Shoestring Quaility Management

Cutting of the proposed TYC budget will affect the quality of the staff hired, and the performance of the services rendered to youth.  Competitive pay is a must for these specialized staff.  If the State wants the agency to perform to the highest standard, it must be willing to pay for it.  Competitive pay ensures that employees feel appreciated and in turn perform better.

Without the previous increase in budget stemming from the mandated reforms, TYC would have not been able to establish an Ombudsman office, and would not have been able to identify and rectify problems with underperforming detention centers.  The closing of The Coke County Juvenile Justice Center in October of 2007 demonstrated the necessity for well educated and well paid employees.  The facility was shut down immediately after an unannounced audit and youth were immediately sent to other facilities without a moment of hesitation concerning the agency’s finances.  The youth came first.  These types of administrative employees are in that number that lawmakers seek to reduce. 

youth bunks without clean sheets

Dirty shower with backed up plumbing in the drain

A filthy toilet and sink

A light fixture with smeared feces and dead bugs

 

 

 

I was once a resident of Coke County Juvenile Justice Center when it was an all girls facility.  I hope that lawmakers will have the same courage to put the welfare and rehabilitation of all the young people in the care of the Texas Youth Commission first.