2023 Annual report.

ANNUAL REPORT
FY 2023
Georgia Department of Community Supervision

Office Locations

Our Mission
As an integral part of the criminal justice system, we protect and serve the state of Georgia through effective and efficient community supervision while providing opportunities for successful outcomes.
Our Vision
To become the national leader for innovative and progressive community supervision; we will accomplish this by
Embracing best and next evidence based practices
Utilizing an integrated approach to improve supervisee behavior
Effectively coordinating between all concerned stakeholders
Ensuring victim's voices are heard and victim rights protected

Georgia Department of Community Supervision Organizational Structure

GA Department of Community Supervision
CORE VALUES
Accountability Integrity Selfless Service Teamwork Personal and professional development

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Table Of Contents

Team DCS | 13 Training | 17 Special Ops | 25 Reentry | 29 RRU | 31 MPOU | 33 Community | 35

Commissioner's Greetings

I am both excited and humbled to present the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report for the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. This report encapsulates our agency's dedication, progress, and achievements over the past year, reflecting our commitment to fostering safer communities while promoting the successful reintegration of individuals under our supervision.
In this year's report, you will find comprehensive information about our agency's initiatives, programs, and outcomes. We have strived to provide an indepth analysis of our efforts, successes, challenges, and future goals, offering stakeholders, policymakers, and the public a transparent view of our activities.

Throughout the report, you will discover the significant milestones we have achieved in our mission to enhance public safety and support the individuals entrusted to our care. It includes detailed statistics, relevant research, and success stories that highlight the impact of our various programs, such as reentry services, research and professional contributions, and community outreach efforts.
Furthermore, the report outlines our financial performance, demonstrating our commitment to responsible fiscal management and the prudent use of public resources. We believe that being accountable for the funds entrusted to us is essential in maintaining the public's trust and confidence in our agency.
I encourage you to explore the report thoroughly, as it not only showcases our accomplishments but also serves as a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team members, partners, and stakeholders. Accordingly, and perhaps most importantly,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the men and women who comprise Team DCS. Without a doubt, it is because of these devoted public servants that we are able to make such a tremendous impact in communities across Georgia.
The entire DCS team remains deeply grateful for the ongoing support and collaboration that have made our achievements possible. I look forward to even greater accomplishments and further realizing our vision of remaining a national leader in community supervision.
Michael W. Nail
Commissioner

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Executive Leadership
Our senior leadership team ensures the mission and vision of the Department remain at the forefront of our daily work. These leaders offer valuable strategic direction to our operations and to the community supervision profession

Scott Maurer
Assistant Commissioner

Bert Flewellen
Chief Operating Officer

Sandra Thomas
Executive Operations Director

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Senior Leadership Team
Our senior leadership team embodies a wealth of collective experience, guiding our organization with wisdom, expertise, and a shared vision. With decades of experience under their belts, they bring a nuanced understanding of our profession, relevant trends, and emerging technologies. This depth of knowledge enables them to make informed decisions, anticipate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities, ensuring the Department's resilience and positioning us for growth.

Barbara Neville
Human Resources Director

Phil Sellers
Chief Information Officer

Olivia Duke
Chief Financial Officer

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Board of Community Supervision
The Georgia Department of Community Supervision is provided oversight by an eleven-person board appointed by the Governor. The board meets regularly on the third Thursday on a quarterly basis unless otherwise noted. These public service professionals ensure the Department's actions serve the citizens of Georgia.

Kevin Tanner
Board Member

Jimmy Kitchens
Board Member

Nick Norton
Board Member

Heath Elliott
Board Member

Terry Barnard
Board Member

Sonja Fillingame
Board Member

Tyrone Oliver
Board Member

Candice Broce
Board Member

Steve Queen
Board Member

David Herring
Board Member

Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb
Board Member

By the Numbers

Expenditures
FY 23 Overall Expenditures $196,813,135.51
150,512
Cumulative total of all individuals under active DCS supervision
36,219
Count of supervision entries
41,661
Count of supervision exits
142.7
Average caseload per community supervision officer

