Judge Designates Radio Lollipop to Aid in Probationer Rehabilitation

In Judge Mike Anderson's courtroom, justice may be blind but it's certainly not deaf. Anderson, of the 262nd District Court, has implemented a sentencing program aimed at rehabilitating probationers while supporting Radio Lollipop, Texas Children's Hospital's in-house radio station.

The program is one of only two Radio Lollipop programs in the nation and the only one in Texas. Radio Lollipop broadcasts to Texas Children's patient rooms through the hospital's television system. Volunteer disc jockeys take musical requests, put children on-air from the bedside or in the studio and involve listeners through games, art projects and contests.

Anderson requires each probationer he sentences to donate $50 to Radio Lollipop. He learned about the program when his newborn son was hospitalized at Texas Children's for several days in January. He was so impressed, he decided to visit the Radio Lollipop studio.

"I was even more impressed by what I saw," Anderson said. "It was great. Any program that can give a sick child a project that takes his or her mind off illness is wonderful."

Because Anderson strives to make probation a meaningful experience for those he sentences, he asked how his probationers might help Radio Lollipop. He found the organization to be staffed adequately with volunteers, but in need of donations to fund compact disc purchases.

He therefore mandated that each probationer in his courtroom, as a condition of their sentencing, make a monetary donation to fund CD purchases for Radio Lollipop.

Most probationers make their donations in installments, paying $5 per month. Radio Lollipop has received about $550 since the sentencing program was initiated in January.

"We are grateful to all of the donors who support Radio Lollipop programming," said Sarah Fallon Maytum, Radio Lollipop coordinator. "We are so thrilled when people like Judge Anderson recognize the value of recreational programs for children in the hospital and support us by encouraging others to contribute as well."

Anderson, who hopes to return with other members of his staff to visit the Radio Lollipop studio some day soon, said the sentencing program is helping its newfound benefactors.

"This also gives the probationers a good feeling," Anderson said. "A lot of them have never made a charitable contribution. I really do think it makes people feel good to help others. That's an important part of rehabilitation, so this program has a double benefit."

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/09_01_01/page_11.html