Directions: a publication of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Vol. 11, no. 1 (Spring 2005)

Directions

A publication of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Volume X1, Issue No. 1

Spring 2005

LEGISLATION MAKES HEADWAY TOWARDS REFORM

2005 session changes sentencing guidelines for DJJ.
On April 25, 2005, on the steps of the Clarke County Courthouse, Governor Sonny Perdue signed into law what would be the starting point for significant juvenile justice reform in the state of Georgia. Flanked by Commissioner Murray, Clarke County Juvenile Court Judge James McDonald, Clayton County Juvenile Court Judges Tracey Graham and Steve Teske and DJJ management staff, Governor Perdue sealed the Department's greatest success this year at the Gold Dome.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
COMMISSIONER'S CORNER
BOARD NOTES
STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND
RECOGNITIONS
FISCAL MANAGEMENT AND
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
OPERATIONS
PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT
SERVICES

Senate Bill 134 (SB 134) sponsored by Senator Brian Kemp from Athens, was approved by the Georgia General Assembly with a sweeping majority in both the House and the Senate. This cleared the way for the revision of the 90day statute or the "short term" program; formerly known as the "boot camp" program. Under SB 134, judges may sentence juveniles to serve up to 60 days, instead of 90 in a DJJ Youth Development Campus.

The current law allowed for youth

guilty of minor offenses to be

sentenced to secure confinement

where violent offenders are also

detained.

According

to

Commissioner Murray, "Mixing

minor offenders with serious violent

and habitual offenders can create a

more sophisticated criminal".

The change in legislation removes first time lower level non- violent offenders from consideration of this program. Youth committing felonies and those violating probation with new acts of delinquency are the target group allowed in the current bill's version under the new law.

Senate Bill 134 came as a compromise between DJJ and the Executive Committee of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges in confronting juvenile crime and reducing recidivism. It was a joint effort to create the language for the change in new law.

"This change in the law will allow

DJJ and the juvenile courts to

provide

more

effective

programming for at-risk youth," stated Spiro Amburn, Director of Legislative Services for DJJ.
The Department of Juvenile Justice, in conjunction with the Council of Juvenile Court Judges of Georgia, will establish a graduated alternative sanctions program for youth on probation. The graduated alternative sanctions program will be implemented in each judicial circuit in consultation with the judges of the juvenile court. These alternative programs may include:
Community service
Electronic monitoring
Increased reporting
Intensive supervision
Home confinement
Day or evening reporting centers
or treatment intervention.
The new measure also credits time in a regional youth detention center while awaiting placement as time served; therefore, allowing the Department of Juvenile Justice to move closer to its goal of serving youth within its bed capacity.
Commissioner Murray commended the General Assembly for their bipartisan support. "The passing of this bill would not have been possible if it weren't for its sponsor, Senator Brian Kemp and the enormous support we received from the Governor's office and the legislature including Representative David Ralston of Blue Ridge, who carried the bill in the House."

COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

Changing the Culture

No enterprise will ever reach its full potential until every leader, at every level effectively assumes his or her role as the cultural leader ....

Making Culture Pay - Jerry Haney

Commissioner Albert Murray

Leading experts on organizational development have all stated that one of the primary responsibilities of strategic leaders is to create and maintain the organizational characteristics that reward and encourage collective effort. They further state that perhaps the most fundamental of these is organizational culture.

or office. Experts say that there are key identifiable characteristics of a healthy work culture:
Employees have a strong relationship with their manager
They have clear communication from their manager
They have a clear path set for focusing on what they do best

You have often heard me speak of my being a change agent for juvenile justice reform in Georgia. I know that in order to accomplish this mission, I must examine and work to change the existing culture or status quo that has an effect on how juvenile offenders are perceived and treated in this state. One of my goals as Commissioner of this agency is to also develop change agents within our staff. This involves providing them with the tools and skills to lead and work in an environment of change. This type of leadership skillset requires the ability to work in the midst of conflict and crisis, build teams, increase creativity and thinking outside of the box, as well as, some risk-taking.
Leadership in simple terms can be described as gaining the cooperation of others to buy into what needs to be done to enhance performance. Getting others to engage in an organization's success can be a difficult process.