The Facts on Community Supervision in Georgia Much of the professional application and conceptual discussion connects felony supervision revocations as a multiplier of jail populations.. Unfortunately, this perspective has not always been representative of the great work DCS is doing to ensure the individuals under our supervision receive the resources, services, and support they need to succeed. Day in and day out, the DCS Team is exhausting all possible alternatives to incarceration to keep the individuals we work with out of prison or returning to prison. Therefore, DCS was proud to put forth our "Five Facts on Community Supervision."
We believe in a measured and collaborative approach to our goals. Being responsible stewards of our agency resources and working closely with our partners in criminal justice, we can achieve great things for the citizens of Georgia.
OLIVIA DUKE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SUPERVISION
These succinct points encapsulate meaningful data that lends additional context to the role community supervision plays in confinement admissions and better reflects the difference we are making in communities across Georgia. For example, of the 198,490 people on felony probation in Fiscal Year 2021, only 1,289 (.7%) had their sentence revoked to state prison. More central to our mission, during that same timespan Eighty-seven percent (87%) of individuals completed their supervision term in the community. These are real numbers reflecting real change.
Stronger Together: Measuring Stakeholder Satisfaction Each year DCS surveys and solicits input from Georgia's District Attorneys, Public Defenders, and Superior Court Judges to better assess our service to our partners in criminal justice. The Stakeholder Survey provides an avenue to gauge our effectiveness and helps better inform our operations and service delivery. The Survey yielded 103 responses with an average of 96% satisfaction across all sectors.

10 | FY23

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FYJu2n0e23

Fiscal Year 23 Demographic Breakdown of the Supervision Population

25,179
Supervised with Mental Health Needs
32,716
Supervised with Substance Abuse Needs

Race Breakdown

Asian 0.4%

Hispanic 1.3%

Other 0.3%

Black 50.1%

White 47.9%

38,112
Individuals ordered to complete community service
623,345.99
Total hours of community service performed by the supervision population

Age Breakdown

50-59 years 13.4%

60 and over 7.4%

19 years 0.4% 20-29 years 21%

11 | FY23

40-49 years 23.6%

30-39 years 34.1%

Violent 36.4% Non-Violent 63.6%
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
CrimvioleentNTon-yVioplenet Breakdown

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FYJu2n0e23

Total Expenditures

FY 2022 FY 2023

$ 182,279,894 $ 196,813,135

Expenditures by Fund Source

State

$ 189,411,923

Federal $ 517,690

Other

$ 6,883,522

*Not included in these figures are expenditures related to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, which is administratively attached to DCS. The alignment of our agencies allows us to better identify and respond to domestic violence and its impacts within the families we serve.

Expenditures by Program

$200,000,000

$150,000,000

$100,000,000

$50,000,000

12 | FY23

$0 Administration

Field Services

MPOU

GOTSR

#TeamDCS

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Employee Success Propels our Mission Forward
Without a doubt our greatest asset are the men and women who give of themselves every day to make a difference. The DCS Team is composed of dedicated individuals who are committed to public service. Our organization strives to operate in the best interests of both DCS and our employees by applying industry best standards, offering constant tips and reminders, and implementing the feedback received from employee engagement surveys. In doing so, our Human Resources team and other Central Office employees ensure we do all we can to strengthen the emphasis we place on work-life balance.

1,888
DCS employees
Of this total, 1,310 were Sworn officers and 578 were Non-sworn. Community Supervision Officers made up the majority of our team at 50.15% concluding Fiscal Year 2023.

Other Unsworn Positions 20.2%
Behavioral Health Counselors 2.9%

Centralized Agency Administration 14.4%

Sworn Positions 59.4%

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Human Resources Toolkit
In an effort to ensure employees are well informed of the resources available to them, the Office of Human Resources commenced "Tune-Up Tuesdays'' - an initiative whereby employees are sent relevant information on various timely topics on a weekly basis. The topics range from Employee Assistance Program all the way to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. In doing so, employees remain abreast of critical decisions impacting them and the Department fostering a more informed employee experience.
Employee Engagement
In Fiscal Year 2022, DCS conducted its second employee survey. A notable takeaway from this survey was that the job satisfaction rate was nearly 80%. While this is promising information, maintaining and even bettering employee satisfaction was a major focus throughout Fiscal Year 2023. Focus Groups met throughout the year to address areas of concern: Career Pathways and Management Training. These Focus Groups spent the year researching the appropriate strategic initiatives that will bolster the employee experience and keep DCS an agency where top talent seeks to build a meaningful career.
Ride-Alongs
The most direct way to witness the DCS mission in action is to spend a portion of the day riding alongside a Community Supervision Officer. In doing so, local citizens get to witness field interactions and observe the emotionally demanding yet richly rewarding duties our officers and staff perform. The inverse is also true. DCS staff get the opportunity to engage with community members, educate them on the importance of our role in the criminal justice system, and foster pro-social contact with constituents. In Fiscal Year 2023, DCS conducted 106 ride-alongs.
14 | FY23

