Annual report 2021/ Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice.

The FY2021 Annual Report Team would like to thank everyone who contributed their time, energy, and enthusiasm to this endeavor. Also, we are very grateful for the advice and support from our partners at Kennesaw State University.

COMMISSIONER'S MESSAGE
I t is an honor to present the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report. This report will reflect the agency's accomplishments as we work to transform the young lives in our care.
Under the leadership of Governor Brian P. Kemp, DJJ focused on restoring youth inside and outside of DJJ facilities through pro-social programs, education, mentorship, and intense wraparound services. For example, in partnership with Southwest Key Programs, DJJ opened an Evening Reporting Center (ERC) in Valdosta, Ga., to provide structure and supervision to justice system-involved youth at risk of recidivating. The evidence-based 90day program encourages positive behavior, youth accountability, community safety, and competency development. This community-focused approach has increased youth educational opportunities and job placement, decreasing gang affiliation and increasing successful societal reentry.
DJJ has fostered an environment that elevates the importance of teamwork, leading to stronger relationships between team members and external stakeholders. Through the Department's work with the Youth in Custody Practice Model, DJJ developed a balanced approach to addressing areas of need. In the fall of 2020, the agency released an employee engagement survey to help DJJ leadership better understand employee morale, agency culture, and how to improve operational procedures. The employee survey helped identify a baseline for change and implementation of new practices, processes, and programs.
The agency has also expanded efforts to shift the culture by proactively providing employees with resources that support well-being. DJJ launched the Transforming U employee wellness initiative, which focuses on the six wellness pillars, including physical, mental, social, spiritual, financial, and emotional health. Under this initiative, employees now have access to monthly Lunch and Learn webinars and a Peer Support Team.
Because of hearts dedicated to service, the Department has made many strides in positively impacting youth. DJJ employees strive to cultivate a spirit of positivity, be exemplary role models for youth, and be driving forces in communities that will help put us on a path towards being a leader amongst juvenile justice agencies.
I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the State of Georgia. Thank you for your continued support of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Sincerely,
Tyrone Oliver, Commissioner

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

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THE MISSION

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) transforms young lives by providing evidence-based rehabilitative treatment services and supervision, strengthening the well-being of youth and families, and fostering safe communities.
CULTURE
The DJJ Culture Wheel represents the agency's values and reinforces the commitment we have to our employees and the youth in our care. Each spoke of the DJJ Culture Wheel represents a different aspect important to the success of the agency.

INVERTED PYRAMID OF DJJ

The Inverted Pyramid displays DJJ's core values and emphasizes that the department's most important objective is to focus on youth, families, communities, and the frontline workers and administrative support staff serving them daily.

4

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

STRATEGIC GOALS
T he top five strategic goals for the Department were developed to provide clarity of the mission and set forth expectations for all Department personnel while conducting business operations.
By establishing these goals, DJJ works to fully align all objectives, programs, and services offered to youth that the Governor has outlined.

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

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FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

D JJ's dedicated employees strive to demonstrate the change necessary to create and sustain an agency culture that values accountability, integrity, security, superior performance, ongoing personal growth, intellectual curiosity, innovation, teamwork, and leadership not only in staff but also in the young people in the agency's facilities and programs. Here is a brief look at the Department's accomplishments in FY2021.

FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Division of Administrative Services applied for and was awarded $1.5 million from the Governor's Office of Student Achievement for upgrades to the Department's educational classrooms' digital networks and digital devices.

The Division of Secure Facilities implemented new technology to increase the safety and security of facilities, staff, and youth. Using innovative technological applications, including the Intercept body scanner and Axon body cameras, the division can more effectively control and prevent contraband, record and verify service provision and youth status, and more consistently document interactions between youth and staff.

DJJ School System youth earned 31 high school diplomas, 50 GED diplomas, and more than 140 certifications.
The Division of Support Services implemented the new Skillstreaming the Adolescent group curriculum in RYDCs to address the needs of youth who display behavioral problems and to support youth with the necessary skills to lead effective and satisfying relationships.

