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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.
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03/31/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: Re 03/30/06 C. Mercer posting ... A majority of these messages are from the floor staff. Finding another job should not have to be an option for these people. What is wrong with wanting to have a decent work environment to work in?? Everyone DESERVES to be treated with respect and consideration... These superintendents are not ensuring that this happens --- just look at all the messages from Orange JDC & MDRJDC with others being posted on here relating the unfair labor policies being forced on them...I would be very hesitate in placing all the sole blame on these people who post on here. ~Ex-JDO John Q. Public
Re:...03/30/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: I've been reading...
This reply is to C. Mercer regarding the comments being posted on here regarding DJJ. There is an irony in your message but I understand your point. In reading all these complaints you will see a pattern. Another thing is that the people who should be advocating for more money should be the administrators and policy-makers within DJJ and Tallahasee. Get the picture? A majority of these messages are from the floor staff. Finding another job should not have to be an option for these people. What is wrong with wanting to have a decent work environment to work in?? Everyone DESERVES to be treated with respect and consideration for the personal lives of the JDO's and their immediate supervisors. These superintendents are not ensuring that this happens --- just look at all the messages from Orange JDC & MDRJDC with others being posted on here relating the unfair labor policies being forced on them. No one deserves that. I would be very hesitate in placing all the sole blame on these people who post on here. ~Ex-JDO John Q. Public
03/31/06
Other: Note from J4K: Website message boards do exist for other law
enforcement agencies...FDLE message board has these recent postings (http://leoaffairs.com/messageboards/fdle_board.htm)
Posted on 3/28/2006 at 20:19:28 by DLE1 Well, it looks like Tunnell is sure to
be gone after the next Governor's election...
Posted on 3/30/2006 at 20:24:28 by DLE1 I see now that the NAACP is calling for
his resignation and that he has been critical of legislators...
Website message boards do exist for chatter about other law enforcement agencies (includes FDLE and FL DOC): http://leoaffairs.com/message_boards.htm
FDLE message board has these recent postings (http://leoaffairs.com/messageboards/fdle_board.htm)
Posted on 3/28/2006 at 20:19:28 by DLE1 Well, it looks like Tunnell is sure to be gone after the next Governor's election. What is everyone's opinion of him? He never really showed me much and I'm curious what everyone else thinks of him.
Posted on 3/30/2006 at 20:24:28 by DLE1 I see now that the NAACP is calling for his resignation and that he has been critical of legislators. Just what we need while they are in session and will be deciding our budget soon. I guess the possibility of a descent raise is slim to none now.
03/31/06 Miami-Dade JDC: This is to C. Mercer ...many people that have come forward to discuss a problem and bring a solution and have been terminated. Terminated for speaking out and advocating for what is policy and what is right... You stated that Corrections, Law Enforcement and the Sheriff's Department doesn't have websites to belittle the agency... But let's be realistic, those departments are nothing to brag about also... the sheriff's Dept. and FDLE who is investigating our Youth who died in DJJ custody. ARe you aware of the scam that was? ... As for the DJJ officers, utilize this web to state your concern and bring the solution... ~Garcia
This is to C. Mercer, I agree with some of the things that you are stating. But the truth of the matter is that there are many people that have come forward to discuss a problem and bring a solution and have been terminated. Terminated for speaking out and advocating for what is policy and what is right. Unfortunately, there are alot of politics involved and this is like and other law enforcement agency a "Cut Throat Business."
You stated that Corrections, Law Enforcement and the Sheriff's Department doesn't have websites to belittle the agency and you are right on that. But let's be realistic, those departments are nothing to brag about also. You have the department of corrections, who let two serial rapist escape, two officers one being a Sgt. arrested for DUI and running over a deputy and the other for stabbing someone on south beach. Oh did I forget to mention the sheriff's Dept. and FDLE who is investigating our Youth who died in DJJ custody. ARe you aware of the scam that was? So I say, if this is how you guys operate, than you are no different than DJJ. Clean out your own yard before you talk about our department.
Yes it is true that we have many individuals that fit your statement as we do that are over achievers and still are not recognized. No one can understand what some of these officers are stating because you are not in their shoes. You say get another job, jobs are hard right now and it takes the right timing. In the meantime, we have to suck it up and work. Some of us have to many years and do not want to leave it to the state.
As for the DJJ officers, utilize this web to state your concern and bring the solution, as you see everyone reads this site. Maybe someone will use our ideas. For the record, there have been many of us that have submitted problems and solutions and they were kicked to the curb..or as I stated before we were thrown out. When you speak do your homework before you bring us down because the truth is there are disgruntle employees in every organization, nothing is ever sqeaky clean. ~Garcia
03/31/06 Miami-Dade JDC: I will say it again and again....Dale Dobuler is a coward, liar and a phony. Only serving his own self interest...not the youth or the staff. I pray for the day he gets his. Wonder if there were any beating when he was in Bay or it never made the press. You have the respect of no one at MDRJDC..Look out WPBJDC the "mole" AS Shepard is now there and to destroy the facility like he did with MDRJDC. ~Anonymous
03/30/06 Miami-Dade JDC: To not staying quiet -...you are on the right track about Dale, his wife Suzzie Schumer, and the puppet team... Dale Doubuler...is a peformer just like his boss...he surrounds himself around people who are ignorant... As far as his secretary Sharon, she is there to inform Dale of everything... He is with Suzie so they can get a good piece of the DJJ pie...Delancy, he is a failure...HE too will have his day and so will everyone that has been placed there violating what DJJ truly stands for. Dale is as big as his carseat and he will not go any further than Dade unless he leaves and works for his wife Suzie. ~With you all the way
This is to not staying quiet, It seems that you are on the right track about Dale, his wife Suzzie Schumer, and the puppet team. You must understand that Dale Doubuler has a complex of being the center of attraction. He is a peformer just like his boss and he also has an insecurity complex. That is why he surrounds himself around people who are ignorant like Delancy, Watson, and a few others to make himself seem smarter. As far as his secretary Sharon, she is there to inform Dale of everything so that he can run to the region or Schembri when the are about to crawl up his butt. SO he can be defended but one thing is true he will have his day too with his girl Suzie. He is with Suzie so they can get a good piece of the DJJ pie. She knows exactly what she is doing. As for Delancy, he is a failure and is only there because he does excatly what Dale's secretary does for him but that does not classify him a leader. HE too will have his day and so will everyone that has been placed there violating what DJJ truly stands for. Dale is as big as his carseat and he will not go any further than Dade unless he leaves and works for his wife Suzie.
03/30/06 Schools/Court/Other: Hey Nobles, I hear that you have a new Superintendent. ...if the superintendent has any common sense she will see right through you. ...you are all mouth and you dont care about the workers and have your favorites. ...The sad thing about it is that you were one of us and forgot where you came from and rememeber we know all the bad you did behind those walls. You were the first to go a violate policy that's why Walker was on you so much. Now it is time for you to walk the plank. ~Your worst nightmare
Hey Nobles, I hear that you have a new Superintendent. I guess your days are numbered now. How does it feel to walk on ice knowing that someone may take your job from you? I hope if the superintendent has any common sense she will see right through you. It will show that you are all mouth and you dont care about the workers and have your favorites. Especially the women and you are the reason just like supervisors like jackson, benjamin, and Mr. Jacoby are why we l;eft the job. If we didnt leave you found a way to make us leave by making up stuff and writing us up. But now it is your turn and Mr. Jacoby will not be there to help you. Lets see if you have your way with the superintendent like you did with jacoby. When your day comes I will be there with a few more to wave goodbye to you. The sad thing about it is that you were one of us and forgot where you came from and rememeber we know all the bad you did behind those walls. You were the first to go a violate policy that's why Walker was on you so much. Now it is time for you to walk the plank. ~Your worst nightmare
03/30/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: I've been reading your comments for quite some time now. ...If I worked for an agency that didn't treat me fair, or done some of the things that you guys complain about, I would find me another job... I have not seen a positive solution posted yet. ...It takes you to make it better by finding solutions to the problem... Which one of you complainers will step up to the plate and advocate for this agency... what about advocating for more money, or getting the people clothing allowance. Is there anyone willing to do that?... ~C. Mercer
I've been reading your comments for quite some time now. There are many that constantly complain but never offer a solution. If I worked for an agency that didn't treat me fair, or done some of the things that you guys complain about, I would find me another job. There are many agencies throughout Florida that is hiring. Some of the folks that comment on this site are probably some of the very ones that don't come to work on time or as schedule, don't follow the rules of the agency, and do whatever and anything that they want to do. When they violate a policy and are written up, they blame the agency rather than own up to what they’ve done. Then they hide behind an anonymous name. You are a coward. Call a spade a spade and offer a solution. Stop dropping weight on the ones that tried to make a difference. Some of you'll wouldn’t pass a pist test, or background test if you tried to go to another agency. Instead, you complain about the job that's putting food on your table and paying your bills. I have not seen a positive solution posted yet. If the agency is that bad, then why are you still working for it. You applied for the job. You did what was necessary to be employed with this agency. This agency did not send for you in particular. They ask to hire a people who care for the youths that they supervise and to follow simple policies and procedures. Some people find that hard to do. If you don't like it here, then quit, move on. But stop belittling an agency that work so hard to be noticed. It takes you to make it better by finding solutions to the problem and not talking and gossiping about the agency and their shortcomings. Which one of you complainers will step up to the plate and advocate for this agency. Instead of digging up old garbage about somebody, or trying to expose somebody’s skeletons, what about advocating for more money, or getting the people clothing allowance. Is there anyone willing to do that? Then you wonder why FDLE want pick up the agency. You bunch of complainers. What other agency have a website like this? Do the Department of Corrections have a website that belittle their agency by the very staff that work for them? Do the sheriff departments or police departments have a website like this? When you belittle the agency, you are belittling your self. You work for this agency. Make a difference and stop complaining and gossiping. ~C. Mercer
03/30/06 Escambia JDC: ...many major issues because they needs a superintendent and assistant superintendent that knows how operate a detention center... Mr. Harmon has no clue of what he suppose to do and mrs.lee does not know. Mr. Edwards has resigned because of all the garbage ...,he had all of the experience and degrees that was needed to operate the facilily,when P. wallis left he appointed J. lee ...and the place had gone to the dogs.J. Lee does not have a degree and mr. wallis did not have one.Mr. Edwards have degrees and he was not guven the opportunity to apply for the job,and other people with degrees was not given opportunity ... There are favoritism and unfair treatment there and it needs to stopped and J. Lee needs to be replaced ... ~Anonymous
Escabmia Detention has many many major issues because they needs a superintendent and assistant superintendent that knows how operate a detention center.The youths are not getting what they needs because of this. Mr. Harmon has no clue of what he suppose to do and mrs.lee does not know. Mr. Edwards has resigned because of all the garbage thats going on at the place,he had all of the experience and degrees that was needed to operate the facilily,when P. wallis left he appointed J. lee to be ther and the place had gone to the dogs.J. Lee does not have a degree and mr. wallis did not have one.Mr. Edwards have degrees and he was not guven the opportunity to apply for the job,and other people with degrees was not given opportunity to apply for the superintendent position.There are favoritism and unfair treatment there and it needs to stopped and J. Lee needs to be replaced by someone with operation skills. ~Anonymous
03/30/06 Boot Camps: Boot Camp killing;This young child was killed while in the hands of a boot camp is a total tragedy his parents will never forget, ...somebody needs to be charged for murder,all of the staff that was involved needs to charged with a crime for this... and you do not have to have a license to see the true facts about this death tom know what happen,all you need is a tv. ~concerned parent
Boot Camp killing;This young child was killed while in the hands of a boot camp is a total tragedy his parents will never forget,the parents did not want their child killed by these guards stomping and kicking him when he was not resisting.The guards was beating him and this child could not breathe,they held him up to beat him,the child told them that he was out of breath,they continue to beat him,the nurse stood by and done nothing,it did not take all those men for a 14 year old child to get him under control,if it did they needed to go and get training else where.the entire world watched them kill this child for nothing and something needs to be donee about it,somebody needs to be charged for murder,all of the staff that was involved needs to charged with a crime for this.The parents has a lot to deal with,so do what you needs to do about your son and this boot camp which needs to be closed down,all of them.Please do not have this case in panama city becauee all of the guards,sheriff department,medical examiner are working together,anyone watching this happen to this child knows that,if you had sickle cell or any other medical condition that these guards kicking,hitting,stomping,would go beyond this medical condition, and you do not have to have a license to see the true facts about this death tom know what happen,all you need is a tv. ~concerned parent
03/30/06 Miami-Dade JDC: To: Truth be Told... You are so correct in saying everything that you stated. Obviously that state is allowing Dale Scott Dobuler to have his team of puppets that he can control. Beginning with his "Lady Diana-Secretary", who was just hired to be his ears and eyes. Sad to hear, rumor has it that she was hired because they knew each other through his darling girlfriend Suzzie. As far as Chief Watson, well everyone knows about his previous sexual harrassment case and he still was hired and is still continuing to make the effort to see trainees at the facility. There are ony a few good people still left at DJJ and if I were them, I would leave before "Scotty boy" cleans house. ~Not Staying Quiet!
03/29/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: ...Schembri wants to talk about all he has done for DJJ. How lame can you be? ...You have done nothing but make things worse and now that you are leaving you want to give yourself a pat on the back. Give yourself the pat when you do something for the officers... When you set the reocord straight for those youths that have died in our custody or have been hurt. Admit it you are a performer not a leader and you should be ashamed of yourself "Commish" go back to TV land and give the job to someone that cares about us and the kids. You are a disgrace to DJJ, the youths and the parents...to the legislators, and to the black community. ~You are shame to the dept.
I am writing because Schembri wants to talk about all he has done for DJJ. How lame can you be? There are things in that memo that you have cut out almost immediately and things that we have never even heard of like FORCE, protective gear, etc. You're kidding right!?
You want everyone to think that you are some type of God and all you have done is blow a screen in people's eyes. You have done nothing but make things worse and now that you are leaving you want to give yourself a pat on the back. Give yourself the pat when you do something for the officers so that can have the tools they need. When you set the reocord straight for those youths that have died in our custody or have been hurt. Admit it you are a performer not a leader and you should be ashamed of yourself "Commish" go back to TV land and give the job to someone that cares about us and the kids. You are a disgrace to DJJ, the youths and the parents. Oh I forgot, to the legislators, and to the black community. ~You are shame to the dept.
03/29/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: What about the people that should have been thrown out that are still there like sharon shore, Mr. jacoby, mr. nobles, dale dobuloer, what about the zero tolerance for sexual harassment and you have chief watson at dade who had that in his past. oh i forgot ms. williamss at dade...what was the outcome on Broward...like the kids not having the proper clothing, procesing done wrong, people being disciplined and those that does wrong do not get nothing... ~truth be told
What about the people that should have been thrown out that are still there like sharon shore, Mr. jacoby, mr. nobles, dale dobuloer, what about the zero tolerance for sexual harassment and you have chief watson at dade who had that in his past. oh i forgot ms. williamss at dade. Another thing what was the outcome on Broward with all the illegal things that are still done there, like the kids not having the proper clothing, procesing done wrong, people being disciplined and those that does wrong do not get nothing. benjamin needs to go with her uneducated self. than you have new people come in and leave because of supervisors who treat them wrong.
How come no one hasn't done anything about nobles at Broward, he has his picks and fires who he don't like. He works the hours he wants and I bet he gets paid for a full day, why hasn't anyone check on the administrators. HE has alot of skeletons in his closet and no one does nothing. Well now that I heard jacoby is leaving, someone will see his true colors!! Jacoby you could run but you can't hide they will see your colors too very soon, you could run but you can't hide. There is such a thing as what goes around comes around and everyone that should have been gone will have their day. ~truth be told
03/29/06 Orange JDC: Has anyone heard the rumor about orange detention having officers that really do their jobs and get tired of reading/hearing all of the other complain but never attempt to change anything ~Does it really matter
03/28/06 Orange JDC: Dear Shembri and Pifer, after several years of honorable service to your facility, it has just dawned to me that we have never had a system of cleaning the footwear that we distribute to our youth. The footwear is never washed upon a youths release. The sandals are just placed back in certain bins to be re-issued to new youth intakes. Please visit us and assist us with the crisis that is now bursting at the seam. ~Anonymous
03/28/06 Orange JDC: I have to agree with an earlier bulletin post for Orange Regional Juvenile Detention Center. At this point, we have no working radios, poor facility exterior lighting and dozens upon dozens of incomplete key sets (with most key sets either missing keys or having broken keys). I pity the youth in our custody, for if some emergency were to occur, the youth are in danger of great harm. ~Anonymous
[Re: 03/18/06 Orange JDC: ...For close to a year]
03/28/06 Orange JDC: Have no fear, for the union is near !!! Raise your pens and sign up with the most powerful union in The Great State of Florida. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME Florida Council 79) has heard your complaints. The union is currently addressing all of your stated needs !!! Become a member and prepare to see immediate change. A union is only as powerful as its membership dictates. If our membership numbers increase, then the union leadership will realize that Orange Regional JDC is a definite stop on the trail of job location fairness, equality and justice for all. ~Anonymous
03/28/06 Orange JDC: Orange Regional JDC is the second largest juvenile
detention center in the State of Florida and yet yesterday during the first
shift tour, our entire facility had two working radios !!! 15 staff with 2
working radios !!! God help us if a riot or medical emergency arises. The youth
in our care and dedicated detention staff, are in grave danger of harm, as our
main communication tool has finally given in to years of neglect !!! ~Anonymous
[NOTE: This message sent to DJJ's Ken Pifer.]
