programs are in even worse shape. The staff there makes about 7 or 8 dollars an hour and the turnover rate is at 60%. Write or call your legislatures. The money is where your focus should be. ~ Anonymous

top

04/26/05 Milton Girls Facility: Just because these staff pass these background checks does not mean that some of them are not bullies! ~ Lisa Hughes

My daughter is at Milton Girls Residential Facility in Milton FL. Her case manager Renee Westmoreland, reported a restraint with eye injury as I stated before. After it was reported, she called me and denied ever telling me this happened. She basically called me a liar. Nothing has been done to Renee at all. The facility number is listed on my Southern Linc bill the day of the incident. This incident has been reported numerous times. They still have not medically treated my daughter. My daughter was told she would be able to move to a drug program, and nothing is being done about that either. The MD wants to make some changes to her meds. Changing the psych meds causes my daughter to have really bad mood swings. I know the program's answer will be to restrain her. They do not understand how to deal with her problems and even though they call themselves a mental health facility, dont you wonder how they handle 60 girls that may have mood swings or other problems. I was told by another parent that their daughter was restrained on the asphalt outside and it rubbed the hide off of their daughter's face. Hey Mr Supervisor, is that abuse or treatment? Is that the staff's best or worst ability? However, what can parents do? If I could do anything I would start by prosecuting the staff that committed the act, and sue the facility for not firing the employee involved. I hope a lawyer reads all these letters and we get to start a class action suit. It will never change what has been done, or what has been experienced by our children. It may make certain employees think twice. Just because these staff pass these background checks does not mean that some of them are not bullies! ~ Lisa Hughes

top

04/26/05 DJJ: Many heads rolling will never bring back these kids to their moms!! You will not control our length of grief! ~ Lisa Hughes

Response to activists: better put, we are child advocate voices! Many heads rolling will never bring back these kids to their moms!! You will not control our length of grief! You are very brass! DJJ has not changed everywhere. Mothers will move on with their lives when they feel ready too!! It is very sad that it took the death of a child to change your policies!(or make heads roll)! I really do not care about anyone at DJJ resentments for whatever reason. No one here has said anything about all the "answers", expressing our opinions and hurt Mr. Supervisor is all we have!! We will continue to do so!! Someone is responsible for the deaths and abuse of this nation's children in state programs, if not DJJ, then who? They need to be prosecuted. No one is encouraging anyone to hate anyone! How many DJJ staff have had a child die in one of these programs? O I forgot some of the past postings, they have perfect little worlds to live in! Poor people's children have to do something wrong to be placed so they can get help! Abuse should never be associated with treatment! But abuse is a form of treatment! Most of the facilities that i have been to are not equipped to handle the children's needs. You will never justify this form of treatment to any of us, and we dont know you and you dont know us. So improve this thing or be quiet!! ~ Lisa Hughes

top

04/26/05 Seminole JDC: I enjoyed working for Mr Michael Williams and feel like morale hit rock bottom when he left ~ A former JDO

There are positive officers and supervisors,supervisors who know how to get the job done and believe in the officers,without forgetting where they came from.they are not afraid to do the job of an officer,refusing to let the "white shirt"GO TO THEIR HEADS!these are very few and hard to find,but they are the reason I left feeling like I was sombody and not just a body.I also want to point out that I enjoyed working for Mr Michael Williams and feel like morale hit rock bottom when he left,I have no doubt the people that complain from ORANGE JDC only are mad cause people let them get lazy in their job and Mr Williams makes sure you do your job day or night. The honest, hard working officers will rise to the top,and the ones who have been just collecting a paycheck will be weeded out.Last,if it does not affect you,your job, the safety of the children,or the security of the facility-dont worry about it,rumors dont benifit anyone and they dont belong in a place where you might have to save your fellow officers life one day.-A former JDO

top

04/25/05 DJJ: To those JDO's who are truly trying to help. Please contact us and let us know what we can do to help you continue your good work. I am listed on this web site, call me. ~ JudyKay Leece jleece@cfl.rr.com 321-356-3891

To those JDO's who are truly trying to help. Please contact us and let us know what we can do to help you continue your good work. I am listed on this web site, call me. Before someone writes in about my improper and missing grammer in my previous posting, sometimes the tears get in the way and the message is sent before I have really checked it over.

While Shawn was at Three Springs of Daytona Beach, he had to sneak a letter to us regarding an attack on him by TWO employees that could have played pro football, at the time Shawn weighed about 110 lbs. We had to get a court order to go back in to take pictures of his injuries. Then we reported it to the Volusia County Sheriff's Department and we have never heard another word about it. Another time he was restrained by THREE employees, same football team, and yet Shawn had charges brought against him for attacking them, Shawn still weighed 110 lbs. Go figure.

Believe me, I can go on and on and one with one documented example after another. So do not lecture me about anything to do with abuse in the DJJ system. And yes abuse is on every level of our society, but Shawn was locked up and had nowhere to run and no one who truly loved him to run to. The night he died he tried to call us three times. Unfortunately we were down the street at our neighbors house. His little sister had answered the phone but did not know how to except a collect call. She ran down the street with the phone in her hand yelling "Grandma Shawn is on the phone". I told her to not worry about the fact that we missed his call, he would call back. But, he never did. ~ JudyKay Leece jleece@cfl.rr.com 321-356-3891

top

04/25/05 DJJ: Re: "Rhetoric Writer": This is my daughter's response to someone just like you. ~ JudyKay Leece

In response to the "Rhetoric Writer". In addition to the facts that have been presented to you by Lisa Hughes & The Matthews Family, here is a few more. This information has been posted before by my daughter Terri Mestre, Shawn's Mother, on December 18, 2004. This is my daughter's response to someone just like you.

The state did an investigation into the abuse allegations that I reported, and I quote "The state in 2000 confirmed a report of physical abuse of Shawn in a juvenile detention facility in Marion County. The state closed the case with some indicators of excessive corporal punishment." And how about this; quoted from the Daytona Beach News-Journal: The Volusia Regional Juvenile Detention Center had the second-highest number of abuse complaints among the state's 25 regional detention centers. During the 4 1/2 year period from January 1997 to June 2001, 215 complaints were filed alleging abuse of children housed at the Volusia detention center. Of those, investigators determined 45 charges were verified or exhibited "some indicators" of abuse, neglect or threatened harm. But while youths are routinely prosecuted for assaults and batteries on staff, Alarcon [DJJ Deputy Secretary (former)] said he could not recall a single staff member prosecuted for abusing a youth.

