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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.
Click an excerpt below to read the complete message.
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06/21/05 DJJ: Retaliation will not be tolerated ~ Perry S. Turner |
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06/13/05 DJJ: Ms. Corry, Good Idea, we will compile and get back with you...~ Perry S. Turner |
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06/30/05 DJJ: to all the DJJ workers that complain of long hours and not enough pay - So...if the hours were better, and the pay was better, you would treat our kids better??? To the one DJJ worker that states they did not kill someone's child, I say you did, you and all the other DJJ workers that didn't report the wrong doing. ALL of you that turn a blind eye to it, are guilty as the perpetrator!!!! ~Dawn Chase
I wanted to make a comment to all the DJJ workers out there that complain of long hours and not enough pay.. Just because you don't make 100,000. or more a year does not give you the right to mistreat or abuse ANYONE!!! You don't like the pay??? Go and take yourself back to school and get an education in a field that will pay you much more. So, most of you are telling us, that if the hours were better, and the pay was better, you would treat our kids better??? Sounds like a bunch of BS to me, and to many other parents. To the one DJJ worker that states they did not kill someone's child, I say you did, you and all the other DJJ workers that didn't report the wrong doing, and the abuse going on for fear of loosing your job, and being a whistle blower!! You that think about yourselves instead of the children entrusted in your care. ALL of you that turn a blind eye to it, are guilty as the perpetrator!!!! ~Dawn Chase
06/30/05 DJJ: In response to 06/30/05 DJJ: I am holding Secretary Shembri and all the top dogs under him responsible for allowing all this abuse and mistreatment; I have contacted 20/20 about this website, and have directed their Producer to take notice of Florida's DJJ system; Secretary Shembri is no better then William Bankhead, you turn a blind eye to the cover ups. why wasn't Rodney Baynard prosecuted for breaking MY son's arm??? ~Dawn Chase
In response to 06/30/05 DJJ: Response to parent who wants people who have witnessed abuse to contact her:...system should be held accountable. {Schembri] continues to ignore the fact that the Private Providers...are interested only in money; this Administration is also in a crash and burn mode ~Anonymous
I am holding Secretary Shembri and all the top dogs under him responsible for allowing all this abuse and mistreatment of government funds that private contractors do. I have contacted 20/20 about this website, and have directed their Producer to take notice of Florida's DJJ system, Hopefully they will look into it, and contact us as parents and honest DJJ workers. DJJ has got to be the most crooked department in Florida. Secretary Shembri is no better then William Bankhead, you turn a blind eye to the cover ups. Instead of prosecuting those DJJ workers like they ALL need to be, they fire them, and let them get away with it. Yes, some are prosecuted, but why wasn't Rodney Baynard prosecuted for breaking MY son's arm??? Its all there in the IG's report on the home page of this site. case #2003-02952... yes, that was the report I called in [see page 58 at http://www.djj.state.fl.us/DJJServices/inspectorgeneral/OIG%20Annual%20Re port%202004.pdf], one of many of abuse at Greenville Hills Academy!! Proof is there that THEY screwed up hiring this Jerk!! So what next??? The man looses his job, but not prosecuted for the assult on my son?? Where the heck is the justice in this? ~Dawn Chase
06/30/05 DJJ: To the "person" who wants us as parents to "GET A CLUE?" You are one loud mouth out of a bunch of chicken anonymous posters that the words you spew mean nothing to us. For your information, the "system" put MY son on all kinds of meds that HE DID NOT NEED!! WHAT A CROCK THIS SYSTEM IS!!! I HATE WHAT YOU ALL HAVE DONE TO MY SON, AND TO THE CHILDREN OF THIS STATE!! I AM VERY VERY ANGRY WITH WHAT YOU ALL HAVE GOTTEN AWAY WITH!!! ~Dawn Chase
To the "person" who wants us as parents to "GET A CLUE?" You are one loud mouth out of a bunch of chicken anonymous posters that the words you spew mean nothing to us. For your information, the "system" put MY son on all kinds of meds that HE DID NOT NEED!! These meds caused irrational behavior with him, so they land him in DJJ!!! What a crock if you think I am not a good parent!! How dare you make insinuations towards us as parents with children in this system!! YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!!!!! I had a very close family, my children mean the world to me, and I love them despite their faults. I can tell you this, if you or anyone ever laid a hand on me the wrong way, I would not be one to allow you to do it, and so as my son has been, he has already had one of you DJJ workers break his arm, do you think he is going to let someone else break it again??? Would you allow someone to beat you up??? I don't think so. My son is innocent in this last episode, he did NOT hit any DJJ staff member, they said he did, they have NO proof, tape was missing or erased!! THEY WANTED HIM OUT OF THERE BECAUSE I REPORTED ABUSE IN THE PROGRAM!!! Yet he is the one that is now going to adult jail for it, he just turned 17!!! He will be appealing this situation as he was scared into taking this plea bargain. WHAT A CROCK THIS SYSTEM IS!!! I HATE WHAT YOU ALL HAVE DONE TO MY SON, AND TO THE CHILDREN OF THIS STATE!! I AM VERY VERY ANGRY WITH WHAT YOU ALL HAVE GOTTEN AWAY WITH!!! ~Dawn Chase