03/26/06 Manatee JDC: Staff at Manatee continue to be insulted. Unabale to take no more than forty hours for vacation at a time and only one staff per shift at any given time... This is has been done due to administration inability to hire and retain staff... staff with years of service decide working with Gargett is not worth it... Who will answer when you have been warned Tallahassee?... We are now forced to holdover due to each shift not proportionally staffed ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN... No Justice - No Peace Gargett. We want to be treated fairly. Stop breaking and bending policy. Manatee is a comedy hour thanks to you. ~Anonymous
Staff at Manatee continue to be insulted. Unabale to take no more than forty hours for vacation at a time and only one staff per shift at any given time. This is a total ludicrous in house policy. We all earn time to use the time. This is has been done due to administration inability to hire and retain staff. It is not our fault. We should not suffer due to administrations short comings. Look at the retention rate at Manatee Detention. We have had staff with years of service decide working with Gargett is not worth it and willing exited and take pay cuts. Staff slots go unfilled for months which means security and safety continues to be placed in jeopardy and is not a priority. Who will answer when you have been warned Tallahassee? You have no valid excuse Tallahassee to continue to blatantly avoid resolving the isses at Manatee. We are threaten constantly. If we don`t like the rules find another job most of us are. We are now forced to holdover due to each shift not proportionally staffed ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. Staff are stressed unable to focus due to being told make a choice of your job or family. Administartion continue to hire supervisors relatives and placed them under her supervision and have told the male if anyone asked just say we are distance relatives because she needs him on her shift. This idiot of a man has even told staff he was a ready made man before he stepped foot in the door because his supervisor relative had his back and would make sure he was well taken care of just like she is. This is the crooked underhanded ordeals that occur at Manatee. We have one supervisor just promoted that makes her own rules not on calender to have off but takes off when she feels like it same one that has said she holds when she feels like. She holds for one supervisor only because they are friends when a hold is not needed. She wants the extra money so her friends makes sure she gets it by fraudulent holding over. You knowly approving. No Justice - No Peace Gargett. We want to be treated fairly. Stop breaking and bending policy. Manatee is a comedy hour thanks to you. ~Anonymous
03/25/06 Escambia JDC: ...The place is a health risk for all the youth, there has been human waste on the walls and floors of youth rooms for weeks. Trash and dirt all over the mods constantly, no one ever cleans or cares. Management doesn't care so why should anyone else...the superindent for operations should be fired for sexuall harrassement... I hope who ever reads this also speaks up and helps get someting done... ~Anonymous
Someone really needs to do something for the youth being held here! The place is a health risk for all the youth, there has been human waste on the walls and floors of youth rooms for weeks. Trash and dirt all over the mods constantly, no one ever cleans or cares. Management doesn't care so why should anyone else working here. the superindent for operations should be fired for sexuall harrassement the way she corners certain black staff, she deffently has her faviortes and doesnt' care who knows it. I hope who ever reads this also speaks up and helps get someting done about how the staff is treated and how the kids are treated and made to live in filth and unhealthy surroudings. ~Anonymous
03/23/06 Boot Camps: ...I understand discipline is what a child may need at times, but this is not the correct way in disicipling a child. If these so called guards call what the do making things right they are wrong...I just don't understand how someone could literally beat someone elses child... I think the guards responsible for what has gone wrong should lose there jobs and no longer work in the system. ~Anonymous
I think this is redicilous. Kids are not meant to be treated wrong. They are hurting these kids for no reason at all, I understand discipline is what a child may need at times, but this is not the correct way in disicipling a child. If these so called guards call what the do making things right they are wrong! Once you hurt the child you hurt that childs family. I just don't understand how someone could literally beat someone elses child but dosent't wont any one else to tell them what there child has done wrong I think the guards responsible for what has gone wrong should lose there jobs and no longer work in the system. ~Anonymous
03/23/06 Boot Camps: I am appalled at the way the system is treating our children...I hope someone will open their eyes and stop the physical, mental and health abuse these children face daily. Tough love is NOT supposed to cause children to be sucidial, and become victims of a system they should have been able to trust. We will continue our fight against DJJ and your "boot camps" and WE WILL PREVAIL IN THE END. ~Vickie
I am appalled at the way the system is treating our children. I have been lucky enough not to have to indure the pain other mothers have. I have become friends with some of the victims of your "boot camps" and my heart has just been broken by the actions taken in these places. I hope someone will open their eyes and stop the physical, mental and health abuse these children face daily. Tough love is NOT supposed to cause children to be sucidial, and become victims of a system they should have been able to trust. We will continue our fight against DJJ and your "boot camps" and WE WILL PREVAIL IN THE END. ~Vickie
03/23/06 Schools/Court/Other: ...we have JDO's out there that are good people and have had to keep quiet for fear of loosing their jobs. JDO's need to police themselves and report abuse... The Main rule is that if the abuse is not reported, then that staff member is in jeopardy of loosing his/her job. Use some moral ethics as health professionals and teachers use... The good JDO's need to rid their workplace of those that want to make life hell for everyone there including the children and themselves. ~Dawn Chase DawnChs@aol.com
You asked us if there was some type of idea's for solving the problem of abuse towards these kids in these programs and boot camps.. Here is my advice. I know we have JDO's out there that are good people and have had to keep quiet for fear of loosing their jobs. JDO's need to police themselves and report abuse done to a child by one of their co workers if they witness it. The Main rule is that if the abuse is not reported, then that staff member is in jeopardy of loosing his/her job. Use some moral ethics as health professionals and teachers use. There are JDO's that do not agree with the mistreatment of the children, can then, not have to worry about loosing their jobs at all. The good JDO's need to rid their workplace of those that want to make life hell for everyone there including the children and themselves.
03/22/06 Other DJJ facility: RE: Where is justice for staff? ~Juvenile Criminal Hater WHERE IS THE JUSTICE FOR SHAWN? Based on your screen name, you don't NEED to be working with kids... Since when did running away from school constitute being called a criminal? Criminal, according to Webster is: 1: an act or the commission of an act that is forbidden or the omission of a duty that is commanded by a public law and that makes the offender liable to punishment by that law; especially : a gross violation of law 2: a grave offense especially against morality.; My child ran away from school, got put in the system and I got him back in a body bag! THAT in itself is criminal, so where is the justice in his case? Who is the criminal here? Do every one a favor and go back to washing dishes!! ~Shawn's Mom
Re: 03/20/06 Hillsborough West JDC: Where is justice for staff?
WHERE IS THE JUSTICE FOR SHAWN? Based on your screen name, you don't NEED to be working with kids! You are a disgrace to people that are there to try and help these children. How STUPID can you be? Since when did running away from school constitute being called a criminal? Criminal, according to Webster is: 1 : an act or the commission of an act that is forbidden or the omission of a duty that is commanded by a public law and that makes the offender liable to punishment by that law; especially : a gross violation of law 2 : a grave offense especially against morality.
My child ran away from school, got put in the system and I got him back in a body bag! THAT in itself is criminal, so where is the justice in his case? Who is the criminal here? Do every one a favor and go back to washing dishes!! ~Shawn's Mom
03/22/06 Other: Today, my son Christopher Sholly tried to commit suicide. I want to thank DJJ for all the hard times they put on my son, and the head games they played with him... Just to let you know that you JDO that do this to our kids... it has lasting effects!!!!! I hope you burn in hell. ~Dawn Chase DawnChs@aol.com
03/22/06 Osceola JDC: Why is it that a certain Captain runs the other way when a youth assaults a staff member? P.A.R. doesn't stand for 'Punk And Run'. We are trained to defuse the youth, and avoid physical confrontation, but how is that supposed to work when the lead supervisor runs the other way, leaving a trainee without any backup? ~Anonymous
03/21/06 Miami-Dade JDC: I thought that this board was a tool to attract help and assistance with the gross injustices and harsh and inappropriate treatment taking place in our detention centers by administrators...I suggest that someone start taking these messages a little more serious, because Dobuler and his Hinchmen and Women along with his personal toy Sgt. Bess are about to destroy Miami Dade... ~Anonymous
I thought that this board was a tool to attract help and assistance with the gross injustices and harsh and inappropriate treatment taking place in our detention centers by administrators. I along with many other concern individuals are wondering is there really anyone listening or care. I suggest that someone start taking these messages a little more serious, because Dobuler and his Hinchmen and Women along with his personal toy Sgt. Bess are about to destroy Miami Dade. At some point people in Tallahassee should become aware of the fact that with high turn over at Miami Dade it can't all be the staff, you've made changes but no sincere relevant changes in your leadership team. The sad thing is when good people do come, Dobuler runs them away (Cpt. Shepherd) Cpt. Garcia, Scarlett, and many more. Your time is near just like your daddy Walt ~Anonymous
03/21/06 Orange JDC:
Manatee JDC we know what you are going thru... We have staff that are late
almost everyday or do not show up for one or two days without calling in and
nothing happens. We also have staff that do not know what it is to work a
double. It's who you know. We have a bunch of workers on light-duty... Then the
supt. all nervous about QA coming. He is forcing the staff to paint walls,floors
and etc... This week along we had 48 youths on one mod. 48 on the other mod and
none on a empty mod. They make one staff and one trainee take care of the youths
per each mod. I call that risky... Nothing is ever in writing... Conclusion:
Nobody will ever hear our concerns. ~Anonymous
[NOTE from J4K: This message has been forwarded to JDC's Ken Pifer and QA's
Eleese Davis]
Manatee JDC we know what you are going thru. We know that feeling. We have staff that are late almost everyday or do not show up for one or two days without calling in and nothing happens. We also have staff that do not know what it is to work a double. It's who you know. We have a bunch of workers on light-duty with Workman's comp. They are still working with the youths. Some that are on light duty but working 2 jobs. Some that are under investigation but still working with the youths. Then the supt. all nervous about QA coming. He is forcing the staff to paint walls,floors and etc. These staffs are taken out of the mods when we are already short. This week along we had 48 youths on one mod. 48 on the other mod and none on a empty mod. They make one staff and one trainee take care of the youths per each mod. I call that risky. The new staff do not understand our system. They have 4 different supervisors showing them different ways how to do the job. All different ways are wrong. Nothing is ever in writing. Manatee do not feel bad. We are in the same boat. Conclusion: Nobody will ever hear our concerns...... ~Anonymous
03/21/06 Miami-Dade JDC: So much for Schembri wanting MDRJDC as the flagship of DJJ. Seems like it is sinking faster than the titanic. all good people have left or asked to leave bc they are not part of the chosen few that coverup malfeasance. ~Anonymous
03/20/06 Hillsborough West JDC: Where is justice for staff? it's true what a previous writer said about noone mentioning what happened to the officers in Pinellas. Why weren't those kids talked about over and over in the news, why aren't they being condemned? It's because our messed up juvenile system wants us to treat them like they are in a daycare! They are criminals, let's treat them as such... The only thing 21 days do to them in detention is give them a vacation from school and their parents!! It doesn't deter their criminal acts in any way! They spend the day in a classroom, watching tv, going to the rec field, eating or in a social.. Wake up Florida, people will only defend these criminals until they or their loved ones become a victim of a juvenile delinquent! ~Juvenile Criminal Hater
Where is justice for staff? it's true what a previous writer said about noone mentioning what happened to the officers in Pinellas. Why weren't those kids talked about over and over in the news, why aren't they being condemned? It's because our messed up juvenile system wants us to treat them like they are in a daycare! They are criminals, let's treat them as such and I bet you the revolving door will slow down!! Only very few kids don't deserve to be criminalized. The only thing 21 days do to them in detention is give them a vacation from school and their parents!! It doesn't deter their criminal acts in any way! They spend the day in a classroom, watching tv, going to the rec field, eating or in a social. Where is the punishment here??? Wake up Florida, people will only defend these criminals until they or their loved ones become a victim of a juvenile delinquent! ~Juvenile Criminal Hater
03/20/06 Manatee JDC: ...We are very under staff... Constant holding over for some not all...relatives supervising relatives... Certain staff holding over when it is not thier holdover day as long as a certain supervisor is present... If you are not in favor with adminstration you get discipline for tardiness and absence... Kids punished for just coming into detention placed in locked down without due cause by Gargett check the record. Kids not getting needed medical and mental attention.. Staff verbally and menatally abusive to kids with administration present because Gargett does the same thing with the finger in the face and telling them they are criminals and they will always be this is his house before he needs them they will need him... ~Anonymous
I wonder if anyone is paying attention to the things that continue to occur in Manatee. We are very under staff. Completing a job that requires more staff and more effort are the part of "ADMINISTRATION". Check the records if you think this information is not accurate. We are just waiting for a major incident to happen. Constant holding over for some not all. Major occurances of relatives supervising relatives check the records. Certain staff holding over when it is not thier holdover day as long as a certain supervisor is present when a holdover is not needed but refused to hold when given a directive by another supervisor to do so when needed. What happens nothing because as she says she speaks directly to the man in charge Gargett no one else tells her what to do she has a direct line to him and he to her. She holds when she feels she wants to. Staff not able to work because adminstration going against workers comp. directions. Staff forced to quit because all rules of tardiness and absence don`t apply to all. If you are not in favor with adminstration you get discipline for tardiness and absence check the records. Kids punished for just coming into detention placed in locked down without due cause by Gargett check the record. Kids not getting needed medical and mental attention administration knows does nothing. Staff verbally and menatally abusive to kids with administration present because Gargett does the same thing with the finger in the face and telling them they are criminals and they will always be this is his house before he needs them they will need him. Check the records. So happy I am on my way out of a Department gone Bad. ~Anonymous
03/19/06 Collier JDC: Me too, I hope Collymore take a long long vacation! Maybe she get lost for good. ~Anonymous
03/19/06 Orange JDC: How amazing it is to see outdated information on the bulletin boards throughout Orange Regional, suddenly get UPDATED. Yup, that's right, QA must be in town...throw out all of the excess furniture that is broken and in complete filth in the West Annex Staff Breakroom. The stacked up desks have been there for years !!! Can Mr. Pifer or Shembri stop by and review the MSDS books...open up the unit log books throughout the facility. What you will find will be years of constant neglect... ~Anonymous
How amazing it is to see outdated information on the bulletin boards throughout Orange Regional, suddenly get UPDATED. Yup, that's right, QA must be in town. Those signs from 1999 were not even relevent to the standards and procedures in place today in the year 2006. Please throw out all of the excess furniture that is broken and in complete filth in the West Annex Staff Breakroom. The stacked up desks have been there for years !!! Can Mr. Pifer or Shembri stop by and review the MSDS books. They are so out of date, that they are in complete violation of federal OSHA laws !!! Mr. Pifer, why not stop by and pay us a visit. It would be really good if you can open up the unit log books throughout the facility. What you will find will be years of constant neglect. The officers do there part helping each other out, meanwhile no one addresses the issues at hand. ~Anonymous
03/19/06 Orange JDC: Will someone please place a lock on the East Annex Suggestion Box. It is no wonder why no one places comments into this box. In all of the years that I have worked at Orange Regional, I have yet to see a padlock on the suggestion box. I get it, you just don't care !!! ~Anonymous
03/18/06 Collier JDC: Came back to work to a totally peaceful workplace. Gee, could it be cause Collymore was not there? Just pray she stays away! ~Anonymous
03/18/06 Collier JDC: I Can't believe how one person makes such a difference when she does not come to work. Did you guess I meant COLLYMORE? If you did, you are absolutely correct. ~Anonymous
03/18/06 Collier JDC: Mr. Jordan, we appreciate you and all of the plans you are putting into place. KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB! ~Anonymous
03/18/06 DJJ: ...Myself and family have yelled that this is a standard, but we are always told we are wrong ! I had prayed I was wrong ,for the few good Officers I have met: The Bay County Sheriff's Office Boot Camp documents...show that the guards were involved in at least 63 other instances...STILL GOVERNOR BUSH WILL DEFEND THE BOOTCAMP THAT HIS PROGRAMS WORK! STILL FOR MANY THE FAULT LIES WITH THE PARENT ONLY AND THE CONDUCT OF THE OFFICAL IS EXCEPTABLE AMAZING! FOREVER IN TEARS ~Diana Matthews dianamdd@aol.com
This was all over yesterdays news, Myself and family have yelled that this is a standard, but we are always told we are wrong ! I had prayed I was wrong ,for the few good Officers I have met -------------------------------------------------------------------- The Bay County Sheriff's Office Boot Camp documents obtained by The Associated Press show that the guards were involved in at least 63 other instances. They used knee strikes, hammer-fist blows, painful pressure point restraints and other physical encounters with detainees.
http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2006/3/17/149186.html
63 TIMES THESE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN CHARGED FOR USING THE SAME TACTICS ON OTHER CHILDREN AND NOT LOSE THERE JOBS. STILL GREAT GOVERNOR BUSH WILL DEFEND THE BOOTCAMP THAT HIS PROGRAMS WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
STILL FOR MANY THE FAULT LIES WITH THE PARENT ONLY AND THE CONDUCT OF THE OFFICAL IS EXCEPTABLE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUT ONE DAY YOU SHALL MEET GOD !