Excerpt of news article by Ron Hurtibise, Staff Writer, Daytona Beach News-Journal: COMPLAINTS RISE FASTER THAN ADMISSIONS

Would you still like to stand behind your statement that you have NEVER witnessed any abuse? This is only a few of the states facilities, I can only imagine what this report would look like if they did the entire state!!!

"I take exception to Ms. Mestre’s statement “It does not take a degree in Criminal Justice to deal with these children; it takes a degree in Psychology!” We do have Mental Health therapists employed within our facility." Again, where were they when my child needed therapy?! My son NEVER, during his entire stay in DJJ receive therapy!!! Education? That is a joke!!! Most of the children that come out of DJJ are at least 1 year behind what they should be! Civil rights; Children are entitled to the same bill of rights that is set forth in our constitution! Not what DJJ THINKS they should have. Yes Mr.Supervisor, this IS the real world!! The reality of it is, that these things are and do happen currently. I am not disputing the fact that abuse happens every where, in all walks of life, no one person is immune from it, but it should not be happening in our facilities that are supposed to protect these children. If you can file charges against these children, then the children should be able to file charges against the staff WITHOUT the fear of retaliation! "Some of us believe we can make a difference in their lives. We certainly are not in it for the money." Then make a difference and I don't recall anyone having accused the staff of being in it for the money. One person can make a difference, but it takes courage AND conviction. It does not matter if you are a Parent, JDO, Supervisor or a member of the Senate, you have an obligation to the children in your care to start somewhere, to help make these changes. Most of us want the same thing, for our children to be safe in a DJJ enviroment.

Need more facts? ~ JudyKay Leece

top

04/25/05 DJJ: Re: "Products of their own environment": Remember that our children go to school, and are with other kids and adults setting a "good" example for them. ~ Lisa Hughes

Response to "products of their own environment": remember that our children go to school, and are with other kids and adults setting a "good" example for them. More than 50% of their time is spent away from their parents and grandparents. - Lisa Hughes

top

04/25/05 DJJ: To All the activists: We are not the enemy but you keep insisting that we are. We are honorable, conscientious workers who truly care...~ Anonymous JDO Supervisor

To All the activists:

It does no good to keep bringing up the past mistakes of DJJ in relation to the deaths of your children. DJJ was held accountable; many heads rolled and we have a new Commissioner who is not operating the same way as in the past. I say that you must get over your grief. I know this may sound insenstive and uncaring (and it is not meant to be) but you have got to move on with your lives. DJJ has changed from even last year. New regulations and policies governing our daily operations in JDC have been changing continuously and sometimes on a daily basis. This all has been a result of the deaths of your sons. I resent the constant accusations being perpetrated by all of you -- for something that occurred in the past and not recently! Presently, (from reading all of your postings on this website) are in effect blaming all of DJJ for the deaths of your sons! This is unfair and wrong. I am a JDO Supervisor who has always acted in the interests of our children. The implication is that myself and my officers are responsible for these deaths. I think that your constant barrage of misplaced resentment and hatred is definately causing the opposite of what you intend. We are not the enemy but you keep insisting that we are. No one has all the answers (yet you seem to act as though you do or know where you can get them). I am very sorry and remorseful for the deaths of your children but I and my colleagues had nothing to do with it! !! What's more, we are working daily to perform our jobs the best way we can under the most trying circumstances no thanks to you. We are honorable, conscientious workers who truly care; our work environment is extremely challenging but we continue to press on. Move on with your lives because this is no way for you to make things better. It's not working. ~ Anonymous JDO Supervisor

top

04/24/05 DJJ: You want to tear down the whole system and that means that you want to put me out of a job. ~ Anonymous

I still don’t get it. How does encouraging DJJ employees to hate on each other ease any of your pain? You want to put all of us out of a job because of the actions of a few workers several years ago. We are sorry for your losses. What do you want us to write – that the system is totally screwed up; that the regional director is this or that my shift supervisor that? Do you want us to write everything we think is wrong on your bulletin board? You aren’t going to fix it. You want to tear down the whole system and that means that you want to put me out of a job. Every day that I work, I try to help juveniles learn live productive lives. I do the best I can. ~ Anonymous

top

04/24/05 DJJ: Re: long time member of the DJJ club: I have personally raised 13 children with my husband Robert of 26 years and until now we have never lost a child to any form of the system. ~ Diana Matthews

Response to :DJJ: I am a long time member of the DJJ "club: I am Diana the mother of Daniel J Matthews died 5-31-03 in Pinellas Cty JDC. I have personally raised 13 children with my husband Robert of 26 years and until now we have never lost a child to any form of the system.Listen to what is being spoken. We do blame the system (our government) for failing. I do believe there are staff members that truly chose there profession to help children learn to live a productive life, but there are those that believe they can do as they please and it has taken the lifes of Daniel , Shawn and Omar. Plus endangered other children's health and well being including staff members I am sure .I made a mistake I raised my children to reach out for help and it ended my heart and souls life. Learn about Daniel ,Shawn and Omar if you really care about children , you sound like you do.Daniel was not as you put it a regular, unless within 5 weeks time of a childs life that believe if he could get in front of a judge he would be able to get us (his parents) the help he need . Daniel was by no means a saint , he was a boy with a very large heart that would do anything to help people stop suffering. I failed my son ,I raised him to trust and believe. There are many children that are hard to reach , but we must remember they are children and can learn with the right help.Adults receive better treatment on death row then these boys received in DJJ.My children can no longer look at a cop never mind speak to one after this and these are children that were raised with them. The following link is a web site I made for my son and all storys under his pictures are true but do not even touch who he was.. http://freewebs.com/dinmyheart/  FOREVER IN TEARS Diana Matthews and Family ~ Diana Matthews and Family

top

04/24/05 DJJ: Response to rhetoric? You have no right to judge Judykay. If you cannot improve the silence, then be quiet. - Lisa Hughes

