Directions: a publication of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Vol. 10, no. 2 (Winter 2004)

Directions

A publication of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Volume X, Issue No. 2

Winter 2004

JUVENILE JUSTICE RECEIVES $2 MILLION FEDERAL

GRANT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT

On October 13, 2004, Department of Juvenile Justice Commissioner Albert Murray announced that the Department of Juvenile Justice, Office of Behavioral Health Services, in collaboration with the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse, was awarded a $2 million federal grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish a Young Offender Reentry Project (YORP). The grant will be used to expand current treatment services offered to youth ages 14 to 21 in the care and custody of
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
COMMISSIONER'S CORNER BOARD NOTES STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND
RECOGNITIONS FINANCIAL MANGEMENT AND
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES OPERATIONS PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT
SERVICES AGENCY INITIATIVES

the Georgia Departments of Juvenile Justice and Corrections.
The project aims to link formerly detained or incarcerated youth to aftercare substance abuse and mental health services in Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, Douglas, Fayette, Clayton, Henry, Rockdale and Cherokee Counties. The grant project period began October 1st 2004 and ends September 30th, 2008. The project budget is $500,000 annually, totaling $2,000,000 over the four year grant period.
"One of the key functions of the juvenile justice system is to help troubled youth get their life back and on the right track," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "This grant will assist hundreds of young people in their efforts to successfully re-enter society."
YORP will serve approximately 525 young offenders with substance abuse issues in outpatient settings throughout the life of the grant. Substance

abuse treatment models that are culturally relevant to African American and Hispanic youth will also be utilized. Community service providers have been identified to provide recovery support and ancillary services including pre-employment training, residential/housing services, and mentoring relationships.
The final signing of the YORP partnership agreement
"We are very excited and proud to have received this grant," stated Commissioner Murray. "It represents not only the ability to provide aftercare treatment to youth for a successful return to their communities, but a great collaboration between the public and private sectors to create this opportunity."

COMMISSIONER'S CORNER
The Year in Review: A Resolution for Accomplishment

In the turn of a new year, many will see the beginning of 2005 as a sign of renewal or an opportunity to start afresh. Quite a few of us have made or will make resolutions to alter the course of our lives by achieving something we have not thus far accomplished or relinquishing something that hinders achievement or success in a particular area. For me, it is particularly poignant because the New Year marks the one year anniversary of my appointment as Commissioner of this Department.
As I look back over the year, I believe we've made some significant progress. Of note, we've been able to achieve SACS Accreditation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Council on Accreditation and Schools Improvement (CASI) awarded national and regional accreditation to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice as the 181st school district. The announcement was made at the September 23, 2004 Board meeting. As a result of this accomplishment, faculty, students and parents benefit by knowing that teaching and learning in DJJ schools are based on best practices and necessary conditions to student success.
We've achieved other successes in which we can be proud. We re-opened the Augusta YDC as a state operated facility for youth with special needs in the area of mental health, behavioral health and shelter care. We reestablished the Apprehension Unit which will investigate and apprehend youth who have escaped from the Department's custody or its facilities and programs.
We completed a comprehensive strategic plan which included the development of a new mission and vision statement. This plan will guide the agency from 20062008. Also, The DJJ Office of Behavioral Health Services, in collaboration with the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse, was awarded a $2 million federal grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to establish a Young Offender Reentry Project (YORP).