06/30/05 Escambia JDC: At ERDC there are major issues at the facility - unfair treatment with the staff,nepotism,and promotions. The superintendent at the facility are not fair to certain staffs,and if you file a greviance against certain supervisors,administration retaliates against you for being within your rights, These and a lot of other issues needs immediate attention by Mr. Schembri. ~Anonymous
At ERDC there are major issues at the facility. First lets start with unfair treatment with the staff, nepotism, and promotions. The Superintendent at the facility are not fair to certain staffs, and if you file a greviance against certain supervisors, Administration retaliates against you for being within your rights. These and a lot of other issues needs immediate attention by Mr. Schembri. There are staffs that has been at the facility for less than 12 months of employment and has been promoted already, Other staff been ther for 5 plus years and has not been promoted. The position of the assistant superintendent was not posted when It was vacant, Instead the superintendent of the facility pointed a Supervisor for the position, not allowing other qualified and the other Asst. At the center to apply for the job and that is not fair at all. There are relatives working on the same shift with the supervisor and he gets treated different from the other staff and all other staffs are very aware of this. When situations arrives between the workers and certain supervisors, Nothing is done about this when you approach the assistant supertindent she does not know how to address issues like this. There are husband and wife working in the same office at the facility(nepotism).there are different rules and guidelines for certain staffs, Depending on who you are(for example the dress codes)pink under shirts the uniforms and hoop earrings is ok for some to wear and not for others. Tremendous amounts of call ins and nothing said by the supervisors or Assist. Superintendent if the like them, Thats not fair to others and needs to be addressed by Mr. Schembri. So please come and address these Issues at the center. Very very important. There are also staffs been at the facility for years and wante to come to day shifts and they are not allowed to do so. ~Anonymous
06/30/05 DJJ: Reply to 6/29/05 by Dawn. First off let me say "Yes we do care about our jobs." We don't put our names because we would be fired or made to quit. But let me say this, it is wrong if he [your child] didn't hit a staff and was charged with it. But direct your frustration and anger at Schembri and the people that have the power to correct that. ~Anonymous
Reply to the message left on 6/29/05 by Dawn. First off let me say "Yes we do care about our jobs." We don't put our names because we would be fired or made to quit. If that happens are you going to pay my bills or let me live with you. I DON'T THINK SO, so don't judge me and tell me I don't have guts. I have a family to provide for and need a job. Most Officers like what they do and don't abuse kids, so don't group everyone togther. Secondly, many of these kids will call the abuse hotline just because they didn't get their way. If you cry wolf too many times the people that come out to investigate tend not to believe a youth that is known for calling all the time. You can say what you want, but this job can be very tough at times. Many people think we watch your average kid in the neighborhood. Trust me we Don't. Most of these "kids" are in for serious charge(Agg Assults to 1st Degree Murder.) They also have a problem with authority. I have seen these "kids" fight staff, they will punch, kick, and spit on you. And when you are dealing with some of the older boys, they are stronger than most of the staff. So if a person starts hitting you are you going to let them. This is not to say that they should be abused, but sometimes it takes a few officers to gain control of a youth and there are always chances someone will get hurt. If they try and fight staff we have a right to protect ourselves so we can go home to our families in one piece. But, NO KID SHOULD EVER BE ABUSED. Your child put himself in jail, no one else did that for him. So stop blaming everyone else for his actions. But let me say this, it is wrong if he didn't hit a staff and was charged with it. But direct your frustration and anger at Schembri and the people that have the power to correct that. ~Anonymous
06/30/05 DJJ/Manatee JDC/Central: Robert Raggett-Your region is a accident waiting to happen and when it does you will be on the stand in front of a jury to explain why. Mr. Turner-you need to look into this man, because he only cares for himself. He will never be a part of the TEAM you are trying to make this department. ~Anonymous
