Directions: a publication of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Vol. 10, no. 1 (Summer 2004)

Directions

A publication of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice
Volume X, Issue No. 1

Summer 2004

DJJ STAFF CONTRIBUTE TO SUCCESS OF G8 SUMMIT

As world leaders prepared to meet together on Sea Island in June, DJJ leaders began preparations to ensure that Georgia and the Department of Juvenile Justice, would be up to the challenge of providing a safe haven for the important meeting. Ericka Davis, Director of the Office of Public Affairs, and Jimmy Taylor, Director of the Office of Administrative Hearings and Investigations, participated in state level meetings coordinated by the Office of Homeland Security. District and regional staff prepared at the local level.
Region V displayed outstanding teamwork in preparing for the possibility of additional juvenile arrests from protesting activity, as well as, the potential that facilities along the coast may need to evacuate due to water
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
COMMISSIONER'S CORNER WELCOME THE BOARD NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTS HUMAN RESOURCES OPERATIONS PROGRAM SERVICES KUDOS

contamination or other terrorist activity. District Director, Larry Anderson, and Savannah RYDC Director, Pat Donaldson, attended numerous coastal meetings with other agencies. They worked with Linda Layton, Director of the Office of Classification to secure bed spaces for potential detainees. They arranged special training to control riots and decontaminate detainees, if needed. Renee Mumford, Waycross RYDC Director, and District Director, Gary Pattman, made similar preparations at the Waycross RYDC. The Savannah and Waycross RYDCs provide housing for all coastal region youth who are detained. Regional Behavioral Health Coordinator, Tammy Taylor, and Regional Health Administrator, Linda Julian, reinforced existing psychological and medical staff and provided on site assistance throughout the G8 Summit.
Staff also volunteered from across the state to provide security. Eastman RYDC volunteers included Todd Pound, Jesse Mincey, and David Banks. Jennifer Ledford and Steve Howard volunteered from the Gainesville RYDC. Lyle Grant volunteered

from the Dalton RYDC. Robert Johnson and Danny Cheeks came from the Macon RYDC. Kevin Holmes and Anthony Dilliard came from the Albany RYDC. Cleotha Pough volunteered from the Sandersville RYDC. William Estabo came from Metro RYDC. Mavis Sellars and DeSalle Holmes volunteered from the Marietta RYDC.
Lorr Elias, Regional Administrator, was even thanked by President Bush when he visited the central command center where she was working during the G8 Summit.
"Our ability to prepare for such an event was an honor. The outpouring of assistance from around the state is a tribute to the quality and dedication of department employees," said Elias. "Georgia can be proud of the successful and peaceful summit for the world leaders," she added.
Commissioner Murray extends his appreciation to all the DJJ staff members from around the state who participated in the G8 Summit.

COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

Redefining the System: Excellence,

Commitment, Justice and Equity

The Department of Juvenile Justice has undergone major changes since the circulation of the last newsletter. Most notable has been a change in leadership. Since coming aboard in January of this year and over the last nine months, I have had the opportunity to visit every facility and see first hand, the work of the agency.
Significant progress was made under the leadership of my predecessor, Orlando Martinez, to include compliance on citations for many systemic problems noted in the federal investigation that took place prior to his appointment. However, systems are strengthened by change and new leadership can build on previous successes and bring about innovations that can redefine that system in terms of excellence, commitment, justice and equity. Such is my vision for the Department as we further penetrate the 21st century and enhance service delivery to the most challenging population of young people in Georgia.

Redefining the system will require the stakeholders of this great agency to work with us as we move juvenile justice to another level and create a service delivery system which is child focused, treatment oriented, and professional. This will take some time, possibly redirecting some resources and some careful planning. Their support will be critical as we seek to strengthen community based programs and to improve both the climate and the services within our facilities.
It will also include working closely with the DJJ Board to ensure that sound policies govern the daily responsibilities of this agency. Their guidance will be a vital part of our success as an agency and a determining factor in our ability to be a driving force in juvenile justice. As they are prominent leaders in their respective communities, they can also be vigilant advocates of the Department and of the youth we serve.