FOREVER IN TEARS DIANA
03/18/06 Orange JDC: I have to agree with the comments regarding Lt. Butler talking about Capt. Priester behind her back. I have witnessed Butler talking junk about the selection of Priester for ADS. Butler was sweating the position so bad that he bad-mouthed Priester to the floor. So much envy, not enough time !!! ~Anonymous
03/18/06 Orange JDC: ...send an official to Orange Regional for the sole purpose of checking all lowered ceilings in both annexes. You will find pounds of rodent manure...increases respiratory and asthma issues among youth and staff. Supt. Williams, your five and dime approach to painting and fixing the mods, is a joke...why don't we have a federal OSHA bulletin board with the listings of all employee / staff on the job injuries. At this point, you and your staff of "white shirts" should be arrested... ~Anonymous
I challenge DJJ Headquarters to send an official to Orange Regional for the sole purpose of checking all lowered ceilings in both annexes. You will find pounds of rodent manure. This roach and rat dropping accumulation, only increases respiratory and asthma issues among youth and staff. Supt. Williams, your five and dime approach to painting and fixing the mods, is a joke. Are you hiring illegal immigrants to patch up your headaches. Speaking of hiring, why don't we have a federal OSHA bulletin board with the listings of all employee / staff on the job injuries. At this point, you and your staff of "white shirts" should be arrested. What you have done has been criminal. ~Anonymous
03/18/06 Orange JDC: ...remove Officer Jones from his position as Inventory Specialist...Why do uniform and supply requests go unanswered...Officers have waited over a year for needed uniforms and footwear...He is a failure to us all. ~Anonymous
Can someone please remove Officer Jones from his position as Inventory Specialist. How dare he get angry with veteren staff that require his immediate assistance. Why do uniform and supply requests go unanswered. His organizational skills are poor. Officers have waited over a year for needed uniforms and footwear. He and Officer Coley have as close to banking hours as banking branch managers themselves and continue to fail both the youth and staff of Orange Regional. Why must staff suffer under his total disregard of uniform replacements and supplies. Do not be fooled by his quasi religious convictions. He is a failure to us all. ~Anonymous
03/18/06 Orange JDC: ...remove training officer Coley from her position at Orange Regional. She has never been around to remedy issues from new staff...It seems that she is already retired and just shows up for a check...She is always out of uniform...place her back on the mods and utilize 40 hours well spent. ~Anonymous
Please remove training officer Coley from her position at Orange Regional. She has never been around to remedy issues from new staff. I am sick and tired of trainees asking me things that should have been addressed by Coley. It seems that she is already retired and just shows up for a check. She always complains about leaving, so just leave already !!! Here office is filthy. She is always out of uniform and yet takes pride in her uncompensated photo for the state uniform chart. Please place her back on the mods and utilize 40 hours well spent. ~Anonymous
03/18/06 Orange JDC: The concept is very simple. Don't give a damn about your staff and youth, and you too can be given the "white shirt" of power and greed. ~Anonymous
03/18/06 Orange JDC: Has anyone heard the rumor that during the general staff meeting, a federal investigator will reveal himself, advising the entire attending staff of the sting operation during the past year... ~Anonymous
Has anyone heard the rumor that during the general staff meeting, a federal investigator will reveal himself, advising the entire attending staff of the sting operation during the past year. This investigator was summoned from Washington to review all the complaints at Orange Regional. Can any arrests be made for supervisors that lie about confinement check reports that are never actually done? Can the investigator review video footage to prove this? If this investigator rumor is true, please arrest all supervisory and administrative staff. They are lying about checks. They are not reviewing and forwarding potentially deadly information that officers are logging into unit logs. ~Anonymous
03/18/06 Orange JDC: ...For close to a year, E-3 Mod has not had a knife for life in sub-control... over a dozen exterior perimeter lights have been out. Orange County School Staff have a big time reputation for not teaching anything. All they do is "pop" video tapes and DVD's... It seems that once we expect a visit from QA, all of a sudden new clothing articles appear out of nowhere. How long will it take, or rather which officer will die a result of a slip and fall in the East Annex Laundry Room... Officer are tired of getting cut by the loose metal keychain wires... Many of times Code Blues and Code Whites have been called to deaf ears. The radios are in poor condition... ~Anonymous
[NOTE from J4K: Complete message forwarded to DJJ's Ken Pifer]
In all of the years that I have worked here at Orange Regional, many things have remained the same. Get your pen and paper ready because finally, here it is !!!
What a media storm it would be for both the television and newspaper industry here in Central Florida, to know of what I am to discuss. For close to a year, E-3 Mod has not had a knife for life in sub-control. Each and every day our honest officers document this in the Mod Unit Log, and yet nothing gets done. The Unit Log gets reviewed daily by supervisors on up, continously disregarding the potential death of a youth in our care, as a result of having no life for life.
For close to a year, over a dozen exterior perimeter lights have been out. This too has been documented daily by officers that conduct perimeter checks during the evening, night and early morning hours. This poor lighting results in an increased threat to community residents and present staff entering and exiting vehicles. In the event of an escape, this would prove catastrophic. During evening, night and early morning youth movement between annexes, officers are subjected to an elevated possibility of personal injury. Any needed master control video would prove useless, only showing complete darkness.
Orange County School Staff have a big time reputation for not teaching anything. All they do is "pop" video tapes and DVD's. These teachers receive incentive pay for teaching in detention environments and yet only "pop" videos, while sitting on the back tables, paying personal bills and reading the newspaper. Teachers, can you throw out the garbage in your classrooms from time to time ? You might want to sweep and organize what has become the dumps of Orange Regional.
Why are the youth subjected to wear torn uniforms, underwear and shoes ? Don't we have an inventory specialist ? Why must officers on all three shifts be the ones to throw away these atroscities ? It seems that once we expect a visit from QA, all of a sudden new clothing articles appear out of nowhere.
How long will it take, or rather which officer will die a result of a slip and fall in the East Annex Laundry Room. For years, the washing machines have leaked substantial amounts of water onto the floor, making it difficult for officers to manuver around the water spill while carrying an entire mods youths clothing. Can the second dryer be repaired anytime soon ? It has been two months already. While the dryer is being repaired, maybe someone can fix the second washing machine, which too, has been broken for about a year.
Who is the Keymaster, Locksmith for Orange Regional (Oh that's right, the same person responsible for other issues unaddressed). Officer are tired of getting cut by the loose metal keychain wires. Can someone inventory all of the key sets ? You will find that practically every set in the East Annex has multiple broken keys. This hinders on the performance of an officer in his or her duties.
Please assist us with the radio issues at Orange Regional. Many of times Code Blues and Code Whites have been called to deaf ears. The radios are in poor condition. Most of the radios malfunction during an officers tour. The batteries are no good. Some are missing antenaes and none have clothing / belt clips. Officers have to constantly change batteries during shift, so that they will have a line of communication in the event of an emergency.
03/18/06 Boot Camps: ...Do not group all other bootcamps with Bay County. Drill Instructors that I know do not agree with what happen on video...Cathy if you are such an advocate for the kids, then why are not voicing you concerns for indepent living programs for youths that get out of the bootcamps...why aren't you questioning the escape from Pinellas JDC? Why aren't you saying anything about the JDC dentention staff who was beaten with a mop handle... ~Anonymous
I do not think that the cartoon drawing on this website is very funny. You want all bootcamps closed because of what happened in Bay County. Do not group all other bootcamps with Bay County. Drill Instructors that I know do not agree with what happen on video and it is unfair for You to say all boot camps are like that. Cathy if you are such an advocate for the kids, then why are not voicing you concerns for indepent living programs for youths that get out of the bootcamps. Drill instructors can control a youth in a program, but when they get out it is the responsibility of the parents and society to help these kids be successful. Also, why aren't you questioning the escape from Pinellas JDC? Why aren't you saying anything about the JDC dentention staff who was beaten with a mop handle. So Cathy what you saying is that it is okay for teenagers in JDC and other programs to hit the staff members and nothing be done about it. ~Anonymous
03/17/06 Hillsborough West JDC: It is really a shame what happened to the boy at bootcamp, but it is more shameful that the parents care more about him now that he is dead...Only about 1/4 of these delinquents parents care about their kids. That is obvious during visitation..parents need to be held more accountable..."when we have to raise for you, dont complain about how we do it!" ~The real justice 4 kids
It is really a shame what happened to the boy at bootcamp, but it is more shameful that the parents care more about him now that he is dead. Where were they when the kid was getting in trouble and locked up? Cause for those of you that don't know, before a judge orders a kid to bootcamp he has to have an extensive delinquent history. Why didnt they fight for him to stay out of trouble? Now that they can get paid they care about him. Only about 1/4 of these delinquents parents care about their kids. That is obvious during visitation cause only a few parents go, and everytime its the same parents. I'm not defending the staff who beat him to death, they too will get what they deserve, but parents need to be held more accountable. Like the bumper sticker says, "raise your kids so we dont have to", and I'm adding to that-"when we have to raise for you, dont complain about how we do it!" ~The real justice 4 kids
03/17/06 Pasco JDC: ...pasco is also a place to be proud of...new staff are showing enthusiasm and the veteran staff are proven to be strong role models for them...it is wonderful to see people happy and enjoy coming to work, and im not sure if Mr. Roberts has noticed but the moral is starting to really soar...Mr. carter,thank you... ~Anonymous
[Re: 03/17/06 Polk JDC: ...I am glad that I work for Polk]
After reading the last posting from polk jdc i wanted to say that pasco is also a place to be proud of. we are also not perfect but the staff are showing that degree of teamwork that is neccessary for all,(youth and staff), to accomplish positive outcomes. the new staff are showing enthusiasm and the veteran staff are proven to be strong role models for them. i believe we have turned a corner and one for the best. it is wonderful to see people happy and enjoy coming to work, and im not sure if Mr. Roberts has noticed but the moral is starting to really soar. hopefully nothing changes that.Mr. carter,thank you for being the type of adm. that pasco, and all facilities for that matter, need. ~Anonymous
03/17/06 Polk JDC: ...I am glad that I work for Polk and no other facility...we are not a perfect center but other centers can learn from Polk. We will always rise to the ocassion and stand above the rest because we are the best...Think outside of the box. So Polk Keep Your Head up and continue to be the best that you are. This is the reason people look at Polk as the model facility. ~The Proud Work Of Polk
I would like to thank the employees of Polk Detention for not going along with the mess that the other centers are doing. This is the reason why I am glad that I work for Polk and no other facility. A team that prays together stay together. No we are not a perfect center but other centers can learn from Polk. We will always rise to the ocassion and stand above the rest because we are the best. As long as the other facilites continue to knock each other down they will never be ahead. Think outside of the box. So Polk Keep Your Head up and continue to be the best that you are. This is the reason people look at Polk as the model facility. ~The Proud Work Of Polk
03/16/06 Boot Camps: Cathy... Having met with you and discussed Boot Camps, at the Orlando meeting for quality assurance at that time you had nothing negative to say about the programs. But one incident occurs and you stand up and shout to close them all... What about the other programs where a death had occurred... I don't find any type of humor in the political cartoon you display on your website... I hope that you remember, that sadly a youth had lost his life and displaying this poor taste in humor, just goes to show your lack of sympathy for the family... ~Anonymous
Cathy, Cathy, Cathy... Your views seem to change with whatever way the wind blows. Having met with you and discussed Boot Camps, at the Orlando meeting for quality assurance at that time you had nothing negative to say about the programs. But one incident occurs and you stand up and shout to close them all... What about the other programs where a death had occurred? If you want to close all the programs where will these kids go - right to jail? Not sure that would be beneficial. I just think you need to pick a side of the fence and stick with it. As for the meetings you observed, did you ever comment about closing the Boot Camp? No - you had nothing bad to say about the Boot Camp until a youth dies in a boot camp in another part of the state. Also, I don't find any type of humor in the political cartoon you display on your website and wear "proudly" in Tallahassee. I hope that you remember, that sadly a youth had lost his life and displaying this poor taste in humor, just goes to show your lack of sympathy for the family. Let's work to make programs beneficial not close them for good. ~Anonymous
03/14/06 Boot Camps: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice If we do not reform ya We will kill ya trying ~Anonymous
03/13/06 Orange JDC: ...Mr. Isbell never fired any of his staff. He was a very hard working Supt... We looked at him with respect and knew that we were there to do a good job together... Supt. Young was a great Supt. He always took time to talk with his staff. He always had a smile... Supt. Williams does not use common sense... He needs anger management classes... The buildings is a disaster. Everybody is getting sick from the molds and germs... Half of the mod's toilets are not working. The floors are filthy and the family of rats are everywhere. How in the world can we have deem status... Perhaps Mr. Raggett or his boss should evaluate the crisis at ORJDC ~Anonymous
Let's get this clear. First of all Mr. Isbell never fired any of his staff. He was a very hard working Supt. and expected all his staff to work. He even made the officers sitting in the offices to work on the floor. He made the supervisors work and the ADS. For once everybody at ORJDC worked together. We looked at him with respect and knew that we were there to do a good job together. All the lazy staff finally had their share of what it was to work hard. Some quit when work was too much for them. Supt. Young was a great Supt. He always took time to talk with his staff. He always had a smile no matter what the circumstances. Was fair when it came to contributing jobs with other staff. Took in consideration the senior staff and was proud of them. Self-esteem was much elevated. We felt great knowing that he was a fair Supt. Supt. Williams does not use common sense. He does not care for his senior staff. Last supervisors meeting he was ready to fired all his supervisors and more. He needs anger management classes. He fired quite a bit of staff already for no reason. We never see him and wonder what he is up to. The buildings is a disaster. Everybody is getting sick from the molds and germs. The air conditioner works in the winter time and the heat in the summer time. No new uniforms for the youths or socks. Half of the mod's toilets are not working. The floors are filthy and the family of rats are everywhere. How in the world can we have deem status? Many of the officers do not work on the floor due to special jobs. Some new staff also have new jobs created for them. Many times we cannot get more info on a new intake due to the files being locked up in release dept. We have made mistakes due to not having access to the youth's file. Supt. Willimas has done nothing to better the situation at ORJDC. He fact he has indicated that he does not care about us. We need a Supt. that can be fair. We are not asking for much. Why is the staff quitting so fast? Perhaps Mr. Raggett or his boss should evaluate the crisis at ORJDC........You need to speak with the staff, not the ADS or Supt..
03/12/06 Schools/Court/Other:... I am Isabelle Zehnder, president of the Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse. I have become aware of the abusive practices that occur in many residential facilities for youth including juvenile justice systems, behavior modification programs, boot camps, wilderness programs, and therapeutic boarding schools. I have created a website in an attempt to provide information to the public about these abuses... if you would like to share your story to be posted on the "Opinions/Stories" section of my website, please send it to me at info@caica.org ....indicate in your e-mail that you give me permission to post it on the website... ~ Isabelle Zehnder info@caica.org www.caica.org
I would like to introduce myself. I am Isabelle Zehnder, president of the Coalition Against Institutionalized Child Abuse. I have become aware of the abusive practices that occur in many residential facilities for youth including juvenile justice systems, behavior modification programs, boot camps, wilderness programs, and therapeutic boarding schools.
I have created a website in an attempt to provide information to the public about these abuses. I recenlty found justice4kids, thanks to Diana Matthews who found my website and contacted me (which proves how valuable these websites are). I have since posted her story, as well as Chris Sholly's on the site and have linked both Diana's website and the justice4kids website. Thank you for the link to caica here on justice4kids.