230
The Division of Community Services provided residential placement services to an average of 230 youth monthly in 62 residential locations statewide.

6 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

WHAT DJJ DOES AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is a multifaceted agency that serves the state's youthful offenders' needs up to the age of 21. The Department has more than 3,400 funded positions at its Central Office, 25 secure facilities (19 Regional Youth Detention Centers and six Youth Development Campuses) and 78 Community Services Offices throughout the state to affect justice and redirect the young lives in the agency's care.

Including those placed on probation, thousands of youths are diverted each year to evidence-based community programs, sentenced to short-term incarceration, and committed to long-term custody by juvenile courts. DJJ's professional corrections and law enforcement staff preserve public safety, safeguard Georgia's citizens, and protect victims of crime. DJJ holds juvenile offenders accountable for their delinquent conduct through a rehabilitative treatment model while under probation, supervision, or secure confinement.
While under DJJ supervision, the agency provides youth with educational opportunities by some of Georgia's best teachers and administrators. Youth also receive medical, dental, and mental health treatment from qualified professionals who provide a range of services and support. DJJ offers programs designed to equip the youth in its care with the social, intellectual, and emotional tools needed to achieve successful re-entry into the community and workplace as more productive and law-abiding citizens.

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

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DJJ LEADERSHIP
The DJJ executive leadership team sets the Department's strategic direction. The leadership team drives the core mission and vision that strengthen the agency's daily work. DJJ leaders are passionate and focused veterans in their respective fields.
8 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

BOARD OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of Juvenile Justice consists of 15 members and judicial advisors, each appointed by the Governor. Pursuant to Title 49-4A-2, Official Code of Georgia, the Board of Juvenile Justice establishes the general policy to be followed by the Department of Juvenile Justice. The Board also provides guidance to the Commissioner, leadership in developing programs to successfully rehabilitate juvenile offenders committed to the state's custody and serves as DJJ school board members.

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

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ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
10 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

DIVISION OF FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Division of Financial Services (DFS) ensures that the Department is within state budgetary compliance, adheres to accepted accounting principles, and is compliant with all federal and state fiscal policies and procedures.
The division oversees Accounting, Budget Services, the Office of Federal Programs and Procurement. The total budget for FY2021 was $325,182,939.

BUDGET BY PROGRAM FY2021 - $325,182,939

39.5%

28%

25.2%

7.3%

Community Services Department Administration Secure Commitment (YDCs) Secure Detention (RYDCs) Total Funds

$91,373,883 $23,608,108 $81,835,569 $128,365,379 $325,182,939

BUDGET BY FUNDING SOURCE FY2021 - $325,182,939

2.7% 0.1%

State Funds Federal Funds Other Total

$315,904,361 $8,865,832 $412,746
$325,182,939

97.1%

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

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OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

T he Office of Human Resources (OHR) strives to create a robust organizational structure that supports effective leadership, governance, and the highest quality of services to improve the overall culture and performance of the agency. OHR strives to foster cohesive working relationships to build a strong culture of qualified, mission-driven employees dedicated to carrying out the agency's priorities.
OHR operates in the best interest of both DJJ and its employees by applying industry best practices in the delivery of services, including job and compensation analysis, employee relations, recruitment and retention, performance management, and other human resource services.

HIRES AND SEPARATIONS
At the end of FY2021, DJJ had 3,435 full and part-time funded positions. Also, during the fiscal year, DJJ hired 741 employees and separated 1,186.
During FY2021, the Department employed 519 Juvenile Correctional Officers (JCOs). Twenty-four percent worked in YDCs, and 69 percent were assigned to RYDCs.
RYDCs
YDCs
Other Posts
JCO HIRES AND SEPARATIONS
The retention of JCOs has long been a challenge for DJJ. During FY2021, DJJ hired 425 JCOs and separated 547. The JCO turnover rate was 90 percent, down seven percent from the previous year.
OHR continues an aggressive recruitment strategy that targets ideal candidates for correctional officer positions and other areas that experience retention challenges.