As a newcomer to the state, I bring a fresh perspective to the juvenile justice system which has been shaped and molded over a 30 year period in three state systems. This experience has provided me a strong frame of reference on correctional systems and leadership. However, what I have learned most is that good systems are made by good people and their commitment to quality, both individually and collectively. I have also learned that good leadership is accomplished only when it is validated by those being led through their performance and teamwork.
I will make a heavy investment in empowering the more than 4,000 employees of DJJ to become winners and to believe that they have the strongest of advocacy and support from the Central Office and executive level management of DJJ. If I am successful in doing this, all subsequent service delivery goals will be met, the plight of the troubled youth in our state will be dramatically improved, recidivism will be reduced, and the communities of Georgia will become safer places to live.

As we focus on redefining excellence and our commitment to quality, we cannot forget the backbone of this agency- justice. Recently, I stumbled upon a particular definition of justice. It stated, "Justice is rendering to every one that which is his due". There are those who consider that justice and equity go hand in hand. Justice is distinguished from equity in this respect, because while administering justice is often limited to doing what law demands, equity means doing what is "fair and right in every separate case." So I submit to you that while we as an agency must mete out "juvenile justice", I contend that we must remember to also perform with equity, doing what is fair and right in every child's case.
Much of what we do in the months ahead to redefine our own level of expectations will change not only the service delivery of the system, but the futures of the children within it.

