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Printable Copy of the Newsletter Issue 19 September 30, 2002 DJJDP NEWS EXPRESS General Assembly Passes Budget Bill After months of debate, the General Assembly passed the State Budget. The following outlines DJJDP's budget changes for this fiscal year. For a detailed view of the NC State Budget, view the Joint Conference Committee on the Continuation, Expansion, and Capital Budgets on the General Assembly's Web Site. Total Budget Approved 2001 Session Central Administration Reduce Non-Salary Line Items Reduce Central Administration Budget Eliminate Vacant Special Assistant Position Intervention/Prevention Juvenile Court Counselors Project Challenge Close Multipurpose Group Homes JCPC Grants Teen Court Governor's One-on-one Communities in Schools Eliminate Vacant Program Coordinator Youth Facilities Funding to Repair Buncombe Detention Center FY 02-03 $142,554,017 ($200,000) NR ($916,320) R ($83,684) R ($407,000) R ($30,000) NR ($1,500,000) R ($689,665) R ($488,660) R ($117,811) NR ($102,500) R ($50,132) R $135,850 NR Convert Samarkand Manor YDC ($6,860,236) R to Female Facility Consolidate Detention Center Reduce Medical Budget ($1,082,608) R ($100,000) R http://www.ncdjjdp.org/newsletter/archives/2002/printable_sept02.html (1 of 10)1/16/2007 2:12:52 PM Printable Copy of the Newsletter Increase Detention Center Receipts Increase Receipts for Food Service Eliminate Vacant Detention Center Positions Budget Changes Total Position Changes Revised Total Budget ($600,000) R ($350,000) R ($126,618) R ($13,357,423) R ($211,961) NR $128,984,633 DJJDP Commemorates September 11th Secretary George Sweat joined Governor Mike Easley, First Lady Mary Easley, State Cabinet secretaries and Government officials for a special 9/11 ceremony on the grounds of the State capitol. The hour-long ceremony was a true tribute to America. Youth Development Centers Remember While employees gathered in Raleigh, students and staff at our Youth Development Centers also came together in remembrance on September 11th. DJJDP's Youth Development Center's joined in with moments of silence and the ringing of bells to commemorate and reflect on the events of last September. Samarkand held a remembrance ceremony that involved students and staff. Students participated in scripture readings and reflections, and released balloons memorializing those who lost their lives on September 11th. Those conducting the program at Samarkand provided words of hope and wisdom on facing adversity. Swannanoa, Dobbs, and Dillon each had a separate ceremony that involved the schools' chaplains and students who shared their feelings and thoughts through poetry, essays, and song. Stonewall Jackson joined in with local churches and county schools for a moment of silence and reflection. DJJDP Employee John Kearney Reflects on Volunteering in New York "I felt like I needed to do something. I felt so helpless," DJJDP John Kearney reflected on 9/11 volunteer efforts. "It was an unbelievable sight and feeling. It will always be with me." Kearney described how overwhelming it was, upon arrival to Ground Zero, to see 13 stories of debris covering 16 acres of the city. Kearney, a retired New York Police Officer and intake counselor in Wilmington for the last 11 years, was quick to volunteer after the September 11th terrorist attacks last year. Along with seven other members of 10-13 (a club chapter of retired NYPD employees), Kearney drove overnight on September 13th to help fellow officers. http://www.ncdjjdp.org/newsletter/archives/2002/printable_sept02.html (2 of 10)1/16/2007 2:12:52 PM Printable Copy of the Newsletter Kearney helped maintain temporary police headquarters and unloaded supplies being sent into the area. He and other volunteers provided manpower so New York officers could focus on recovery efforts. Governor Mike Easley's Remarks September 11th Ceremony at the State Capitol- 9/11/02 Today we not only recall the events of a year ago but we reflect on what has transpired in the year since. Much of today's reflection must be an appreciation for the selfless, tireless, and valiant response of so many to a tragedy so great. On behalf of all North Carolinians, I offer my deepest gratitude to everyone here and across the state who came to the aid of their fellow Americans. I express gratitude to all those in the military, the National Guard, local and state law enforcement, and public servants who have worked to safeguard our state and nation. On this date -- exactly a year ago today -- terrorism came to our nation, on our soil, literally from out of the blue, from out of thin air. Seeing such acts firsthand made us all more fully realize the danger our military, firefighters, police, and rescue workers willingly confront every day to protect our freedom and safety. We turned to them and, as always, they answered the call. But while they perform their missions abroad, it must be our mission at home to be worthy of their service and their sacrifice. If