Work-life balance is a foremost priority for us as an organization. That is why we do all we can to care for the health, safety, and stability of our employees.
BARBARA NEVILLE, DIRECTOR DCS OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Employee Spotlight
Behind every success story is an officer who believed in the potential for change. Officer Lisa Garcia, our FY23 Officer of the Year, reflects this belief with her unwavering commitment, exceptional dedication, and compassionate approach. Officer Garcia's belief in rehabilitation and tireless efforts have transformed lives and made our community safer.

LISA GARCIA OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Administrative professionals are the backbone of any organization. Donna Moore, our FY23 Employee of the Year, captures the essence of this sentiment. She is organized, professional, exceptional in customer service, and has a heart for those who we serve. Donna is the best of DCS and is proof positive that you can make a difference in any position we offer on the DCS Team.

DONNA MOORE EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

#TeamDCS
Where Public Safety and Progress Meet

Training

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Recognizing the correlation between well-trained employees and the benefits to public safety, DCS offers the most up-to-date and specialized training. With a focus on developing training that remains at the forefront of public safety trends and best practices, we offer top-notch courses for personnel at all levels. We provide enhanced methods of delivery through in-person, online training, and blended learning. To this end, the Department completed 89,273 hours of training for an average of 54 hours per employee. Moreover, the Basic Academy had nearly an 85% successful completion rate - a true testament to our training staff and the passion they bring to equipping our future officers.

89,273
Completed Hours of Training
582
Training courses offered

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Training

FY 2023

Our team of instructors consistently evaluates the training programs ensuring our staff is prepared to respond to the current and future demands for service. As such, the DCS Training Catalog has now grown to accommodate a total of 582 courses. Additionally, DCS partners with professional associations such as Justice ClearingHouse. This partnership is an innovative force multiplier allowing DCS employees access to over 1,000 recorded and live webinars that are designed to address various intersections of the justice community from a multidisciplinary approach
Not only does DCS provide internal training, this year DCS was proud to launch a new course- "United Success: Interoperability with the Department of Community Supervision." In conjunction with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center, this course is for current officers enrolled in Basic Law Enforcement Training as a part of their curriculum. This 1-hour POST accredited course provides a solid foundation of knowledge regarding the operations, mission, and assistance that DCS can provide to law enforcement professionals in the performance of their duties. The course has been widely acclaimed and is another step forward in coordination with our partners in law enforcement.

83.9%
Basic Graduates
New CSO candidates successfully completed

We prepare the future leaders of our agency via our professional development curriculum. Management Essentials Training, Advanced Management Training, and the Institute for Credible Leadership and Development are all intense courses mechanized to equip employees with the skills needed to hone their leadership skills and are direct investments in their personal development as well.

18| FY23

Our purpose is not just to impart knowledge, but to inspire and empower individuals to reach their fullest potential. Training is not merely a transfer of information; it's a transformative journey that shapes minds, hones skills, and builds confidence
LORI MASSENGALE, DIRECTOR DCS OFFICE OF TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Leading the Way: Great People bring Great Success

Like many of our partners in law enforcement, DCS was faced with the challenge of attracting people to a profession that is emotionally demanding. We were losing top talent and institutional knowledge to better opportunities; having difficulty attracting the right candidates; draining our productivity; and faced many barriers to growing our brand recognition.
However, in true DCS fashion, when faced with an issue we put the effort and energy needed to get ahead of the issue and tackle it directly. Accordingly, DCS assembled an inter-agency focus group tasked with developing "Strategies to Improve Hiring and Attract Top Talent." Leaders from across DCS gathered to reimagine our hiring process to one that attracts top talent and retains dedicated employees.
DCS is realizing the benefits of this investment into our recruitment, branding, and retention efforts. The way we remain a national leader in community supervision is by hiring self-motivated future leaders who propel our mission forward - and the future is bright!
KATRINA HALL DCS RECRUITMENT MANAGER