While we have made many strides in the last year, the Department still has challenges to face in key areas. We still have issues with being over capacity in our facilities. The critical area is in our youth development campuses which admit youth sentenced to short term programs and long term commitment. We should have some relief in the YDCs with the opening of the Augusta YDC and the Columbus YDC scheduled for March 2005. The Aaron Cohn RYDC in Columbus also scheduled to open in March 2005, should help relieve crowding in the RYDCs. In the area of medical services, hiring and retaining nurses and other health care professionals also continues to present a challenge. We have found that we cannot compete with the reduced work schedule and increased pay that the private sector offers. It is very difficult to maintain and recruit qualified medical staff particularly with the current nursing shortage.
And finally, providing appropriate services to juveniles with major mental health issues is a major concern. The Department has an increasing population with mental health issues. About 40% of youth who have an involvement with DJJ have a diagnosable mental illness. The lack of uniform available community mental health services for youth across Georgia continues to have a significant impact and when a child is released from care, continuity of care within the community is also difficult to access.
Even with these challenges, let us in this New Year, commit to removing the obstacles that prevent us from facing these challenges and turning them into accomplishments. If there is one resolution that we can all share in as an agency, and as a team, is that we will continue to provide quality service delivery to every youth in our care and custody. I believe it is one we can and will accomplish.
My best wishes for a prosperous and successful new year,
Albert Murray

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BOARD NOTES
DJJ BOARD BIDS FAREWELL TO TWO MEMBERS
In November 2004, the DJJ Board bid farewell to two of its members, Major General Peter Boylan and Violet Bennett. Major General Boylan's term expired in July 2004, after having served on the Board since October 1999. Major General Boylan served most recently as Board Chair and rarely ever missed a board meeting. Violet Bennett resigned from the Board. She has served on the Board since July 1992. She was one of the original members of the DJJ Board when it came from under the Department of Human Resources.
We greatly appreciate their service and commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice and the youth we serve. Their leadership and guidance to the agency will be missed.
JUVENILE JUSTICE BOARD NAMES J. DANIEL SHUMAN AS NEW CHAIR
On December 8, 2004, the Board of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice elected J. Daniel Shuman as its new Chairman. Mr. Shuman was appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue to represent the 3rd Congressional District on the DJJ Board.
Mr. Shuman currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Tattnall County Board of Commissioners. Mr. Shuman is no stranger to having a leadership position with the Department of Juvenile Justice, having previously served as District Director for Community Programs before retiring from the Department.
"I am excited about Mr. Shuman being elected as our new Board Chair. His experience in juvenile justice and working with children makes him an excellent choice to serve in this leadership role", stated Albert Murray, DJJ Commissioner.
Shuman holds an undergraduate degree from Georgia Southern University and a M.Ed. from the University of Georgia. He is married to Eva and has two children.
Sandra Heath Taylor Joins DJJ Board
On November 10, 2004, Governor Sonny Perdue appointed Sandra Heath Taylor to the DJJ Board. Ms. Taylor is from LaGrange, Georgia and represents Congressional District 8 which was formerly represented by Major General Peter Boylan. Mrs. Taylor is an attorney and is currently a solo practitioner specializing in general law. In her practice, she has represented corporate clients in product liability matters. She also represented the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services as Special Assistant Attorney General and represented indigent criminal clients in Troup County Courts on County appointed contract and general litigation. Taylor previously served as Partner in the law firm of Daniel, Hadden & Meadors, P.C. Taylor holds an undergraduate degree from Emory University and a Juris Doctorate from Mercer University, Walter F. George School of Law. She is active in various political and civic organizations. Ms. Taylor's term expires July 6, 2009.
Welcome, Ms. Taylor to the Board and to the Department of Juvenile Justice.
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STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

DJJ HAS NEW REPRESENTATION UNDER THE GOLD DOME

Effective November 1, 2004, DJJ has had a new Director of Legislative Services. Spiro Amburn was appointed to take on that role and he will serve as the Department's primary contact on all legislative issues and will work closely with the General Assembly, DJJ staff, Governor's office, and other individuals connected with the Department on public policy issues.

Mr. Amburn earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Kennesaw State University. Additionally, Mr. Amburn has extensive experience working in the governmental affairs and public policy arenas. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Amburn served as the Public Policy and Advocacy Manager for the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses.