Response to rhetoric? You have no right to judge Judykay. She has lost her child. She may grieve and say anything that she likes on this site. It is good for her to talk to others and express her feelings. That is what it is for. There are djj staff that are abusive to kids, whether you like it or not. The basis of her accusations "dead child"!! The kids in these programs obviously do not take the DJJ staff seriously, they are still in programs and statistics show that kids in programs return within weeks of being realeased from another. With your attitude, sounds like pissing is all you do. Are your kids still alive or do you even have any? If you cannot improve the silence, then be quiet. Freedom of speech!!!!!! And society with all the new "rules" have not taught children to listen to their parent's whether you like that or not. Pro choice. What do you expect? You wait one day you will see. What comes around always goes around, and crap always flows down hill!! - Lisa Hughes

top

04/24/05 DJJ: Response to Judykay Leece! I am truly so sorry for your loss. We need to help each other and be supportive.- Lisa Hughes

Response to Judykay Leece! I am truly so sorry for your loss. I have been so protective and watchful over my daughter because of situations like yours. There is no excuse in this world for what happened to your child. I volunteer!!!!!!!!!!!(cry out loud) we need to help each other and be supportive. A loss of any loved one is not easy whatever happens, but this is terrible. I cannot believe that this goes on and it is allowed!! - Lisa Hughes

top

04/24/05 DJJ: my kid...has sustained more back injuries, extremity injuries and head injuries while in the care of DJJ. - Lisa Hughes

In response to the email on independent panel. Do you also work for DJJ? If you are so knowledgable about the needs of the system, what is your problem? Still blaming grandparents and parents. You must have a perfect little family, right? Is that why you work for DJJ? Having a panel made up of more DJJ personnel, I can assure you, is not the answer, and I would never vote for it. I stated before that I do not have all the answers, but I am willing to look for them. I have had DCF called to me for disciplining my kid, saying that I am too harsh. You are telling me I have no control over my kid, that is why the system has her. Bull crap!! The "system" has been more rough with my kid than I have ever been! She has had more injuries and more bruises while in the DJJ staff's care, than she ever has had with me. She has sustained more back injuries, extremity injuries and head injuries while in the care of DJJ. She has drank germicide, and ate staples. She never did any of that with me!!!!! If you have such great control, why does the dept of DJJ have to do such drastic discipline? Please dont blame the parents. Seems to me, the kids are not listening to the staff either? We live in a society that is pro choice, bucko, where do you think all the subcultural and "new rules" came from? A society of idiots just like you!! The parents have not made all these new abortion laws, and the "right to not tell your parents" things. Society is the one that swayed away from right. Stop blaming the parents, you do not know every situation and you obviously do not have the answers, so if you cant improve the silence, be quiet. - Lisa Hughes

top

04/23/05 DJJ: I am a long time member of the DJJ "club." biggest threat to these kids by far are...the regulars. They are the "youth" that raped someone's daughter and killed someone's son... - Annon

I am a long time member of the DJJ "club." I still believe I can understand the anger and grief displayed by several parents on this board. Any child lost or abused due to negligence by DJJ or its employees can not be defended or rationalized. What can be defended is this across the board disparaging of DJJ employees which I take personal. My co workers and I have worked very hard over the years to keep these children safe and secure. I have read posts about "damaged" youth from broken homes that are "crying out for help". Well here's a perspective from the world I've been working in for over 10 years. Yes there are some good kids that have made some mistakes and got caught up with the wrong people and ended up locked up. The biggest threat to these kids by far are what I call the regulars. They are the "youth" that raped someone's daughter and killed someone's son. They sell drugs to your kids and break into your homes. You get ready to go to work and your car is gone. They have rap sheets that go on for days. When these things happen to you or someone that you love you probably won't care if they came from a broken home or as Lisa Hughes puts it "they are products of their own environment." - Annon

top

04/23/05 DJJ: If you are still in need of facts of how this system fails ,all you need to do is open your heart and eyes. . . those who are willing to see the truth. robert and diana matthews

Page two : Daniel was released with the belief he would see a judge June 4th 2003.Daniel proceed to work at not one job but two jobs to keep busy. Fact around May 25th Daniel was informed by a officer he would not see a judge all charges had been dropped. Daniel was in fact upset had come home from work needing his S.S. card for another job and got into a argument with family putting his arm through a window and hurting himself. The officer arrived and stated he would not do anything to Daniel for the parents would not follow up on it. I asked him what was he talking about Daniel was going to see a judge on June 4th as ordered. The officer stated I had dropped the charge. Fact I had not , so nothing would be done. The officer left the home . Fact, Daniel calmed down proceeded to go to work for the next three days , believing mother would find him help. Parents believing Daniel was safe at work. Fact officers came to the home informed the parents they had arrested Daniel anyway. Parents wanting to know why ,The crisis had been over several days. (DJJ FACT)!! Officer Elswick was allowed to work after failing his test 3 times. The second Officer did not supervise the children in his care ,but remained behind in a class room to put away books . Officer Elswick did open two doors allowing another child to hit Daniel and kill him. Knowing they had been bantering back and forth all day. Officers did not separate them to protect them and others. FACT IF I AS A PARENT HAD ALLOWED TWO CHILDREN TO FIGHT IN WHICH LED TO THE OTHERS DEATH , I WOULD NOW BE IN PRISON WITH THE OTHER CHILD BEING IN DJJ FOR MURDER OR AT LEST WOULD HAVE BEEN CHARGED WHICH NEGLECT. Fact we as parents pay taxes and donated so there would be help for those in need in which includes our own children and your staff. We are not given all the answer for the needs of our children and sometimes need help, This is why programs are funded, but try to get help from them. This is why parents and staff that are capable of helping children need to work together some parents are capable of helping the officers with the needs of the children. Together this system might start to work instead of children dying. But rather then find a answer we have those that believe they are not in fault and do not need the help. Tell me where your great system did its job and protected these children ! Had they been home, though they probably would still need help, they would be alive! NONE OF THESE PARENT'S WOULD HAVE LEFT THEIR CHILD IN PAIN TO DIE, PUNISHED THEIR CHILD FOR NEEDING HELP OR ALLOWED A FIGHT CAUSING A DEATH. But that is right they did not die while in the care of their parents. If you are still in need of facts of how this system fails ,all you need to do is open your heart and eyes, but I can provide them if you want ,as I am sure other parents and staff also can do for those who are willing to see the truth. In my life alone I can write a book on how the system fails it children. When will they matter more then life( after there are no more children to blame for a failing system !).The bible is right A child shall lead the way, but why this way? Final and most important fact these children : Daniel , Omar and Shawn are gone forever for needing help . God forgive the families for grieving due to a failing system and Please show me were the system protected these children. Forever in tears The Matthews Family