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WELCOME THE BOARD
Governor Sonny Perdue has appointed seven new members to the Department of Juvenile Justice Board. The first four new members were appointed on November 10, 2003. They were Tommy Burgess, William McQueen, Daniel Menefee and Daniel Shuman. Sheriff Donnie Haralson and Elizabeth Lindsey were appointed on February 26, 2004. The newest member, Judy Mecum, was appointed on July 16, 2004. Each Board member will serve a five year term and brings to the Department a wealth of knowledge and experience. The Board completed Ethics and Governance training on August 26th and is excited about being a part of the DJJ team and working to improve the plight of Georgia's at risk youth.
Tommy Lee Burgess, Jr. is from Augusta and represents the 9th Congressional District. He currently serves as Pastor of the Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church and is a member of the Executive Board of General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia.
Donnie R. Haralson is from Cordele and represents Congressional District 2. He is currently the Crisp County Sheriff and Emergency Management Association Director. He is past Chief of Police of the Cordele Police Department.
Elizabeth Green Lindsey is from Atlanta and serves Congressional District 5. She is currently a shareholder in the law firm of Davis, Matthews & Quigley, P.C., practicing exclusively in the area of family law. She has served as the Chairperson of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia.
William McQueen is from Fairburn and represents the 13th Congressional District. He currently serves as President and CEO of JEMS Strategic Connections, Inc. He has previously served as Director of Planning and Allocations for United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta.
Judy Mecum is from Gainesville and serves Congressional District 10. She is a former Captain with the Hall County Sheriff's Office. As a Sergeant, she established the Youth and Juvenile Investigations Unit which investigates child abuse and child molestation cases.
Daniel Augustus Menefee is from Midland and represents Congressional District 8. He currently serves on the Boards of the Boy Scouts of America and the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus. He is also Chairman of Operation Drug Free Georgia. He owns and operates The Menefee Insurance Group.
J. Daniel Shuman is from Reidsville and represents the 3rd Congressional District. He currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Tattnall County Board of Commissioners. He previously served as a District Director for Community Programs for the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Mary Wilhite, Acting Vice- Chair of the Board, was also reappointed by Governor Perdue.
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DJJ NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTS
Reilly Steps on Board as New Chief of Staff
William "Bill" Reilly former Chief Juvenile Court Judge recently chose to vacate his seat on the Appalachian Judicial Circuit to accept the appointment as the new Chief of Staff for the Department of Juvenile Justice. Reilly is now responsible for assisting Commissioner Murray in leading the helm of approximately 4,000 employees statewide within the Department.
A graduate of Western State University Law School located in Fullerton, California, Reilly is an accomplished litigator with 16 years of experience as a criminal defense and medical malpractice attorney. Prior to coming on board as the Chief of Staff, he served 14 years as Chief Juvenile Court Judge for the Appalachian County Circuit Court, in north Georgia.
Reilly plans to use his experience as a Juvenile Court Judge to enhance the relationship between the agency and the juvenile court. "One of my primary missions as the Chief of Staff is to maintain an open line of communication with the juvenile court judges who are the gatekeepers for our department", stated Reilly. "I hope to begin by encouraging feedback and being responsive not only to their needs, but also being responsive to the needs of the communities we jointly serve."
Edidin Leads Legal Division
Nina Edidin, former Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia is the new Director of Legal Services. Edidin is an experienced and competent legal counselor. She has an extensive background in child advocacy. As an assistant attorney general, she represented the department, along with various other state agencies, which encompassed a diverse cross section of courtroom trial experience in appellate cases, child support, and adoption. In addition to her legal training, she also holds dual degrees in social work and urban planning.
Edidin feels that her education and legal training will be very useful in her new role at DJJ. "I'm looking forward to serving in this new position because I can incorporate a lot of different aspects of my previous training and experience into my current job," Edidin said.
Harrison at the Helm of Behavioral Services
The Office of Behavioral Health Services is now under the capable leadership of Richard "Rick" Harrison. Rick is no stranger to OBHS, having formally served as the Deputy Director. A seasoned mental health care clinician, he has garnered quite a list of respectable credentials within the multi-tiered social services/human resources/mental health and substance abuse profession.
Harrison has an impressive and expansive resume which covers a 20-year career span. He initially began his career working with children as a child protective services caseworker with the Department of Family and Children Services. He has also served as a Child and Adolescent Therapist, as well as, having provided direct clinical care to adults. Prior to coming to DJJ in 1999, he was Director of Services for a 10-county mental health system that included outpatient mental health centers, day treatment programs, community rehabilitation services, substance abuse services and centers serving developmentally delayed individuals.
"The Office of Behavioral Services has come a long way since its inception, in 1998," Harrison said. "Basically there were no mental health services within facilities prior to that time and we now have basic mental health care
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DJJ NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTS
within each facility. Our goal is to streamline current systems to allow for more efficient delivery of care which will improve productivity and capacity."
"We would like to begin to measure the effectiveness of what we are doing to determine if we need to explore other options and to develop programs that will allow us to move away from the crisis reactionary mode towards a planned intervention and prevention mode," Harrison explained. Harrison included that his long term goals for the office include evaluation, prevention, and intervention.
Davis Promoted to Director of Public Affairs
The Office of Public Affairs has a new leader managing the "face of the agency". Davis, formerly the Deputy Director was promoted to Director in August. Ericka has been with the Department since 1999 working in the Office of Public Affairs. She has worked in state government for 11 years, formerly with the Department of Family and Children Services. She also has previous experience working in television. Davis holds a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science Degree in Communication from Southern Polytechnic State University. She also has a career in public service that expands beyond state government, but local government as well. She also serves as Vice-Chairman of her local school board, which is an elected office.
"I have come to care for and greatly respect the individuals that make this agency run", stated Davis. "They are where the rubber meets the road and their hard work and dedication is a story that must be told and told effectively."
Davis also stated that her love of children and particularly those who lack an advocate is an important focus for her. "The children that we serve also need a voice. I am extremely humbled that I can be a chord of that voice."
Coles Appointed New Regional Principal for Regions I & II
Dr. Muriel Coles was recently appointed as the new Regional Principal for Regions I & II. Dr. Coles has supervisory responsibility for six education centers which includes the Dalton RYDC, Bob Richards RYDC, DeKalb RYDC, Paulding RYDC, Three Springs, Excel, and the Marietta RYDC. Dr. Coles is currently housed at the Marietta RYDC site.
Brady Named to Open Augusta YDC as New Director
Effective July 12, 2004, Mr. John Brady was appointed Director of the Augusta Youth Development Campus. Brady has extensive experience working with adolescents with serious emotional disturbances, including formerly serving as a Psychiatric Nurse in an adult and adolescent unit of a voluntary short-term stabilization hospital. Brady was formerly the Superintendent of the Topeka Juvenile Correctional Facility in Topeka, Kansas. He has served as Deputy Warden of Care and Treatment for the Georgia State Prison System. He has also worked as an Administrator in the private sector providing medical services to inmates housed in correctional facilities and in a hospital setting. Brady holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Administration, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Theology and an Associate Degree in Nursing. He is Georgia Peace Officer Standards Training certified. He is also a registered professional nurse in Georgia, Kansas, and New York.
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HUMAN RESOURCES
DJJ Participates in Working Away
In the late fall of 2003, Governor Perdue introduced the Work Away Program to Georgia State Government. The major components of Work Away include the use of teleworking, alternative and flexible work schedules, and compressed work weeks. This initiative is to positively impact employee productivity and quality of life issues while significantly impacting the costs associated with commuting to work. Reduced commuter road miles will decrease hazardous vehicle emissions, gasoline consumption, traffic gridlock, and the costs associated with highway vehicle maintenance.
Although we generally think of traffic congestion and lengthy daily commutes to and from work as a problem associated with urban/metropolitan areas of Georgia, Governor Perdue's vision is for the Work Away Program to become a year-round statewide emphasis for all state agencies. The established goal for the Program is a 25% participation rate among all state employees with an emphasis that each agency meet or exceed this goal. Commissioner Murray has stated that he is fully committed to ensuring that DJJ meets or exceed Governor Perdue's expectations.
The Department's initial efforts were focused on Central Office employees and the results have been very encouraging. Office of Human Resources records indicate that approximately 140 out of the approximately 225 Central Office staff participate in one of the two alternative/modified work schedules, or use an alternative means of transportation at least one day per week. These options have now been made available to staff in work units outside the Central Office.
Certain employees or groups of employees in selected occupational areas may be unable to fully participate in the Work Away Program given the nature of their jobs and associated duties and responsibilities. However, Mike Sorrells, Director of the Office of Human Resources believes that the various Work Away options can be incorporated into the majority of our work units.
DJJ is currently in discussions with the Georgia Merit System regarding how to measure participation by our largest occupational area, Juvenile Correctional Officers. Given that the majority of incumbents in these jobs already work a non-traditional work schedule, the agency believes that these employees should be considered as Work Away participants. The Commissioner hopes and expects that this question will be resolved before the next reporting period.
Thoughts Inside The Box
"Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it." Harold Hulbert
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Frederick Douglas
"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them." James Baldwin
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OPERATIONS