BELL BROUGHT IN FOR BALANCED AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

On November 15, 2004, Dee Bell, an expert in Balanced and Restorative Justice, came on board with DJJ. Ms. Bell is currently serving as a manager for Programs, Prevention, and Balanced and Restorative Justice in the Operations Division. Previously, she served for four years as the Administrator of the Community Justice Institute at Florida Atlantic University and the Director of the Balanced and Restorative Justice Project sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Prior to these positions, she has worked 20 + years in Community Corrections for Georgia and Florida State Government. She has served as a program manager for the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles and as the Assistant Director of Community Corrections Facilities for the Department of Corrections. Educated at Clemson University and Emory University, she has provided training in both state and national venues for many years and has authored and co-authored a number of articles on justice system issues and juvenile justice curricula.

COMMISSIONER PRESENTED KEY

TO THE CITY OF MACON

On November 19, 2004, Commissioner Murray was presented the key to the city

of Macon by Mayor C. Jack Ellis. The Commissioner was invited there for a

"meet and greet" reception held at the City Club of Macon.

DJJ Advisory Board member Judge Quintress Gilbert, as

well as, former DJJ Board member, Susan Dunwody were

present at the event. State Representative David Lucas

was also in attendance. Much like the meet and greet that

was held in Columbus back in August, there were also

Commissioner Murray and Mrs. Murray visit Bibb Multi-service after presentation of key to

school

officials,

law

enforcement

officials,

local

the city of Macon.

businessmen, concerned citizens, parents and several DJJ employees.

DJJ STAFF HONORED AT ANNUAL CHILD PLACEMENT CONFERENCE

On November 19, 2004, the Annual Child Placement Conference, hosted by the Georgia Association of Homes and Services, was held in Augusta. Two DJJ employees received awards. Cathy Rowan received the outstanding case manager of the year. Cathy was just honored as Employee of the Year for DJJ at the Excellence in Corrections Conference. Cathy works in the Bartow Court Services Office. Micki Smith, Acting Assistant Deputy Commissioner, was nominated and selected as outstanding supervisor. Victoria H. Evans, a DJJ volunteer in Augusta received the award for outstanding volunteer of the year.
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STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

DJJ STAFF TAKE HOME TOP HONORS AT CORRECTIONS CONFERENCE

One of the highlights of the Annual Excellence in Corrections Conference included the Awards Banquet. Awards were given to various individuals and organizations for their outstanding service and dedication. DJJ participated in the awards banquet and the following staff members were honored for their service to the agency:

I Juvenile Correctional Officer of the Year Ms. Janice Gardner, Gainesville RYDC I Juvenile Probation/Parole Specialist of the Year Ms. Ozell Woods, Augusta Court Service Office I District Award of Excellence District 9 under the leadership of Adam Kennedy I RYDC Award of Excellence- Dalton RYDC under the leadership of Bobby Hughes

I Stakeholder of the Year Elbert Shaw, Dalton, Georgia

I Employee of the Year Cathy Rowan, Barrow County Court Service Office

I YDC Award of Excellence- Macon YDC under the leadership of Debbie Blasingame

Commissioner Murray presents District of the Year Aawrd to District 9 Director, Adam Kenndy and staff.

I Legacy Award- Gene Johnson, former DJJ manager I Manager of the Year Tim Suddreth, Douglas County Court Service Office I Commissioner's Award of Achievement Office of Education under the leadership of
Dr. Tom O'Rourke

Congratulations to all of the award recipients and thank you for the excellent service you provide to the Department and to the children we serve. (Pictures of award recipients can be found on the DJJ website)