top

04/23/05 DJJ: Support for Mrs Leece’s statements - Fact: Shawn, Daniel and Omar did in fact die while in the care of DJJ. Facts as follows. ~ Matthews Family

In response to; Your rhetoric is absolutely uncalled for: Support for Mrs Leece’s statements: Fact: Shawn, Daniel and Omar did in fact die while in the care of DJJ. Facts as follows. (1) Omar was left without the care of DJJ staff for three days to die in pain alone , had he had this care Omar would be alive today. (2) Shawn was in serious need of help and received ongoing punishment instead of treatment leading to his last outcry for help and death. (3) Undisputable facts , Daniel needed help to deal with his feelings and pain. Daniel believed and trusted in the area Officers as he was raised to do so .Daniel spoke with officer Trosh and asked for help. the officer proceeded to explain to Daniel that he would not receive help until he was in the system since we could not afford the help. Daniel had been turned down by every avenue possible. Fact, Daniel not his family called 911 on himself repeatedly. In April of 2003 Daniel’s first call the same day was I hit my mother. No arrest for he had not hit me. One hour later second call I beat up my baby brother , again no arrest .Daniel had not even been near John and the officers knew this for they had just spoken to John at racetrack. Third call one more hour later I hit a adult male . Again no charges for Daniel had been defending his mother. I My self with Daniel spoke with the officers to try and find more help that I had not found. Officer trosh asked Daniel if his parents had been abusing him. he could help by having him placed. Daniel, no I just need help I can not take the pain my parents can not afford it.. By the fifth call that evening Daniel had bought vodka from a liquor store at the age of sixteen and taken medication from an adult., to ease his pain. With this got into a fight with his family when they tried to get him to lie down and relax . Fact the same officers that had dealt with Daniel that entire day. Arrived called over the radio that Daniel was armed and dangerous, proceeded to arrest Daniel at gun point slamming him to the ground. His father crying that is my son what are you doing, my self crying you know he has nothing. But Daniel got what he wanted he was in fact arrested and brought to DJJ for a 21 day stay. Fact I stayed at DJJ from 8 am until 3 pm waiting to get help with Daniel medical need only to be told this is not a resort by the nurse it is a jail. On visiting day after seeing Daniel again I waited to see anyone to get my son help for I could see he was in pain and sick, only to hear the same statement. ~ Matthews Family

top

04/23/05 Manatee JDC: This website makes it seem like all we do is abuse youth. Mistakes are made and we are truly sorry for your losses

DJJ works with thousands of youth each day. The vast majority are supervised without a problem. This website makes it seem like all we do is abuse youth. Mistakes are made and we are truly sorry for your losses. But this website encourages us to fight among ourselves by complaining about, and insulting each other. This leads to negative interactions within our facilities. That can't be good for any organization but that is probably your goal. I agree that we (direct care workers) are not the problem. Any parent could have their child make one or two poor decisions and get arrested; but many of our youth have committed many crimes such as grand theft auto, robbery, aggravated assault, and domestic violence over an extended period of time. Then, if they are taken down too hard after they spat in our face or punched and kicked us, we are abusers. Stop blaming us and stop encouraging us to hate on each other!

top

04/22/05 DJJ: DJJ can not and should not be allowed to police itself. There has to be someone from the outside...I volunteer

Yes, I definitely want parents and grandparents to serve on a panel because DJJ can not and should not be allowed to police itself. There has to be someone from the outside who is not going to be intimated by DJJ staff from any level of management. I volunteer. There is nothing else you can do to me. And yes, we as parents/grandparents failed in someway with our children, but I for one knew I needed help beyond what I was capable of doing. The medical field would not help because we did not have enough money or not enough or the wrong insurance coverage. So I come full circle back to asking the State for help because the government is supposed to be for me, one of the people. And now Shawn is dead. So stop pointing your finger we are all responsible and the guilt I carry will never go away because I could not find the right answer to what Shawn needed. And you were too full of yourself to try and help. ~ JudyKay Leece

top

04/21/05 DJJ: in response to JudyKay Leece of 4/21/05 - Your rhetoric is absolutely uncalled for...

this message is in response to JudyKay Leece of 4/21/05. Your rhetoric is absolutely uncalled for and does not you deliver the message (I think) you are trying to convey. First: Get off this kick of DJJ being abusive to the kids. You NEVER EVER have on this website have given any basis to support your accusations yet you continue to leave these arcane messages that serve no value, no purpose and no message!! Second: The officers of DJJ's JDC's were uniforms and badges in order to foster respect that these juveniles have absolutely no regard for. If we had our officers wearing civilian clothes in this environment it would cause more problems because these kids would not take any messages the officers give seriously. The wearing of uniforms by DJJ officers sends a message of military precision (not a bad thing Ms. Leece!!), obedience (imagine that?), and uniformity (in other words--- everybody in authority is ON THE SAME TEAM!). Also, this is one of the reasons that we put these kids in coveralls instead of allowing them the privilege of wearing their civilian street clothes (it also let's them know that they are not at home). Civilian clothes just would not send that message to these kids who refuse to conform to the rules of society. I am sorry that you lost you child but your campaign against DJJ is like pissing in the wind and is definately NOT helping anybody (including yourself).

top

04/21/05 DJJ: Re to Ms. Hughes posting - I do agree that an independent panel could be a helpful resource. However...

