Juvenile Probation Department receives donation
The Commissioner’s Court accepted a $1,000 donation to the Bandera County Juvenile Probation Department from the Bandera ProRodeo Association at their August 11 regular meeting.
ProRodeo President Janna Lindig introduced Juvenile Probation Officers Justin Acosta and Nathan Longoria to the court.
“I just want to say, this county has an incredible juvenile probation department. They do so much. They get the kids involved with the community activities,” she said. “This donation is in recognition of the work they’ve done outside at Mansfield Park. There’s a completely new entrance that was a result of their work. That’s why it’s Bandera ProRodeo’s absolute honor to give them some recognition.”
Commissioner Jack Moseley, said “They’ve also helped decorate the courthouse for the last few years and they’re helping us again this year. They’re working on some painting and working on a manger. They’ve done a lot with me at Christmas parties for the decorations.”
Judge, Richard Evans, thanked the officers: “Y’all are doing a great job. Thank you”.
In a letter to the Bandera Bulletin, the Juvenile Probation Dept. shared: “The Bandera County Juvenile Probation Department would like to thank the Pro Rodeo Association for the generous donation. The department would like for all the youth involved in this community service project for the past several years to be recognized, but also realize, that good things come from good decisions and hard work.
Bandera County Juvenile Probation Department provides unique community-based intervention, prevention, and diversion programs for juveniles on probation that incorporate a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to facilitate a full wraparound service model for youth. In addition to community service-based activities, such as the work done with the Pro Rodeo Association, officers build rapport with and take a vested interest in youth five days a week by directly participating in programming that employs proven practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and outdoor experiential education as well as vocational skills training including, but not limited to, welding, woodworking, electrical, culinary (food handlers license included), HVAC, plumbing, landscaping, painting, pottery, and gardening. Youth on supervision with more specific risks and needs also receive individual and/or family counseling.
The department was also recently awarded grant funding to implement a prevention and intervention program to help divert youth from behaviors indicative of future delinquency, truancy, or involvement in the juvenile justice system which is completely separate and apart from probation activities. This grant-funded initiative allows for very extensive programming at absolutely no cost to the family including a variety of LPC lead counseling services. Youth that range from age six to seventeen can be referred to the department by schools, parents, community organizations, and law enforcement to participate in this eight-week program. During this time, youth will be involved in programming that includes trauma informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, Triple H Horse Therapy, vocational skills training, outdoor experiential education, nutrition education, and art therapy.
All of the programs above involve essential objectives that include responsibility for actions, leadership, development in social skills (team work), rational decision making, communication skills, working through adversity, and taking pride in their community. The Juvenile Probation Department is ALWAYS looking for professional volunteers that can help teach the vocational skills that are listed above. If you are interested in volunteering for this type of programming, and enjoy investing in the future of the youth of this community, then please contact our department.”
To offer your volunteer services, contact Nathan Longoria at 830-796-7222.