LARRY ANDERSON AND MABLE WHEELER RETIRE AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE

Larry Anderson and Mable Wheeler retired in December after 34 years of service respectively.
Larry Anderson's career began on March 1, 1974 as a Court Service Worker (CSW). He was promoted from a CSW to a CSW Sr. and then to Unit Manager (now known as a Program Manager). He became Director of the Claxton RYDC on Feb. 28, 1986. On July 1, 2001 he was promoted to District Director of District 12 coastal Georgia.
When speaking about his retirement and service to the agency, Larry stated that he will feel that his long hours and dedication have all been worthwhile if "something I have said and done has been the turning point in a young person's life".
Mable Wheeler began her career with the Department of Juvenile Justice as a Counselor at the Macon Regional Youth Detention Center from 1973 to 1976. Then she became the Assistant Director of the facility and went on to serve as its Director from 1979 to 1985. Ms. Wheeler then served as District Director of District 4 for three years before returning to serve as Director of the Macon Youth Development Campus from 1988 to 2002. Ms. Wheeler was promoted to District Director for District 7 in 2002, where she has served in this capacity until her retirement. Ms. Wheeler says that her time with the agency and work with the youth that we serve "has truly been a learning experience that has left a significant impact that will always be remembered."
Both Larry Anderson and Mable Wheeler have made a significant impact on the agency and their contribution to the state of Georgia has left an indelible mark on the lives of those that benefited from the service that they rendered.
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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
DJJ OTIS Wins Technology Award
On November 3, 2004, the Office of Technology and Information Services (OTIS) received a "Best of Georgia Honorable Mention Award" for the development of the Juvenile Tracking System. The awards ceremony was held during the annual Government Technology Conference (GTC) at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC). The award was given in a category for Best Application Serving Department/Agency Business Needs. DJJ placed second place in this award category behind Georgia Department of Human Resources, Office of Child Support Enforcement. "I am disappointed that we did not get first place, but we received second place out of thirty nominations," Doug Engle Director of OTIS, proudly stated.
The Best of Georgia awards program was established to recognize the contribution of information technology professionals in local and state government. The winners are selected based on a list of criteria, which include: collaboration between agencies, innovative use of technology, and improvement to services to citizens. Every year, GTC hosts this forum for more than 35,000 IT professionals from across the country. Engle is a member of the Advisory Board of the GTC Southeast 2004 Fourth Annual Government Technology Conference.
In addition to the awards ceremony, the technology conference featured keynote speakers John P. Imlay, Jr., Dean of Computing and Distinguished Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology College of Computing and Glover T. Ferguson, Jr., Chief Scientist at Accenture. The conference also provided various training classes during the two day event.

OPERATIONS

DeKalb RYDC Encourages
Youth to J.U.S.T Read
When you think of book clubs, the one that usually comes to mind is Oprah's Book Club. Yet there is a book club that is doing such great things with youth in our system that someone actually wrote to Oprah Winfrey about it. "J.U.S.T. (Juveniles United for Soul Transformations): READ!!!" is a book club developed at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center by Mr. Eric J. Green, Assistant Director of the DeKalb RYDC. The book club has five major goals for its participants:
I Acquisition of skills and knowledge to enhance lives
I A paradigm shift toward more positive thinking
I To maintain a drug-free lifestyle I To develop positive self-concept leading
toward becoming a productive citizen

I To remain trouble-free upon release(no new law violations)
The book list for the book club is dependent upon book donations from the general public. The book list is compiled for both middle school and high school students. The goal is to make every attempt to offer a wide range of titles which would appeal to students' interests and reading levels. Although all titles will be appropriate for middle and high school students, the books reading levels will range from simple to complex. This will afford students the opportunity to make appropriate independent reading choices. Additionally, there will be a great effort to bring the authors of the books and motivational speakers to the detention center to engage in the book discussion centered on their books or selected topics of interest. The first book discussion that was held was a phenomenal success. The book that the group read was The Power of Belief and the author, Mr. Lester L. Brown communicated with them over the speaker phone system. He has also committed to visit the center and talk personally with the residents.

