Community Justice Assistance Division (CJAD)

      View 2023 SKILLS Conference Sessions:


ClassWorkshop NamePresenter(s)Presenter(s) Title(s)Workshop DescriptionLink# PDFsRvw PDF(s)
Tue, August 1, 2023, 08:30 AM-10:00 AMMonthly Activity Report (MAR) Compliance: Error ChecksYessica NunezTDCJ-CJAD Research Specialist VThe presentation is on MAR Compliance and the importance of data accuracy and accountability. A live demo on navigating the MAR website and error correction will be included.Click Here
Tue, August 1, 2023, 08:30 AM-10:00 AMOvercoming Compassion Fatigue Through ResilenceMichelle Haslacker & Corina RamirezTCOOMMI Program Director Bluebonnet Trails & TCOOMMI Program Director Camino RealCriminal Justice professionals are often viewed as hard or uncaring. However, that could not be further from reality. Probation officers engage deeply with their probationers, becoming part of their lives and also their families lives. Often, a probation officer may be the first interaction truly cheering for a probationer's success. This workshop will explore the fullness of your compassion tank, how to read the gage, making decisions on when to fuel up, and some healthy options for refueling.Click Here
Tue, August 1, 2023, 08:30 AM-10:00 AMLabor Market & Career Information-Making Informed Career ChoicesJonathan ButlerTexas Workforce Commission Education Outtreach SpecialistProviding an overview of programs in the Texas Workforce Commission. Tools and resources job seekers can use to find employment and education opportunities.Click Here
Tue, August 1, 2023, 10:30 AM-12:00 PMDynamic Leadership: You Are Responsible for Your SuccessNancy BairdPresident/CEO of Training Strategies Inc.Conventional wisdom says that if employees work hard and do their jobs well, they are likely to be successful leaders. However, today, good performance alone is no longer a guarantee for success or career advancement. Today’s workforce requires employees to be versatile, solution-centered, visible, creative, committed, and fully engaged in the organization’s goals. In other words, actively becoming a Superhero at Work! The following topics will be covered during the training: • Optimist Versus Pessimist: Our Perceptions Influence Our Actions • Workplace Makeover: Revitalizing Your Career by Thriving During Change • Increasing Your Shares in Your Market: Taking the Lead in Your Success!! • Pessimist Versus Optimist: It’s Between Your Ears • Stages of Change: Step by Step Approach • Don’t Burn Your Bridges: Managing the Change to Manage Your Future • Being a Superhero at Work!Click Here1
Tue, August 1, 2023, 10:30 AM-12:00 PMDemystifying Interstate CompactJocelyn Angton & Cynthia StoutInterstate Compact DCA/Assistance Director & Interstate Compact DCA/DirectorTexas Interstate will provide an overview of Interstate Compact from Transfer Requests to Case ClosuresClick Here
Tue, August 1, 2023, 01:00 PM-02:30 PMEmploying a "Responsivity Tech" to Increase Successful Outcomes in Substance Use RecoveryAllen Bell, Ashlea White, & Jennifer McMorriesMidland CSCD Director, Midland CSCD Director of Programming and Treatment Service, & Midland CSCD Responsivity TechProbation departments across the country have been struggling for over a decade on how to stay connected with people on supervision who have a substance use disorder, especially those who have relapsed. While anecdotally, we have seen the benefits of peer recovery coaches, limited research has been conducted on when, where, and how recovery coaches can be best utilized. In Midland County, we have established a new position, a Responsivity Tech, who helps people with substance use disorder navigate our probation department. The Responsivity Tech provides a unique opportunity for the probation department to utilize a person with lived experience regarding substance use and criminal justice involvement to help close the gaps between probation, treatment, and other needed services. This presentation will discuss the development, implementation, and initial impact the Responsivity Tech has had on the individuals she has served compared to similarly situated individuals from the previous year.Click Here
Tue, August 1, 2023, 01:00 PM-02:30 PMHuman Trafficking and Human SmugglingJoel A Saldana Sr.DEA Special Agent (Retired)This presentation is designed for Law Enforcement Personnel awareness of Human Smuggling and Human Trafficking that occur on a National and International level. The attendees will be able to distinguish the difference between both. The topics will include contemporary slavery, forced labor, sex trafficking, trafficking of children, labor exploitation, domestic servitude, Begging/Petty crimes, and organ trafficking. The attendees will learn how to detect a victim of Human Trafficking, prevention, and intervention methods. The speaker Joel A. Saldaña, Sr. has given numerous presentations on Human Trafficking. He was a guest speaker for the Victoria, Texas 100 Club, where he gave a presentation on Human Smuggling and Human Trafficking. He was also a guest speaker on the Wade & Carter radio show based in Victoria, Texas. Joel spoke about his career with the U.S. Border Patrol and the DEA, he spoke about Human Trafficking, Human Smuggling and Drug Trafficking. Joel appeared on the National Geographic series “Narco Wars” (Season 1 episode 6) in January 2021. The filming was completed in London, U.K. Joel was interviewed regarding the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas Drug Trafficking Organizations. Joel has also been a guest speaker on Houston Radio KPFT 90.1 FM “Open Journal” (Feb 2021) and (July 2022) where he spoke about human trafficking, human smuggling and border issues. Joel is currently working with A&E network for appearance in a new documentary series. Click Here
