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September 5, 2012

Gibault changes showing progress

Meeting used to update neighbors, officials

Sue Loughlin The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — Officials with Gibault Children’s Services on Tuesday updated neighborhood and school district representatives about Gibault’s efforts to implement new security measures and respond to community safety concerns.

“We’ve not had any walkaways … knock on wood, since our last meeting,” which was in late June, said Michele Madley, Gibault interim chief executive officer.

Gibault has increased its own safety/security staff. Also, in a new procedure, if two or more residents “go out of location” on campus, Gibault safety/security staff will immediately notify law enforcement. Madley believes that is having an impact; residents are aware that police will be contacted sooner than in the past.

If a resident leaves campus, Gibault also will notify representatives of the Richland Manor and Allendale homeowners associations. When school is in session, Honey Creek Middle School and Vigo County School Corp. officials also will be informed.

She noted that the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department has had random patrols on the Gibault campus.

Those attending the meeting at the VCSC administration building included Madley and Zach Pies of Gibault; Dan Tanoos, Ray Azar, Michael Cox (Honey Creek Middle School principal) and Keith Schuster of the Vigo County School Corp.; Jo Einstandig of the Allendale homeowners association; Kal Ellis of the Richland Manor homeowners association; and Vigo County Commissioner Mike Ciolli.

Among the issues Madley addressed was whether Gibault can hire off-duty police to provide security. She said she contacted the state and Gibault’s licensing consultant and the answer is no. Based on its license, Gibault employees cannot carry weapons, she said.

Members of law enforcement who respond to incidents on campus are not under that restriction.

During the meeting, Ellis posed several pointed questions, including those related to Gibault’s Odyssey House, a residential program for adult males recovering from alcohol or drug addictions. Madley described it as a “sober-living environment” that houses up to 15 residents. “We’ve been full,” she said.

She noted that many are self-referrals, and they cannot have convictions for violent or sexual offenses. They must attend programming at Odyssey House, and they also must find employment within two weeks.

“All we want as homeowners is to be informed, to be knowledgeable, so we know what we’re dealing with,” Ellis said.

Madley also talked about changes that have occurred since she started working at Gibault in 1988. When she started, children at Gibault typically had “conduct disorders” that might include stealing or breaking into cars. Today, those children receive services in their home community.

Meanwhile, those placed in residential treatment have more serious issues and “we are seeing an increase in diagnosis of our kids with mental illness,” Madley said. It’s not uncommon for them to be diagnosed with multiple mental health issues.

The state Department of Child Services indicates that residential treatment is a last resort for those children with problems so severe that every other alternative has failed, Madley explained.

Madley said she is focused on making sure staff are trained to meet the needs of these children. “We recognize what is coming through our doors,” she said.

Gibault Children’s Services occupancy is about 62 to 65 residents, including those in day treatment who go home at the end of the day, she said.

Those attending Tuesday’s meeting say they are encouraged by the improved communication and transparency with Gibault.

During the meeting, Honey Creek principal Michael Cox said, “I think if we keep our lines of communication open, we’ll be just fine.”

After the meeting, Azar said, “I think we’re making progress. I like the openness I’m feeling from Gibault … We’re just hopeful it will continue.”

Ellis said, “We’re glad there is new leadership there. We are hopeful Michele will work with us and keep us informed as to what is going on. This notification system is very promising.”

Another meeting will be conducted in a few months, Azar said.

Madley said she would like to have regular meetings involving the community, school district and homeowners groups “to discuss any issues that may come to light.”

She believes that is beneficial both for the Gibault and the community.

The recent meetings and strengthened security measures at Gibault are the result of community safety concerns. In the past year, some Gibault walkaways have become involved in violent incidents in the community.

Sue Loughlin can be reached at 812-231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.

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