I know that many of you would like your voices to be heard, so if you would like to share your story to be posted on the "Opinions/Stories" section of my website, please send it to me at info@caica.org. When sending your story, please indicate in your e-mail that you give me permission to post it on the website.
Thank you. Isabelle Zehnder info@caica.org www.caica.org
03/12/06 Collier JDC: Norma Collymore, how can anyone that is as incompentent as you, still hold her position? Guess that goes to show us, IT IS NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, BUT WHO YOU SLEEP WITH HUH COLLYMORE!!!! To bad for you he lost his JOB:( You also lost your little lover Bruce Hale, GIRL, YOU SURE KNOW HOW TO GET RID OF YOUR MEN, DON'T YA?!!! ~Anonymous
03/12/06 Other DJJ facility: Nothing in DJJ is run in a way to help those which it is supposedly organized to protect and serve: the youth and furthermore, the public. Much like the staff, who are just cogs in the wheel, the youth and the public are the least of the states worries. Children die and are abused, staff are drained mentally and hurt physically on the job, and families suffer on all sides. Meanwhile, the white collar criminals in the Ivory Tower are making money off of this tragedy. Will justice ever truly be served... ~Anonymous
Nothing in DJJ is run in a way to help those which it is supposedly organized to protect and serve: the youth and furthermore, the public. Much like the staff, who are just cogs in the wheel, the youth and the public are the least of the states worries. Children die and are abused, staff are drained mentally and hurt physically on the job, and families suffer on all sides. Meanwhile, the white collar criminals in the Ivory Tower are making money off of this tragedy. Will justice ever truly be served? Perhaps if the criminal justice system was run less like a seedy business and more like what it was created for (to serve and protect our community through the reduction of crime and rehabilitation of our youth), everyone - the youth, the staff, the families, and the communities - would be better off. Unfortunately, that would mean that the heads of state would not profit nearly as much, which is why such reform will never happen. ~Anonymous
03/12/06 Orange JDC: Thanks Cathy for keeping our names private!!! Ofc. Coley does her job and more at ORJC. I guess staff do not like the REAL training that DJJ has implimented... And as far as Mr. Williams, I guess staff do not remember our last superintendent Lee Isbell!!!! This man walked around telling staff "I love you man, but I will fire you"... In regards to the message we are not deem status... We were very close with Mr. Young, went down with Mr. Isbell and will and get deem status with Mr. Williams... No it might not be this year, but remember we are the second largest in the state and it takes time. Our population and old building makes it very hard to do that... It takes a very didicated staff to work with these youth.... ~C.P.
Thanks Cathy for keeping our names private!!! Ofc. Coley does her job and more at ORJC. I guess staff do not like the REAL training that DJJ has implimented. She is a dedicated trainer and staff. No, she does not put up with BS, she does her job according to policy and procedure.
And as far as Mr. Williams, I guess staff do not remember our last superintendent Lee Isbell!!!! This man walked around telling staff "I love you man, but I will fire you" That was when ORJDC went down to tubes and it takes a long time to pull morel up from the guter. Mr. williams is bring us out of that mess and is doing a great job bring us back from that tye of leader, and it DOES take time. Good staff know this!!!
In regards to the message we are not deem status............ We were very close with Mr. Young, went down with Mr. Isbell and will and get deem status with Mr. Williams with true dedicated staff. No it might not be this year, but remember we are the second largest in the state and it takes time. Our population and old building makes it very hard to do that.
I hope that staff that are not happy at ORJDC leave, because they are the staff you do not want work with they youth..... if they are not happy....... are they really doing their job?????? It takes a very didicated staff to work with these youth....remember these youth are not angels.....that's why they are in detention. ~C.P.
03/11/06 Schools/Court/Other: Abuse is not only here in Florida... you can view all that does go on in this country. I believe a reform is in order for the entire country as well as Florida. Please also visit www.caica.org as well. There is a lot of information. ~Dawn Chase DawnChs@aol.com
03/10/06 Other DJJ facility: I have not viewed this site in a long time, and I'm sorry I viewed it today. It is poison. My recommendation to any decent DJJ staff is to stay away from this site. It has done a lot to turn employees against each other and lower morale. Decide if you are going to be a professional or a gossip columist. ~Anonymous
03/10/06 Orange JDC: I just want to say that things have been rough at the center for some time now. It is hard to stay motivated and positive when it feels like everything is working against you. However, in my day to day work, I have seen that many of the officers and all of the supervisors continue to be dedicated to their jobs. Your hard work and cooperation is appreciated. Things will get better because of people like you. Remember that people will always speak up when things are bad - but when things are good, they are too busy being happy that they never say "Thank you." ~Anonymous
03/08/06 Orange JDC: Ms. Coley -- GO AWAy!!! The trainees hate you... and so do some others.. Please, just do us a favor and leave already. You are not fit to be in the training dept. becuase you are fake and you talk bad about people that have done nothing to you. You tell the trainees all the bad things about Orange Detention.. no wonder why they are all quiting... you need to quit!! Stop talking so badly about people and look in the mirror. ~Anonymous
03/07/06 Schools/Court/Other: This to Ms Scartlett Rosales soory for you what happened to you.Please email mail me.My email is on the board as a watchdog. ~Deidre Zackery
03/06/06 Miami-Dade JDC: I would like to thank all the JDO's, SJDO's and Supervisors at DJJ for being so great with me while I worked with you all. I enjoyed my daily and hectic routine. I truly enjoyed helping each and every one of you. I am extremely sorry that I could not say goodbye to each of you individually. I do wish you all the very best. To Mr. Batist, Ms. Williams, Mr. Watson and Ms. Minnis, I would like to also thank you all. I will miss all of you. I left today with my conscience clean and I know I did my job there. Best Wishes To All, ~Scarlett Rosales
03/06/06 Orange JDC: Quit praising Mrs. Priester and Mr. Williams. You know they are poor leaders and I know you are not getting paid extra for browning points. You talk about them as if they were doing justice for the staff and the facility. Are you sleeping with them that you are being so defensive? Mr. Williams is your facility a deem status facility? NOT! Haa, haa, and it will never be. ~Anonymous
03/06/06 Miami-Dade JDC: ...how is it that the agency spend so much money and time send people to trainings that are geared towards helping to improve this agency, but yet you have people who are promoted... with the criteria seemingly not training and/or experience, but rather personal obligations. The most disheartening fact is that when this behavior is blatant... Mr. Dobuler maybe you might want to consider that... This is the last attempt to notify this agency of what's going, if no improvements are made, more drastic measures will have to be taken. ~Anonymous
I'm not the smartest person in the world, but I consider myself to fairly intelligent, but I need for some of my DJJ constituants to help me understand something that has been baffling me. Can anyone please tell me how is it that the agency spend so much money and time send people to trainings that are geared towards helping to improve this agency, but yet you have people who are promoted and considered for promotion with the criteria seemingly not training and/or experience, but rather personal obligations. The most disheartening fact is that when this behavior is blatant and displayed by the same administration who is supposed to adhere that their subordinates are in compliance with. Mr. Dobuler maybe you might want to consider that before you make the same decision your daddy, Walt Davis made and look at the position his decision (Janice Walker) got him. This is the last attempt to notify this agency of what's going, if no improvements are made, more drastic measures will have to be taken. ~Anonymous
03/05/06 Orange JDC: Sorry, we have no respect for our superintendent. He surely has no respect for the majority of us at ORJDC. He has made it clear thru the supervisors meetings how he does not care about us. He does not appreciate veteran staff... He does not appreciate his new staff... He fired officer colon because she was sick from asthma attacks. They promised a job for her in a different department but instead they fired her. Mr. Eason stated to her that if she would tell him who wrote on Justice for kids she could have a job in booking or release dept. When she refused to tell him he told her he did not had a job for her. She got fired and that same week Mr. Williams our dear superintendent created a new job for one of the new staff... ~Anonymous
Sorry, we have no respect for our superintendent. He surely has no respect for the majority of us at ORJDC. He has made it clear thru the supervisors meetings how he does not care about us. He does not appreciate veteran staff. He states that they are all lazy and he wants to replace them. He does not appreciate his new staff. That is part of the reason they don't stay. He fired officer colon because she was sick from asthma attacks. They promised a job for her in a different department but instead they fired her. Mr. Eason stated to her that if she would tell him who wrote on Justice for kids she could have a job in booking or release dept. When she refused to tell him he told her he did not had a job for her. She got fired and that same week Mr. Williams our dear superintendent created a new job for one of the new staff. Mr. Williams you know very well that was not right. Nobody deserves to be treated like that. We do want a friend. We need somebody that cares about us and stop talking behind our backs. Somebody that cares and can unite us together. Mr. Williams you are lacking all this. ~Anonymous
03/05/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: ...I'm glad you responded on my comments. My military experience included over 20 years of service, some of which was in a war-time environment. My experience working in a juvenile detention facility had some similiarities of a battle ground... it seems that a war of sorts is being fought among the staffs, the kids and the parents! While serving in the military I've worked for some really good officers and some really bad ones. The difference between them was that the bad ones did not COMMUNICATE to their subordinates and were only looking at situations through their own eyes and had no empathy or concern for the people working for them... ~ex-JDO John Q. Public
Re: 03/05/06 "Other DJJ facility: I disagree Jon Q..."
In regard to the posting on 03/05/2006. I'm glad you responded on my comments. My military experience included over 20 years of service, some of which was in a war-time environment. My experience working in a juvenile detention facility had some similiarities of a battle ground (if you want to call it that) but the reality of the situation is that you are not fighting a war (especially with these kids in custody). However, it seems that a war of sorts is being fought among the staffs, the kids and the parents! While serving in the military I've worked for some really good officers and some really bad ones. The difference between them was that the bad ones did not COMMUNICATE to their subordinates and were only looking at situations through their own eyes and had no empathy or concern for the people working for them. The truly good officers cared for their people while at the same time ensuring that a mission had to be accomplished. The good officers listened to their troops, (not babysitting or being their "friends") ensuring that the proper resources were made available to accomplish the mission. This is NOT happening. I have the experience to see this and I will tell you that these superintendents are the key to fixing many of these problems. Don't try to tell me that the superintendent doesn't have a thing to do with the morale and communication in secure facilities. I acknowledge that a superintendent cannot fix everything in secure facilities but a superintendent must foster teamwork by example and to do that the first thing involves communicating with your subordinates. Administrators should not be "friends" with their subordinates but they are required to treat subordinates with respect, dignity and professionalism; otherwise the system breaks down. I have led people in a combat environment so I think I know what I'm talking about!! ~ex-JDO John Q. Public.
03/05/06 Collier JDC: Work is great when N. Collymore doesn't come to work, it's so peaceful. STAY AWAY COLLYMORE. ~Anonymous
03/05/06 Collier JDC: Collymore, why don't you show your true self to Mr.Jordan? I'm sure he would not appriciate your unprofessional conduct and filthy language. NO ONE IN THE BUILDING likes you coming on the floor and yelling your head off and cussing like a sailor. You know if you did show your true self to the boss, you would be so fired so fast, you wouldn't know what hit you in the butt. DO US ALL A HUGE FAVOR AND GET LOST!!!FIND ANOTHER JOB--PLEASE FIND ANOTHER JOB!!!!!!!!!! ~Anonymous
03/05/06 Other DJJ facility: I disagree Jon Q - THE Superintendant NEEDS to put stress on the JDO's. THE SUPER cannot be friends with everyone - he needs to be the head of state -- Assistants can be the friends but not the super himself. The staff need someone who will make them quake in their boots when they are in trouble -- IT'S LIKE THE MILITARY BUTT WIPE!!!!!! NOT NURSERY SCHOOL!!!! ~Anonymous
03/04/06 Orange JDC: ...The administrators need to treat their staff with respect and dignity... A superintendent working in a juvenile detention facility has to be actively ENGAGED with the people working for him. A superintendent who is aloof, condescending and arrogant places unneeded stress on the JDO's... These facilities requere administrators that are receptive to the concerns, needs and suggestions of their staff; not some dictatorial individual who isolates themselves and behaves as if they were some head of state. ~ex-JDO John Q. Public
Re: 03/03/06 "Orange JDC: Hahaha...
