November 19, 2005 Dear Reader, The following letter is being sent to experts in the fields of education, psychotherapy, youth counseling, juvenile corrections, etc. in Texas. If we receive any helpful responses, we'll post them at the bottom of this page. Jordan Riak Dear _____: It has been my understanding that Stockholm syndrome and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are serious psychological conditions requiring appropriate professional treatment and care. If that's correct, it would seem to follow logically that subjecting a person to experiences calculated to induce those conditions cannot be beneficial in any way. I am speaking specifically about certain techniques currently used in the management of juvenile wards at the Delta Boot Camp in Katy, Texas, a facility of the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department. They are:
Correspondence to PTAVE from DeKim Cole, whose son, Martell, is being held at Delta Boot Camp is what prompted me to write to you. I invite you to read Ms. Cole's account of her son's incarceration. It's available online at www.nospank.net/martell.htm#dekim . Sincerely,
Jordan Riak, Exec. Dir. |
Picture 7
Attachment to DeKim Cole's Letter to PTAVE, November 7, 2005, 3:57 PM
Revised date/update 10/21/05 2nd copy to Attorney
Dear Supervisors, On September 11, 2005 my son (Martell Ezemonye') entered into your system on West Dallas Street Location. I was not given any information about my son for a week, prior to me calling close to 2:15 p.m. I spoke with a case worker supervisor that day and I was informed at that time my son was to be transferred to Chimney Rock/BBRC Location that afternoon. And he would not be allowed to see anyone for 30 days. I rushed from the medical center/my job to see him for 30 minutes. He was transferred that afternoon 9/14/05 to BBRC. I did not hear from anyone again and I called on 9/15/05, 09/16/05, 09/18/05, and on 09/19/05. On 9/19/05 I requested to speak with a supervisor (Ms. Jennifer). Ms. Jennifer gave me Ms. Jamie Hunter's name. I left two messages for her and she did call me back also that day. While discussing for the first time to her on 9/19/05, I was informed that she had spoken with my son (Martell Ezemonye') earlier that morning same day. This is a 15 year old kid that she informed he would be shipped off to Boot Camp that afternoon. He was upset and why would he not be considering he was under the impression that he would be at BBRC for 30 days only. Ms. Hunter explained to him per her that the judge ordered Boot Camp for him. I called his Attorney that was retained by me to defend him in court. His Attorney alone with the 313th Court stated that a judge does not order Boot Camp without asking a facility (BBRC) to test him/evaluate him first of all. After speaking with Ms. Hunter on 9/19/05 I called a supervisor to request someone to let me what are my legal rights as a parent to obtain a copy of the court orders, Mr. Shauna Patton transfers paper work that was sent by him, a copy of any testing done, and/or any paper work from Ms. Hunter. I called back again to speak with Ms. Hunter 9/19/05 close to 1:45 p.m. to determine what step do I need to take prior to my son's attorney calling me at 6:50 p.m. on 9/19/05. Ms. Hunter let me know her authorization/BBRC has the right to enter him into a 30 day program in Katy, Texas (Delta Location). This was her/BBRC final decision as of 9/19/05 2:00 p.m. to have him transferred to Katy with paper work stating a 30 day stay and/or 45 days if points are not accumulated. Long story short, I called that location and spoke with Mr. Green 8:20 p.m. and he stated that my son - (Martell E.) was there for 4 to 5 months, rather than 30 days. I called to leave a message with his supervisor - Mr. Hall. And I called back yesterday 9/20/05 to leave a message with another supervisor - Mr. Bennett. He could not verify with 100% certainty that my son would be there for 30 days or 4 months. He was helpful, but not sure at 7:05 p.m. 9/20/05. I have yet to hear from a supervisor with BBRC as of 9/21/05. Will someone let know what paper work caused my son to end up at the Katy Location. I did speak with BBRC. I am only requesting the following information, please - 1. Where can I obtain a complete copy of my son's file? 2. What happen to Ms. Hunter decision and a very sound good decision to have him in the 30 day program? This program is called M Pact per Mr. Bennett?? He needs to learn a lesson that even with taking something for ADD/ADHD will not solve how very defiant he is in school and home also. And he is to never in this life time push me again. There can not be one person who does not understand how confusion is an understatement with this matter. I was in court with my son alone with his attorney. And still do not understand what just happen? I am not sure if Mr. Patton felt like he did make the correct recommendation or not. And I am not sure who recommended Boot Camp at all. I realize none of you care what a 15 year old child is thinking about us as roll models since he views us as liars. He feels like he in nothing and felt that way for a long time. You can not just ship him around like cattle on a ship or farm. The only glimmer of hope that my son has is I will not take him acting up at home any more and pray this situation epitomize why it's time for him to change. I would never agree to medication for ADD previously, but I realized a few weeks into school he does need something to help him focus. The only time I felt my son was spoken to like a person was with his Attorney (great Attorney) and Ms. Hunter. I just want to know why he was sent to a boot camp, rather than allowed to stay with BBRC? 9/21/05 I spoke with Mr. Larry Smith and Mr. Smith asked Mr. Hall to conference Ms. Jennifer H. with us on the phone. Ms. Hudley was gone so we spoke with Ms. Hunter instead. Still until this day 10/03/05 not one person can tell me what happen to the original paper work that stated M PACT. Thank you DeKim Cole for Martell Ezemonye
CC: Harvey Helzel
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