12 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Juvenile Correctional Officer Turnover Rate by Month
FY2021 JCO1 and 2 Position Data

Annual Turn Over Percentage Rate
90.38%

Data disclaimers: Headcounts were captured on the 1st of every reporting month, which includes data from the 1st to the 15th.
*Separations include resignations, dismissals, retirements, deaths, and transfers.

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

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DIVISION OF SECURE FACILITIES

T he Division of Secure Facilities manages 19 Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs) and six Youth Development Campuses (YDCs). RYDCs provide temporary, secure care and supervision for youth who have been charged with offenses or who have been adjudicated delinquent and are awaiting placement in a community program or a long-term facility. YDCs provide long-term care for youth committed to DJJ who are ordered to secure confinement or require specialized treatment or services.
Each facility provides youth services, including education, health and mental health services, food services, resident counseling, substance abuse treatment, volunteer programming, and family visitation.

FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Facility Re-Missioning
The Division of Secure Facilities has initiated a re-missioning initiative to enable long-term facilities to provide therapeutic, programmatic, and educational services to youth more effectively and efficiently.
By identifying and aligning behavioral health groups, substance abuse treatment, educational opportunities, and Career, Technical, and Agriculture Education (CTAE) programs in specific facilities, DJJ can place youth in facilities that will most effectively allow them to receive the treatment needed to make positive changes and reenter their communities.
Opportunities for early release and step-down have been expanded to increase the number of youth who may qualify under existing criteria and be available to youth who previously were not eligible.

Increased Security through Technology
The division has also implemented new technology to increase the safety and security of facilities, staff, and youth.
The Intercept body scanner was installed in 10 facilities throughout the state. The scanning system is utilized primarily in the facility during the intake process and when youth are returned from a court appearance or outside appointments to reduce contraband in facilities.
Axon body cameras have been introduced in five new facilities, and body cameras inventories increased in facilities where cameras were already assigned. The expansion of Axon body cameras inventory allows for an increased ability to capture interactions between staff and youth visually and auditorily.

The upgrade of Guard1 Plus will allow for increased safety and accountability in day-to-day activities and real-time verification of service provision.

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DIVISION OF SECURE FACILITIES

FY2021 RYDC Population by Most Serious Offense, Age, and Gender
MSO= Most Serious Offense 1 Public Order includes the following additional offenses: Drug selling,
Drug use, Weapons violation, and Sex non-violent offenses 2 Property includes, but is not limited to: Burglary, Arson, Theft,
Criminal Trespass, and Forgery 3 Violent includes, but is not limited to: Aggravated Assault, Battery,
Murder, Kidnapping, and Voluntary Manslaughter 4 Violent Sex includes, but is not limited to: Aggravated Child
Molestation, Aggravated Sexual Battery, Rape, Sexual Assault, and Aggravated Sodomy 5 Violation of Probation (VOP) includes Violation of aftercare (VOAC, Violation of an Alternate Plan (VOAP) additional offenses: Status and Traffic offenses

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DIVISION OF SECURE FACILITIES
FY2021 YDC Population by Most Serious Offense, Age, and Gender
MSO= Most Serious Offense 1 Public Order includes the following additional offenses: Drug selling,
Drug use, Weapons violation, and Sex non-violent offenses 2 Property includes, but is not limited to: Burglary, Arson, Theft,
Criminal Trespass, and Forgery 3 Violent includes, but is not limited to: Aggravated Assault, Battery,
Murder, Kidnapping, and Voluntary Manslaughter 4 Violent Sex includes, but is not limited to: Aggravated Child
Molestation, Aggravated Sexual Battery, Rape, Sexual Assault, and Aggravated Sodomy 5 Violation of Probation (VOP) includes Violation of aftercare (VOAC, Violation of an Alternate Plan (VOAP) additional offenses: Status and Traffic offenses
16 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