In reference to Ms. Hughes posting. So now the suggestion is to have the parents and grandparents who could not control these Youth in their homes make decisions on what is best inside a facility. I do agree that an independent panel could be a helpful resource. However, it needs to be made up of individuals who are trained in dealing with the Youth who have the issues our kids exhibit while in Detention, a representative from the JDO/SJDO ranks that is there dealing with them first hand, and then people who are in positions to gain the funding necessary to bring about the suggestions the committee comes up with. For this approach to be effective it would also need to include people who are in the Administration of the agency, Regional level, and some of the larger facilities so they could have some input also. However, the idea to now allow the people who through their own fault or not, have failed to keep these kids out of the system. To endorse Ms. Hughes suggestion is to say that you want the CEO of a large organization or company that went bankrupt because of the management practices they put in place in charge of out Youth future. We ned to find those that have a proven track record to help guide our ship.

top

04/21/05 DJJ: - Re: 'kids that are out of control' ...but that does not give you (meaning all JDO’s) the right to abuse these children

In response to the person who stated they are working with kids that are out of control. I agree with you that there are some kids who are totally out of control but that does not give you (meaning all JDO’s) the right to abuse these children. You are in a position to help turn these children around not add to there already damaged bodies and minds. They are not all the same and you can not treat them like they are. I have said before that my Shawn was not a perfect child by any means, but he did not deserve to die at age 13 and alone. He needed help and the State of Florida said they could help him, but instead you killed him. So do not complain to me about the kids being out of control. You are out of control with your military/mercenary style of control. Take off those stupid uniforms and badges and act like normal people instead of someone with unlimited power. Help instead of destroy. You can make the difference and you just might save a life. It is to late for Shawn & Omar & Danny, but it is not too late for the others. ~ JudyKay Leece

top

04/21/05 DJJ: To all parent's and grandparent's!! We all need to find a fearless attorney and take our beef before the government that changes the laws!!

To all parent's and grandparent's!! We all need to find a fearless attorney and take our beef before the part of government that changes the laws!! There should be a panel of parents/grandparents that help make decisions regarding kids in the system!! I am fearlessly looking, I will keep you posted. ~ Lisa Hughes

top

04/20/05 Pinellas JDC: We are working with youth that are totally out of control

Working in a facility is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. We are working with youth that are totally out of control. They have shown a complete disregard for their parents, school and the law. If we could pick our youth, we wouldn't have so many problems. On the other hand, we promote workers to supervisors who have only proven that they can keep youth in line. These supervisors usually manage staff the way that they managed the youth - direct. To top it off, staff are forced to work overtime and rarely get weekends off; then they get criticized by everyone, especially parents. Being an officer is one of the most difficult jobs in the world.

top

04/19/05 Orange JDC: Mr. Williams, we are behind you 200%. KW, EP, & JT

Mr. Williams, today was a very difficult day for you and I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and that we are behind you 200%. KW, EP, & JT

top

04/19/05 Hillsborough East JDC: Regarding the 04/18/05 Posting: As a Supervisor in DJJ's JDC I am ashamed and appalled regarding your use of grammar, spelling and thought

Regarding the 04/18/05 Posting from Hillsborough East JDC: As a Supervisor in DJJ's JDC I am ashamed and appalled regarding your use of grammar, spelling and thought. Let's get real here. What exactly are you trying to say? How about some specifics as well (while I'm at it). For the record: No one will take you seriously. Why? Because you cannot express yourself properly in writing. Stop wasting our time by posting these non-sensical postings that have no credibility, validation or real purpose.

top

04/18/05 Osceola JDC: to the 4-17-05 response,. . . be more specific. . . either you're part of the system,or you're doing alot of kissing.

To the 4-17-05 response,it would be nice if you would be more specific,like names and maybe those veteran officers could do a better job for you. You probably don't think he's a racist because it haven’t affected you,maybe it hasn't because you're one of his brown nosers.The veteran officers do a good job along with the none veterans.and you mentioned promotions,how would you feel if someone like ofc.Hernandez comes in,no DJJ exp.and made an SJDO,and in less than a year they're a JDOs,or even now an lt.or should I add JDOs parke,suspended for no reporting his dl were suspended,and now lt.and you say you're not apart of the good old boy,you maybe you were the one that gave out the questions to the JDOs intrview,but look where you're at.either you're part of the system,or you're doing alot of kissing.I can't wait to see your face when he leaves

top

04/18/05 Hillsborough East JDC: no moral here. Adminstration only worry about looking good on paper

It's a shame with what we have to go threw here at the east, all they worry about is ther deem statis.There is no moral here non it's shot.Adminstration only worry about looking good on paper they refuse to pay o.t they make you work then they try to adjust you the following week now the last time I checked that was against the law.And lets not talk about are favorite clicks ,they could go around and make believe there are working ,curse and do ther thing without getting in trouble someone needs to come in and see for themselfs how we run are deem statis deteention center.Its a trip.

top

04/17/05 Osceola JDC: Stop worrying about other people and do what you are pay to do

In regards to Brevard and the so call racist they are getting, let me share something with you. Osceola Detention has many good officers, but at the same time you have those who think they are owed something because they been around for a while. They do not follow procedures, are not consistent coming to work, call off often, do only the minimun required at work, but for some unknown reason they feel they are intitle to recognition and promotion. They have one of the biggest faults, they practice selective listening 80% of the time. It does not matter how many time they are told, or informed about any specifics, they always hear what they want to hear and then turn it into a "poor me, I am not in the good ole boys club". Stop worrying about other people and do what you are pay to do, if not YOU CAN ALWAYS GET ANOTHER JOB, you won't be missed.

top

04/13/05 DJJ: be a voice for your dept if you believe in it, and rally for good changes.

Tell me what is fair about a child dying? Is that right? Fair? Just? You will never change the fact that this has happened. Be a voice for your dept if you beleive in it, and rally for good changes. Do not lash out at the parents! DJJ was supposed to be created to help right? Adults that put up with what both of you have described, they get mad. No one likes to be spit on, hit, called names. Let your par training lead you. All workers do not take this from kids. You cannot justify what has happened to other people/parents and their children. When a child dies, you can never take it back. You think I talked back to my parents? No I did not. All I am saying is make a difference, don’t be critical. I know it is easy to do!! ~ Lisa Hughes

top

04/13/05 DJJ: You certainly do not know what my daughter or I have been through.