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OPERATIONS

When talking to Mr. Green about J.U.S.T Read, he Leader for Atlanta Public Schools, wrote, "As an

states that the club works diligently to change the Atlanta Public Schools Reading Specialist, I am

mindset of juvenile delinquent males housed in the thoroughly encouraged by what Mr. Green is doing and

detention center from one of despair to hope. Youth are am aware of the impact this will have on these

taught how to develop critical thinking skills that will children's future lives". "He is truly taking a proactive assist with the everyday challenges of being a teenager approach to children who have lost their way due to

dealing with peer pressure. Already the benefits of poor self esteem and circumstances within their

J.U.S.T Read can be seen not only with the youth participating in the program but in the facility as well. Youth are able to develop a deeper understanding of selected texts through effective book discussions. They are also able to develop an intrinsic love of reading which in turn will produce lifelong readers. Their involvement also helps in reducing incidents of

environments." Ms. Davis ended her letter by saying, "This is an effort that could enable these young men to use the DeKalb Youth Detention Center as a stepping stone to college instead of jail."
That's exactly what Mr. Green and the staff of the DeKalb RYDC hope to accomplish.

unacceptable behavior within the detention center. After starting the Book Club, The DeKalb RYDC staff have noticed a significant decrease with major disciplinary actions, especially with members in the

If you know of anyone wishing to donate books for J.U.S.T Read, they can contact Mr. Eric Green at the DeKalb RYDC.

Book Club.
Green also believes that through the very act of reading, reading skills increase, creating a wide array of educational and employment opportunities that will be available to these young men once they are released and returned to their communities. Additionally, Green says, as reading skills improve, self-esteem and selfconfidence grows. He believes that books are the pathway to knowledge and intellectual independence. Reading and discussing literature (fiction and non fiction) whose story elements outline relevant real-life problems and solutions will enable the residents of the detention center to make wiser life choices which can result in lower rates of recidivism.

DJJ EMPLOYEE SAVES
INFANT'S LIFE
On the afternoon of October 28, 2004, Chief Juvenile Court Judge Sharon Whitwell, Towaliga Circuit, was hearing cases in the Butts County Courthouse when an infant in her courtroom began choking on a cookie. Mr. Jermaine Moorer, Juvenile Probation Parole Specialist II with the Butts Co. Court Services Office, noticed that the mother of the infant was hitting the baby on his back. According to Mr. Moorer, "the infant wasn't coughing and his face was turning pale". The mother continued to hit her son on his back and Mr. Moorer responded to her saying, "No, no that is not how you do it". Mr. Moorer grabbed the infant and repeatedly

J.U.S.T Read currently has over 35 boys participating in the book club. There are several boys who have never read a book from cover to cover and have already read over twenty books. There is one youth

performed the abdominal thrust technique until the cookie was dislodged from the infant's airway. He placed the infant on his feet and returned him to his mother.

who has read over thirty books since becoming a member. These young men are proud to be members of the program.

Mr. Moorer credited his quick response to the infant's distress to his First Aid-CPR training through the Department. Mr. Paul Hemmann, Assistant District

One person was so impressed with what J.U.S.T Read Attorney for the Towaliga Circuit, gave a special

was accomplishing, that she wrote Oprah Winfrey commendation to Mr. Moorer for saving the infant's

about it. Ms. Patricia Davis, Model Reading Teacher life. Commissioner Murray also honored Mr. Moorer

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OPERATIONS

at the December Board meeting with a special commendation for "heroism in the line of duty."
When asked about how he felt about the honors he had received, Mr. Moorer commented, "Although this situation was life threatening, I do not feel special, but grateful that I was there and God steadied me to be able to perform." He furthered stated that, "When you perform an act that was taught to you by someone, the real credit belongs to the teacher. I thank you, Vivian Wood, and all others responsible for making sure we get this training".
Jermaine Moorer's quick action and use of his DJJ training should serve as reminder to all of us that every day there is an opportunity to make a difference and impact a life.

Group Home attended the event. Attractions at the festival included a haunted house, moonwalk, basketball game, fishing game, cake walk, and a puppet show. The children also participated in several activities such as apple bobbing, football tossing, and pumpkin painting.
Local firefighters led the children on a tour and demonstration of the smoke house. The smoke house is used as an instructional tool by the Fire Department to teach children how to react to smoke in a burning house.
Noted attendees included: Clarke County Juvenile Court Judge James E. McDonald Jr., current District V Director Vonnie Guy, and recently retired District Director Kip Mann.