DIVISION OF EDUCATION

The Division of Education is committed to providing an education that empowers life-long learners to reach their potential and become college and career-ready. DJJ is the 181st school district in the state of Georgia and has the powers, privileges, and authority exercised by any other school district. The district, previously accredited by AdvancED, completed the Cognia accreditation process in December 2020, renewing the school system's accreditation until June 2026.
[ ] The division's mission is to provide a comprehensive educational program that will facilitate the successful integration of each student into the community and workplace.
The Division of Education administers the DJJ School System and is led by the deputy superintendent. The Department's commissioner serves as the school superintendent and the DJJ board functions as the board of education.
In addition to GPA, Pathway to Success (GED) is the High School Equivalency (HSE) program. This program prepares students for the Official GED Ready exam and the Official GED test.
Students who have earned a high school diploma or a GED enroll in the Connections Graduate Program (CGP), which prepares youth to re-enter communities, work skills development, and post-secondary options, including college and technical schools.

Georgia Preparatory Academy (GPA) is the middle and high school within the school system. There are 29 GPA campuses across Georgia located in RYDCs, YDCs, and ETCs.

Total Diplomas

31

High School Diplomas

50 GED Diplomas

Pathway to Success = 329 Connections Graduate Program = 122 Georgia Preparatory Academy = 3,301
Programs Multiple Enrollment = 3,752

Special Education = 986 General Education = 2,766

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DIVISION OF EDUCATION

ETC = 113 YDC = 458 RYDC = 2,586 GPA Online = 2

ETC = 128 YDC = 534 RYDC = 3,088 GPA Online = 2

Single Enrollment = 3,159

Multiple Enrollment = 3,752

2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The newest program offered by the DJJ School System is Georgia Preparatory Academy (GPA) Online. GPA Online is an online program available to students who leave DJJ during the semester and need to complete coursework to earn credit for that semester. It is also available to students who may not return to their homeschool. Students are enrolled in GPA Online via referrals by DJJ school counselors and local school and community leadership.
Connections Graduate Program students obtained 144 certifications from the following programs:

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DIVISION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES

T he Division of Community Services is responsible for intake, case management, probation, detention planning, residential care, reentry services, and aftercare supervision. Intake is the entry point at which a youth is either diverted from or formally processed into the juvenile justice system. The division has 78 Community Services Offices and includes the Office of Residential and Community-Based Services and the Office of Re-Entry Services.
The Division of Community Services uses several tools and evidence-based programs and services to implement juvenile justice reform and improve the juvenile justice system through enhancements with mental health services, gang prevention training and preventative methods, and supporting human trafficking services for victims and families.

FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) Services were provided to 153 youth and families to address environmental systems impacting medium-and high-risk juvenile offenders with lengthy delinquency histories and severe anti-social behavior.

In FY2021, DJJ provided ERC services to 37 youth.

60%

85%

Successful completions

Non-re-offend rate

In August 2020, the Southwest Key's Evening Reporting Center (ERC) opened in Valdosta, Ga. The ERC is an evidence-based 90-day program designed to provide structure and supervision to justice system-involved youth at risk of recidivating. The program keeps youth, ages 12 to 17, engaged in pro-social learning opportunities, including homework assistance, work-readiness training, recreation, counseling, and family engagement. The program also focuses on youth accountability, community safety, and competency development. In FY2021, DJJ provided ERC services to 37 youth with a 60 percent completion rate and an 85 percent non-re-offend rate.