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Established a Statewide Recruitment Unit Removed time-consuming barriers to the employment process Implemented an Applicant Tracking system Revamped our Internship Program

Automated administrative tasks Been contacted by regional states to study our recruitment efforts Dedicated Branding and Marketing campaigns via social media and our website Connected and presented overviews of the Department with more Universities

With 135 new officers added to our ranks and Academy classes increasing in capacity, it is evident that the recruitment strategy is working and is a valuable investment. What's more is that the qualified talent that has been brought into the agency are more familiar with our mission which further aligns with the efforts.
While there is still work to be done, the future is promising. Our vision to remain a national leader in community supervision cannot be achieved without our most essential asset- the men and women who comprise TeamDCS. We will position ourselves to proactively build the next generation of community supervision professionals by assembling a committed and dedicated workforce.

20 | FY23

135
New Officers
New officers added to our ranks and Academy classes increasing in capacity

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Leading the Way: A Research-Driven Approach to Success
DCS believes evidence-based practice is a verb, not a noun. This commitment requires that we not only follow the latest academic research but also constantly evaluate our performance. As such, DCS has developed a robust research agenda that ties directly into our philosophy of Person-Centered Supervision (PCS).
At its core PCS promotes success by recognizing people as unique individuals with varying strengths, needs, and goals. In short, PCS is a paradigm for putting principles into practice. The four key components of PCS are:

Time: Delivering quality supervision takes a requisite amount of time Relationships: Officer-supervisee relationships are important for successful outcomes Dialogue: Allowing feedback promotes fairness Intersections: Addressing barriers to success is critical
DCS' PCS model was featured in an article in the American Probation & Parole Association's quarterly periodical entitled Perspectives. Follow this link if you would like to read the article and learn more about PCS.
Research Spotlight
Adopting a Case Consultation Model to Enhance Mental Health Supervision Our mission is to help individuals overcome past mistakes as they seek to live positive and productive lives. One of the common challenges we must overcome in our efforts is addressing supervisees' mental health needs. In fact, a recent study from the Council of State Governments (CSG) found that persons with mental health needs fair significantly worse on supervision than those without mental illness in Georgia. Specifically, the study determined that 65% of individuals were rearrested compared to 46% without a mental illness. To continue tackling this issue, DCS is a contributive member of the Georgia Behavioral Health Innovation and Reform Commission which has been tasked with implementing proven strategies that improve the outcomes of justiceinvolved individuals with mental health needs.

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Research also shows that supervising a mental health caseload can have adverse effects on our CSOs. One study found that CSOs supervising more people with Mental Health Disorders (MHDs) report significantly higher emotional exhaustion, work stress, and depressive symptoms. DCS has a responsibility to ensure our officers have the knowledge, skills, and support they need to perform their work effectively. That is why we have partnered with Dr. Tonya Van Denise of the University of the North Carolina School of Social Work to evaluate the feasibility of a Case Consultation Model for Specialized Mental Health Supervision. Under this pilot program, CSOs attend monthly staffings with a Clinical Case Consultant to discuss challenges, present cases, and receive feedback. Dr. Van Denise is enthusiastic about the potential of this project. "Across the county, CSOs often feel ill-equipped to handle some of the ways that mental health challenges manifest with people on their caseloads. Through hands-on feedback from a clinician and further development of their resource networks, this project is focused on building their capacity and supporting them in their roles as Specialized Mental Health Officers."

The Role of Stress in Officer-Supervisee Relationships: A Biosocial Approach to Reducing Recidivism
The men and women of DCS serve because they believe in our mission and they want to make a difference in communities across Georgia. As is the case with any profession, there are times when community supervision can be a distressing work environment. Much is expected of our CSOs as they are called upon to perform numerous obligations when interacting with supervisees, families, victims, stakeholders, and the community at large. Ultimately, the effectiveness of each individual officer comes down to their ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with supervisees.
While most community supervision research focuses on interventions to reduce recidivism, it is equally important to understand the factors that hinder officer-supervisee relationships, particularly officer stress. In partnership with Dr. Frances Chen of Georgia State University, DCS is examining the role of officer stress in forming officer-supervisee relationships and how the resulting relationships impact criminal justice outcomes. Dr. Chen believes this research will provide valuable insights not just for DCS but for community supervision agencies across the country. "This National Science Foundation project seeks to understand the impact officer stress has on client outcomes. With nearly 4 million people on probation and parole across the country, we believe studies exploring the impact on officers are critical to help inform agency practices and policies."
Looking Ahead
A testament to the great work being performed, DCS will be featured in the Global Handbook on Community Corrections. This first of its kind textbook will introduce our agency to college students across the country.