Tue, August 1, 2023, 03:00 PM-04:30 PMProfile of an AbuserLashandra Vinson-AppiahDirector of Programs for First Choice Social ServicesAttendees will learn first-hand how to engage offenders to accountability. Attendees will gain knowledge to enhance their skills in the area of interviewing, building rapport with resistant clients, recognizing mind games offenders play to control the victim, families and facilitators. Attendees will engage in interactive learning through role play.Click Here
Tue, August 1, 2023, 03:00 PM-04:30 PMRedefining Normal: Substance Abuse CaseloadsCory J MeschwitzSenior Officer, Brazos County CSCDRedefining Normal aims to reinforce and educate those attending about specialized substance abuse caseloads and the impact they can have on this particular population. Community Supervision Officers are constantly taking a defendant's "normal" and influencing change to show that there can be a "new normal". Attendees will be educated on what a substance abuse caseload is and what kind of impacts these caseloads have on offenders.Click Here
Wed, August 2, 2023, 08:30 AM-10:00 AMState Contracted - Intermediate Sanction Facility (SC-ISF)Veronica SinghTDCJ-CJAD Program Supervisor VUpon completion of this training, participants will be able to Identify the SC-ISF eligibility requirements; Identify and discuss program objectives and available program treatment tracks; Describe the extension and discharge criteria and processes; Prepare a complete packet for program admission.Click Here
Wed, August 2, 2023, 08:30 AM-10:00 AMStructured Staffings: Staffing Cases Using Criminogenic TargetsKristi DavidsonTDCJ-TLDD Director of Training for Community SupervisionStaffing cases due to violations and other circumstances outside the realm of court-ordered conditions can seem very routine. Just like all interactions between a probation officer and a supervisor, there is an art to effective case staffing. This workshop is for probation officers and the people they staff their cases with. It will assist you with enhancing your staffings using a structured criminogenic, TRAS approach.Click Here
Wed, August 2, 2023, 08:30 AM-10:00 AMACES High: Overcoming High ACES Scores Thru ResiliencyBilly BrownCSO, Brazos County CSCDMany of us work with individuals who have experienced trauma, some may work with individuals who have experienced significant and often very complex trauma. While it is not my intention to delve too deeply into studies of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), I do hope those attending this workshop will see how communication, open-mindedness, honesty and compassion can inspire hope. As a child from an abusive home. I learned weakness was unacceptable and family secrets were to stay within our walls. As I remained silent about my experiences, the abuse continued, and my mental health worsened such that I gave up hope. Eventually, I did admit to experiencing specific mental health symptoms; however, I lied about other symptoms, because I was certain I would never see the day of light if people knew all I had been experiencing. While silence, stigma and fear prevented me from accepting help; my own healing and recovery became possible as I became honest and accepted support from others. With continued healing, I have been afforded opportunities to help other people by sharing my experience, offering encouragement and advocating for change. Today, I help others by sharing the help and the hope given to me. Today, I give back, not up.Click Here
Wed, August 2, 2023, 10:30 AM-12:00 PMTexas Sex Offender Registration Program OverviewCharles FrancisSOR Field Representative, Texas Department of Public SafetyThis workshop will provide an overview of the laws, and procedures of the Texas Sex Offender Registration Program.Click Here
Wed, August 2, 2023, 10:30 AM-12:00 PMTDCJ-CJAD Program Specialist V & Program Specialist IVStefany Politte & Joe Ranson TDCJ-CJAD Program Specialist V & Program Specialist IVTBAClick Here
Wed, August 2, 2023, 01:00 PM-02:30 PMLocal Government Retention & Victim Services 101 Robert SanchezTDCJ-CJAD Ombudsman II/Victim Services LiasonLocal government retention and victim services overviewClick Here
Wed, August 2, 2023, 01:00 PM-02:30 PMTestimony TrainingYoon KimCollin County CSCD DirectorCourtroom Testimony Training - Preparation and StrategiesClick Here
Wed, August 2, 2023, 03:00 PM-04:30 PMI'm Starting Today: Maximizing Your Benefits to Accomplish Your Wellness Goals David Yebra TDCJ Director of Training and Leadership Development DivisionBusy lives and hectic schedules can be constant contributors to putting your health on the back burner. It''’s easy to fall into the “I’ll start tomorrow,” club. How do you jumpstart your internal motivation to get external results? Having the right tools makes all the difference when working to achieve your personal best. You have access to resources at no cost to support your wellness goals. This session will empower you to take control of your wellness journey and access your benefits as an ERS participant. You CAN start today!Click Here
Thu, August 3, 2023, 08:30 AM-10:00 AMAddressing the Opioid and Fentanyl Crisis in Texas and MexicoEddie MendozaTDCJ-CJAD Program Specialist VThis workshop will address the crisis of Fentanyl/Opioid overdose deaths that have claimed so many lives. These sobering statistics represent individuals, families, and communities that have been deeply and forever impacted by this crisis.  We will look at the impact fentanyl/opioid has had in Texas and Mexico, what we are doing to combat the problem, and the treatment clients are receiving to achieve optimal health and well-being. Click Here