Educational Transition Centers (ETCs) Located in Bibb, Chatham, Muscogee, and Richmond counties, ETCs are alternative educational settings for youth expelled or suspended from public school. The ETCs provided academic services to 135 students, of which four students earned their GED diploma and three students earned a High School diploma.
Youth Tracking Program provided to 1,242 youth with intensive surveillance and ankle monitoring, allowing juvenile offenders to remain at home pending further court action.

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DIVISION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES

Thinking for a Change (T4C) - provided 194 youth social skills development, cognitive restructuring, and problem-solving skills, in which 159 youth completed services.
Aggression Replacement Training (ART) - provided 116 youth cognitive-behavioral intervention programs designed to help aggressive adolescents, ages 12 to 17, improve their social skill competence and moral reasoning, better manage anger, and reduce aggressive behavior in which 102 youth completed services.
Functional Family Therapy (FFT) - provided 146 youth with short-term family counseling in the home, of which 127 families completed the program.

81%
of youth enrolled in T4C completed the program.
88%
of adolescents, ages 12-17 successfully completed the ART program.
87%
of youth and their families successfully completed the FFT program.

Georgia Interstate Compact for Juveniles (ICJ) Unit processed an average
of 296 transfers of
supervision cases monthly.

Family participation at the Department's Re-entry Planning Meetings for youth returning to the community increased from 65 percent to 70 percent.
The Office of Residential and Community-Based Service (ORS) provided residential placement services to an average of 230 youth monthly in 62 residential locations statewide.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) - The Office of Re-entry Services (ORS) and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District partnered for the PSN initiative, which works towards reducing the re-offense
rate among youth by providing individual and group mentoring in the community.

The F.R.E.S.H. (Focusing Resources Effectively to Sustain Hope) Start Youth Initiative provides current and former DJJ youth supervised in the community with career opportunities. Forty-seven youth have been employed through the initiative. Additionally, four youth were awarded scholarships through the Pinky Cole Foundation.

20 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

DIVISION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES
The below charts contain the average daily population, age, gender, and race of youth served by the Division of Community Services.

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DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES

T he Division of Support Services provides professional assistance to youth in the care of DJJ. The division is responsible for the Office of Behavioral Health Services (OBHS), the Office of Health Services, Office of Nutrition and Food Services, Office of Chaplaincy Services, and Office of Classification and Transportation Services. Support services are provided to youth housed in all 25 secure facilities across the state.

OFFICE OF BEHAVIORAL SERVICES
The Office of Behavioral Health Services (OBHS) manages and administers the behavioral health services programs in all DJJ facilities. Services include mental health assessments, general counseling and case management, sexually harmful behaviors treatment, and substance abuse treatment. All services offered to youth adhere to current best practices and meet the youth's identified needs in DJJ secure facilities, utilizing evidence-based interventions. Services are driven through individualized treatment and service plans that are developed for each youth.

FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Programs and Case Management team implemented the new Skillstreaming the Adolescent group curriculum in RYDCs in March 2020. Skillstreaming the Adolescents is an evidence-based intervention that systematically teaches social skills to address the needs of youth who display behavioral problems and to support the youth with the necessary skills to lead effective and satisfying relationships.
The percentage of youth on the mental health caseload is higher in YDCs because youth placed in YDCs have more significant criminal histories and tend to have higher mental health needs.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - DSM-5 Diagnosis as a Percentage of Youth on Mental Health Caseload: RYDCs and YDCs
YDCs RYDCs
22 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES

OBHS implemented the Youth Needs and Progress Scale (YNPS) in all YDCs. The YNPS is a 22-item rating scale designed to help identify riskrelevant intervention needs and track progress toward resolving those needs among individuals ages 12 to 25 who have engaged in abusive sexual behavior. Abusive sexual behavior includes contact or noncontact, nonconsenting, coercive, and assaultive sexual activities and sexual behavior involving significantly younger persons (generally defined as someone who is at least four years younger). Any underage sexual activity that has been or could be charged as a sexual offense is included in this definition as well.

[ ] 158

youth received sex offender services.