Augusta YDC Re-Opening By creation of this special institution at Augusta, beds now occupied by mentally ill youth at other YDCs

Continues to Progress

would be available for additional capacity for the

general population. Commissioner Murray has stated

In June, Governor Perdue accepted the agency's recommendation to re-open the Augusta YDC as a state-run facility that will be specifically for youthful offenders with mental health issues. The Governor is holding DJJ fully accountable for the operations of this facility and DJJ staff believes that they are equal to the task. John Brady, the new Director of the facility, along with the Implementation Team, will now take the lead on preparing the facility for its opening target date of November 1.

that, "The Department will not trade expediency for progress so that the Augusta YDC will have every advantage of a positive outcome."
Detention Facilities in Columbus Are On the Rise
Construction is currently underway to complete two new youth detention facilities in the

Columbus/Muscogee county area. The new 80 bed This team will be responsible for the following duties: Columbus RYDC will accommodate pre-adjudicated

s Identifying the position class to be staffed at the facility
s Identifying highly qualified candidates to fill the positions needed
s Conducting intensive training of staff leading up to the re-opening which will also be ongoing after the facility is up and running
s Completing construction and maintenance needs for the facility
s Identifying the best treatment model to be implemented at the facility

youths from Columbus and other nearby surrounding areas. The second site will be the new 60 bed Muscogee YDC, designed to house juveniles serving long term sentences.
The Department of Juvenile Justice acquired the project site in September 2002. The Facility Group, a local firm in Smyrna, Georgia was selected as the project's builder/designer. When complete, both facilities will be approximately 60,000 square feet, and will contain residential, education, medical, recreational and administrative spaces. Occupancy by

Additional staff and resources will be called upon as needed. The Implementation Team member responsibilities will diminish as facility leadership staff is appointed to assume full time duties.

the state is projected to be March 2005.
On July 9, 2004, Commissioner Murray had the pleasure of attending the Dedication Ceremony for the RYDC, which has been named the Aaron Cohn

The work of the Implementation Team will be labor intensive and carefully reviewed to ensure the best possible services for youth detained there. A strong investment in the training of staff will be made to assure that they can perform at an optimum in working with this challenging population of youth. A phase-in approach to staffing and training will continue up to and until the first admissions are accepted on the target date of November 1, 2004.