our soldiers and reserves are called to pay the greatest price, it must be for the greatest of nations--a nation of great principle, great conscience, and great compassion. It is indeed the patriotic duty of each citizen to be worthy of what we have wrought -- to be a moral and just people and to improve the heritage and tradition of this nation for generations to follow, as our forefathers have done before us. Words cannot convey the magnitude of the past year's events and sacrifice. But where words fail, deeds can succeed. To be worthy of all the sacrifice made and generosity displayed, each citizen must accept http://www.ncdjjdp.org/newsletter/archives/2002/printable_sept02.html (3 of 10)1/16/2007 2:12:52 PM Printable Copy of the Newsletter the responsibility to be better. We must strive to be a better nation, a better people. For patriotism is embodied in firm principle. In each citizen being fair and honest with each other. In the tolerance we demonstrate for each other, the commitment we make to each other, and the compassion that we show for each other. So we ask every official to serve more. Every teacher to teach more. Every student to learn more. Every parent to love more. Every citizen to care more. Let us remember a year ago today not only with a sense of sadness and loss but also with a spirit of celebration for countless individual acts of courage, charity, and tolerance. And let us recall, with the deepest appreciation, the perseverance, conscience, and caring that the people of this great state and nation have displayed. And let us resolve to be an even greater nation and a greater people; to draw strength and courage from this day. And let us use that strength and courage to surpass even the great heritage of those who came before us, and inspire and encourage those generations yet unborn. The New Three "R's": DJJDP-CPSV Unveils Its Conflict Management Project The three "R's" … you remember them from back when you were in school, right? "Reading. Writing And arithmetic" Well, a new three "R's" are going to be in schools very soon courtesy of DJJDPCPSV, and the new three "R's" are: "reach in; reach out; reach over." The new three "R's" represent the structure of DJJDP-CPSV's new conflict management curriculum project. DJJDP-CPSV unveiled the new curriculum to a national audience in Washington, DC, in September. The two-year project, funded by the national Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, addresses DJJDP's vision point of early prevention, in this case, stopping conflicts before they start. Designed in collaboration with the University of North Carolina's schools of education, the curriculum is intended for use in the training of future K-12 teachers and administrators. However, recognizing that conflict management skills are necessary tools for all youth-serving professionals, DJJDP-CPSV developed the materials with broader audiences in mind. Secretary George Sweat and Deputy Secretary Dwayne Patterson attended the DJJDP-CPSV's session and were impressed by the materials as well as the reaction to the project by people from other states. "DJJDP-CPSV's project has implications beyond North Carolina," said Secretary Sweat. "In addition to having an impact on classrooms across our state, it holds promise in any setting in which adults and youth interact. The range of attendees in the session, from university professors to folks from community programs, shows how necessary conflict management skills are. Our Department will take advantage of the project in the many venues in which we work with youth." Attendees from Florida, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, and Washington, http://www.ncdjjdp.org/newsletter/archives/2002/printable_sept02.html (4 of 10)1/16/2007 2:12:52 PM Printable Copy of the Newsletter DC, agree with Secretary Sweat's assessment. One attendee noted the that "it was very important to hear about the [project] process that was used in North Carolina. The entire discussion of the institutionalization strategy was very valuable." Another relayed: "Coming from a community crime prevention perspective, I gained an appreciation for the tools educators must acquire to create an atmosphere where students may learn. I also see how problems that occur in the neighborhood can spill over to the schoolyard. I now have a 'best practice' to offer community sites who require assistance in school-based conflict resolution programming." Results from the project and Washington, DC, conference were shared with Governor Mike Easley's office and have generated interest in how the project's materials can be used in various ways in the many education initiatives on which the Governor is working. Pursuit of use in the in-service training teachers was suggested as a good next step. A thanks to Dr. Jane Young and the faculties of the youth development center schools for their involvement in the early stages of the three "R's" development. DJJDP-Center staff were able to work with the YDC school staffs at the project's outset, and this work helped broaden the project's scope and implementability. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the project should contact DJJDP-CPSV's Danya Perry at danya.perry@ncmail.net or 919-733-3388 x 336. Comprehensive I/P Policy Training for Court Counselors is Underway Court counselors from the 10th district gathered at the Dept. of Correction's training center in Apex to complete Intervention/ Prevention Division core training. A committee worked over a year and a half to present court counselors and Youth Development Center clinical staff with 22 formal policies and procedures. The purpose of the statute-based policy and procedures: - To provide a framework for the work of court services staff, a standard operating procedure; - To provide consistency and uniformity in operation; - To provide a common language; and - To provide support for expectations regarding the work of court services staff in terms of liability (Provides protection for staff who follow the policies and procedures). These policies will provide a template from which court counselors will operate. "This document standardizes procedures across the State. The I/P Policy Committee worked long and hard to compile best practices for this policy manual. Various committees met to make suggestions and to discuss the issues. There was a smaller group that synthesized the suggestions and wrote the document," said Court Services Manager Kathy Dudley. Wayne Dixon, Committee Chair and Piedmont Area Administrator, is pleased with the result. "I hope that this is a useful tool for court services. The policies are comprehensive, providing consistent operating procedures. More than sixty court services personnel made up a group of the hardest working and most energetic and enthusiastic committees I've ever seen." http://www.ncdjjdp.org/newsletter/archives/2002/printable_sept02.html (5 of 10)1/16/2007 2:12:52 PM Printable Copy of the Newsletter This was the first in a series of court counselor training sessions scheduled. Wake County, the 10th District, attended in preparation for November's NC-JOIN rollout (http://www.juvjus.state.nc.us/nc_join/ welcome.htm). Court Counselors covered a 147-page compilation of policies and procedures and 42 standardized forms in two days, with the help of Dudley. The Governor's Crime Commission funded this project through the JCPC Technical and Training Assistance Grant. DJJDP has named a new policy manager. Kimberly Bowman assumed the position this month. DJJDP SCHOOLS MAKE the GRADE Schools Included in ABCs Report for First Time The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention announced that its five Youth Development Center Schools were included in the results of the ABCs of Public Education 2001-2002 report. The schools were included as achieving expected growth. "Students at Youth Development Centers often have a lack of confidence in learning and test taking. For each of the schools to meet their goals and participate fully in the ABCs program is a remarkable achievement," said Jane D. Young, Superintendent of DJJDP Schools. "Our students are earning credits toward high school graduation, improving their behavior, and gaining confidence in their ability to learn. We are pleased that the ABC results reflect these accomplishments." During the 2001-02 school year each of the five Youth Development Center Schools participated fully in the North Carolina ABCs of Public Education accountability program for the first time since he program began. The schools, designated as alternative schools by the Department of Public Instruction, set local goals and participated in the state student-testing program. This program includes tests at the end of grades for elementary and middle school students as well as tests at the end of high school courses such as Biology and Algebra. "Behavior problems in school were reduced by over 80% at one school, and parental involvement more than doubled at another school in 2001-02. The ABCs enabled us to focus on specific goals at each school. I am delighted that our faculty and staff can be recognized for their hard work and efforts," Young commented. Overall, for all North Carolina schools, 35.5 percent of all schools met the standard for High Growth, and 39.3 percent met Expected Growth standards. Approximately one-fourth of public schools did not meet Expected Growth. Each DJJDP School will receive a certificate of recognition and incentive awards for certified education staff and teacher assistants. DJJDP operates schools in Buncombe, Cabarrus, Lenoir, http://www.ncdjjdp.org/newsletter/archives/2002/printable_sept02.html (6 of 10)1/16/2007 2:12:52 PM Printable Copy of the Newsletter Moore, and Granville counties. To learn more about DJJDP's education system, visit http://www. ncdjjdp.org/ The North Carolina ABCs of Public Education accountability program report was released on September 12, 2002. To read report, visit http://www.ncpublicschools.org/abcs/. DJJDP Detention