Brenda Mallonee, a case expeditor in the District five

offices in Athens, was thrilled with the success of the

event. She said, "It was such a great experience to

stand back and look out across the room and see such

a diverse group of folks laughing and smiling and

having a wonderful time." "Every [DJJ] case manager,

Commissioner Murray presents Jermaine Moorer with commendation for heroism at the December 2004 Board meeting.
CLARKE COUNTY FALL FESTIVAL SUCCESS FOR DJJ GROUP HOME

supervisor and all staff of the Athens/Oconee DJJ pitched in by giving personal donations, physical help and or both to make this fall celebration a reality. This was a true collaboration in every sense of the word!"
Each year, the fall festival is made possible by the support of the Department's employees and local area

In late October, Clarke and Oconee counties joined together to hold its third annual fall festival to honor the children and families of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. The Athens-Clarke County Fire Station #4 generously hosted the event in their new firehouse.
Approximately seventy children from the Philip Grace

businesses. In kind-donations were contributed by Children and Youth Coordinating Council, DJJ Client Benefit Fund, Wal-Mart, Epps Bridge Delicatessen, Party Time, Walgreen's, Cecilia Bakery, Black Forest Bakery, Barron's Rentals, Kroger, Earthfare Groceries, Chick-Fil-A, The Loft-Art Supplies, CVS, and Terry Parkman DMD PC.

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PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT SERVICES

AUGUSTA YDC HAS OPEN HOUSE

The Augusta Youth Development Campus reopened its doors in the form of

an Open House on October 28, 2004. There were over 250 invited guests

with most in attendance including the following dignitaries: State

Representative Quincy Murphy-District 97, State Representative Henry

Howard-District 98, and State Representative Pete Warren-District 99. The

local news media were also invited to attend and coverage of the event was

provided by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Augusta Chronicle and

Augusta Channel 12. DJJ Board members and staff from around the state

Commissioner Murray commends Metro also came to support the re-opening of the facility. Mr. John Brady, Augusta

RYDC Director, James Smith for "Metro YDC Director, stated, "The day could not have been better. The commitment

YDC" during the closing of Augusta.

and energy as well as the positive attitude of staff made the difference".

The Open House format allowed visitors to tour the buildings on the campus and pose questions to staff about the facility. Visitors were escorted by thirteen residents from Three Springs of Augusta that wore "Ask Me" buttons. Preparations for the reopening began weeks in advance. The youth from Three Springs assisted with cleaning and painting the campus before the opening. The food was catered by the Augusta Food Service staff which created beautiful food displays for the event.

The first five youth arrived on the Augusta YDC Campus on November 1, 2004. Youth will be admitted in increments of ten youth weekly until the facility has reached capacity.

Commissioner Murray and Augusta YDC Director, John Brady, chat with staff at open house.

Youth at the facility also had highly qualified staff to greet them when they entered the YDC. A new job class, called the Juvenile Correctional Counselor was created specifically for the special needs of this facility. Most significant is the fact that, in addition to related work experience, all Juvenile Correctional Counselor III hires possess a Master's Degree and all Juvenile Correctional Counselor II hires possess at least a Bachelor's Degree. This confirms the agency's hope and expectation that the use of a new job series of higher pay grades would attract well qualified applicants to a career field that would not have been attractive if we would have continued to use the Juvenile Correctional Officer job series. This is a great benefit for the unique population of youth the facility will serve.

Overall, the Open House was a great success with the Augusta YDC staff providing decorations, time and a tremendous team effort!