Thu, August 3, 2023, 08:30 AM-10:00 AMRISE-A Trauma Informed CourtShelia Wynn & Kiana HeadlandTarrant County Judge & Tarrant County ManagerThe Reaching Independence through Self-Empowerment (RISE) Program in Tarrant County, Texas, is an intervention/specialty court program designed to identify women with a history of significant sexual trauma which contributes to their involvement in the criminal justice system. The features of the program include risk/needs assessment, individualized treatment plan, substance abuse treatment, transitional housing, trauma informed care, mental health care, life stabilization, social reintegration, and independent living. This process will typically take from two to four years. A collaborative approach is utilized which incorporates the talent and resources of numerous community partners. The program seeks to divert participants from criminal activity into a safe and healthy lifestyle where they have achieved independent living with the means to support themselves indefinitely.Click Here
Thu, August 3, 2023, 10:30 AM-12:00 PMCurrent Bureau of Justice Statistics Criminal Data Collection Efforts and Tools Danielle Kaeble, Erica Grasmick & Lauren BeattyBureau of Justice Statistics U.S. Department of Justice Statistician Corrections Unit, Statistician Judicial Statistics Unit & Statistician Correction UnitThe Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) will present ongoing data collections involving the criminal justice system as well as processes and tools to improve data usability. Click Here
Thu, August 3, 2023, 10:30 AM-12:00 PMStatic-99R Scoring: Clearing up the StaticJennifer Leslie & Jeff GildonDivision Manager, Dallas County CSCD & Assistant Training Director for Community Supervision, TDCJ-TLDDDo you find scoring the STATIC-99R confusing?  Good news, in this session, we will be clearing up the static with scoring the STATIC-99R. We will be covering the STATIC-99R scoring rule and common scoring issues. We will also cover topics like proper documentation, when to score the STATIC-99R, and other common questions.Click Here
Thu, August 3, 2023, 01:00 PM-02:30 PMCyber Security: Sex Offenders and PornographyTerri RogersDewitt County Chief Juvenile Probation OfficerThis presentation provides basic knowledge of social media, the dark web, pornography and other internet usages by juvenile offenders. It also discusses ways juveniles learn and how their time spent on the internet effects their perception of reality. This course can be beneficial to anyone working with juvenile sex offenders.Click Here
Thu, August 3, 2023, 01:00 PM-02:30 PMHardwired for Negativity: Tweaking the ProgrammingAshleigh Walton, LPCCapital Area Private Defender Service, Social Services ManagerBeing told to "think positive" in today'''s world feels about as helpful as being told to "calm down" when we are upset. We are surrounded by uncertainties, ever growing expectations, and societal pressures in our daily life, and often ever more so in our professions in the criminal justice field. To make matters a little tricker, it turns out our brains are physiologically designed to focus on the negative! Yet, research has clearly demonstrated that it is critical to our emotional and physical well-being to cultivate a more positive outlook. This course will first dive into the realities of negative messaging, internalization of these messages, and brain functions that exacerbate our negative thoughts and actions. It will then move into a discussion of tangible ways we can work to mitigate negativity, begin to reshape our internalization of input, and increase our health and happiness.Click Here
Thu, August 3, 2023, 03:00 PM-04:30 PMBuilding Resiliency with Distress Tolerance Skills Marissa NormanTCOOMMI Program Director Lakes Regional Community CenterWhat is distress tolerance? Those feelings of overwhelmingness, trauma and stress can and do lead to unhealthy and at times destructive behaviors. How we deal with our distress means building up a tolerance for event around us, the clients we serve often lack health coping skills; within our TCOOMMI program at Lakes Regional one way we assist clients is to build skills for Distress Tolerance, in attending this workshop we will talk about how one TCOOMMI is connecting with their clients to promote independence and self-reliance.Click Here
Thu, August 3, 2023, 03:00 PM-04:30 PMPimpology in Practice: State v. Glen DukesKirsta MeltonFounder & Chief Executive Officer, Institute to Combat TraffickingFor 5 years Glen Dukes preyed upon the drug addicted women engaged in prostitution on the east side of San Antonio. Once they had been persuaded to join “Team Glen” they were beaten, choked, drugged, raped and regularly threatened with death. Glen controlled every aspect of their lives including how many tricks they had to turn, when they slept, their food, clothing, hair and nails. When that control seemed threatened Glen murdered several women and forced “his team” to help clean and dispose of the bodies as yet another way to bind them to him. This case study will provide participants with an understanding of how traffickers prey on vulnerable populations, including those with multiple criminal justice system interactions, and highlight the wide range of coercive tactics used by traffickers to keep victims from seeking help. The workshop will equip participants to recognize potential victims hidden in their caseloads and offer best practices for seeking justice on their behalf.Click Here