Responding to the post of 03/03/2006. You are right about slanding people on here. It needs to stop. However, your comments regarding the Superintendent are wrong and if you read many of these posting are the key to a lot of these problems with the staff. The administrators need to treat their staff with respect and dignity. In other words, they need to treat their staff the same way they would want to be treated if they were in the same position. It's not happening folks. Right now, the administrators act like they're better than the people working for them. They get no respect and the administrators don't listen to them (the people working the mods). A superintendent working in a juvenile detention facility has to be actively ENGAGED with the people working for him. A superintendent who is aloof, condescending and arrogant places unneeded stress on the JDO's. Proper communication and good working envioronments among staff are imperative in secure facilities. These facilities requere administrators that are receptive to the concerns, needs and suggestions of their staff; not some dictatorial individual who isolates themselves and behaves as if they were some head of state. ~ex-JDO John Q. Public
03/04/06 Orange JDC:...to the person that says that maybe I should be inveestigated... read the W - 1 logbook... you will see that the incident DID happen... Mental Health was being cautious not cruel! You get the facts straight! ~Anonymous
In response to the person that says that maybe I should be inveestigated and that I was spreading rumors - read the W - 1 logbook before you go talking out your butt, and you will see that the incident DID happen. I fopund out the next day when I came in. Mental Health was being cautious not cruel! You get the facts straight! ~Anonymous
[Re: 03/03/06 Orange JDC: ...You indicated]
03/03/06 Orange JDC: ...You indicated that a youth on precautionary was choking with his blanket. That is not true. If that is true where were you when it was happening? How come you are the only one aware of this? Get your facts together. Stop spreading rumors. It has been great ever since the precautionary youths are allow blankets. They are doing much better since they can rest and not feel cold... Mental Health was very cruel when they took the blankets from the youths. If you stated that one youth was choking, did you...file a report with IG? Or did you put it under the rug? Perhaps you should be investigated... ~Anonymous
This is regarding the post on 3/2/2006 from ORJDC. What in the world are you talking about? You indicated that a youth on precautionary was choking with his blanket. That is not true. If that is true where were you when it was happening? How come you are the only one aware of this? Get your facts together. Stop spreading rumors. It has been great ever since the precautionary youths are allow blankets. They are doing much better since they can rest and not feel cold. Nobody is complaining. We feel for these youths like our own. They need comfort at least when they are resting. Mental Health was very cruel when they took the blankets from the youths. If you stated that one youth was choking, did you do the proper process and file a report with IG? Or did you put it under the rug? Perhaps you should be investigated if you know something that the rest of the staff does not know. By the way it is choke not chiokes. ~Anonymous
[Re: 03/02/06 Orange JDC: People, stop complaining]
03/03/06 Orange JDC: Hahaha. I cannot believe I just read a post here about Ms Priester sexually harassing a male trainee?? This person obviously does not know Ms Priester. SHe is kind, caring, spiritual and she can be firm and authoritative when she needs to be but sexually harassing or similarly inappropriate? That is a stretch. Get a life and quit slandering people here. Ya know, a judge can order that the IP addresses of these messages be revealed to him. If Ms Priester can prove damages she can sue... Mr Williams also does not deserve such hard criticism... He shouldn't HAVE to be present on the mods - thats what he has staff for... He's NOT one of you - he is THE ADMINISTRATOR ...do your job right. ~Anonymous
Hahaha. I cannot believe I just read a post here about Ms Priester sexually harassing a male trainee?? This person obviously does not know Ms Priester. SHe is kind, caring, spiritual and she can be firm and authoritative when she needs to be but sexually harassing or similarly inappropriate? That is a stretch. Get a life and quit slandering people here. Ya know, a judge can order that the IP addresses of these messages be revealed to him. If Ms Priester can prove damages she can sue. Now how hard would that be? Try it. Mr Williams also does not deserve such hard criticism. He does great work. He shouldn't HAVE to be present on the mods - thats what he has staff for. And the infrequency of his visits on the mods makes his presence even MORE significant to the staff and the kids. He's NOT one of you - he is THE ADMINISTRATOR - he does NOT have to be Mr Nice guy, ass-kisser to any of you. He does not have to be Mr Positive motivational speaker - just do what he F--ing says - quit f--ing around, do your job right. ~Anonymous
03/03/06 Orange JDC: Oh my god what a bunch of resourceless retarded idiots. Instead of whining and complaining, which only serves to defend and justify your own irresponsible behavior, why don't you just find another job? The only reason you stay in your jobs is because as long as you whine and feel you have it so bad, YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE BACK! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING CONSTRUCTIVE...Just COAST.... complain and get paid, while BLAMING others for your horrible misfortune -- ah! but it's all done in the name of the poor kids, huh? Bulls--t. Just behave yourselves and at least you will feel good that you are doing your part... ~Anonymous
Oh my god what a bunch of resourceless retarded idiots. Instead of whining and complaining, which only serves to defend and justify your own irresponsible behavior, why don't you just find another job? The only reason you stay in your jobs is because as long as you whine and feel you have it so bad, YOU DON'T HAVE TO GIVE BACK! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE A GOOD ATTITUDE! YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO ANYTHING CONSTRUCTIVE! WOW! You get to complain and have reasons for your incompetent behaviors and bad attitudes. Just COAST...and collect your paycheck you idiots....dont try and make things better...complain and get paid, while BLAMING others for your horrible misfortune -- ah! but it's all done in the name of the poor kids, huh? Bulls--t. Just behave yourselves and at least you will feel good that you are doing your part..no place of employment is perfect. ~Anonymous
03/02/06 Orange JDC: People, stop complaining and whining! Doing so changes nothing, except for the worst. Remember the issue with blankets? Well, we were made to give them back and just last week, a youth on precautionary had one tightly tied around his neck - there go smart assess who thought you knew more than our mental health staff. If someone chiokes themselves to death, it's on you and on Ms. Corry. I think the mental health staff have shown that they know what they are doing. Oh, and I'm glad to see Officer Pate back!!! Anyways, start doing your jobs, stop worrying about everybody else and stop complaining - do something positive to change the system instead of whining! ~TBK
03/02/06 Hillsborough West JDC: ...Instead of this unnecessary beef some may have with Pinellas. We should just be greatful that we have more staff to help us out... Instead of working as a team we are working against each other... What happen to leaving your problems and attitude at the gate...we need to get our acts together, because if this nonsense continues we may not have a job. And please stop using this site to disgrace our facility. If everyone worked together it wouldn't be so bad. And West let us spend our valuable time training the new staff the right way. ~Just my Opinion
I have a suggestion for the West. Instead of this unnecessary beef some may have with Pinellas. We should just be greatful that we have more staff to help us out. All the cursing and harsh slander against one another makes no sense. I always said I would never write on this site however I found it necessary in this case because things seem to be getting out of hand. Instead of working as a team we are working against each other. And to me that is an unsafe environment to work in. There is so much cut throat in this place it is ridiculous. Why is it so hard for people to just get along? What happen to leaving your problems and attitude at the gate before you enter the building? Fellow workers let it be known we need to get our acts together, because if this nonsense continues we may not have a job. And please stop using this site to disgrace our facility. If everyone worked together it wouldn't be so bad. And West let us spend our valuable time training the new staff the right way. ~Just my Opinion
03/02/06 Schools/Court/Other: This to who ever is trying to contact me.Here is a email you can contact me at.Ive been great.Thank you for asking. ~Martin Jackson yougot2hearme@hotmail.com
[Re: 03/01/06 Schools/Court/Other: Does anybody know]
03/02/06 Boot Camps: In reading a comment posted by a parent of a child that was once placed in a boot camp, I noticed that she said . . "They need to be shut down. The state needs to give the parents back their authority to raise their children the way they need to be raised." I have one pressing question. You were given the authority to "raise" your son, yet I was able to research him on the Department of Corrections Website, so do you think you did a good job as a parent? Why was he placed in the department of juvenile justice when he was 13? Let me guess, wrong place, wrong time, wrong friends. Seems ironic that you want the state to shut down boot camps (and other DJJ programs) to allow parents to raise their kids, yet you can't keep your son out of the hands of local law enforcement... ~Anonymous
[Re: 02/22/06 Schools/Court/Other: ...Setting the record straight]
03/02/06 Other DJJ facility: Re 02/26/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: Then on my children I will find a safe way for staff to speak out !!!! Thank you for giving a answer. Forever in tears ~Diana Matthews dianamdd@aol.com
03/02/06 Other DJJ facility: After reading this board, One can only assume that the stories and the allegations that happened to my son, and the poor children that have died are absolutely true... To those DJJ staff that come here and do nothing but complain about your jobs.. LEAVE... I know I have already proven that the Staff member that broke my son's arm already had a criminal history, the IG's office proved it as well... The higher ups need to LISTEN to the reports from Good Staff members that do have the guts to report abuse... Good Staff members should not have to worry about being fired for "blowing the whistle"... Good Staff, this message is to you... Please help stop the violence and abuse in these facilities. Bad staff Find another job.... ~Dawn Chase DawnChs@aol.com
After reading this board, and the comments made by some of the DJJ Staff members here. One can only assume that the stories and the allegations that happened to my son, and the poor children that have died are absolutely true! Parents listen up, READ the staff members statements here.. Do they sound like normal people? They sound like they are working for DJJ for the pay, which they say isn't enough as it is, yet this job takes dedication to making kids lives turn around, its not being done. Instead the kids are being emotionally, and physically abused, and they come out worse then when they went in. To those DJJ staff that come here and do nothing but complain about your jobs.. LEAVE, and REMOVE yourself from DJJ for you do nothing for our kids but cause more problems. I know I have already proven that the Staff member that broke my son's arm already had a criminal history, the IG's office proved it as well. The BAD Staff members are pushing the Good Staff members out of DJJ. The higher ups need to LISTEN to the reports from Good Staff members that do have the guts to report abuse done by these low life staff. Good Staff members should not have to worry about being fired for "blowing the whistle". There needs to be a new policy in DJJ.. The staff should be watch dogs to their own. In other words, report ANY and ALL abuse that you witness a fellow staff member committing, if he/she is doing it. Good Staff members, you need to take a stand and help DJJ rid these Bad Staff, and make a difference for yourselves and for the kids! These kids in custody are being abused daily. There are lives at stake. How many more kids will be physically maimed, emotionally scared, or die before someone wakes up? This is no joke, there have been deaths, and true abuse, we are not talking a spanking here... There are beatings that can be life threatening. Good Staff, this message is to you... Please help stop the violence and abuse in these facilities. Bad staff Find another job... Maybe digging ditches, for that is the only mentality that you have and a job you are capable of doing. ~Dawn Chase DawnChs@aol.com
03/01/06 Pinellas JDC: You other clowns laugh at the fact that our center is not perfect but, the matter at hand is that we all work for the same D.J.J. Email wars are a great sign of things to come it proves all the things that people say about us.Take a hard long look at what yall are doing this is not 1960. Get the picture she has yall right where she wants yall. GREAT JOB CATHY LET THEM DESTROY EACH OTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~X
03/01/06 Hillsborough West JDC: Do you people see what you are doing. A WHOLE LOT OF HATING!!!!!!!! Hey if you are intimidated by Pinellas coming over there and showing you how to do your job then step up or step the f*ck off. Those of you b*tchn and putting peoples business out there (that isn't even correct) are making yourself and your facility look real stupid. SHUT UP ALREADY. Pinellas is the sh*t and alot of facilities could learn from them. Are they perfect no but who is.GET OVER IT!!!! ~Anonymous
03/01/06 Schools/Court/Other: Does anybody know how to contact M.Jackson.He has been very queit as of lately.Ms Cathy do you know how to contact him? Because some parents have been wanting to speak with him. ~Anonymous
[Note from J4K: on 1/28/06, M Jackson requested this his contact information not appear as J4K's watchdog]
03/01/06 Miami-Dade JDC:...thinking about going to the Committee about anything you know on the Department of Juvenile Justice.If i was you I would not, because The Committee is not loyal to those who speak out.Just look what happened to Officer D.Zackery and the rest of the officers that stood up.She spoke out and now she has been fired.You can not get a hand from The Committee if you was drowning in the Everglades.But they have forget if it was not for the officers that speak out they would not have anything to go on... For Miami-Dade you all have a snitch working among you all...information is getting out, that only a Officer working there would know. ~Truth Be Told
This is to anybody on this site that is thinking about going to the Committee about anything you know on the Department of Juvenile Justice.If i was you I would not, because The Committee is not loyal to those who speak out.Just look what happened to Officer D.Zackery and the rest of the officers that stood up.She spoke out and now she has been fired.You can not get a hand from The Committee if you was drowning in the Everglades.But they have forget if it was not for the officers that speak out they would not have anything to go on.So to all,do your self a favor.What every you know do it with out them.For Miami-Dade you all have a snitch working among you all.So please be carefully what you say and do.Because to much information is getting out, that only a Officer working there would know. ~Truth Be Told
02/28/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: This is to Honorable behavior, you state that you will work hard to address and make change... become familiar and be a realist as to who you geniunely have on the team... We should be FDLE certified and the leaders must believe in hearing the officers and administrators. Not just the regional personnel who may only report what they want... focus on these probation officers who are receiving higher pay than the detention officers. They need to do their jobs instead of dumping these youths in detention... Youths become desperate and fights and suicide issues surface... What is DJJ doing for our youths and staff, NOTHING... FOR THOSE OFFICERS THAT HAVE NOTHING POSITIVE TO STATE TO MAKE THE CHANGE..LEAVE DJJ and GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! ~Appalled at DJJ
This is to Honorable behavior, you state that you will work hard to address and make change. The first thing you must do is become familiar and be a realist as to who you geniunely have on the team. Right now you have leaders who are riding the time to make their pleasant exit. They truly do not care as to what is really happening at DJJ. A 5% raise is nothing compared to what we truly have to deal with. We should be FDLE certified and the leaders must believe in hearing the officers and administrators. Not just the regional personnel who may only report what they want and then end up with surprises. Just like the Superintendents around the state, they report what they want and not what is really going on. We have so many officers and youths that are being hurt and neglected on a daily basis.
We also need to focus on these probation officers who are receiving higher pay than the detention officers. They need to do their jobs instead of dumping these youths in detention and not focusing on ensuring that they get to their programs within the time frame. Instead probation officers commit them and these youths stay in detention months and months and this does not count towards their sentence. Youths become desperate and fights and suicide issues surface. Our jails become over populated and more incidents occur. Let's not even talk about kids in foster care, Child net completely forgets them and it is a mission to even get them to pick up a youth. More drama for the officers!!!
What is DJJ doing for our youths and staff, NOTHING! Training is another issue, you give very little training to officers that entail everything other than the reality of what they have to deal with daily: mentally disturbed youths, drug and alcohol abuse, aggressive and harsh criminals and the emotionally misplaced youths. Where is the training on that!? GO Figure!!! This is why we keep repeating the cycle don't you get it!! WE NEED A CHANGE AND FOR THOSE OFFICERS THAT HAVE NOTHING POSITIVE TO STATE TO MAKE THE CHANGE..LEAVE DJJ and GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!!! ~Appalled at DJJ
02/28/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: cathy the truth will come out ...you were a bad parent. you feel guilty about having your son locked up dont you. i think i remember hereing that you had abuse charges against you. We are a medium for the information and opinions that cathy wants to post. If she doesn't like you email she will post it. lies made (both signed and anonymous or by way of links to other sites) have not been investigated to determine fact or truth but they are screend and i do not post them all (cathy).Therefore, this site is a peace of s**t... ~Anonymous
cathy the truth will come out aboutt you. you were a bad parent. you feel guilty about having your son locked up dont you. i think i remember hereing that you had abuse charges against you.
We are a medium for the information and opinions that cathy wants to post. If she doesn't like you email she will post it. lies made (both signed and anonymous or by way of links to other sites) have not been investigated to determine fact or truth but they are screend and i do not post them all (cathy). Therefore, this site is a peace of shit Copyright © 2001-2006 justice4kids.org, inc. -- An all-volunteer effort! All rights reserved. Address issues with the operation of this site to the webmaster. ~Anonymous
02/28/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: cathy corey does not post all emails do u cathy. cathy worked for DJJ and does not want to talk about that. cathy as a sorry A** employee. she was fired.i worked with herso i know ~Anonymous
02/28/06 Hillsborough West JDC: it is no Ms Bet its only Mr BET. so who every floor staff is get ya s**t right, you on here talking a hole lot of s**t but u wont put yo name down. how bout u really get yo info right B4 you open yo mouth. all that s**t yall talking bout needs, how bout yall go tell he and not us ,to me it sound like u hate n on the man, sound like he go something u want..... stop bulls**t n and put yo name down. ~Mr Bet
02/28/06 Hillsborough West JDC: To "floor staff", how do you know BET is a female? And if you were willing to step up to the plate you would've sign your name. And for goodness sake spend your time learning how to spell instead of making up stupid crap about people. If you believe in God you are breaking his commandment of "thou shall not bear false witness upon thy neighbor". ~Anonymous
02/28/06 Okaloosa JDC/OYA:...Right here in my home town, my son's friend was hired at OYA...he was told to beat the sh*$ out of the kids. The same director I wrote about has hired a mom of one of her son's friend's who uses drugs... This facility is made up of drug users, they are not pre-employee drug screened... Any one of you who work for DJJ would feel just as pissed about your child, dead or alive. Stop straddling the fence...!!! ~Anonymous
I noticed that my message from 2-21, left out some of what I wrote. You must have known of whom i was talking about. You will never justify the behavior of any DJJ worker that has committed the acts of abuse. Right here in my home town, my son's friend was hired at OYA..he was told to beat the sh*$ out of the kids. The same director i wrote about has hired a mom of one of her son's friend's who uses drugs. Did you know that this facility is made up of drug users, they are not pre-employee drug screened. The state of Florida needs to drug screen and background check the people they hire for these positions. Any one of you who work for DJJ would feel just as pissed about your child, dead or alive. Stop straddling the fence. Either help these kids or leave them alone!! ~Anonymous
02/27/06 Collier JDC: Guess I will get on the bandwagon too. Collymore you r no good and have no idea what you r doing. Our staff has no respect for you and wish you would crawl back under the rock you came out of. You have a filthy mouth and r a disgrace to DJJ. ~Anonymous
02/27/06 Orange JDC: I think it is so SAD that all the sad, miserable, lonely, GHETTO officers have nothing else better to do than talk about people at work. GET A LIFE!!! I can't help that I have a happy, fullfilled life. You are just jealous, nasty people. ~Anonymous
02/27/06 Hillsborough West JDC: Y dont yall get off needs dick, im not saying everything he do is right but if u do your job u dont have to worry about getting cut. ~BET
02/27/06 Hillsborough West JDC: To Ms BET, I guess you call yourself mad a** hell now, but you still ain't s**t. You watch to many old school black classics on TV, let's do the damn thing, come on now. How about "DO YOUR DAMN JOB"... Tell your boss that I know he is made as hell... I guess he is trying to figure out who is behind all of the creative messages... The West will have it's on daily news letter... ~floor staff
To Ms BET, I guess you call yourself mad a** hell now, but you still ain't s**t. You watch to many old school black classics on TV, let's do the damn thing, come on now. How about "DO YOUR DAMN JOB"! You are really stupid, because I would never hit a female, but in your case I would not give a damn, I might have to be less of a man for a quick second. I wish they would let you work the girls dorm only, because you let the kids get away with anything. I understand stand if you are scared, but damn open your mouth and say something constructive. Tell your boss that I know he is made as hell, because all his business is out there and his little secretary is mad with me now, but it is all good, because she will be back because I hear that he comes up short in some areas and sometimes he does not come up at all, but that is understandable because he does want to be "HHIC." I guess he is trying to figure out who is behind all of the creative messages, but he does not have to wonder if he would just stop trying to change every damn thing. Things have to be changed in oder for us to run the correct way, but he is trying to change little s**t. Please take all messages seriously, because when I come on the web I will be coming correct, and I will tell all your business, and I do have good resources. The West will have it's on daily news letter. Ms. BET, the ladies of the west can't stand your a** and the girls just tolerate you because you they can do anything they want, and we know that you like both men and women, I heard that you like to go down south on men and women, let me know when you need a real man, then I will have you and the secretary strung out, St. Pete is a small place baby girl, be careful who you tell your business to. ~floor staff
02/27/06 Hillsborough East JDC: I am tired of hearing Hardyman and Foster argue... They are mad because all of their business is out and no one has any respect for them anymore. I hope that Hardyman does not try to take Ms. Adame's place in administration because she can't run anything without messing up... Foster will have more problems than he does now because he will have to deal with all the compaints about her. Clark watch out for your job, because if Hardyman applies for that position, then you know who she is going to come after first. All the females have had it with her... Hardyman if you do take that position, best believe that all the famale staff are going to make sure that you work your a** off... ~TIRED FEMALE STAFF
I am tired of hearing Hardyman and Foster argue over little s**t. They are mad because all of their business is out and no one has any respect for them anymore. I hope that Hardyman does not try to take Ms. Adame's place in administration because she can't run anything without messing up. It will be some real problems if she is in charge of the floor, people will leave the east fast. Foster will have more problems than he does now because he will have to deal with all the compaints about her. Clark watch out for your job, because if Hardyman applies for that position, then you know who she is going to come after first. All the females have had it with her, she is on the edge of getting her a** whipped at work and I would not care if I lost my job, because at this point the East probable will be shut down before I resign. Working in the girls dorm is hard enough when we are short staffed, but to have Hardyman in charge would be terrible, I know that she probably is thinking about taking that position. So Hardyman if you do take that position, best believe that all the famale staff are going to make sure that you work your a** off. When staff needs assistance you better be ready to get down with the best of us, because if anyone of us gets hurt, we are going to clock out and wait outside until your fat a** comes out that door, and that is a promise. When staff needs assistance is called in a female dorm and we see you just watching from the hall way, we have a problem with that. I f you are scared of the fights that continue to happen, find you another damn job b***h. ~TIRED FEMALE STAFF
02/26/06 Collier JDC: We really appreciate Mr. Jordan being on board now. So far he's been keeping his word and doing a wonderful job. The youths respect and like him. Keep up the good work Mr. Jordan, now, if we could only get rid of Collymore, things would be good again. ~Anonymous
02/26/06 Boot Camps: Public officials must not be negligent in their duty to act rightly and justly in matters of public safety and welfare. My legitimate complaints about the Polk County Juvenile Boot Camp’s white supremacist Neo-Confederate history curriculum concern matters of public safety and welfare... Federal, state, and local government must not allow hate-motivated extremists... The rod of judgment must be used to punish offenses against public justice committed by corrupt public officials... corrupt Polk public officials have spotted their official robes with the stains of wrongdoing and disgrace... Excerpts from “Corrupt Public Officials in the Hands of an Angry God” @ http://libertyadvocate.com/message13.htm . ~Karen E. Pansler karenpansler@netzero.net 863-646-0689
RE: Florida Juvenile Boot Camps
Public officials must not be negligent in their duty to act rightly and justly in matters of public safety and welfare. My legitimate complaints about the Polk County Juvenile Boot Camp’s white supremacist Neo-Confederate history curriculum concern matters of public safety and welfare. Clearly, a criminal juvenile facility advocating racism and sedition are matters of public interest and should be exposed and protested.