BILL E. IRELAND YDC HOSTS FUND-RAISING EVENTS FOR CHARITY

On October 1, 2004, the Bill Ireland YDC kicked off their annual State Charitable Contributions/United Way Benefit. Every Thursday and Friday in October was designated "Spirit Days" where all staff, including uniformed, were able to show off their favorite sport teams in style. An early bird donation awarded participants a ticket for a raffle where numerous prizes were given. On October 16th, the facility hosted a delicious pancake breakfast that was greatly enjoyed by both evening and day shifts.
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PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT SERVICES
The wrap up was held on October 29th with a Fashion Pageant and luncheon. Not wanting to appear stereotypical, this fashion pageant had only male participants. Contestants competed in casual attire, formal dress, and talent competition. Dexter Jordan, Chaplain, was awarded "Mr. Congeniality". Larry Stevens, Teacher, was the "First Runner Up", and Tyrone Kessler, Cottage Life Supervisor, was crowned "Mr. Bill Ireland."
Judges for the competition were State Senator, Faye Smith, Janet Hogan-Harrison, local Dentist and Bill Ireland Advisory Board member, and Tara Peters, Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Milledgeville and Baldwin County. Other participants included: Michael Gotell, JCO II; Wilbert Ruff, Institutional Program Director; Todd Sanford, Recreation Supervisor; W.C. Lynwood, Cottage Life Supervisor; and Roderick Danzy, Cottage Life Supervisor.
Staff was allowed to donate $1 toward the chance to receive one of 35 cakes given away at the Grand Finale. A very special guest, Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor, also attended the event.
Total contributions were $1,461. Special thanks go to Belinda Thomas, the Ireland YDC Charitable Contributions Committee, and to Campus Director Robert Manville.
AGENCY INITIATIVES
DJJ CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF GIVES TO TOYS FOR TOTS
DJJ Central Office staff along with Building Services discussed how important it is for the agency to do its part in providing service to the community unrelated to juvenile justice. They decided that during the holiday season, a good project would be to contribute to children with many needs. Ms. Beverly Wade, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, recommended the Toys for Tots program. Knowing that this program is a worthy cause, she believed that staff would respond to the project, and respond they did. The Central Office Staff held the Toys for Tots Campaign from November 24, 2004-December 21, 2004.
Ms. Wade, an organizer of the project, stated, "The project was good in keeping our focus on those less fortunate than ourselves and children in need which is the main focus of the holiday season". The Toys for Tots project increased staff morale and approximately 100 toys were donated by staff. Also helping to organize and facilitate the project were Ben Livesay, and Michael Diaz, Operations Support Managers for central office.
The Toys for Tots campaign began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks, of the United States Marine Corps and a group of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children. Over the 56 years of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 313 million toys to 151 million children. Local campaigns have been conducted in 456 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Jack Johnson from OTIS and Michael Diaz from Building Services, celebrate the success of the Toys for Tots Drive at Central Offices
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AGENCY INITIATIVES

DJJ Partners with Criminal Justice Melinda Thomas and Linda Layton, Director of Agencies for a Safer Georgia Classification

On October 18-20, 2004, the Department of Corrections sponsored the Excellence in Corrections Conference at the Macon Centreplex in Macon, Georgia. The conference was open to the entire Georgia Corrections Community. The conference was coordinated in collaboration with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Board of Pardons and Parole, the Georgia Corrections Association, the Georgia Prison Wardens' Association and the Georgia Probation Association.

Commissioner Murray spoke on the opening panel discussion on "Partnering for a Safer Georgia" which included, Commissioner James Donald, Milton "Buddy" Nix Jr., Chairman of the Board of Pardons and Paroles, Michael Thurmond, Labor Commissioner, B.J. Walker, Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources, Thomas Smith, President of the Georgia Sheriff's Association and George Coleman, representing the Georgia Chiefs of Police.