22 | FY23

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Leading the Way: Leveraging Technology to Advance Our Mission
Since the creation of DCS in 2015, representatives from 14 states and countries across the globe as far away as Australia and Japan have either visited Georgia or contacted DCS directly to learn how we incorporate the latest technology within our supervision model and to see if they can replicate our success. In a relatively short amount of time, DCS has become the beacon of technological innovation for community supervision. This status as an industry leader and change agent is a credit to the incredible work performed day in and day out by our IT Division. What truly sets them apart and makes them one of the most effective IT teams in the country is their ability to not only understand the challenges we face but also work in partnership with other divisions when developing solutions.
Over the past Fiscal Year, we have made remarkable strides in leveraging technology to advance our mission. Three advanacements that our IT Division is most excited to share at this time are our Supervisee Portal, the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Progress Tool, and a Meraki infrastructure upgrade.

My Supervision Portal
The Supervisee facing Web Portal provides supervisees with an additional method of communication and engagement with their case managers. As a direct channel to their case manager and case information, the portal promotes a sense of autonomy and control over their case. The portal also allows for secure document sharing enabling case managers to quickly share documents with supervisees. Expanded functionally is currently under development that will include: appointment scheduling, progress tracking, resource availability, and bi-directional document sharing further encouraging supervisees to actively participate in their own case management.

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Progress Tool
A joint initiative with Field Operations to help CSOs focus on what's most important, the KPI Progress Tool empowers our officers with real-time data insights. The visual representations of caseload performance indicators enable CSOs to make more informed, data-driven decisions and streamline their case management process. Furthermore, it allows for more effective resource allocation and improved case outcomes. The addition of the KPI Progress Tool has significantly improved our operational efficiency, decision-making capabilities, and overall performance.

Meraki Infrastructure Upgrade
IT has updated the Agency networking infrastructure with Meraki, a cloudbased networking platform that provides businesses with a scalable, secure, and reliable way to manage their networks. In a time when government agencies most remain vigilant with cybersecurity, Meraki offers a variety of security features including intrusion detection and prevention, web filtering, and data loss prevention. Equally important are Meraki's reliability, visibility, and automation which save time and enhance efficiency.

24 | FY23

Empowering communities through the strategic leverage of technology in community corrections not only enhances public safety but also fosters positive change, transforming lives and strengthening the very fabric of our society.
PHIL SELLERS CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

Special Opperations

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Sp. Ops

FY 2023

Leading the Way: Protecting and Serving Communities Across Georgia

While we endeavor to ensure everyone under DCS supervision has the resources and support they need to succeed, we understand that unfortunately not every person will take advantage of these opportunities. Accordingly, to detect continued criminal activity and deter future criminal activity, DCS conducts specialized operations to protect the citizens of Georgia.
358
Searches
175
Arrests
98
Firearms were seized, and narcotics and gang paraphernalia were recovered.
In October 2022, DCS and local law enforcement agencies partnered for a safer Halloween. Every DCS office developed a plan of action to increase our supervision efforts during Halloween. Our highly trained officers were present in neighborhoods and communities closely monitoring these individuals and ensuring their compliance with Georgia law and the conditions of their supervision.
In December 2022, DCS led a statewide joint operation targeting gang activity. In conjunction with over 100 State, Federal, and local partners, DCS conducted warrant service, 4th Amendment searches, Parole searches, and field interviews with verified gang members primarily associated with known Street Gangs.

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

DCS is also proud to share in the success of Governor Brian Kemp's Crime Suppression Unit. In working with the Crime Suppression Unit, DCS has been able to leverage our technological platform and our database of thousands of validated gang members and others on probation and parole throughout the Metro Atlanta area.