Federal, state, and local government must not allow hate-motivated extremists and terrorists like the Neo-Confederates to infiltrate our public schools and juvenile criminal facilities and indoctrinate our children with their hateful white supremacist Confederate ideology. Because the government often fails to safeguard us, as we learned from September 11, 2001, should government officials punish or sanction the punishment of private citizens who expose and report matters concerning public safety and welfare that are covered-up, endorsed, sponsored, or ignored by public officials who are inept, ignorant, negligent, or corrupt?
The rod of judgment must be used to punish offenses against public justice committed by corrupt public officials. Failure to punish corrupt public officials is a crime against the public interest because failure to punish corrupt public officials is a crime against public justice.
Public officials are robed with the official white robe of justice. Alas, corrupt Polk public officials have spotted their official robes with the stains of wrongdoing and disgrace. Consequently, corrupt public officials must be stripped of their official robes.
Excerpts from “Corrupt Public Officials in the Hands of an Angry God” @ http://libertyadvocate.com/message13.htm .
Karen E. Pansler Liberty Advocate www.libertyadvocate.com
02/26/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: Diana, I can give you a simple answer for that. If you talk against the agency while you are working there. Prepare to lose your job! If you are vocal about the agencies flaws, you will lose your job. Simple. ~Anonymous
02/25/06 Other DJJ facility: Dear Jeri May, I just would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the song you have writen for the children. I hope you do not mind I added the song to my sons web site on a page called forever friends http://www.freewebs.com/dinmyheart/foreverfriends.htm Forever in tears ~Diana Matthews dianamdd@aol.com
[Re: 02/17/06...retired secondary Texas public school teacher]
02/25/06 Other DJJ facility: To All : There are thouse that have stated before we should reach out and get to know the Officer that care for our children, I agree on this and have done so when posible .On 2-18-06 Myself , Cathy Corry and Dave Plyer spoke with Bay news 9 . While they had not shown everything as it was said ,They allow enough to be show. We are together speaking out for what is needed for the staff to properly take care of the children and still be able to take care of there own family, But we can not do this alone . If you realy care and want changes you have my e-mail address , as of yet I have heard from no one. Forever in tears ~Diana Matthews dianamdd@aol.com
02/25/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures: Sometime when I read these posts, I get embarrassed... We are supposed to be officer, not ghetto idiots... Speak proper and write as such... This is maybe why we can’t become law enforcement certified. Who would with such attitudes and behaviors? Just a shame that DJJ hires such low class officers. ~Anonymous
Sometime when I read these posts, I get embarrassed. I especially get embarrassed when officer speak and write in the format of a teenager. We are supposed to be officer, not ghetto idiots. Being black doesn’t mean being ghetto. Speak proper and write as such. You give these idiots who write negatively about us a reason to. This is maybe why we can’t become law enforcement certified. Who would with such attitudes and behaviors? Just a shame that DJJ hires such low class officers. ~Anonymous
02/24/06 Collier JDC: Do us all a hugh favor and go away Collymore. ~Anonymous
02/24/06 Collier JDC: Collymore, you are toooooo trashy for Collier detention!!!!Go back from whence you came, oh, but wait, they already have 2 capt's at SWJDC, so we guess you're out of a job! Maybe your lover Bruce Hale will help you out or did you run him off to with that nasty attitude and filthy mouth of yours. Guess no one wants to be around you!!!!!!!! ~Anonymous
02/24/06 Hillsborough West JDC: who ever put that bullsh*t on here about pinellas dont know sh*t. We came over there not to try and take the west over but as officers trying to help other officers out. its a damn shame we supposed to be on the same team and people want to start sh*t.if u dont like the people u work with maybe u should get another job. we already have to fight with the public for respect lets not fight eachother, but if u want to we can do the damn thang !!!!!!!!!!! ~BET
02/24/06 Hillsborough East JDC:... East was a nice place to work but Miles is only concered about the way he looks to other people... to the tax payers and the greiving parents of the children that were murdered while in the custody of DJJ, here is your reason why our children are victimized in facilities that's suppose to provide and protect. STAFF THAT ARE STRESSED, UNTRAINED, UNDER PAID AND HIGH PAID ADMINISTRATORS THAT DON'T CARE ENOUGH TO MAKE THE SYSTEM BETTER EVEN WHEN THEY KNOW THE SHIP IS SINKING! Foster... and Hardyman fighting with each other it just makes the tension even worst... EAST GET IT TOGETHER PLEASE FOR THE SAKE OF THE KIDS!! ~FLOOR STAFF
Well said past floor staff!!! The East was a nice place to work but Miles is only concered about the way he looks to other people. A big inflated Ego, that's what he has. Hardyman is jealous because she was passed up for the Asst. Sups. job. All that hard work annd stress didn't pay off huh Lorraine? Now the East is in such a bad situation with hiring anybody that will apply. So to the tax payers and the greiving parents of the children that were murdered while in the custody of DJJ, here is your reason why our children are victimized in facilities that's suppose to provide and protect. STAFF THAT ARE STRESSED, UNTRAINED, UNDER PAID AND HIGH PAID ADMINISTRATORS THAT DON'T CARE ENOUGH TO MAKE THE SYSTEM BETTER EVEN WHEN THEY KNOW THE SHIP IS SINKING! Foster is lazy and thinks he has all the answers, with him and Hardyman fighting with each other it just makes the tension even worst. Stop playing games like the past employee said. Mr. Miles why can't you be a man and do the right thing, if you want to gain respect as a christian stop cursing and threatening in your meetings. We are already humiliated and stressed with call outs, we really don't need the extra drama between two supervisors in a lovers quarrel. After all isn't that conduct unbecoming of an officer? EAST GET IT TOGETHER PLEASE FOR THE SAKE OF THE KIDS!! They are watching,you know! FLOOR STAFF
02/23/06 Orange JDC: In regards to the attempted escape, ...Lt. Langford, as wide as you are, didnt you have a prior incident with this same youth... It took about 7 male staff to regain control of this youth. Lt. Butler, Sgt. Ortiz, Sgt. Holmes. Lt. Langford are still falsifying documentations when it comes to youths in confinement. They are still putting in their confinement reviews "youth appears to be okay," without them getting up and visually checking on them. Lt. Butler, with your bootleg, blackmarket degree... Mrs. Priester, Lt. Butler talked about you like a dog when you got the Ads position instead of him. Mrs. priester stop sexually harrassing the young male trainees... ~Anonymous
[Note from J4K - this message forwarded to DJJ's Caballero and Meredith]
In regards to the attempted escape, Mr. Willians, have you informed I.G of the incident that occurred on 2/12/06? Well, let me help you out, the youth's name is Cxxxxxx Nash. Why are you risking everyone's life by letting females that weigh about 100lbs in charge of youth's like Cxxxxxx Nash , who everyone know is very strong to handle. Lt. Langford, as wide as you are, didnt you have a prior incident with this same youth? I recall you trying to take him down in the hallway and had trouble taking the youth down. It took about 7 male staff to regain control of this youth. Lt. Butler, Sgt. Ortiz, Sgt. Holmes. Lt. Langford are still falsifying documentations when it comes to youths in confinement. They are still putting in their confinement reviews "youth appears to be okay," without them getting up and visually checking on them. Lt. Butler, with your bootleg, blackmarket degree taht you are always bragging about doesnt mean you are an intellectual individual. It sure does not qualify you for an asst. superintendent position that you have been longing for. Last but not least, Mrs. Priester, Lt. Butler talked about you like a dog when you got the Ads position instead of him. Mrs. priester stop sexually harrassing the young male trainees, they dont want your ugly, man looking behind.
02/23/06 Hillsborough East JDC: Say It Aint So!!!!!!!!!I hope the rumor is true. Elma Adame Leaving the East.You can Run but you cant hide. What happens in the dark always come to light.You are through with our Supt. now its time to move on huh.Well if it is true we are very pleased because you wasnt worth anything anyways.So Adame SEE YA ~A Pleased Officer from the East
02/23/06 DJJ: ... I never accused your son of murdering or raping anyone. I was responding to your nonsensical post that I will once again copy and paste for all to read: "I'm for shutting these places down! Its never going to get any better... !!!" It seemed to me Ms. Chase that you were suggesting we shut these facilities down and allow dope dealers and murders to roam... Also I do not agree with you that multiple batteries on school officials and detention staff constitutes normal behavior... The legislature refuses to put us under the special risk distinction even... Our State Government up until now has turned their back on these juvenile offenders and shown a complete lack of interest in providing the resources for their custody and care... ~Setting the record straight
Clearly Ms. Chase if you read my post you will see I never accused your son of murdering or raping anyone. I was responding to your nonsensical post that I will once again copy and paste for all to read: "I'm for shutting these places down! Its never going to get any better. I think by shutting them down, the staff that works for DJJ won't have to worry about gripes or complaints about how bad their jobs are. The kids won't be getting abused by complete strangers.. and the parents can start to take control of their kids again without the law getting involved in normal childhood misbehaviors!!!!!!!" It seemed to me Ms. Chase that you were suggesting we shut these facilities down and allow dope dealers and murders to roam freely in our communities. If parents had control of these offenders they would not have been locked up in the first place. Also I do not agree with you that multiple batteries on school officials and detention staff constitutes normal behavior. As far as the boot camps are concerned if the State deems that they are not working and chooses to close them down then so be it. In some of my previous posts I have tried to bring to light some of the problems that have plagued DJJ over the years. Almost all of the programs are under funded and understaffed. Employees are grossly underpaid and over worked for what they must deal with. On a good day you might have two staff overseeing a unit with 40 or more youth. Among those 40 youth are normally several extremely violent offenders who are in there for committing very serious felonies. There is also a good chance that one or both of those employees in the middle of a mandatory 16-hour shift. Don’t you think this is a recipe for disaster? Are you surprised that people get hurt? DJJ’s biggest problem is the system itself. The legislature has voted down numerous requests from DJJ to properly fund theses programs and pay the staff a decent living wage so they can care for their own children. Can you imagine working in a job where you spend 16 hours watching someone else's child while neglecting your own children under threat of termination? The legislature refuses to put us under the special risk distinction even though we get assaulted and injured at higher rates than employees in the adult system. The result has been an astounding turnover rate leaving most of these programs dangerously undermanned. As far as those privately contracted programs are concerned, some of those employees make as much as a teenager flipping burgers at Wendy's or McDonalds. The turnover rate at these programs is an unbelievable 60%. The legislature had a chance to correct this problem and voted it down as well. So you have violent offenders housed in programs with severe staff shortages. The staff you do have are burnt out from working 2 or more mandatory 16 hour shifts a week. Our State Government up until now has turned their back on these juvenile offenders and shown a complete lack of interest in providing the resources for their custody and care. This has and always will be the root of the problem. ~Setting the record straight
02/22/06 Collier JDC: Collymore, have you started filling those job applications yet? What are you waiting for-get started, you're going to need it real soon! HOpe they like you in your new place of employment, cause we sure don't! ~Anonymous
02/22/06 Volusia JDC: Union, Union, Union!!!! ... Mr. Finn and Mr. Bennis... both need to find new jobs because your not doing staff or the children in your custody any good. You both are a shame to your staff and to custody itself. Someone please email the name of your Union, there has to be a change somewhere and if one voice (or many) can do it then lets do it!!!! When I hear how so many staff are being treated and how the higher ups are making them work makes me sick!!! Please let me know and I will make some phones calls... Mr. Finn and Mr. Bennis you both are a joke!!! lilto0795@yahoo.com
Union, Union, Union!!!! Volusia County JDC was sooooooo lucky they didnt pick me up, and by your emails from my fellow officers I can see why. Mr. Finn and Mr. Bennis know what I'm talking about. You both need to find new jobs because your not doing staff or the children in your custody any good. You both are a shame to your staff and to custody itself. Someone please email the name of your Union, there has to be a change somewhere and if one voice (or many) can do it then lets do it!!!! When I hear how so many staff are being treated and how the higher ups are making them work makes me sick!!! Please let me know and I will make some phones calls......Good luck everyone and I hope I can do something for you all....Mr. Finn and Mr. Bennis you both are a joke!!! lilto0795@yahoo.com
02/22/06 Schools/Court/Other: ...Setting the record straight. I say this.. MY SON DID NOT MURDER NOR RAPE ANYONE, HE DID NOT STEAL OR VANDALIZE ANYTHING! My son got in a fight with another 13 year old... it was up to ME to take care of it NOT YOU or DJJ!... the boot camp that Martin LEE Anderson died in WILL CLOSE!... I am hoping that the plight of all DJJ in this country will be taken to Congress and a hearing set so that ALL children that are in these places and detained, will be SAFE... Not cursed out by Djj staff, not beaten, not harassed, and not driven to feel as if they want to commit suicide... Let me make sure I say this... LETS SAY ONLY SOME DJJ STAFF FEEL IT IS NECESSARY TO MISTREAT AND ABUSE THE CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE. ~Dawn Chase
For your remarks, Setting the record straight. I say this.. MY SON DID NOT MURDER NOR RAPE ANYONE, HE DID NOT STEAL OR VANDALIZE ANYTHING! My son got in a fight with another 13 year old, that is normal for kids to do this, may not be right to do, but they do it.. And it was up to ME to take care of it NOT YOU or DJJ! I have great news here, tonight on Channel 3 weartv they announced that the boot camp that Martin LEE Anderson died in WILL CLOSE!!!!!!!! Another mother came forward with her son, and her son was a witness to the beating of that boy!!! She stated that her son said " they targeted Martin as soon as he got there" Prayers are being heard and answered!! I am hoping that the plight of all DJJ in this country will be taken to Congress and a hearing set so that ALL children that are in these places and detained, will be SAFE... Not cursed out by Djj staff, not beaten, not harassed, and not driven to feel as if they want to commit suicide and made to feel worthless as DJJ staff at the facility that my son was at. Oh yes... Let me make sure I say this so that SOME of you Staff don't feel as if you are being thrown into one group, and stereotyped!! LETS SAY ONLY SOME DJJ STAFF FEEL IT IS NECESSARY TO MISTREAT AND ABUSE THE CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE. ~Dawn Chase
02/21/06 Honorable Behavior: Thank you for allowing me to visit your facilities and accommodating me through a tour of Broward Detention Center and the Palm Beach Detention Center. Your hard work and dedication will not go unnoticed and I will do everything in my power to help out with the situation that faces everyone who works in detention. Please keep up the good work that you know you are doing. You know who you are and your dedication is greatly appreciated. ~Anonymous
02/21/06 Other DJJ facility: ...Let me start by quoting Dawn Chase and this remark that I copied and pasted directly from her post: "I'm for shutting these places down..." First of all more than 90% of the youth in custody in the facility I work are not there for "normal" childhood misbehavior... They are the youth that raped your daughter. They sold drugs to your son. They broke into your house. They stole your car. They fired the bullet that murdered your husband or wife. "... Should we follow Dawn Chase's advise and shut my facility down and let murders and drug dealers freely roam the streets... more than ten battery charges racked up in seven years would not be considered a normal childhood misbehavior. ~Setting the record straight
[Re: 02/18/06 Schools/Court/Other:...Just because some of us speak out]
Once again I feel compelled to set the record straight. Let me start by quoting Dawn Chase and this remark that I copied and pasted directly from her post: "I'm for shutting these places down! Its never going to get any better. I think by shutting them down, the staff that works for DJJ won't have to worry about gripes or complaints about how bad their jobs are. The kids won't be getting abused by complete strangers.. and the parents can start to take control of their kids again without the law getting involved in normal childhood misbehaviors!!!!!!!" First of all more than 90% of the youth in custody in the facility I work are not there for "normal" childhood misbehavior. If anyone reading this post has been the victim of a serious crime they will appreciate what I am about to say. They are the youth that raped your daughter. They sold drugs to your son. They broke into your house. They stole your car. They fired the bullet that murdered your husband or wife. "kids" with these types of violent felonies reside within my facility. Should we follow Dawn Chase's advise and shut my facility down and let murders and drug dealers freely roam the streets. What about the youth who raped a young girl over a piece of jewelry and then dumped her out of his car? Maybe we should let him go as well. I also think that most parents would agree that more than ten battery charges racked up in seven years would not be considered a normal childhood misbehavior. ~Setting the record straight
02/21/06
Okaloosa JDC:...there are still workers on this site trying to justify their
behavior... my daughter is a DJJ victim. Our own, Okaloosa Regional Detention
Center, has a worker that helped my daughter communicate with a prisoner with a
violent crime rap sheet,who also beat and raped my daughter... I have learned
that most programs are made up of recovering addicts as well. I have the proof,
I even have pictures. The next time one of you jerks working for DJJ want to
justify yourselves, I just might go public with what I know...