I am not specific of individual incidents, because it is being looked into. It is my right to express what I have experienced. If the both of you are "good officers", that's great. But I don't know you. And you certainly do not know what my daughter or I have been through. The workers I have come in contact with, are ones I have personally dealt with. Blaming the parents for being bad is not always the case. Every situation is different. Children are not born addicted to drugs, bad Behavior, or manipulative behavior. These things you describe are learned behaviors and they don't always learn it from the parents. Getting back to specific, most of the behaviors, if you can call it that, are things she learned from other adults who offered my daughter drugs. I have had to work 15 years of my daughter's 17 years of her life, hard, overtime, to pay the bills so she and her brother could eat. Their dad is sorry!! Adults that looked and acted like regular people, that I never suspected. God is my judge and he knows!! ~ Lisa Hughes

top

04/13/05 Marion JDC: "Grandma, Please don't tell anyone, it will just get worse." ~ Shawn Smith 11/03/87-10/30/01

Shawn Douglas Smith, 11/03/87 - 10/30/01, Died at Volusia JDC Shawn's nightmare started at Marion County Regional Juvenile Detention Center. You are also responsible for Shawn's death. His mental and physical slide to suicide started with the abuse that was heaped on him at your facility. I have corroborating witnesses to a large part of what was done to Shawn. I visited Shawn just about every Sunday for 10 months and I never knew what condition he was going to be in. We got there one Sunday and he was on crutches and we had never been notified that he had been taken to the hospital emergency room. Another time he had multiple knots on his head where one of you had popped him with a ring on your finger. His fingers were bruised where they had been twisted backwards and he had bruises all the way around his upper arms where he had been pinned down or against a wall. Then the state literally lost Shawn in the system. He set at Marion JDC for 10 months waiting on so called "Placement" in a program. Little did we know that he had fallen through the cracks and the State did not know he had not been placed. Did any of you bother to try and find out why. NO you did not. Shawn would try to take the advice of one JDO only to get in trouble with the JDO on the next shift for trying to follow the advice he had been giving on how to control his frustration. On one visit Shawn was so visibly shaken by what had been going on that I told him I would talk to the Supervisor on duty and the look of fear in his eyes would have scared the biggest adult. His only words were, "Grandma, Please don't tell anyone, it will just get worse." When Shawn's baby sister died no one even attempted to help me get him released to attend the funeral. He had to grieve by himself. You know who I am talking about. Pray God forgives you because I can't. You killed my grandson. You should never be allowed to work with children again. Street cleaning is all you should be allowed to do. ~ JudyKay Leece

top

04/13/05 Orange JDC: very encouraging... Supervisor Giles, along with Ms. Vilar, soothed a youth distraught...

Today I witnessed something very encouraging. I witnessed Supervisor Giles, along with Ms. Vilar, handle a youth who was distraught over being detained and making suicidal threats. They talked to him, soothed him and Mr. Giles stopped what he was doing to sit and attend to this youth who only needed someone to talk to. Thank you Mr. Giles and mental health for really caring! ~ TP

top

04/13/05 Osceola JDC: good luck to Brevard. You guys are receiving a racist

I just wanted to say good luck to Brevard. You guys are receiving a racist who likes to have his you know what kissed, especially by people of color just ask his pet Payano. He has been in the good ole boy system for a long time so it is hard to get rid of him. They simply just move him around as you can see. Just ask a white officer who cursed him out in a meeting because he saw how he was discriminating against a black officer who is no longer with DJJ. To bad because she is a really nice lady. Any how nothing happen to the white officer because they went to ball games together. That is that good ole boy system in which I am referring to. Any how keep your eye on this one if he does not bore you with his many stories that he tells you over and over again.

top

04/13/05 DJJ: Response to Lisa Hughes: Talk about making judgments!

Response to Lisa Hughes: Talk about making judgments! You and many of the other parents posting to this web site have been judging DJJ and its employees. You make us sound like a bunch of ignorant thugs that live to abuse children. Here is another perspective. I work very with some intelligent and yes educated people that wouldn't dream of abusing someone else's child. No I am not "blind" to reality. Yes there are bad DJJ employs that shouldn't be working here, just as there are bad doctors who shouldn't be practicing medicine. There are also bad teachers, bad police officers, bad priests, day care workers, and yes there are bad parents. Officer Elswick does not represent me or my co-workers nor does Andrea Yates represent all parents. Thousands of youth come into DJJ custody every year. We had some terrible tragedies occur on our watch. To keep things real, a far larger percentage of youth are abused and killed at the hands of their own families than what occurs in DJJ custody. Ms. Mathews talks about the "few true officers." I like to talk about the "few good parents" like mine. Growing up I would never dream about cursing at or disrespecting an adult. Especially an adult entrusted with my care. I have been called every heinous name imaginable, not to mention spat on, and physically assaulted. Still I haven't abused a soul. I would like to see a police officer or even a parent show that kind of restraint.

top

04/12/05 DJJ: To Lisa Hughes - I am an employee of DJJ and can attest that all workers within DJJ have specific guidance...

