Pilot Project:
In September, TDCJ asked to change the hiring location for one staff member from San Angelo to another location and asked if this required a grant modification. They did not specify a locale where staff will be hired. It states “Position 2-Region V” and then lists the counties this position will serve. Neither position is linked to a specific location, but rather the counties they will serve. CSG Justice Center staff told them that it should not require a grant modification, but program staff reached out to BJA to confirm.
TDCJ is experiencing challenges hiring for the two positions. The first position they posted received only three applicants. Of those three candidates, one person did not show up for the interview and the other two were not selected, so TDCJ staff plan to repost the position. They have held off on posting the second position while they determine if it can be moved to another location. Pilot program services will be delivered through a virtual platform, so regardless of where the position is located, services can still be delivered to the named locations. CSG Justice Center staff advised that if they open the radius for hiring, it may help them receive more applicants for the positions.
Additionally, on the September monthly TTA call, CSG Justice Center staff reviewed the project narrative with the team, including staff new to the project and discussed program curricula. The team continues to research curricula, and CSG Justice Center staff sent the team many resources on this topic, including tools focusing on anger management, risk-needs-responsivity, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Some examples are RETHINK Curriculum, Thinking for a Change, and The Offender Screening Tool (OST).
Technology Tool (from Recidiviz):
In September, Recidiviz continued to scope out the administrative reporting web portal project internally, including creating a scope of work outlining the project (background, technical requirements, budget, timeline, deliverables, etc.) for CSG Justice Center and BJA staff to review. Recidiviz also drafted a budget and staffing plan and connected with key TDCJ stakeholder Andrew Barbee (Director of Research and Development, TDCJ) to discuss the IT and project timeline.
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