~Anonymous
My, my, there are still workers on this site trying to justify their behavior. Since the last time I was on this site, I have learned quite a bit about DJJ. My daughter is a DJJ victim. Our own, Okaloosa Regional Detention Center, has a worker that helped my daughter communicate with a prisoner with a violent crime rap sheet,who also beat and raped my daughter! She also brought lortabs to the detention center and fed those to my daughter. My daughter had a relationship with a worker while in a program and has recently married that worker. I have been to the home of one of DJJ's finest director's and her home looks and smells like a pig pen. I have learned that most programs are made up of recovering addicts as well. I have the proof, I even have pictures. The next time one of you jerks working for DJJ want to justify yourselves, i just might go public with what I know, and we shall see about the "beloved DJJ". ~Anonymous
02/21/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures:...Don, you are right regarding identifying problems with DJJ. However, the problems being posted have very obvious solutions and don't need to be reiterated. The treatment of the DJJ Staff members needs to be improved. Staff members need to be treated with respect and dignity; it isn't happening and I am sure that many people within DJJ will agree with me on that. How to change that?? Hey, isn't is elementary? Treating people with respect - how difficult can that be?? It certainly isn't brain surgery is it?? However, I'll spell it out... everyone has a right to be treated FAIRLY, with RESPECT and with DIGNITY. ~ex-JDO John Q. Public
Re: 02/20/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures (CHALLENGE): ...Detention Centers are a unique...
Don, you are right regarding identifying problems with DJJ. However, the problems being posted have very obvious solutions and don't need to be reiterated. The treatment of the DJJ Staff members needs to be improved. Staff members need to be treated with respect and dignity; it isn't happening and I am sure that many people within DJJ will agree with me on that. How to change that?? Hey, isn't is elementary? Treating people with respect - how difficult can that be?? It certainly isn't brain surgery is it?? However, I'll spell it out for you since you mentioned it. JDO's and their supervisors need to be treated properly. Some specifics that I remember as a JDO included leave requests being ignored or answered late, watch schedules being made with little or no advanced notification and favoritism among staff by the Superintendents and their assistants. Put a stop to this and a lot of the problems will start to fix themselves. I understand no work environment is perfect but everyone has a right to be treated FAIRLY, with RESPECT and with DIGNITY. ~ex-JDO John Q. Public
02/21/06 Hillsborough West JDC: Needs is really mad now, I guess the truth hurts... Babineaux you are next if you don't bring your a** to work, you kiss his a**, but you still are beneath him...He has fired a few staff so far, I wonder would he have fired his dumb a** son. you know when people think that they are so smart until they are just dumb as hell, and I guess the apple does not fall far from the tree. You think people don't know that you are cheating with your little secretary you brought with you... I wonder what your better half would think... Your clowns from Pinellas are some weak a**... slavery is over and KKK don't run s**t in 2006... ~floor staff
Needs is really mad now, I guess the truth hurts, you might even be a racist under cover, Babineaux you are next if you don't bring your a** to work, you kiss his a**, but you still are beneath him and he has told someone that at the facility, you are no better than the rest of us. He has fired a few staff so far, I wonder would he have fired his dumb a** son. you know when people think that they are so smart until they are just dumb as hell, and I guess the apple does not fall far from the tree. You think people don't know that you are cheating with your little secretary you brought with you. She is so not cute, I wonder what your better half would think, maybe we should write her a letter and mail it to your house. You thought you had a private secretary, she is running game on you and trying to get close with BLACK male officer, how you like them apples. She has jungle fever and you are trying to fire all the brothers in the building. You will never get Dean status and you can hire all the snitches and B****** you want from Pinellas. Old school at the west still run things. Officer Austin need to sit her tired a** down, she run her mouth more than T.O. off the eagles ran the football the little time he play football. While you are telling on people trying to keep a good relationship with Needs, he probably thinks less of you too. Needs don't get to comfortable in Portesy chair because they will threaten your job too, you are just as bad as he was, but he was not man enough to run the facility it ran him, we only liked Portesy becuase you could get away with anything because he did not really fire anyone. Your clowns from Pinellas are some weak a**, you use them like slaves to report everything everyone does. Be a real man and hold one day and see for yourself, but I forgot you are a soft ass superintendent in training for becoming HEAD HONKEY IN CHARGE, maybe you should treat your african american staff better, slavery is over and KKK don't run s**t in 2006, so get with the damn program and appreciate your staff who try to work hard so you don't get fired, because YOU TO CAN BE REPLACED AND SOMEONE CAN FILL YOUR SPACE, that is a DJJ saying that some of your bosses like to quote, but hopefully one day we all can say this verse to all DJJ head personal and welcome DOC or any other organization who feels that they can help better our work environment and protect the kids, DJJ has not gone more than two months straight without a tragedy, and that is bad business. ~floor staff
02/20/06 Hillsborough East JDC: Well I have left the building and nothing has changed. Foster you need to stop with all the games...Miles has potential to be a good leader, but he has his a** on his left shoulder and it is spreading to the right...Ragget basically has two unprofessional men running the facility...so Miles please try to be a honest and respectful Christian like you claim to be, some people think you are going to hell for acting like you are saved man... ~past employee
Well I have left the building and nothing has changed. Foster you need to stop with all the games. You know your wife would not appreciate how you cheat on her behind her back, when she cut you off from that cash flow and Ford repo your Harley truck you will learn to appreciate a clean honest female. She need to go across you head one good time, you cheat with some garbage looking females, especially Mrs. Hardyman, you went deep into the trash bend with her. It was nice working at the East when it first opened up, we had problems but it has gotten to the point were nothing or no one can change it. Miles has potential to be a good leader, but he has his a** on his left shoulder and it is spreading to the right. I am glade that I know longer have to put up with his demands. He does not have any respect for any staff member unless he is trying to have relations with them, the only female that had his respect was the one who played with his emotions because she was married and she was interested in Polphus. Ragget basically has two unprofessional men running the facility, but he does not care because he does not work on the floor. Maybe someone in government will come take over DJJ and maybe people can make a honest living and not be stressed all the time. A good facility has to have a great leader and I guess the East will always be ran like garbage, because their leader has a control problem and has not realized that he will get his in the long run, so Miles please try to be a honest and respectful Christian like you claim to be, some people think you are going to hell for acting like you are saved man, you might be, but you sure are heading in the wrong direction. ~past employee
02/20/06 DJJ - Policy and Procedures (CHALLENGE): ...Detention Centers are a unique part of the juvenile justice continuum but the problems they are facing are not unique. Low morale, poor training, many staff with limited abilities or understanding of their roles/responsibilities or how to work with these kids, and an overall depressed quality of life in the facility... The question is how do you change things?... people are taking the easy road by simply identifying the problems but I have yet to read any reasonable ideas for solving the problems. I challenge any of you to come up with one good idea. ~Don
I have been tracking this site and bulletin board for the past several months as I try to more fully understand the many problems facing Juvenile Justice in Florida. Detention Centers are a unique part of the juvenile justice continuum but the problems they are facing are not unique. Low morale, poor training, many staff with limited abilities or understanding of their roles/responsibilities or how to work with these kids, and an overall depressed quality of life in the facility. So many things contribute to this problem. Those things are easy to identify. The question is how do you change things? How do you fix the problem? Seems to me that people are taking the easy road by simply identifying the problems but I have yet to read any reasonable ideas for solving the problems. I challenge any of you to come up with one good idea. ~Don
02/20/06 Orange JDC: Re
attempted escape, 2/17/2006 post - It took place on Sunday, February 12,
2006 at around 9:40am. A female officer opened the confinement door where the
youth was... By the way, female staff is always left alone with male youths. The
youth was supposed to had been charged for... Three Charges: ATTEMPTED ESCAPE,
ASSAULT ON STAFF, ATTEMPTED AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ON OFFICER. This staff was
suprised that IG office was not called. Everybody kept it a secret. Last year
the same week that QA came we had an escape... hiding things underneath the rug.
Last week a youth was found smoking in his room... Williams... He shows a lot of
favortism... It's time for you to leave... ~Very Angry, Disturbed Staff
[NOTE FROM J4K: Complete message forwarded to DJJ HQ Caballero & IG Meredith]
[Re.: 02/17/06 Orange JDC: I believe it was on Feb. 12th, 2006]
This is regarding the attempted escape on 2/17/2006 post. It took place on Sunday, February 12, 2006 at around 9:40am. A female officer opened the confinement door where the youth was. He wanted some water. By the way, female staff is always left alone with male youths. According to the ADS and Supt. nothing wrong with that. The youth was supposed to had been charged for 1.)Pushing the female staff and taking off. 2.) Kicking one of the exit doors opens 3.) He went straight to Supt. Williams office which was open and grabbed a pencil and was going to stab one of the officers. Three Charges: ATTEMPTED ESCAPE, ASSAULT ON STAFF, ATTEMPTED AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ON OFFICER. This staff was suprised that IG office was not called. Everybody kept it a secret. Last year the same week that QA came we had an escape. Nobody took the blame. At the end they suspeneded one of the staff. They never did anything to the ADS in charge, ADS. Priester. She showed up for work 2 hours later. They tried calling her but she never picked up the phone. Good for nothing Priester. Our facility is expecting QA any day now. They are hiding things underneath the rug. Last week a youth was found smoking in his room. It smelled like smoke and when they opened the door it was a youth smoking. Thank God he did not burn up the mod. We have plenty of staff but Supt. Williams is not allowing them to work on the floor. He shows a lot of favortism. The release Department cannot be touched and yet they are making tons of mistakes. All the supervisors get moved around different shifts but Supervisor Brown never gets moved. She does whatever she feels like it and Supt. Williams does nothing. He is too busy sending E-mails. We have officers that have been at the facility for years and working on the floor with 2nd and 3rd shifts. We just got a new officer, Ms. Wade who Supt. Williams created a job for her to help Officer Coley who sits all day and does not do much. 50% of her time in eating in MC. Supt. Williams you just do not care about your officers. Mr. Williams what happened with the officers that have been around for years? It's time for you to leave. You have been at our facility too long. We need somebody that would treat everybody fair. This is in plain words....Discrimination. ~Very Angry, Disturbed Staff
02/20/06 Miami-Dade JDC: Mr. Dobuler, You really think that no one sees through the political smoke screen that you constantly generate. You say that you are for your officers and administrators, but your actions say otherwise. The MDRJDC has turned into a modern day concetration camp, with a heartless dictator at the healms. Your time is limited. ~Anonymous
02/18/06
Schools/Court/Other: Re truth be told on 2/10. i'm a newbie with someone
dear to me in the system who is a minor. i do agree there are some great
correctional officers out there, i have heard them on the phone trying to make
it easier on my loved one. but just like kids one officer can ruin it for the
bunch. i do also believe that as parents SOME should be more active in their
childs life, in the long run maybe bettering the childs life. but there are some
things we can not control (like getting picked on at school) that can make a
child act out. but for truth be told (i do guess you have no children due to the
comments you have made)who has the handbook on how to be a perfect parent could
you send it to me please cause they forgot to give me one. i would appreciate it
~mimi
[Re:
02/10/06 Schools/Court/Other: ...you need to stop bad mouthing Djj officers]
02/18/06 Schools/Court/Other:...Just because some of us speak out about DJJ being a vile organization, does not mean that children should not be held accountable for their actions. It means that when these kids are in custody, DJJ staff members do not have a right to beat them to a pulp or break bones,or kill them!!! Some of the practices that my son and I have witnessed in some of these places are inhumane... It is very clear that Bay County is covering up this death of Martin Anderson. There was testimony from another Expert Doctor that said he would not be surprised a bit if the Coroner that did the autopsy is being told to cover the report up... ~Dawn Chase Tel: 850-983-6777
This is in regards to the comment made on 02/17/06 Pinellas JDC Just
wondering where all the blasting of DJJ is now. Now that the precious "children"
viciously and purposely attacked a JDC worker to escape.
[Re: 02/17/06 Pinellas JDC:
Just wondering where all the blasting of DJJ is now.]
Just because some of us speak out about DJJ being a vile organization, does not mean that children should not be held accountable for their actions. It means that when these kids are in custody, DJJ staff members do not have a right to beat them to a pulp or break bones,or kill them!!! Some of the practices that my son and I have witnessed in some of these places are inhumane. Intense excercises that these kids have to do, in 90-100 degree weather during the summer months in sweat clothing would make ANYONE pass out or get heat stroke!!!!! These are HEALTH risks!! I'd like to see the Staff run around the way they make these kids do it. I'm not saying that some excersise should not be done.. I think they should have some form of Physical training.. but done in humane way. Not ovr exerting the body of these kids. Some of them may never have had to excersise that way in their lives. Ask any professional Physical Education teacher and they will tell you that what these places are doing can cause harm to the body. It's ABUSE plain and simple. It is very clear that Bay County is covering up this death of Martin Anderson. There was testimony from another Expert Doctor that said he would not be surprised a bit if the Coroner that did the autopsy is being told to cover the report up! Is it not evident that the boy was beaten??? You can see it with your own eyes.. what more proof do they need? WHY WERE ALL THOSE GUARDS there???? I counted 7-8 of them!!! The nurse there should have her liscense revoked and has given a bad name to the nursing profession!!!! The family of Martin Anderson needs to hold accountable this Nurse as well. She is bound by law to report abuse, or stop it!! The whole situation makes me so sick!!! I hope and pray that there is a federal investigation. I will be in touch with the local chapter President of the NAACP here in my area... Les King, and anyone else I can get a hold of involving this and all the other abuse that my son witnessed while DJJ had him. I'm for shutting these places down! Its never going to get any better. I think by shutting them down, the staff that works for DJJ won't have to worry about gripes or complaints about how bad their jobs are. The kids won't be getting abused by complete strangers.. and the parents can start to take control of their kids again without the law getting involved in normal childhood misbehaviors!!!!!!!