OFFICE OF HEALTH SERVICES
The Office of Health Services manages and administers the health services program. The office provides clinical and administrative oversight in medical and dental care, nursing, physician and advance practice providers, pharmacy, laboratory, and radiology services through a contract with Augusta University/Department of Correctional Healthcare-Juvenile Health.
FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The office ensured a safe medical experience for youth due to the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing procedures to limit the transmission of the highly contagious virus. In partnership with Augusta University, staff conducted contact tracing, isolated youth when necessary, and screened youth and staff as they entered facilities. Additionally, in partnership with the Department of Public Health, administered COVID-19 vaccines to youth and employees.

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DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES

OFFICE OF NUTRITION AND FOOD SERVICES
The Office of Nutrition and Food Services provides nutritionally sound menus that meet USDA guidelines for the National School Meal Programs, offer variety and flavor and are prepared utilizing food safety practices.
The primary focuses of the office include:
Providing youth with nutritionally balanced meals and snacks that meet USDA guidelines, including offering a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, a choice of 1% unflavored or fat-free flavored milk, and sodium and saturated fat maximum levels Ensuring food safety practices are enforced through staff training, employing ServSafe certified managers, and compliance audits Participating in USDA National Breakfast, Lunch, and Afterschool Care Programs, allowing DJJ to receive federal reimbursement for these meals Monitoring and developing medically necessary special diet menus to ensure youth safety and nourishment Oversight of the statewide wellness program, which emphasizes the importance of overall health through educational materials and youth events Promoting farm-to-school initiatives and Georgia Grown foods through school gardens and serving locally grown products

FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Total Reimbursement*:
$2,039,833

Total Snacks Served:
1,022,814

Total Meals Served:
1,026,191

Total Adult Meals Served:
328

Through the USDA Farm to School (F2S) Planning Grant, and in collaboration with the Division of Education, ONFS increased awareness of DJJ's F2S efforts to the community by posting banners at facilities with school gardens and providing educational opportunities by supplying gardening books to facilities. ONFS also equipped 10 facilities with hydroponic gardens, partnered with a landscape architecture firm to develop a therapeutic garden space at the Atlanta YDC, and offered educational webinars in collaboration with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and the Georgia Department of Education.
*Total amount of reimbursement funds received from USDA National School Feeding Programs for breakfasts, lunches, and afterschool snacks that meet USDA federal guidelines.

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DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES

OFFICE OF CHAPLAINCY SERVICES
The Office of Chaplaincy Services supports DJJ's mission by ensuring First Amendment Rights to religious freedom, expression, and resources, including pastoral care to youth and staff through spiritual guidance, support, crisis intervention, and religious education.
FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2,305 Youth Pastoral Contacts 2,238 Pastoral Staff Contacts 146 Youth Served

through the Emory University Candler School of Theology Contextual Education Program at the Metro RYDC.

OFFICE OF CLASSIFICATION AND TRANSPORTATION
The Office of Classification and Transportation Services ensures that youth are appropriately screened for placement, classified according to risk and need, and safely and securely transported.

CLASSIFICATION
The Office of Classification ensures the appropriate classification and stratification of youth for placements. The office reviews court orders associated with all youth in DJJ secure facilities to establish release dates. Staff is responsible for conducting a multi-disciplinary meeting and administering assessment tools upon Commitment.