I don't know if anyone else has put two and two together yet, but if you look at all the complaints on this web site, you come to see that 95% of them come from the central region JDC. And who does that fall under? No other than Robert Raggett. He is the type of guy that only looks out for himself and friends. I know that Frank Gargett is a friend of his and he(F.Gargett) got away with abuseing a youth in his custody. When it was reported by a Supervisor and SJDO they both were retailiated against by Garrgett and Raggett. Something that they say will NOT be tolerated. And eventually that supervisor was fired because of this, and the SJDO was reassigned to a different shift that administration knew that he couldn't work due to family issues. If you don't call that retaliation than I don't know what is. These men did their jobs and were punished for it. Why did they allow this to happen? Because in the department, there is "A good ol boy system" they look out for each other and if your not in it than watch out. Raggett I know you are aware of this web site and read it. Well here is a message for you. In time the tides will change on you. Your region is a accident waiting to happen and when it does you will be on the stand in front of a jury to explain why. Mr. Turner you need to look into this man, because he only cares for himself. He will never be a part of the TEAM you are trying to make this department. Ms. Corry keep up the good work and help us get this guy out of his postion before another tragedy happens. ~Anonymous
06/30/05 DJJ: Mr. Turner, I recently read Mr. Schembri's article about all the cases he has referred to law enforcement...In Detention, we should not be blamed for the Residential Programs shortcomings.The last thing we need is to be lumped together with programs that are privately administered and are money making machines. ~Anonymous
Mr. Turner, I recently read Mr. Schembri's article in the newspapers about all the cases he has referred to law enforcement for investigation and it brought one question to mind. Could someone please address how many of these cases were within the Detention Centers vs Residential. Mr. Schembri is quick to point out the changes he is making and some have been positive but PLEASE pass on to him that he is part of the morale problem when he fails to recognize the difference between the two areas. In Detention we have made some mistakes and a few of them have been tragic. We have in the past and continue to take our lumps for them, but we should not be blamed for the Residential Programs shortcomings. We have morale problems and of course the staffing problems we are having only helps to intensify the problems. We do need help in many areas but our department overall is still an infant so these problems are expected to some degree. The last thing we need is to be lumped together with programs that are privately administered and are money making machines. Please pass on to Mr. Schembri this is a real injustice to the Detention Staff who are working everyday to try to provide a safe and secure environment for a tough to handle group of kids. We need to hear a few positive things not always the bad that someone else is doing the majority of. ~Anonymous
06/30/05 DJJ: Response to parent who wants people who have witnessed abuse to contact her:...system should be held accountable. {Schembri] continues to ignore the fact that the Private Providers...are interested only in money; this Administration is also in a crash and burn mode ~Anonymous
In reference to the parent who wants people who have witnessed abuse to contact her: There is no doubt that mistakes and sometimes actual abuse does occur within DJJ and for this the system should be held accountable. Some of the most note worthy situations as are often mentioned on this site took place in Detention Centers. Some of these situations such as Paisley was blatantly wrong. Some of the others were avoidable but certainly not forseen ahead of time, but from these incidents there has been improvements in oversight. Currently our Secretary seems to only be interested in selling himself to the media so I don't think anything else will be accomplished unless he can look good in the process. He continues to ignore the fact that the Private Providers for the Programs that the politicians put in to play are interested only in money. They pay their staff sub-standard pay, force Overtime on them that the Detention Staff have never seen the likes of, and have contracts with DJJ that protect them from the same over-sight that the Detention Centers are given. Inadaquate and antique recording equipment still remains a problem when investigations are called for. The Program area of DJJ is where the real fiasco is within DJJ and it seems to go unaddressed because no one has a solution for the problem. Within the Detention Centers we are dealing with staff shortages, low pay, and a Secretary that is more interested in being an actor than an Administrator. Detention Staff please do us all a favor and keep trugging along. While I do not agree with everything that is currently going on we must all realize that this Administration is also in a crash and burn mode but as in the previous one there are some good people who are capable of making the needed changes that will suffer the fall-out when Schembri leaves. We are trying to do a tough job under difficult circumstances and it seems to many only think their contribution should be to complain an find fault, suck it up and do our jobs in spite of Schembri and his media circus. Together we will see this situation through and be stronger for it. ~Anonymous
06/29/05 DJJ: I want parents that have witnessed abuse on their children, and other children to please come forward and call me or email me. Just because a child misbehaves, does not give DJJ a right to beat our children to a pulp or break bones and bash in heads. My son called me tonight and said "Mom, I will be dead before I get out" He fears for his life in the adult prison. ~Dawn