Over 100
State, Federal, and local partners, DCS conducted warrant service, 4th Amendment searches, Parole searches, and field interviews with verified gang members
In addition to these operations, DCS is also present when disaster strikes and the communities we serve need us the most. When destructive storms struck portions of South Georgia, our Immediate Response Team sprung into action removing trees, clearing debris, conducting traffic, and providing essential services. Our team worked tirelessly alongside other emergency responders to bring as much restoration and normalcy as possible to our fellow Georgians.

26| FY23

Because our officers are fully immersed in the communities they serve, their effective supervision and coordination with our partners in law enforcement have proven critical in removing dangerous individuals from our communities
JAMES BERGMAN, DIRECTOR SPECIAL OPERATIONS

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Our Success

Our work protects communities while also transforming lives for the better. We share in the success of any individual who is committed to bettering themselves and taking advantage of the opportunities to succeed. Many individuals serving a felony probation sentence or who have been granted parole come to our Department with many barriers to success. That is why the work we do is so critical. Moreover, that is why the work we do is so meaningful. This past Fiscal Year we have made concerted efforts to document and showcase the individuals who have benefited from our Department's services.
Whether it was a DRC Counselor, a devoted Community Supervision Officer, or even one of our amazing administrative professionals, the compassionate men and women of Team DCS put forth a person-centered approach to offer every individual under our supervision an opportunity to excel. Here are just a few stories that demonstrate the true success of our profession:

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Mr. Quincy Dallas
In his early 20s, Mr. Dallas participated in a constant cycle of criminal activity that led him to a 15-year prison sentence. Even while incarcerated, Mr. Dallas still participated in criminal activity further perpetuating criminogenic behavior. He even shared that when he entered confinement he did not have basic literacy skills.
Once released to DCS for supervision, Mr. Dallas was assigned to an officer he credits for helping him change his thinking, actions, and decisions. Mr. Dallas states, "Officer Harris gave me a chance. He saw my effort and believed in me. He encouraged me to take Anger Management and that is how I have found peace within myself." Putting his pride aside and past behind him, Mr. Dallas is now helping others remain crime free. He is nearing completion of a GED Diploma and thanks to our Reentry Services Division has been connected with a Commercial Driving Licensing firm to obtain job readiness skills for a new career as a Commercial Truck Driver.
28 | FY23

Brandy Ray
Ms. Ray shared her story of addiction and recovery and how she ended up on probation and involved with DCS. While attending college, Ms. Ray was introduced to illicit drugs that unfortunately changed the trajectory of her matriculation. Although she was a good student, her battle with addiction led her down the path of bad decisions and the substance continued to worsen until she was in her mid-20s.
Initially, Ms. Ray was suspicious of law enforcement and did not trust the aim of our mission. However, Ms. Ray was enrolled in one of our Day Reporting Centers and this became the turning point in her life. She graduated from the DRC, gained successful employment, and is now celebrating years of sobriety and recovery. She credits her new opportunity to succeed in life, in part, to the role and witness DCS played in her journey.

Reentry

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

DCS Reentry Services: Strengthening Community and Rebuilding Lives
The mission and vision of the Reentry Services division is to ensure every individual under our supervision has the resources and support they need to successfully complete supervision, restore justice to their community, and positively contribute to their communities. In actualizing this vision, our team works with a vast array of resource providers to build a network of stakeholders committed to removing barriers to success. Housing, Employment, Transportation, and a host of other services are essential to helping those we serve achieve our intended outcome.

When an individual has access to safe and

supportive housing, it will aid in their ability to

remain crime-free.With this aim guiding our

work, the Reentry Team has grown our pool of

housing providers to 745 community partners.

An integral component of this growth includes

the

Transitional

Offender

Housing

Registry(THOR) which has grown to a network of

104 providers. This figure includes nine (9)

facilities that house our sex offender population

which further advances public safety by keeping

some of the most highly-liable individuals in a

secure facility.

In addition to the THOR directory, our Reentry Team also works alongside other state agencies to operate the Reentry Partnership Housing (RPH) program. At the conclusion of Fiscal Year 2023, DCS expanded the RPH network to include 46 Housing providers. The RPH program was modified to include individuals granted parole and our team was able to successfully place 247 individuals granted parole into an approved RPH facility. This modification has proven to be a substantial asset to public safety and went hand-in-hand with our mission as nearly twothirds (64%) of those placements have successfully completed their term of supervision.