They have strong relationships with their coworkers
They feel a strong commitment with their coworkers enabling them to take risks and stretch for excellence
Staff are able to set individual goals, meet and exceed expectations and charge enthusiastically toward the next tough task.
The challenge for managers comes when the first signs of change in a healthy work environment become evident. The symptoms need to be addressed immediately or, like an illness that goes untreated, can fester and further diminish the health of an organization. Most of the time, the best preventive medicine is to have meaningful conversations either individually and or as a team to strengthen the commitment to accomplishing the goals of the organization.

The statistics on workforce engagement are shocking. According to the Gallup Management Journal's semiannual Employee Engagement Index
29% of employees are actively engaged in their jobs
54% are not-engaged
17% are actively disengaged

Effective managers and leaders guide and assist the people who work with them to develop their own goals, targets and milestones. Everyone needs support and help with being able to focus so that their staff's individual goals are lined up with that of the unit and the entire organization. Great managers provide coaching to facilitate progress and build talents into strengths.

This is particularly disturbing for those of us who are managers. Research has shown that engaged workers increase productivity, influence successful outcomes for the organizations, and create emotional engagement and community support. They contribute to good working environments where people are productive, ethical and accountable. It has also been noted that engaged workers stay with an organization longer and are more committed to quality and growth.
Getting staff to be and stay engaged will necessitate changing the culture of an organization, division, facility

As we examine the culture of the Department of Juvenile Justice, we must also remember to examine our own individual cultural filters. We must develop new ways of looking at ourselves and our capabilities. New ideologies and values about the youth we serve and the job we are called to perform need to be internalized by us and then translated into productive methods of thinking and working. Only when we first begin with that man or woman in the mirror, can we overcome the challenges that we may face in transforming our organizational cultures.

2
/ directions /

BOARD NOTES

In February 2004, the DJJ Board bid farewell to Board Member Mary Linda Duncan whose term had expired. Mrs. Duncan was appointed to the Board in 1999 representing Congressional District 4. She most recently served as Chairman of the Education Committee for the Board.
We greatly appreciate her service and commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice Mary Linda Duncan and the youth we serve. Her leadership and guidance to the agency will be missed.
Governor Perdue made three new appointments to the board in February:
The first is Ellen McElyea from Canton, GA, who will serve as one of our Judiciary Advisory Board members. Judge McElyea was appointed February 7, 2005. Judge McElyea was appointed to serve as Juvenile Court Judge of the City of Canton Municipal Court in January 2000. She is a member of the Lawyers' Foundation of Georgia, the Executive Council of the Georgia Council of Juvenile Court Judges, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce. She has also served as a member of the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia, and is past president of the Cherokee County Bar Association. Judge McElyea earned her undergraduate degree from Furman University and her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Georgia. She and her husband, Bobby, have two children.
The second is Mr. Michael Lee Baugh from Thomasville, GA. He is an at large member replacing former Board Member Mary Linda Duncan and was appointed on February 14, 2005. Mr. Baugh is a sales representative and internet manager for Roy Campbell Chevrolet. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a law enforcement specialist. Mr. Baugh is also active in the Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce. He received his bachelor's degree from Columbus State University. Mr. Baugh and his wife, Michele, have two children.
Our final new member is Mr. Van Ross Herrin from Waycross, GA. He represents the first congressional district replacing Vi Bennett and was appointed on February 21, 2005. Mr. Herrin is the General Manager for Imagistics International Inc. He currently serves on the Brantley County Board of Education and the Long Range Planning Committee of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Waycross. Mr. Herrin is a former member of the Brantley County Development Board. He attended Armstrong State College and Valdosta State University. Mr. Herrin and his wife, Sherri, have two children.
Welcome, Judge McElyea, Mr. Baugh and Mr. Herrin to the Board and the Department of Juvenile Justice. We look forward to working with you!

STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

NEW LEGAL REPRESENTATION FROM THE
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE
We have a new Attorney representing the Department from the Attorney General's office. Michelle Townes replaces Mark Cicero. Michelle received her law degree from Vanderbilt University and during law school, interned with the Tennessee Attorney General, the Public Defender's office, and the District Attorney's office. Michelle also spent a year

advocating for youth in Vanderbilt's juvenile law clinic.
She worked at Georgia Legal Services from August 2002 until September 2004 in the field of family law, domestic violence, consumer, public benefits such as food stamps and Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF), and various aspects of elder law such as wills and Medicaid. We welcome Michelle aboard and we certainly thank Mark for his service to the agency.