As for you staff that have posted anonymously, your postings do not make one bit of difference to most of us, it only shows that you don't have the guts to stand up for what is right,your only worried about your own jobs. As a parent that has seen abuse now in 3 out of the 5 facility's I've had to deal with I won't lie about it. I will say that the two facility's that have earned my respect is Jackson Juvenile, and Pensacola Boys Base, why?? because of the Administrators there, and the staff. As for OYDC and Dozier, Greenville HIlls, these have got to be the scum of DJJ. OYDC, my daughter and I would visit my son there, only to receive sexual snide comments made towards us. When I complained about it, they immediately began transfer procedures of my son. Only to have him start another program over. He then went to Jackson Juvenile, and things looked good, but then I was told that my son was transferred to Dozier, but this time with time served, things were going ok there, until I reported abuse towards another boy that my son witnessed. The guard J.C White cornered my son in the cottage he was at, and asked if his mother called DCF about it, and my son said he was very threatening towards him, and scared him. I called Ed Leeks administrator of Dozier, and they moved my son to another cottage, yet J.C White is still working there. My son also witnessed along with another gaurd by the name of Mr. Bryant, another boy being beaten up by Mr. Zanders, then after he beat him up, went back and erased the tapeing. Mr. Bryant never spoke up about it though. After I reported all this, my son started to get harrassed and restrained, then accused of hitting a staff member which he swears on the bible he did not hit this man. He is now going into the adult prison because he didn't know what to do about fighting this system, he just turned 17! My son called me tonight and said "Mom, I will be dead before I get out" He fears for his life in the adult prison, and said that some of the men where he is now, have told him that everyone gets beat up bad when they go through Lake Butler. What a horrible thing for us to have to deal with. What a cover up Ed Leeks has going.. get the kid arrested, and sent off so that his mother can't call in abuse that the boy sees going on. I would like to know how many abuse calls Aurthur G. Dozier School for Boys has on them. Even Ginger Green of DCF stated to me "looks like they are trying to cover up" Why then won't anyone come forward? I'll tell you why, you parents, Because they don't care about our kids, only the money in their pockets. I would work there for free just so that I could confirm all of the mess going on!!! I want parents that have witnessed abuse on their children, and other children to please come forward and call me or email me. Just because a child misbehaves, does not give DJJ a right to beat our children to a pulp or break bones and bash in heads. You DJJ staff that think you can get away with it, will one day pay for your actions, and be without a job and behind bars for aggravated assult and battery. ~ Dawn 850-983-6777
06/29/05 DJJ: Re. 04/11/05 DJJ-to become JDO, thorough back ground screening: I beg to differ with this, as my Son had his arm broken in 2002 by a staff member by the name of Rodney Baynard. This staff member also has a record with the Greenville Florida Sheriffs department for aggravated assult. ~Dawn
04/11/05 DJJ-to become Juvenile Detention Officer, thorough back ground screening...no qualifications to become a parent
There is a very thorough back ground screening Juvenile Justice employees must clear in order to be hired. This is followed by an Academy and a series of exams that must be passed in order for someone to become Juvenile Detention Officer. This is followed up by a year long probationary period. On the other hand there are no qualifications whatsoever for someone to become a parent (besides biological). This becomes quite evident when one observes the amount of youth that come into DJJ custody with what appears to be a complete lack of home training.
I have to beg to differ with this, as my Son had his arm broken in 2002 by a
staff member by the name of Rodney Baynard. This staff member also has a record
with the Greenville Florida Sheriffs department for aggravated assult. Explain
how this one got pass this "extensive backgroung check?" When Assistant Regional
Director Vicki Burnett was told about this man's background, her reply was "He
should not be working for us" Funny, he was working for DJJ, she also stated "he
must have slipped through the cracks" She then asked me "what can I do to make
you feel better!" Wow.. I've been complaining of abuse at Greenville Hills
Academy now for over 8 months and begged to have him transferred, it took
someone with a criminal background to break my sons upper arm to get anyone to
listen and believe it. The horrible thing about it was he only had 47 days left
before coming home, and if he was transferred to another program, he would have
to start his sentence over again. My son weighed 137 pounds when he went there
and was 113 when he left in 8 months. This is totally wrong in the system, if a
child has to be transferred due to abuse, he or she should receive time served
in a program and all points and acheivements transferred with them.