02/18/06 Boot camp/Other: In reference to the child in Bay county and the force that was used. Why is it as parents we have to use time out or redirection, but D.J.J and private programs can use force for a take down? If parents had the same option as these programs, we would not have a problem in our society! Could you help me find the answer to this question, because I can assure you if parents used the same force we would be answering to a judge on child abuse charges. ~peggy goldwingpdr@aol.com
02/18/06 Boot camp/I want to help: Do you know how I can write to Martin Lee Anderson's parents? I really want to write to them with my support. Thanks so much. Also I am a history and Law / government teacher at high school - I am sure my students would want to write to them as well. I might make it an extra credit optional assignment. ~Leigh Salvage lightpillars@juno.com Amherst, MA 413-549-4497
02/18/06 Hillsborough West JDC:...we all have heard about the escape in Pinellas. That's who Mr. Needs wants us to strive to be like?...Did you see those how those ladies were dressed?... The supervisor uses profanity, threats and phyical force like the candy he passes out... We need a stronger union. UNION! Bill O'Riley talk about that... Mr. Ragget u r Hilter and schembri just an actor looking for your next job.The commish. Oh it was cancelled. PEOPLE YALL BETTER VOTE. Maybe the next Governor will take our issues up. Peace out. ~Over worked &under paid(Just plain tired)
Well West by now we all have heard about the escape in Pinellas. That's who Mr. Needs wants us to strive to be like?Where is the professionalism? Did you see those how those ladies were dressed? Can u spell HOOOchies. And check out the lady hair. She wore that weave all week down here back and not one Supervisor thought to say your hair should be off your collar.She was even in Needs face with all the mangled mess draping over her uniform? He calls those people the best? The supervisor uses profanity, threats and phyical force like the candy he passes out. What's that about. I will beat your ass then pass u some candy! That rewarding the situation.Makes u understand why he wasn't supervisor where he came from. Stop laughing Mr. Uliaz. It's not funny. If they were the best I hate to see the rest. Sorry for the staff who were hurt but this is what can happen when u work short and sixteen hours almost everyday. Needs never works a dorm or try to help out. At least Portesy did that. Helped out. OH and check this out!! What about that statement, I talked to my kid and he said Dad, there is a lot of stuff that happens on the floor that don't get reported!! News flash , Like J. Needs stealing time? And if it happened why didn't his sorry self ass report it. He wrote and told everything to earn ass kissing points like that other ass kisser that wrote about who's sleeping with who. Girl, you must care. Who cares about your statement? West is going to the shit hole. Look what Needs call good. He spends his days looking for who he can fire next. He don't care about us working long hours. His first tought is let me fire them and Ragget will say I'm doiing my job.Look people keep staying those long hours the next kid you pick up at the jac center may be your own.Mr. Raggat u r an ass. U hire all those folks from the North that messes up thing. And Schembri u act like u r running for governor. U don't care about people. And to the folks who makes the laws in Tallahassee, all of u need to walk in our shoes. We r under paid and over worked. and yes there r people who don't need this job.But we also have people who really like their job. We r not working this together. I hate to hear white shirts say that. Come work a dorm.Don't go home to your kids or spouse, you come and work 50-70 hours a week.We are tired. We need a stronger union.UNION! Bill O'Riley talk about that. Miami talk about being over worked and underpaid. You all still talking about that old stuff. We have new stuff almost daily.Mr. Ragget u r Hilter and schembri just an actor looking for your next job.The commish. Oh it was cancelled. PEOPLE YALL BETTER VOTE. Maybe the next Governor will take our issues up. Peace out. ~Over worked &under paid(Just plain tired)
02/18/06 Boot Camp: Here is a post by the miami herald Jan 11,2006 Lets not
forget this article, and ask yourself why was the boys kidneys and liver gone? I
believe is was internal bleeding by being kneed in the abdomin, and punched in
the back or by that one Officer jumping on the boy, while he was down on the
ground. Please re-read this, and ask yourselves, why was the boys mouth busted?
It didn't get that way on its own. Plese read it again. Just because someon
carries the sickle cell trait, or gene for it, does not mean he has the full
blown disease. ~Anonymous
[NOTE: J4K may not post the full text of a copyrighted article.
Click here to read
excerpt of article and link to complete article.]
02/18/06 Miami-Dade JDC: The Alpha/Bravo shift should continue in Miami, but having four on/three off. I'd like to know when I'm going home will be the question if we go back to eight hour shifts. People will always call off no matter what, and even more if they have to stay after they had plans for something else after work. Three days off is not a bad thing at all. Let all your supervisors know. Think about it!!! ~Anonymous
02/18/06 Schools/Court/Other: Wear TV ...interviewd my son and I... http://www.weartv.org/ ... hopefully we did bring awareness out that there is a major problem in the system. There has been 5 ... FIVE boys to have died in custody.. not just three as the news said... NOBODY and I mean NOBODY deserves to die, and be killed by those intrusted with the care of these kids. Now there seems to be a big cover up again!! ... I am going to contact Les King from NAACP chapter here in my area as well... Its time for parents to start to reach out, stand up for what was done to your child, and those DJJ staff members, stand up for what is right!!!! ~Dawn Chase
Wear TV came out to my home today, and interviewd my son and I... I want to say that they left out lots of things that both of us had to say. However, hopefully we did bring awareness out that there is a major problem in the system. There has been 5 ... FIVE boys to have died in custody.. not just three as the news said. I, myself want to state that no matter what race a child is, NOBODY and I mean NOBODY deserves to die, and be killed by those intrusted with the care of these kids. Now there seems to be a big cover up again!! If you read this link, you will go straight to my interview. I'm not stopping here.. I am going to contact Les King from NAACP chapter here in my area as well. That boy did not die from sickle cell complications as this coroner said, and a local Doctor has disagreed with that finding. Its time for parents to start to reach out, stand up for what was done to your child, and those DJJ staff members, stand up for what is right!!!! ~Dawn Chase
02/18/06 DJJ:...2 suggestions. The use of portable pulse oximetry suring restraints detects low oxygen saturation and therefore would potentially detect kids who are being suffocated... Another safety device is' resident safety plans, which a child carries with him and it tells staff the signs that he/she is getting upset and what workds best to de-escalate the situation... ~kim jmasters MD
2 suggestions. The use of portable pulse oximetry suring restraints detects low oxygen saturation and therefore would potentially detect kids who are being suffocated. The oximeters are inexpensive [ 200-500 dollars] and battery operated and easy for anyone to learn and use in 10 minutes or so, and have many vendors.. I can email you some articles about it and our experience with it in 5 residential facilities..
Another safety device is' resident safety plans, which a child carries with him and it tells staff the signs that he/she is getting upset and what workds best to de-escalate the situation. I can also email you an article about it from the academy of child and adolescent psychiatry news.
Let me know if these articles would be helpful ~kim jmasters MD
02/17/06...I an a retired secondary Texas public school teacher... I read your web site...of the events that took place, leaving a young fourteen year old boy, Martin Lee Anderson, dead. I saw the photograph of his mother... I saw the photographs of Danny Matthews, Omar Paisley, and Shawn Smith who had one thing in common: they were in their teens ; and they died in the care of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. This all makes me so heartsick that I cannot even be outraged. I became sorrowful the first year I began to teach school. This feeling and all of my memories of these children that needed help so badly remains...I ended up calling them symbolically, "My Children of the Rain", and I wrote a song about them. Here are the lyrics... ~Jeri May Box 155 Donie, Texas 75838-0155 Phone: 254-359-4326
Justice for Kids webmaster: I an a retired secondary Texas public school teacher. I began teaching in 1963 and retired in 1996. The experiences I have had and the things I have witnessed concerning our youth cannot even be described or all of the many stories told. I wrote this song one day when I was remebering my students and their problems. I have not shared this until today. I read your web site . I read about Bay County Sheriff's Office Boot Camp Program and of the events that took place , leaving a young fourteen year old boy, Martin Lee Anderson, dead. I saw the photograph of his mother, Gina Jones, and read her comments. I saw the photographs of Danny Matthews, Omar Paisley, and Shawn Smith who had one thing in common: they were in their teens ; and they died in the care of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. This all makes me so heartsick that I cannot even be outraged. I became sorrowful the first year I began to teach school. This feeling and all of my memories of these children that needed help so badly remains with ,everyday. I saw their troubles, heard their stories, and tried to do something for so many of them . I ended up calling them symbolically, "My Children of the Rain", and I wrote a song about them. Here are the lyrics:
"Do not ask me to change.
Will you try to understand?
Do not wonder at my tears.
You can't travel my soul's land.
For I have to feel their pain,
That is where my love had led.
My life is frozen in the time,
Of my Children of the Rain.
My Children of the Rain!
My Children of the Rain,
Who have gone the powdered way,
Crucified by needles in their flesh and blood,
Raindrops mingled in the flood of culture's lure.
All the love that I could give,
Could not save or cure.
Beloved Children of the Rain!
Beloved Children of the Rain!
I cried and fell upon the ground.
I begged and pleaded to explain.
My message hit a solid wall,
And echoed back a hollow sound.
All my words and strength of will,
Fought the evil that could kill.
I cannot leave the Children of the Rain!
Sweet Children of the Rain!
Raindrops mingled in the flood ,
Of the poison in their blood.
I will go back to the time,
When each young breath did cease to be,
When each child's mind did twist and break,
I will stay when others flee.
It is impossible to forsake,
My children of the Rain.
Oh, my Children of the Rain,
Taken in their prime.
My soul is paralyzed in their time.
The circle is closing in,
On the pain, the knowledge of all their hell.
Within my spirit there is grief.
I do not find place of relief.
Do not judge them all as lost,
For I knew them all too well.
Do not preach cruel words at me,
Do not cast your cold stare,
For then I'll know you do not care.
My love will pay for all their cost.
My love will give them all release.
My heart will give them all safe place.
They will arise with God's peace,
They will revive within His grace.
My Children of the Rain!
Do not dare to speak their names,
Within rites of religious games.
Do not cast cynical eyes at me.
Your eyes are blind and cannot see.
Do not try to set me free,
For this is my destiny,
Too weep, to always keep,
Their crimson stain Forever sacred here,
Without your curse of sin.
I do not want your written rules,
Of your lock-up schools.
I want my Children of the Rain Alive and safe with me, again.
Do not take from me,
Their mark of social distain,
For I am strong.
I will not let them go,
I will keep them; so, I will scream out to the sky,
I cannot let them die.
Children of the Rain!
Children of the Rain!
My heartbreak will never mend.
I will always let them in.
I knew their smiles and dreams;
Things are not always as it seems;
I stood silent as you placed them in the ground.
I heard your words of horrific sound.
I will sing aloud this song,
Written with such strange refrain.
It speaks of all the wrong,
Judged of my Children of the Rain!
I held many of them in my arms,
Crying as the day that they were born,
I watched them at their joyful play, not expecting dark approaching storms.
I saw people turn away,
Amid the time of their alarms.
It is as if they never did exist,
The Children of the Rain,
Once caressed and kissed Upon the brow.
You say to me that was then,
But that today is now.
You will not look me in the face.
You do not pass by me on the street.
You cannot tell me That not one of you remember,
Each young life's dying ember.
How I stood up on my feet,
Speaking often of this warning,
Throughout decades of my fear,
The nightmares all too clear,
Of realities that were true,
Of our children calling,
As, one by one, you saw them falling.
You lived as cowards in a raging war.
You kept your distance quite afar,
You let the poison flow,
To change the children's brightest glow,
Into dark purple's tight death gripping,
Although you knew they were slipping,
Into the depth of our nation's quicksand.
Those who had the greatest powers,
During all years, days, and hours,
Withdrew their strongest helping hand.
The coffers are overflowing with wealth Great leaders are still reaping,
While the snow, wind, and the sleeting,
Kills the children given for our keeping.
Listen to me singing,
This same message I am still bringing,
This song of sorrowful refrain,
Of the Children of the Rain.
I know the count of children dying,
The many who will be killed,
Because of all who gave up trying.
I will only stop my sighing,
When my own voice has been stilled.
Children of the Rain!
Children of the Rain!
Harken to my desperate warning A cold, deadly cloud is forming.
People cannot see,
What is, has been, shall be.
Come, take shelter in the love,
Bestowed upon us from above.
Keep up your good work to help the children. Sincerely, ~Jeri May Box 155 Donie, Texas 75838-0155 Phone: 254-359-4326
02/17/06 Boot Camp/Frustrated and discouraged: Can you please explain to me what might be the possible actions taken against this corrupt district medical examiner, Charles F. Siebert Jr. Who has obviously attempted to cover up the beating death of Martin Lee Anderson, by saying that the sickle cell trait caused him to die. I have sickle cell trait and two daughter also have it too, but we don't bleed profusely as Siebert states... What a farce that bay county has continued to cover-up this malicious death... Hopefully with the U.S. Justice Department getting involved in it will get it solved, but there's a Bush factor their too... This is just another part of the CULTURE OF CORRUPTION happening in our leaders in America today and people are buying into it blindly...BUT AT WHAT COST? ~ Rob
Can you please explain to me what might be the possible actions taken against this corrupt district medical examiner, Charles F. Siebert Jr. Who has obviously attempted to cover up the beating death of Martin Lee Anderson, by saying that the sickle cell trait caused him to die.
I have sickle cell trait and two daughter also have it too, but we don't bleed profusely as Siebert states that a person with the trait will do. The kid wasn't anemic, he just caried the gene as I do.
I am 43 years old and have had two major surgeries where I didn't bleed profusely nor did I ever tell the doctor of the trait even though I have 8 inch scar from where a bone tumor was removed I bled very little, because I wasn't traumatized as Martin Lee Anderson was.
What a farce that bay county has continued to cover-up this malicious death of an undeserving youth.
Do you know why the FDLE wouldn't release the tape? It just happens that Sheriff Mckeithen and the head of the FDLE Guy Tunnel are close buddies. Guy Tunnel was the Sherriff of Bay County just a few years ago and he had a hand in putting Mckeithen in as sheriff when Jeb Bush selected him(Tunnel) to lead the FDLE.
All this is just another part of the cover up. Hopefully with the U.S. Justice Department getting involved in it will get it solved, but there's a Bush factor their too.
Well at least they are starting an investigation into this irregardless of the FDLE's and Bay Countys on going corrupt investigation.
This is just another part of the CULTURE OF CORRUPTION happening in our leaders in America today and people are buying into it blindly....BUT AT WHAT COST? ~Rob
02/17/06 Boot Camp: If the boot camp people had not beaten Martin Lee Anderson, he would still be alive. Why does the government not protect these children? A parent that does that goes to prison. www.nospank.net/main.htm#boot ~Ken Hargesheimer
02/17/06 Hillsborough East JDC: ... Melvin Foster we all know that it's you reponding by saying get over yourself, floor staff making you sick, that you are working side by side and there's a saying dig two graves one of them might be just for you or it's a matter of time before you hang yourself , those are your statement unless we have a copy cat...you don't like Adonis Miles and this is why you wanted so bad to change shift with Accountability Supervisor Cordell Nelson... now you are sucking up to Miles... I'm not angry with you, you have to do what you have to do sometime to get what are where you want to be, so Foster be real say what you mean and mean what you say, those same words hads come up again ask Elma Adame she know she had to get her's through Robert Raggatt on a GED. ~FLOOR STAFF
Reponding to the statement made on 01-02-06 signed get over yourself. Melvin Foster we all know that it's you reponding by saying get over yourself, floor staff making you sick, that you are working side by side and there's a saying dig two graves one of them might be just for you or it's a matter of time before you hang yourself , those are your statement unless we have a copy cat. You and I know that you don't like Adonis Miles and this is why you wanted so bad to change shift with Accountability Supervisor Cordell Nelson in working midnight to only see Miles come in and see him when you leave out before you knew that you were getting Fred Pulpus position, now you are sucking up to Miles because this is what you wanted. I'm not angry with you, you have to do what you have to do sometime to get what are where you want to be, so Foster be real say what you mean and mean what you say, those same words hads come up again ask Elma Adame she know she had to get her's through Robert Raggatt on a GED. ~FLOOR STAFF
02/17/06 Pinellas JDC: Just wondering where all the blasting of DJJ is now. Now that the precious "children" viciously and purposely attacked a JDC worker to escape. These two "children" both have serious and violent charges in their history. Instead we spend pages upon pages of why to shut down Boot Camps. Right now there is a dangerous juvenile running the streets... Maybe their the exception to your rule, and maybe the officers at Bay County are the exception to the rule. Lets deal with the persons responsible not label every Boot Camp program as something to be shut down. Just amazed how no one can ever hold these young children responsible for their wrongdoings, guess its just easier to blame DJJ and call it a day. ~Anonymous
Just wondering where all the blasting of DJJ is now. Now that the precious "children" viciously and purposely attacked a JDC worker to escape. These two "children" both have serious and violent charges in their history. Instead we spend pages upon pages of why to shut down Boot Camps. Right now there is a dangerous juvenile running the streets - and has demonstrated he has no care in the world for who he hurts. Maybe their the exception to your rule, and maybe the officers at Bay County are the exception to the rule. Lets deal with the persons responsible not label every Boot Camp program as something to be shut down. Just amazed how no one can ever hold these young children responsible for their wrongdoings, guess its just easier to blame DJJ and call it a day. ~Anonymous
02/17/06 Orange JDC: I believe it was on Feb. 12th, 2006, a youth that was placed in confinement attempted to escape from the East Annex Building... Ofc. Rembert had called a code blue in which was actually a code green. Mr. Williams was contacted and ordered Mr. Holmes and Mr. Guilford to sweep it under the rug. Mr. Williams did not call the proper authorities and the youth was not