Services Director Earns National Honor The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention is proud to announce that Michael R. Bryant the Director of Juvenile Detention Services has been honored as the Bob Rader "Detention Services Worker" of the year. He is one of 29 that received this national recognition. "I was surprised and happy to be recognized and honored to receive the Bob Rader "Detention Services Worker" of the year award," stated Bryant. Bryant is responsible for the general operation and administration of 10 state-operated regional juvenile detention facilities as well as, maintains relationships with 4 county operated juvenile detention facilities in North Carolina. Bryant has been involved with juvenile detention since 1978 working as a shift supervisor in Fayetteville, Director of Wake Juvenile Detention Center and from 1995 to present as the Director of Juvenile Detention Services. Bryant has a degree in Political Science from Fayetteville State and a Masters in Public Administration from North Carolina Central University. "We are very proud of Michael's honor. He is a hard worker and has dedicated much time and diligence in maintaining goals and expectations for Detention Services in North Carolina," said Secretary George L. Sweat; "He is a true asset to our department." Debby Burchfield director of the Buncombe Regional Juvenile Detention Center nominated Bryant for the national recognition, "Michael Bryant is accessible to the 10 state detention center directors on a 24-7 basis by phone or pager. He quickly responds to calls at all times of the day and night-giving guidance and direction when needed." "I appreciate all those that work with me to entrust the care of our state's juveniles. We are stewards to the children that come to us and to ensure that they leave with positive attitudes, by being consistent with the children and the staff," remarked Bryant. The award is presented each year by the National Juvenile Detention Association to recognize staff members in the juvenile detention workforce for their achievements. DJJDP Announces First Detention Center Teacher of the Year The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention announced this month that Mark Mixon, a teacher at Perquimans Juvenile Detention Center, is the 2002 Detention Center Teacher of the Year. He is the first to receive this honor that has recently been implemented to recognize those http://www.ncdjjdp.org/newsletter/archives/2002/printable_sept02.html (7 of 10)1/16/2007 2:12:52 PM Printable Copy of the Newsletter teachers who excel in the detention center setting. "Teachers in Detention centers face the unique challenge of a classroom of students of widely varying ages and abilities," remarked DJJDP Superintendent Jane D. Young. "Students may be in the class for only a few days and may be anxious about their situation. Mr. Mixon exemplifies the characteristics needed to help students focus and make progress in school while they are in detention. He is dedicated to ensuring that students' individual differences are recognized. His Leadership and skill are truly worthy of recognition." Mixon uses many resources when teaching the students. While incorporating text he implements lessons through videos, newspapers, educational games, and other innovative learning tools. Mixon who has been with DJJDP for 3 years has also served in the military for 18 years as a military instructor and received his degree from Virginia State. He credits his success to preparation and organization, as well as, teamwork. Mixon also believes that the support he receives from other staff members is key to maintaining discipline and attaining the educational goals he sets. This and That: News Bytes SOS Gets Ready to Leave the Lights on Afterschool! Statewide after school initiatives are getting ready for "Lights on Afterschool!", a nationwide event that spotlights after school programs and the important roles they play in children's lives. "Lights on Afterschool!" will be held October 10th. The event, which has nearly doubled since its beginning in 2000, spotlights the advantages of having accessible after school care for children whose parents work late or need an outlet to keep them off the streets when classes end for the day. Support our Students programs will participate in the national day. For more information about the "Lights on Afterschool" project and event near you visit www. afterschoolalliance.org. Samakand Students Dedicate Campus Flagpole in Memory of "Daddy Frye" This month, students at Samarkand Manor Youth Development Center honored the memory of Larry Duval Frye creating a permanent memorial on campus for the well-loved employee students referred to as "Daddy Frye". Mr. Frye passed away on April 28, 2001. Students voiced during the ceremony, "In appreciation for the life, love, and service of Larry Frye. We dedicate this memorial because of the affection he gave to students and staff at Samarkand. We dedicate this memorial so that the