This comment is for Lisa Hughes: It's not fair for you to make statements about DJJ when you are not specific and not factual. I am an employee of DJJ and can attest that all workers within DJJ have specific guidance and prohibitions against using profanity, excessive force and inhumane treatment. Many times I have seen juveniles lash out at our officers and instead of the juvenile getting hurt it is one of the officers who is injured (in an attempt to prevent harm to the juvenile) -- you could almost call it "turning the other cheek." The children that we are dealing with in our facility are the worst of the worst. They are children who have committed felonious crimes and are being detained until adjudication; until then we are forced to take care of them. These are children with documented medical, psychotic and behavior problems. Many of them lie and manipulate the system in order to get what they want which is usually attention. They lie to everyone including their parents and to make matters worse alot of people believe the juveniles word over the officers! Please understand that there are two-sides to every story. It is well known among DJJ officers that the children's welfare comes first --- even to the point of risking the safety and well-being of the officer so as not to injure the child. This is one of the reasons why so many officers quit and/or are fired (but most just resign within a short period of time at DJJ). I don't know how many times I can reiterate on this board that these juveniles are different than your regular, ordinary leave-it-beaver children. I ask that you actually have specific information (facts) before you post comments such as were recently made on this website. My guess is that you don't really have a clue as to what is actually occuring within these facilities but you sure as heck may be listening to alot of innuendo, gossip and outright lies!

top

04/12/05 DJJ: Diana Matthews: officer Elswick pushed the buttons to open the 2 cell doors...which led to my sons death. Officer Elswick failed his exams

04/11/05 DJJ: In response( to become Juvenile Detention Officer: thorough back ground screening...no qualifications to become a parent )If this was to be true and it takes so much to become an officer in DJJ. Please explain to myself, family and son Daniel Jack Matthews in which died in PC DJJ 5-31-2003.Why officer Elswick was not only working but had pushed the buttons to open the 2 cell doors after lock down, in which led to my sons death. After officer Elswick not only failed his exams once, twice but ooops three times was it? and STILL remained employed by the DJJ.Oh thats right us parents that do not come with a handbook, but love our children and live in the real world. Unfortunately we have to trust the safety and care of our children in the hands of persons like yourself, that see nothing past themselves. Persons that are so well trained, CHILDREN ARE DYING in their care. If you are going to make a statement for your fellow officers, at least have the knowledge to your statements. I am sure the few officers that truly care about our children do not need the extra malarky thrown there way.Their job is hard enough, no one ever said raising a child was easy.Your profession is what you chose - don't make it out to be better then what it is or the true officers will never get the help they need because of blind people like you . This site is about help for the children, staff and parents in pain due to a failing system . If you can not see this, do our children and staff a favor and LEAVE. ~ Diana Matthews

top

04/11/05 DJJ: background screening does not make you compassionate...towards a child who needs help

Response to DJJ background screening! Unless you are a perfect parent, you have no right to judge any parent! A back ground screening does not make you compassionate, or loving towards a child who needs help! It does not make you a model example either. I have been dealing with DJJ employees for over six years and I have only met maybe one person that I could honestly say that I beleived was trying to help us. Mark the perfect man!! You do not know the home life of these children, and no one has the right to body slam an already abused, with no training (as you put it), kid who is already scared to death, and fronting that with a "I'm a tough kid" attitude! The only instructions a parent has in raising their Child, is the bible, and some do go by it. Do you? Do not judge when you do not know someone's circumstances!! The problem here is we asked god to get out of our business and threw away his instructions!! How many homes in America still have a King James Bible, how many cars do you see on Sunday morning at the churches? Say what you will, it is the truth!! Cry Out loud!!! "and a little child shall lead them" ~ Lisa Hughes

top

04/11/05 Djj: the djj club: where they lower self esteem, scream at, violently
restrain, deny medical care

In reference to the DJJ system in general. I just cannot beleive that we, society, or whomever, thought it best, to take kids that obviously have a lot of problems, and start the DJJ club. Where they lower self esteem, at it's lowest, scream at, violently restrain, deny medical care and other things as well, depending on the mood of the employees and etc. And make bad matters worse. There is the dept of children and families that intervene with claims of parental abuse. Then there came along DJJ, where we stick these problems nobody wants to deal with. Can you imagine or have you ever sat and just thought about what some of these kids must lay awake at night and think? How about that nobody wants them. (cry out loud!!!) My heart is broken for all of them, but it keeps beating just the same. I do not condone bad behavior, but according to god almighty, it has always been the parent's job and responsibility to discipline and take care of their kids, I realize that this (parental support) cannot happen with all kids, but there has got to be a better way than this. It costs a lot of money, and it sure is not helping kids, or the club would cease to exist! Sooner of later we would see these kids change. We have got to go back to what we have all been advised by Jesus to do in the bible, including the kids. It's time!! When kids are provoked to anger, they lash back out, they become bitter and unreachable. I do not have the answers, but I am willing to look for them, but I need help!! Kids are definite products of their own environment. Now, notice one, that has lived in DJJ programs for years!! Think about it America!! Call me what you want, I know you will, but this problem is all of our problem, these are our kids, that god blessed us with! ~ Lisa Hughes

top

04/11/05 DJJ: to become Juvenile Detention Officer: thorough back ground screening...no qualifications to become a parent

There is a very thorough back ground screening Juvenile Justice employees must clear in order to be hired. This is followed by an Academy and a series of exams that must be passed in order for someone to become Juvenile Detention Officer. This is followed up by a year long probationary period.

On the other hand there are no qualifications whatsoever for someone to become a parent (besides biological). This becomes quite evident when one observes the amount of youth that come into DJJ custody with what appears to be a complete lack of home training.

top

04/11/05 DJJ: Response to 4/7/05 post: If you're going to have critcisms they should be written using proper grammar...

This comment is in relation to the post of 7 April 2005 which reads: "the djj system is cricked and needs help offenders are treated poorly we need to help them. ~ k.r"

I am in agreement that the DJJ system is in need of reform. What concerns me is the lack of grammar and proper English. Nobody will respect you when such non-sensical statements are posted on this board (and it just makes the other DJJ workers look worse). If you're going to have critcisms they should be written using proper grammar and English; also criticisms should always include suggested improvements (otherwise you are just wasting everybody's time and spinning your wheels).

top

04/09/05 Milton Girls Facility: My daughter has had many injuries during restraints...accused of a lot of things she did not do

My daughter is in Milton Girls-Santa Rosa. She has had many injuries during restraints. Also been accused of alot of things she did not do. Tell me who is going to be the voice for our children? Recently, Cosmo Magazine called me to schedule a photo shoot for my daughter, so you see, She is not just a statistic to me, I am very proud of her. I am not ashamed of her. Everyone has problems. I do beleive that parents having access to these programs would be helpful in the monitoring of what is going on. But not parents who are employees. A parental committee. A big voice. Teach be an example, a mentor. Society has created dept children And families to take parents to court, and DJJ staff to kill the kids if They do not do what they say?? What is the answer? ~ Lisa Hughes

top

04/09/05 DJJ: Case #2005-02156 I would like the person that slammed my daughter's head on the floor brought to justice!