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Reentry

FY 2023

Community Coordination
DCS Community Coordinators across Georgia work with resource providers, such as job training programs, educational institutions, and counseling services to offer valuable skills and guidance to our supervision population. Through these collective efforts, individuals on supervision are not only provided with practical tools to reintegrate into society but also receive the emotional backing necessary to rebuild their lives. The DCS network of resources providers has evolved to include 2,836 organizations that support our mission and vision.
Every circuit where there is a Community Coordinator has hosted multiple Resource Fairs. At each fair individuals are able to interact with prospective employers and address other needs. To this end, Community Coordinators established 12,225 contacts between individuals under supervision and resource providers. These valuable contacts have translated into 10,098 referrals directly addressing a need for successful reentry.

Professional Contributions Similarly to the research-driven approach DCS takes toward community supervision, the Reentry Services team also contributes to the professional advancement of our agency. Reentry Services Director Michelle Stanley served as a panelist for Georgia alongside California Department of Housing and Community Development and Utah State Government at The Council of State Governments Justice Center two-day Zero Returns to Homelessness: National Reentry Housing Symposium in Washington, D.C. States with an established record of success with intergovernmental coordination were invited to discuss their various approaches to reentry while charting the course for further collaboration.
Second Chance Month
Following Governor Brian P. Kemp's proclamation declaring April as "Second Chance Month" in the State of Georgia, the Reentry Services Division convened 70 events across the state for interested citizens to attend and celebrate the importance of helping people who were formerly incarcerated reenter society.
30 | FY23

Our work is critical in bridging the gap and connecting individuals with supportive reentry services.
MICHELLE STANLEY, REENTRY SERVICES DIRECTOR

RRU

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Removing Barriers and Restoring Lives: DCS Recidivism Reduction Unit
The Recidivism Reduction Unit functions in a supportive role for DCS Field Operations counseling staff and managers by providing training and continuous quality improvement to ensure program fidelity for counselors within field offices and Day Reporting Centers.

Counseling and Recidivism Reduction
DCS counseling programs are evaluated and measured on their connectedness to be evidence-based, culturally sensitive, and tailored to individual needs. Additionally, ongoing support and follow-up care are crucial touchpoints to maintaining the progress made during counseling and preventing relapse into criminal behavior. As such, DCS counseling counselors and programs are further measured for their collaboration between criminal justice systems, mental health services, social services, and community partnerships. All of these factors are proven approaches that guide our efforts to reduce recidivism.

During Fiscal Year 2023, the DCS Recidivism Reduction Unit:

Registered 473 Counselor Contacts

173 Conducted 1,969 hours of clinical supervision

Nine (9) Counselors obtainted

Conducted 50 program fidelity assessments

Trained 698 staff across all programming

Initiated a Clinical Supervision Track for Counseling

Completed 1,134 online training courses to enhance

Interns

service delivery

Day Reporting Centers
Day Reporting Centers play a significant role in the criminal justice system by offering structured, community-based alternatives to incarceration. The importance of these centers lies in their ability to address multiple aspects of an individual's life. In each of DCS' Day Reporting Centers, participants receive programming and services aimed at restoring justice, recovery, and contributing positively to the community. In Fiscal Year 2023, Day Reporting Centers conducted 44 commencement ceremonies with 838 graduates.

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

RRU

FY 2023

868
DRC Graduates in FY2023
32 | FY23

The greatest benefit of each Day Reporting Center is found not in the programming but in the participants. Individuals often enter at one of the more marginalized points in their life and graduate with purpose and oftentimes reunited with their families. As such, Centers across Georgia convene "Family Nights" where participants and their loved ones are able to come together in fellowship and support. These events have become hallmarks of hope on the road to recovery.
In addition to their human impact, each Center is quarterly evaluated on their employment rate, community service hours, and other indicators that are mechanized to reduce recidivism. DCS partnered with the University of Georgia School of Social Work to evaluate the performance of each Day Reporting Center. The overall range scores were from 82.2% to 98.5%. In comparison, the 2019 scores ranged from 70.5% to 94.8% thereby meeting the strategic goal of 80%.
Increasing Opportunities
Accountability Court Programs are associated with successful criminal justice outcomes among individuals with substance use disorders and mental illness. However, there was not a standardized process for supervisees to benefit from these services. Hence, DCS partnered with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), Council of Accountability Court Judges (CACJ), and Georgia State University (GSU) to increase accountability court service loads and reduce the number of supervisees revoked to prison. This project implemented a multi-site pilot to create formal accountability court referral and intake procedures for individuals who have substance use disorders or mental illness and are at risk of violating their sentence. By expanding the use of this program, DCS can better assist individuals with addiction and mental illness. Pilot sites have started, policies are in place, and referrals are underway. DCS is providing GSU with quarterly data to monitor and evaluate the program.
If someone has never been to prison, we do not want them to enter. If someone has been to prison,we do not want them to return. Our role is to do all we can to change criminal thinking and restore individuals to a place even they perhaps did not believe was obtainable.
SHERRI BLOODWORTH, DIRECTOR DCS RECIDIVISM REDUCTION UNIT