The theme of the conference was "Partnering for a Safer Georgia". The purpose of the Excellence in Corrections Conference was to celebrate the achievements and dedication of corrections employees. The conference was established on Governor Sonny Perdue's broader vision of a safer, healthier and better educated Georgia. Department of Corrections Commissioner James

The Department also provided the luncheon keynote speaker for the first day of the conference. Jesse Williams, Sr., Vice President of Youth Services International (YSI) spoke to the group about the importance of aftercare services for successful reentry of juvenile offenders. YSI provides aftercare services to approximately 500 youth in the juvenile justice system in Georgia.

Donald developed the idea for the conference Other notable speakers at the conference were: with the intent that the annual forum will be to Governor Sonny Perdue, Georgia Supreme Court build a criminal justice community that meets the Justice Robert Benham, the Honorable Andrew needs of offenders and focuses on Young, State Representative Brooks Coleman professionalism, expertise, the sharing of ideas and many distinguished experts in the field of and lessons learned while rewarding team criminal justice. members.

The Department of Juvenile Justice contributed to the conference by hosting three workshops:

DJJ Appears Before Senate Subcommittee

State Agency Collaboration for Successful On October 20, 2004, the Department of Juvenile

Reentry: The Rome Pilot Project Dr. Michelle Justice appeared before the Senate Sub-

Staples-Horne, Director of Medical Services

committee on Youth and Crime. The

Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Bill Hamrick,

DJJ: Safety Through Engagement - Dr. Tom District 30, began convening during the summer

O'Rourke, Dr. Paul Jones, Jack Catrett and Coy to discuss issues with youth and crime, in

Satterfield from the Office of Education

particular, the age requirement and judicial

Effective Reentry Planning for Juveniles

discretion for what are commonly known as Senate Bill 440 (1994) type offenses.

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Directions
Sonny Perdue Governor
DJJ BOARD
J. Daniel Shuman Acting Chair
Mary E. Wilhite Acting Vice-Chair Edwin A. Risler Acting Secretary
Tommy Lee Burgess, Jr. Mary Linda Duncan Lois Frank Donnie Haralson
Elizabeth Green Lindsey William "Bill"McQueen
Judy Mecum Daniel Augustus Menefee
Sandra Heath Taylor
DJJ ADVISORY BOARD The Honorable Quintress J. Gilbert
Commissioner: Albert Murray Editor-in-Chief: Ericka B. Davis Writing Staff: Ericka Davis Jamilah Stephens Devadas Lynton Editing Team: Devadas Lynton Jamilah Stephens Sher're Walton Lena Wilson 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 protect and serve the citizens of Georgia by holding youthful offenders accountable for their actions through the delivery of effective services, in appropriate settings, establishing youth in their communities as law abiding citizens.
AGENCY INITIATIVES
Subcommittee members present at the meeting were Senators Mitch Seabaugh (District 28), Preston Smith (District 52), and Horacena Tate (District 38). The Department was asked to present on areas such as the juvenile justice process, classification and assessment, the placement decision process and services that the agency provides to youth in detention or under the supervision of the Department.
Commissioner Murray provided an overview of the agency and discussed the mission and vision of the Department of Juvenile Justice. He also informed the committee that there are many mandates, both legal and procedural, that the Department must follow in carrying out our duties which include but are not limited to: federal and state laws, the Memorandum of Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Georgia Department of Education policy and standards, DJJ policy and standards, and national organizations related to juvenile corrections standards.
DJJ staff contributed to the presentation by providing information in their key areas of expertise. Management staff participating in the development and delivery of the presentation included: Bill Reilly, Chief of Staff; Deputy Commissioners Rob Rosenbloom and Dr. Tom Coleman; Assistant Deputy Commissioners Steve Herndon and Micki Smith; Linda Layton, Director of the Office of Classification; and Ericka Davis, Director of Public Affairs.
Commissioner Murray and staff were able to provide extensive information over a two hour period about the Department. They also answered questions that legislators had about the juvenile justice system in Georgia and the services provided to at risk youth. At the end of the presentation, Commissioner Murray thanked the Subcommittee for the opportunity to discuss DJJ operations and ensured them of our availability should they need the Department again in the upcoming legislative session.

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