TRANSPORTATION

The Office of Transportation provided 1,340 safe and secure transports of youth between the 25 secure facilities, medical appointments, interviews, Interstate Compact details, graduation, and dental clinics.
Total miles driven:
362,479 miles

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OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDS
T he Office of Professional Development and Standards (OPDS) manages the Office of Professional Development, Office of Compliance, Office of Victim and Volunteer Services, and the Emergency Management Unit.
OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Office of Professional Development (OPD) provides training programs supporting the Department's mission to enhance staff and partners' safety, security, and skills. The OPD is responsible for training nearly all the agency's full and part-time staff, including Georgia POSTcertified Juvenile Correctional Officers (JCOs), Juvenile Probation Officers (JPOs), Post-certified Juvenile Probation Parole Specialists (JPPSs), Teachers, Medical and Mental Health Professionals, Food Service Workers, Custodial Workers, and Administrative Staff.
FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In FY2021, OPD contracted with Meridian, Inc. to create a new Learning Management System. The new system will track employee training and certification.
OFFICE OF COMPLIANCE
The Office of Compliance manages the Department's internal and external quality control processes, including policy, procedure, and compliance audits.
FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The office assisted eight secure facilities with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) audits. The federally mandated policy provides staff guidelines to reduce the risk of sexual abuse within DJJ facilities, programs, and offices. DJJ has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of sexual abuse and harassment. In FY2021, all eight facilities passed their audits.
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OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDS

ACA ACCREDITATION
The American Correctional Association (ACA) is a membership organization representing correctional professionals in the U.S., Canada, and abroad. DJJ's efforts to attain ACA accreditation signifies a critical step to achieve long-term departmental goals by having agency policies aligned with nationally recommended standards.
Utilizing the ACA process demonstrates that DJJ is open to future innovations that can lead to more historical changes in Georgia's juvenile justice system. Obtaining ACA accreditation can improve DJJ policies and procedures that help safeguard the life, health, and safety of DJJ staff and youth in the agency's care and custody. ACA accreditation also promotes the training and treatment of juvenile offenders and the professional development of DJJ correctional staff.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marietta RYDC was the sole secure facility to obtain full accreditation during FY2021. The Wilkes RYDC participated in an onsite inspection in January 2021 and attained full accreditation in August 2021.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UNIT
The Emergency Management Unit supports the DJJ mission to ensure the safe operation of all DJJ owned and operated facilities and Community Service Offices. The Unit provides oversight of Emergency Management, Planning, and Fire & Life Safety consistent with federal and state regulatory standards.
FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

24

Community and facility emergency planners trained in the Emergency Planners & Fire Safety course.

193 buildings were inspected. Giving a square footage total of:
1,504,992 square feet

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OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDS

OFFICE OF VICTIM AND VOLUNTEER SERVICES
The Office of Victim and Volunteer Services is committed to providing timely and responsible notification to victims upon the release of a youth from a DJJ secure facility.
Established in 2012, DJJ's victim services unit has helped streamline the agency's victim-related services and created a central location to identify, address, and respond to legal requirements to meet the needs of victims of juvenile offenders.

Under the Georgia Crime Victims' Bill of Rights, victims of crime in Georgia have a right to request to be notified when the person convicted of a crime against them:
Is released from secure confinement Has asked for secure facility passes to the community Has escaped or transferred to the Georgia Department of Corrections Has violated the electronic release and monitoring program

During FY2021, the office issued
3,353
notification letters.

FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In partnership with Special Olympics Georgia, DJJ raised more than $21,000 to help provide 26,620 athletes free year-round sports training.

In FY2021, DJJ's launched its Transforming U employee wellness initiative, which focuses on the six pillars of wellness: physical, mental, social, spiritual, financial, and emotional. Engagement events include a Lunch and Learn, Master Resilience and Peer Support Team to recognize, respond and support DJJ employees and their family members who experience a critical or traumatic incident.

28 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

OMBUDSMAN

T he Office of the Ombudsman acts as a single point of contact for family members, advocates, and other concerned citizens interested in reporting complaints or concerns on behalf of youth under the supervision of DJJ. The Ombudsman's mission fosters citizens' confidence in DJJ by promoting integrity, fairness, and accountability.
FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The Office of Ombudsman resolved 382 cases, which included substantiated complaints, inquiries, and referrals.

Complaints
Grievances received from youth, parents, or concerned citizens that require future investigation.