Regional Youth Detention Center. Judge Cohn, the facility's namesake, is the longest sitting Juvenile Court Judge in the nation. He is 88 years young. Commissioner stated that he considered Judge Cohn to be, "a living example of what serving our fellow man really means and a living example of the spirit of America." "The Department of Juvenile Justice has benefited in many ways from the working relationship and partnership with his court and continues to benefit."

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OPERATIONS

DJJ Awarded Federal

pursuing his degree in Social Work.

Grant
The Project Safe Neighborhood Federal Grant has been awarded in part to the Department for a two year period in the amount of $244,000. The project targets a neighborhood in Atlanta for both adult and juvenile offenders who commit violent or weapon related offenses. DJJ will partner with local law enforcement and community groups to supervise the youth and offer appropriate services. An additional juvenile apprehension officer will be funded for the Department's Apprehension Team along with a case manager and prevention specialist.
Elbert County CSO Takes the Initiative
Following the lead of the Department's vision for gender specific programming, Susan SimmonsJameson, JPPS II, of the Elbert County Court Services Office in conjunction with the Girl Scouts of the USA, Inc., received a grant exceeding $17,000.00 for the implementation of a girls' program serving Madison and Elbert Counties. The grant, awarded by the Children and Youth Coordinating Council, began implementation in July.

This is not the first girls' program for Jameson. She was instrumental in starting programs both in Toccoa and Elberton. She has received training in gender specific issues, and in 2004 she was awarded certification in sex offender counseling. The data from the Elberton based ELLE (Elberton Ladies of Leadership and Excellence) program was used in a research project written by Machen at the University of Georgia.
Donna L. Anderson is the Juvenile Program Manager at the Elberton Court Services Office. Her support has been a vital resource in the implementation and expansion of new programs for Elbert County CSO. Her optimism and flexibility have encouraged the development of other community-based programs put in place by workers such as the MELD (Motivating, Educating and Leading Determined Young Fathers to Strengthen their Families) program for young fathers conducted by Mr. Michael Williams, JPPS II. Ms. Anderson has been active in the direct development and execution of the RAFT (Responsible Adolescents for Tomorrow) program for teens in collaboration with the Oglethorpe County Sheriff's Department which emphasizes the improvement of anger management skills.
District 11 Collaborates

Based on research that girls are relational in nature, this weekly after school program seeks to establish positive relationships while educating young women in developing healthier lifestyle choices. Programming topics address such issues as increasing self-esteem, family violence, women's advocacy, peer pressure, anger management, healthy emotional and sexual development as well as substance abuse awareness.
Mrs. Jameson utilizes the services of public health educator, Mrs. Jolene O' Guin of the Elbert County Health Department and Mr. Jason Machen, JPPS I, who is currently a student at the University of Georgia

with Valdosta State University for Research Project
The Valdosta State University (V.S.U.) research project was initiated in calendar year 2002 and was completed in May 2004. Lorr Elias, Regional Administrator supervising District 11, coordinated with officials at the University and was able to obtain services to complete the project at no cost to the state.

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OPERATIONS

The purpose of the project was to explore the influences of demographic, offense and policy variables on detention decisions using quantitative data obtained from the Juvenile Tracking System in Lowndes, Brooks and Echols County. Stakeholders and local staff were interviewed to obtain research information as well. The primary focus of the interviews was to learn how the decisions to detain youth were made and shed light on the resources and policies needed to improve juvenile justice processes and reduce commitments.
The research was also designed to provide a better understanding of perceptions of justice system personnel, educators, and social service providers with regard to delinquency cases resulting in detention rather than alternative programs.

alternatives to detention and diversionary options in Lowndes, Brooks and Echols Counties. The services include:
Moore Street Clinic Counseling Services This service is provided by V.S.U. free of charge. Masters level family and individual counseling is provided weekly as a diversion, intervention and detention alternative.
I.F.I.-Intensive Family Intervention is provided by "G.I.P.S." (Georgia Intervention Programs and Services). This provider offers crisis intervention services in the home on a 24-hour basis by masters level clinical teams and provides family and community intervention as well as weekly follow up free of charge.