MPOU

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Preserving the integrity of Georgia's misdemeanor probation system is the foremost responsibility of the DCS Misdemeanor Probation Oversight Unit (MPOU). While the direct supervision of misdemeanor probation cases resides at the County-level, it is the role of DCS to ensure that misdemeanor probation officers and providers are operating with fidelity and compliance to Georgia law.

173
Number of hours offered
Training hours include both orientation required hours and annual inservice required hours
5,373
MPOU - Providers and Training Participants Served
To accomplish this, MPOU coordinates training events and opportunities, monitors training related activities and audits training records of the State of Georgia's public and private misdemeanor probation providers. Additionally, MPOU approves training resources/curriculum and trainer qualifications utilized by providers and performs training related compliance reviews per Georgia state law and DCS policies. To quantify this impact, MPOU conducted 41 statewide provider audits, and trained 5,373 misdemeanor officers and staff.

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

MPOU

FY 2023

By working with providers, DCS has been able to offer academy seats to prospective officers to receive training and certification. This partnership further strengthens the misdemeanor system and speaks to the enhanced coordination between DCS and local law enforcement.

Furthermore, MPOU witnessed operational enhancements this year with the updates made to the "What We Look For" manual which is a 75 page document that provides guidance on how to succeed in compliance.

Misdemeanor Probation Oversight Unit
#MPOU

34 | FY23

The citizens of Georgia deserve a misdemeanor probation system that is fair, equitable, and just. Our team works alongside our criminal justice partners to ensure just that
TIM LEWIS - DIRECTOR, MISDEMEANOR PROBATION OVERSIGHT

In The Community

GA Department of Community Supervision

Annual

Report

FY 2023

Uplifting the Community
Helping those in need and making concerted efforts to give back is one of the most important ways in which DCS remain immersed in the communities we serve. The value we place on selfless service is paramount.

By actively engaging with our communities, we bridge the gap between justice and compassion. Through our service, we don't just supervise, we uplift. We don't just enforce, we empower.
SHARI CHAMBERS DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS

Winter Service Day
In celebration of the holidays, DCS Offices across Georgia participated in the 2022 DCS Holiday Service Project- DFCS Secret Santa Program to provide Christmas gifts to Georgia's foster children. DCS raised over $7,000 in donations and gifts this year, providing Christmas gifts for 48 Georgia foster children!

Making A Difference
We cannot provide opportunities for successful outcomes if we are not connected to the needs and service gaps that define each and every area we serve. Each year every office throughout the State sets aside two Days of Service to make an amazing impact.

36 | FY23

Summer Service Day

DCS held their annual DCS Statewide Summer Service Day on 7/19/2023, focusing on giving back to those who are most vulnerable in our community. DCS provided summer meals and back to school supplies to children in need and care packages to the homeless community in our state.

$8,759
Amount donated by DCS to the State Charitable Contributions Program (SCCP)

DCS Central Office donated more than 75 food kits including 750 meals and over 800 snacks and drinks for children in need! During our DCS Central Office Summer Service Day, Team DCS assisted MUST Ministries in assembling over 800 food kits including 8000 meals for children in need in the metro Atlanta area. We distributed 1,086 food kits to families in need in the Marietta, Smyrna, and Austell communities.

Martin Luther King, Jr Drive SE Suite 458, East Tower Atlanta, GA 30334

Website
dcs.georgia.gov
Email
external.affairs@dcs.ga.gov
Phone
678. 783. 4337