memory of Larry Frye will remain with us. We dedicate this memorial pledging to ourselves to serving others in our lives and work." Mr. Frye was employed at Samarkand for 29 years. Lights, Camera, Action: Kids Say NO to SMOKING http://www.ncdjjdp.org/newsletter/archives/2002/printable_sept02.html (8 of 10)1/16/2007 2:12:52 PM Printable Copy of the Newsletter The Kinston/Lenoir County Governor's One on One promoted a non smoking campaign that was recently broadcast on major networks like HGTV, BET, Fox, and local news channels. The youth helped organize the content of the commercial, and appeared in the video. Director Michelle Hardy Griffin tells News Express that the youth felt good about providing a service to the community, especially one that helps tackle a growing problem like teen smoking. Students Receive GED After months of study and hard work, several DJJDP students earned their GED in August. Dillon YDC had 5 graduates, Stonewall YDC had 8 graduates, and both Dobbs and Samarkand had one graduate. Congratulations to these students and their families. Western Office Shows Appreciation to Employees The Western area Intervention/Prevention division celebrated hard work and accomplishments this month. Sixty-five staff members enjoyed staff appreciation day held at a local Boy Scout Camp in McDowell County. Staff enjoyed a cook out, canoeing, fishing, and a game of volleyball. Thanks for all you do in the Western part of the State! Dobbs Staff go the Extra Mile for Students We would like to thank Dobbs YDC staff members who are going the extra mile, using their own time and resources to create enriching experiences for our youth. Their love for children and commitment to their students' success is exemplary. They are finding ways to motivate youth, who are not accustomed to enjoying education. For the month of September our thanks go to: Sergeant Hargett of our JROTC program organized and led a trip for 25 students on September 21, who traveled to Morehead City to ride the Lookout Express, a speed tour boat exploring the NC Crystal Coast. "It was a very successful day, conduct and behavior was wonderful; and, we were welcomed for a return visit," stated Hargett. Ms. V.T. Parker, Biology teacher, created an incentive program for her students. Attendance and test scores earn them points toward 'Star' status. Stars attend her special Pizza Party Celebration. Last year she purchased $1,000 worth of Pizza, while encouraging her students to reach for the stars. Checkmate! Chess anyone? Dillon students are up for the challenge. Forty-three Dillon students participated in a chess tournament. Teachers Bruce Hudson and Victoria Mask organized the event with help from the Raleigh Chess Club. Between each of the five rounds, a former NC Juniors State Chess Champion entertained students by playing chess against 15-20 students simultaneously. The event was a great opportunity for students to have fun and improve their problem-solving skills. Thanks, Raleigh Chess Club for volunteering time with our students! Spreading Hope throughout NC through SECC "Each year, State employees restore Hope in people's lives, thanks to generous contributions made through the State Employees Combined Campaign (SECC). Hope is the theme of this year's http://www.ncdjjdp.org/newsletter/archives/2002/printable_sept02.html (9 of 10)1/16/2007 2:12:52 PM Printable Copy of the Newsletter campaign, and it could not set a more appropriate tone after the difficult year we have experienced in both State and Local Governments," remarked Secretary Sweat as his second year as SECC Chairman commences. This month in Raleigh, the Downtown Wake Campaign kicked off with help from Miss North Carolina, Misty Dawn Clymer. The Halifax Mall charity fair offered numerous activities and allowed employees to decide which charity they might like to sponsor, if they wish to give during this year's campaign. This year's slogan, "Salute to State Employees" shows appreciation for continued support from the past 16 campaigns. Last year, the campaign received $4,452,448.46 in donations. DJJDP increased donations by 79% in 2001. Alice Austin and Ed Pope are DJJDP's coordinators for the Downtown Wake campaign. "We have had a really good kickoff so far and are working with a really good group of people," said Austin . "Everyone has an opportunity to give and to provide hope to people in need." SECC is the only charitable contribution program allowed in the state employee workplace. Charities undergo a three-month application process for inclusion in the SECC charity listing. SECC employees audit each charity to ensure that contributions to the campaign have less than a 15% overhead (administrative costs), meaning that at least 85% of all contributions go directly to the need. SECC is a nonpartisan organization that is tax-exempt for the IRS and for NC tax purposes. To learn more about SECC visit www.ncsecc.org. http://www.ncdjjdp.org/newsletter/archives/2002/printable_sept02.html (10 of 10)1/16/2007 2:12:52 PM