~Dawn
850-983-6777
06/29/05 Manatee JDC: Two staff hurt. A pregnant female left on the floor by herself attacked by a youth. A male staff attacked by a youth so severely unable to return to work. Both incidents were the staffs fault, they were working alone. Take action Mr.Turner. ~Anonymous
Two staff hurt while on the job at Manatee. A pregnant female left on the floor by herself attacked by a youth. A male staff attacked by a youth so severely unable to return to work. No concern shown by Administration. Both incidents were the staffs fault, they were working alone without adequate staff. How so? Manatee operates daily without adequate staff. Take action Mr.Turner. ~Anonymous
06/28/05 Manatee JDC: Mr.Turner, Manatee Detention runs daily without adequate staffing levels. Administrations is very aware of the conditions but do not want to be accountable if incidents occur. We will have a total of three resignations this week. ~Anonymous staff
Mr.Turner, Is anyone paying attention to the working conditions at Manatee Detention. New Supervisor decides working conditions are not in compliance to properly ensure efficient operation of the facility and quits on the spot without notice. Manatee Detention runs daily without adequate staffing levels. Administrations is not affected by the high turn over rate. Why? Because they are not working directly in the conditions staff are forced to work in. Forced to holdover. Forced to work ill or when family members are ill. They are not working along side the staff, they are sitting in their offices hiding from the problems they have created. Administrations is very aware of the conditions but do not want to be accountable if incidents occur. They want to delegate the cause and blame onto someone else what better way, sitting in the office away from the front line staff and youth. Superintendent Gargett new title should be DO SO LITTLE Gargett. The youth we serve are at risk because the staff are at risk. IS ANYONE LISTENING?
I am a staff that was called at home with the information of the supervisors resignation. I was off on this day but not surprised with his decision. We will have a total of three resignations this week.
Tallahassee actions speaks louder than words.
One last question Staff at Manatee are not allowed to take the much needed time deserved off, only forty hours at a time regardless of the amount of time on the books. Ridiculous, why? Anonymous staff
06/27/05 DJJ: Our Children need
reform, care and help, not abuse!!!! My son is only 17, he has been "jailed"
long enough for crimes, and this time he is INNOCENT and is still being sent to
an ADULT jail because of retaliations, and cover ups.
~Dawn Chase
Our Children need reform, care and help, not abuse!!!! My son has not had the chance to have a normal teenage life, no dances at the school, no prom, no ballgames. NOTHING!! Please direct your attentions to www.justice4kids.org . I truly believe that a major reform and monitoring of this department needs to be done. My son is only 17, he has been "jailed" long enough for the crimes he has done, and this time he is INNOCENT and is still being sent to an ADULT jail because of retaliations, and cover ups. Please start listening to the Parents and the kids!!!! My son has been in this system now close to 4 years!!!!
Thank you for your time,
Mrs. Dawn M Chase 850-983-6777
06/27/05 DJJ/Dozier: They have charged my son with battery on a detention staff, felony, and have tried him as an adult!!! All this because of a cover up, and retaliation towards my son and me for reporting abuse. I am one angry mother, that you all sit there on your high seats, and cannot do something to protect these kids. Since You, Mr. Schembri, has taken over this office, I have NOT seen any changes. ~Dawn Chase
I received a phone call from Vicki Burnett and Gary Rivenbark, and the exact words from Gary Rivenbark were, There was a camera in the exact place that Cxxxxxxxxx stated there was, but the tape had been taped over!!! Then when Gary Rivenbark was asked by Cxxxxxxxxx's attorney about the tape, he changed his story as well, stating that nothing was seen on the tape!!! Insinuating, that the tape was intact, yet as he stated things were "fuzzy"!!
They have charged my son with battery on a detention staff, felony, and have tried him as an adult!!! All this because of a cover up, and retaliation towards my son and me for reporting abuse. During the depositions, Ed Leeks stated that he NEVER spoke to me about this incident, a bold face lie, as I contacted Vicki Burnett, and Gary Rivenbark about the conversation I had with Mr. Leeks. My Son is now sitting at Jackson County Correctional awaiting transfer to Lake Butler because there was not enough evidence to prove his innocence. He was threatened with 5 years of prison if he didn't take a plea bargain. My son just turned 17 in April. Where is the justice in all of this? For all I know and all I feel, is that these two men, J.C White, and Mr. Wilson were good friends, and since I reported J.C White for abuse, the retaliation was to get Cxxxxxxxxxx out of Dozier, and sent away so that he would not be there to report the abuse. The system that you are running makes me sick to my stomach. I will swear on my Mothers grave, should anymore harm come to my son in this system, I will begin a class action suite against this state for ALL of the injustice and abuse left unchecked and the abus