Inquiries
Questions posed by a youth, parent, guardian, or concerned citizens that may not be considered a severe issue but requires a specific answer or reference.

Referrals
A grievance, inquiry, or complaint that does not fall under the purview of the Ombudsman's authority is referred to external agencies or community resources for further action.

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DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

T he Division of Administrative Services includes the Office of Grants, Building Services and Real Estate Management, Office of Technology and Information Services, Office of Engineering, and the Project Management Office.

OFFICE OF GRANTS
The Office of Grants oversees the financial allocation and administration of a wide range of grant projects. In FY2021, on behalf of the DJJ, the Office of Grants applied and was awarded the following grants:

Federal Award: $42,000

Grantor: Planned Use:

The Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
The grant will purchase Axon Body Worn cameras to support the Department's strategic plan to operate safe and secure facilities and communities while providing educational opportunities in a safe, supportive environment.

Federal Award: $1.5 million

Grantor: Planned Use:

The Governor's Office of Student Achievement Upgrade the Department's educational classrooms' digital networks or purchase additional digital devices.

Federal Award: $24,910

Grantor: Planned Use:

Pittulloch Foundation
Re-institute therapeutic yoga services via telemedicine for youth inside our secure facilities. Funding will also provide training and resilience for the Office of Behavioral Health Services and Community staff.

Federal Award: $532,185

Grantor: Planned Use:

Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council The grant will be used to continue the Department's rehabilitation treatment service program in our YDCs and establish treatment services in our RYDCs.

OFFICE OF ENGINEERING
The Engineering and Construction team's mission is to address the needs outlined in DJJ's strategic plan for growth and development and its challenges by meeting the maintenance and repair needs in the agency's aging facilities.

FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
IP CCTV upgrades for Dalton RYDC and Waycross RYDC Fire Alarm and Intercom upgrades for Clayton RYDC and Augusta RYDC Electronic Locking Control upgrades for DeKalb RYDC, Rome RYDC, and Marietta RYDC Installation of a new locking system and ceiling hardening at Metro RYDC

30 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

OFFICE OF TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Office of Technology and Information Services (OTIS) supports software development and provides database support for DJJ.

FY2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The development of a new Human Resources tracking system for workflow requests

8,038

Implementation of a new Education network allowing the separation of student educational activities from other agency programs

Internal work orders completed
1,545

Increased online training requirements for all staff members by performing monthly Phishing campaigns

Network access requests completed

Coordinated the refresh of video conferencing systems at

seven secure facilities

Implemented the Jpay system into five additional facilities. JPay provides detained youth with

access to tablets to download books, games, and music

OFFICE OF REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT AND BUILDING SERVICES
The Office of Real Estate Management and Building Services manages 89 real estate properties leased by the agency, primarily for the Division of Community Services. The Real Estate team also serves as the Department's liaison with the State Properties Commission of Georgia to manage the Department's real estate leases, renegotiations, renewals, relocations, and landlord issues.

In partnership with the State Properties Commission and SJS Facility Services, DJJ Central Office underwent a significant renovation. The renovation included:

New flooring and paint throughout the building New restrooms and breakroom appliances Implementation of new LED lighting

Repaving of the parking lot Relocation of the motor pool parking lot Restroom overhauls

PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The Project Management Office (PMO) was established to support DJJ executives, stakeholders and customers by ensuring valuable project benefits. A functional PMO will have visibility to projects across the agency, providing the agency chooses the best fit projects to support, fund, and staff.

To date, the PMO has guided five projects to completion, including:

Axon body-worn cameras GOSA classrooms

Two phases of multi-factor authentication Divisional realignment project

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice | FY2021 Annual Report

31

3408 Covington Highway Decatur, Georgia 30032
Main Number: 404-508-6500 Fax Number: 404-508-7289
publicaffairs@djj.state.ga.us http://djj.georgia.gov/

@GeorgiaDJJ

Revised 5/3/2022