Reporter: xxxxxxxx
Telephone: xxxxxxxx
E-mail: xxxxxxxx
Relation: Relative/Guardian
Youth: xxxxxxxx
JPO or staff: R. Westmoreland
Where: Milton Girls Residential Facility
When: 0305
What:

First of all, I never knew you [justice4kids.org] existed, as I have had other problems with another program! I have never condoned my daughter's behavior, but I want to save her life. She is not just a statistic to me! Mrs. Westmoreland called me to report a restraint on xxxxxxxx. She reported that xxxxxxxx was on sight and sound for 21 days and was required to stay with staff, she left the supervision of staff and was warned and then restrained. She further stated that xxxxxxxx had a black eye with a cut. I go to the program to visit. I can see the fading injury. xxxxxxxx's eye was not X-rayed. I think it should be, as I consider that trauma. I repeatedly suggested that my daughter needed an X-ray and the program has refused. xxxxxxxx had to make her self stay awake because she hit her head so hard. When I left that day, I saw Mrs. Griggers, the on sight case manager, outside smoking, so I stopped and I asked her about it. She did not realize that I was not aware of the incident. She proceeds to tell me. A black female is making comments about xxxxxxxx. In re: dating. And homosexuality. This is totally against our beliefs. This had went on and no staff intervened to discontinue the publishing of xxxxxxxx's private information. xxxxxxxx ran at this girl, not saying it's right, but I can understand the response. Staff restrains xxxxxxxx, hitting her head on the floor, hard enough to break the skin. She had a bruised hip and knee. My family reports the injury to dept children and families, we were scared. No one has done nothing to treat what we feel is trauma, and should be X-rayed. You cannot visualize bones or soft tissue injury. What if she did have a concussion? This is terrible! This can cause problems later on after DCF goes to the program, Mrs. Westmoreland calls me on Tuesday 4-5, and asks me about some miscommunication. She states that she never told me there was an injury. I have phone records to prove that she called me that day! She is upset because I discussed the incident with Mrs. Griggers and not her. She was defensive of herself, and further tried to out talk me and overcome the conversation. I am overwhelmed! I have always cooperated with anyone dealing with my child to her good!! I reported this incident also to Karen West. She seems defensive of the program, due to xxxxxxxx, as she puts it, struggling with the staff! However, she emailed and relayed that there is documentation in nursing notes of injury to xxxxxxxx! It does appear to my family and I that the dept is trying to wait until all underskin injury has a chance to heal. I do not understand why xxxxxxxx has not been X-rayed. I have reported to the program that xxxxxxxx needs care of her OB GYN issues. She has a disease that causes cancer if left untreated. xxxxxxxx has a chemical burn to her privates because a nurse employed by DJJ made her treat her own issue with liquid Silvadene that burns if not administered right! I did get that diagnosis from xxxxxxxx's private GYN MD in her home town. She has had 2 wrist injuries, 2 back injuries and slammed on many different surfaces. She has eaten staples and drank germicide, (floor cleaner) and cut herself many times also, while in DJJ staff supervision. She has a lump in her pelvic region and a lump in her back also. Are you also aware that xxxxxxxx was restrained one other time before this incident, and it was never reported to me at all? How many times can a kid take this kind of trauma to their head, before it becomes lethal? I want xxxxxxxx taken to a medical doctor and all of her affected body parts X-rayed! I feel this is in order and according to youth rights on the DJJ website, is warranted. I would like the person that slammed my daughter's head on the floor brought to justice!!!!!!!That is assault. What action will be taken for this? How can I depend on anything the staff says now? I do not feel I can communicate with the treatment team properly with this new knowledge. I have saved articles over the past 3 years of children in Florida programs who are dead. Is that part of the treatment? How does this kind of thing happen and who is monitoring this? Have you ever read about how many types of problems you can have later on in your life from head trauma? You can not hit your head but so many times! Thanks for listening and I hope someone is doing something about this kind of behavior.

top

04/10/05 Volusia JDC: Shawn Smith - 11-03-87 / 10-30-01 Died at Volusia JDC JudyKay Leece grieves - I asked God everyday to help me forgive you, but I have not reached that point.

Shawn Smith 11-03-87 / 10-30-01 Died at Volusia JDC

During Shawn's two year nightmare, at Marion JDC & Volusia JDC and let us not forget Three Springs of Daytona Beach, he encountered every day of his imprisonment, adults whose only mission that day was to make themselves feel powerful. This was done at the expense of Shawn's physical and emotional well being, his self esteem and his life.

Shawn was not a perfect child and I have never been one to say "Not my child", but he was taught to trust adults and that he could always find help from any one in a law enforcement type position. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a lie and it cost him his life.

As I sit here and type my thoughts, I am looking through my tears. It has been almost four years and I still grieve as if it was yesterday. A day does not go by that I do not cry over Shawn's death. Simple things in life set me off only because Shawn will never experience them.

Right now we should be getting him set for his Senior Prom. But instead I am posting to a bulletin board to let you know that he is not here for that, he was not here to get his drivers license, he was not here to get his first job, he was thirteen and he was not here to be a teenager, HE IS NOT HERE.

All because you got a job that required nothing of you as far as qualifications (you probably walked in off the street to apply for the position) and where you could act out your delusions of being someone with power because your own personal life is at the bottom of the barrel (due to your own actions).

As for me, I asked God everyday to help me forgive you, but I have not reached that point. I hate and despise you and I hope your life is as miserable as mine is. ~ JudyKay Leece

top

04/07/05 DJJ: the djj system is cricked and needs help offenders are treated poorly

the djj system is cricked and needs help offenders are treated poorly we need to help them. ~ k.r

top

We are a medium for the exchange of information and opinions. Statements made (both signed and anonymous or by way of links to other sites) have not been investigated to determine fact or truth. Therefore, before forming a conclusion or using information from this website, research by the reader is essential.

Copyright © 2001-2010 justice4kids.org, inc. -- An all-volunteer effort! All rights reserved.