The findings of the research were:
Further research addressing substance abuse, mental health problems, and parental abuse and neglect, and referral sources should be considered.
Diversion and/or less formal interventions or programs should be developed.
Alternatives to detention, especially for misdemeanor level offenders, should be developed.

M.S.T. Family and Community Partners provide Multi-Systemic Therapy free of charge. This service is similar to I.F.I. and provides an increased rate of family and community contacts. Crisis intervention is provided on a 24-hour basis.
M.S.T This service will also be provided by Community Solutions. This provider recently contracted with D.J.J. and will service nonMedicaid eligible families.

A steering committee to include important

Valdosta State University also provides interns on a

stakeholders, especially from the courts and district routine basis.

attorney's offices, should be formed and charged

with developing diversion programs and detention As a result of the research and staff efforts to increase

alternatives.

services, the D.J.J. Management Reference Material

During the second phase of the research, Corey Butler, Juvenile Program Manager and the Lowndes County CSO staff developed and implemented a local steering

Data shows a decrease in the detention rate of 57.8% in Brooks County, 10% in Lowndes County and 8.7% in Echols County.

committee of stakeholders to assist in eliminating communication barriers and developing detention alternatives as well as diversions from the system. Since then, four new services have been added that are

This is commendable and shows that measurable progress is being made in the Lowndes County Court Service Office!

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PROGRAM SERVICES

Rome Pilot Project Is Cruising Teen Resource Center, and Floyd County School

Comfortably Between State

Health Program.

and County Agencies
Thanks to exceptional coordination and precise planning, the Rome Pilot Project case management model has taken off smoothly. The Rome Pilot Project is a multi-collaborative effort between the Department of Juvenile Justice and several Northwest Georgia community-based human service agencies. The aim of the project is to promote and improve the continuity of care, screenings, and referrals for youth being released from the Bob Richards Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) in Rome.
In order to participate in the project, a youth or their parent or guardian must give their consent. Once consent is given, the youth will then be assigned a case manager. The case manager will assess their needs and provide the appropriate referrals and follow up for services. The pilot project is comprised of three major collaborative components: Public Health, Mental Health and Juvenile Justice.
The massive undertaking of this major initiative involves numerous partners within various counties throughout Northwest Georgia. It also includes several other intergovernmental agencies, such as county healthcare providers, school systems, the Department of Human Resources Division of Public Health Family Health Branch, and Northwest Georgia Public Health District 1. Additional partners include Bartow, Floyd, and Walker County Departments of Family and Children Services and their respective Public Health Centers, along with the Bartow County Office of Adolescent and Youth Development, Walker County

The Mental Health component of the project includes the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases, Highland Rivers Community Service Board, and Lookout Mountain Community Service Board. Major support from the following community based organizations have also played a key role: Murphy Harpst Children's Home, Reclaiming Futures Task Force, and the Floyd County Commission on Children and Youth.
The juvenile justice component includes Dr. Michelle Staples-Horne, DJJ Medical Director, Chris West, Region I Administrator, Margaret Cawood, District 1 District Director, staff at the Bob Richards RYDC, as well as, staff members from Floyd, Bartow, and Walker counties.
"The initial groundwork for this project began last summer. To date, the process has produced new district and state partnerships which resulted in the development of formalized memorandums of understanding," Dr. Michelle Staples-Horne, said. "District and county level staff from all of the partner agencies have been trained on the project, the case management model and procedures, as well as, utilization of projects forms, confidentiality and HIPAA guidelines and services provided by each of the participating partners."
The Rome Pilot Project is built solidly upon three clearly defined goals all of which are essential to promoting and improving the continuity of healthcare of youth reentering the community. These goals are to:

