This website is the offspring of www.teensinprison.org. That site was originally created in furtherance of concern about the treatment of juveniles in the court system and correctional facilities. While that site remains active, my focus has shifted from individual to system issues.
Texas prisons have been operating for over 150 years. Today they are far different than they once were. However, just like any institution that has such a long history, changing along with the times has always been a challenge. It is common for established agencies to settle into a certain pattern of operations. Challenges to the status quo are generally not at the top of any institutional agenda. Fortunately, TDCJ administrators recognize the need to innovate and are currently working on what is called the 2030 plan.
Here are notes from the April 2022 quarterly meeting of the TBCJ about that pal:
“TDCJ 2030…..Plan Mr. Collier announced that TDCJ has been working on a 2030 plan for the agency, which will set forth the vision, culture, and specific action items that will move the agency further and ensure that it is well poised for the future. The plan is based on the premise that TDCJ will need to be more efficient and less staff reliant by 2030, and the need to generate better outcomes related to success. In preparing and driving toward the 2030 plan, TDCJ is building on the momentum generated during the past two years with the COVID-19 pandemic. In the past two years, TDCJ has been challenged more than ever as an agency. Despite these challenges, the agency moved forward and has been remarkably successful in making progress in many areas. Mr. Collier stated that the ability to make progress during the most difficult of times has clearly shown him that the staff and leadership teams, when focused on working with each other, can accomplish almost anything. He reported that with that in mind, and to seize on the momentum we have generated, he challenged each of the division directors to develop a 2030 plan within their respective division. In asking that they develop their plans, Mr. Collier shared some of the items that he wants to see in TDCJ by 2030. He wants TDCJ to be rated as a number one employer; 95% of exiting inmates to have post-release employment secured before they are released; and reduced recidivism and re-arrest rates from both probation and parole. Mr. Collier said, “In addition to these and several other things I envision, I asked for each division to work with their leadership teams to help us see beyond my vision by sharing their vision for achieving success.” Last month, division directors and deputy division directors began sharing their 2030 plans with Mr. Collier and he reported that they are quite impressive. These plans are the foundation of a larger agency 2030 plan that he will report on in the coming months. Mr. Collier indicated he will continue to provide updates on progress with the plan.”
The next post will focus on Fair Changes efforts to influence the 2030 plan. It will begin with a presentation to the TBCJ board on December 9, 2022.