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PROGRAM SERVICES

Increase leadership and participation of collaborative partners in youth oriented systems developed at the state and community level;
Enhance the capacity and partnerships to promote and improve continuity of care for youth in the juvenile justice system and;
Improve the referral and follow-up process among community based human service agencies.
According to the project organizers, one of the biggest benefits of this project is that there is no additional cost to the state. Dr. Staples-Horne, along with all of the other partners, has high hopes for the project's success. She states that, "The pilot is an illustration of public health at its best; it exemplifies community collaboration by multiple agencies in the absence of additional financial support".
Dr. Staples-Horne believes that this is just the beginning and has hopes for future projects such as this one to be implemented throughout the state.
Staples-Horne Contributing Author in National Health

pool of distinguished doctors to produce this year's publication. She also served as a member of the Special Task Force, providing research and editorial services prior to publication.
"The Standards," as the manual is commonly referred to by those in the medical profession, addresses requirements for providing health services in juvenile detention and confinement settings used for accreditation of health care in juvenile facilities. The overall gist of the publication cites detailed descriptions of various health care policies and procedures. The 326 page book also includes 72 additional standards, grouped under nine general areas. It suggests ways to implement these objectives which can lead to increased organizational efficiency of health services delivery.
In addition to writing the NCCH Standards publication, Dr. Staples-Horne also co-wrote chapter eleven in the Management Administration of Correctional Health Care. She, along with two coauthors, Doctors Richard Crosby, and Ralph DiClomente, both of Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, collaboratively created an informative chapter on Health Issues of Juvenile Offenders. Their chapter examines twelve critical health care needs and issues related to incarcerated youth.

Care Publication
The National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCH) requested Dr. Michelle Staples-Horne to write the 2004 edition of the Standards for Health Services in Juvenile Detention and Confinement Facilities. Dr. Staples-Horne was selected among a vast number of noted medical authors chosen from a nationwide

Dr. Staples-Horne says juvenile correctional systems often find the manual helpful in directing their health care operations. State governments contracting with community or private agencies for health services may find it useful for specifying contract expectations and evaluating contract performance.

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Directions
Sonny Perdue Governor
DJJ BOARD Major General Peter Boylan
Acting Chair Mary E. Wilhite Acting Vice-Chair Edwin A. Risler Acting Secretary
Violet Bennett Tommy Lee Burgess, Jr.
Mary Linda Duncan Lois Frank
Donnie Haralson Elizabeth Green Lindsey William "Bill"McQueen
Judy Mecum Daniel Augustus Menefee
J. Daniel Shuman
DJJ ADVISORY BOARD The Honorable Quintress J. Gilbert
Commissioner: Albert Murray Editor-in-Chief: Ericka B. Davis Contributing Writer: Henrietta Spearman Publisher: Printing Partners
Please direct comments or questions to:
Office of Public Affairs Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice
3408 Covington Highway Decatur, Georgia 30032 Telephone: (404) 508-7147 Facsimile: (404) 508-7341 Online:www.djj.state.ga.us

T he mission of the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is to serve the youth and citizens of Georgia by protecting the public, holding youth accountable for their actions, and improving their academic, social, vocational, and behavioral competencies in the most effective manner possible.
KUDOS
Commissioner Murray Given Key to the City
On August 16, 2004, Commissioner Albert Murray was presented the key to the city of Columbus by Mayor Bob Poydasheff. Commissioner Murray was in the city at a "meet and greet" reception held in the board room of the Columbus Bank and Trust. DJJ Board member Dan Menefee hosted the event. In attendance were Judges, law enforcement officials, local businessmen, concerned citizens, parents and several DJJ employees. Commissioner Murray spoke briefly to the group and then entertained questions.
"This was such a great honor", stated Murray after having received the key to Columbus. "This is the first key to a city that I have ever received and I appreciate the kindness shown to me by the citizens and leaders of Columbus."
Commissioner Murray is pictured with District 8 Director Earnest Baulkmon, Region II Regional Administrator Natilyne Young, and Assistant District Director Cynthia Wood who were present at the ceremony.

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