3
/ directions /

STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

NEW LEADERSHIP TAPPED FROM KANSAS JUVENILE JUSTICE AUTHORITY

In March 2005, James Frazier was appointed as the new Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Operations working with Deputy Commissioner, Rob Rosenbloom. Mr. Frazier is well known to Commissioner Murray since he was his Deputy Commissioner of Operations in Kansas and brings a wealth of experience to our department.

Mr. Frazier served for ten years as a Correctional Administrator for the California

Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Youth Authority where he retired in 1995 after 30 years of service. After "retirement",

Operations, James Frazier and he went to Kansas to work with Commissioner Murray in developing the new Kansas

Commissioner Murray shake hands during the grand opening of

DJJ.

Under Commissioner Murray's leadership in Kansas, he created the Kansas

Muscogee YDC.

Juvenile Justice Authority Training Academy, the first training academy for juvenile

justice personnel in Kansas among many other accomplishments. When speaking about Mr. Frazier's

appointment, Commissioner Murray stated, "Rob couldn't have made a better decision and having worked with

James, I am confident he will be a great asset to the division and department here in Georgia."

Mr. Frazier has extensive experience managing juvenile justice facilities including the largest secure correctional facility in the country where he had oversight of some 800 employees and 2000 youthful offenders. Mr. Frazier holds two degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California Polytechnic State University.

Mr. Frazier states that his belief about the work that we do in juvenile justice can be summed up in his favorite quote, "In this business, when people come to work they must not leave their hearts at home".

DJJ DIRECTORS OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND HUMAN RESOURCES SAY GOODBYE
Pat Tweedy, Director of the Office of Health Care Services retired effective February 28, 2005. Ms. Tweedy was the DJJ Health Services Administrator and was responsible for administration of the statewide DJJ medical program. She supervised the regional health service administrators and Dr. Staples-Horne, Medical Director.
Deputy Commissioner of Program Services, Dr. Tom Coleman stated, "Mrs. Tweedy was a valuable and important member of our DJJ staff and she will be missed." Dr. Michelle Staples-Horne, DJJ Medical Director will assume responsibility for supervision of all medical services operations. DJJ wishes Ms. Tweedy the best and hopes that she has a wonderful and relaxing retirement.
On March 10, 2005, Commissioner Murray announced the resignation of Mike Sorrells as Director of Human Resources. In a notice to DJJ staff, Commissioner Murray stated that, "Mr. Sorrells, has been a progressive and effective leader, managing the Department's Human Resources and Training Units for the past six years." Mr. Sorrells was directly responsible for a number of major initiatives to improve systems, including Discipline without Punishment, Performance Management Planning, the Video Based Impact Exam, and personnel policy implementation. "Mr. Sorrells has consistently provided sound personnel advice and training, has been readily accessible to staff throughout DJJ, and is well respected by this agency," Commissioner Murray further stated.
Mr. Sorrells began employment with the State Department of Technical and Adult Education on March 16th. He will be missed by this agency and we wish him success in his new job in state government.
4
/ directions /

STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

REORGANIZATION RESULTS IN NEW DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
In the most recent past, the Department's organizational structure had the administrative support functions under the leadership of both Mike Sorrells, Director Office of Human Resources (Personnel, Training, Employee Mgt./Adverse Actions) and Jeff Minor, Director Office of Fiscal and Administrative Services (Budget, Financial Services, Grants and Contracts, Federal Programs, Audits, OTIS, Engineering, Building Services). In addition to Mr. Minor's responsibilities as Director, he also maintained direct responsibility for Budget Services. The resignation of Mike Sorrells, Director of Human Resources and the upcoming retirement of Beverly Wade, Assistant to the Director of Fiscal and Administrative Services, initiated review the of the existing organizational structure of DJJ and consideration of the best use of personnel.
On March 25, 2005, Commissioner Murray announced

the appointment and

promotion of Jeff Minor to

the position of Deputy

Commissioner and Chief

Financial Officer, Division

of

Fiscal

and

Administrative Services.

In this capacity, Mr. Minor

Newly appointed Deputy Commissioner and Chief

will report directly to Financial Oficer, Jeff Minor.

Chief of Staff Bill Reilly

and will become an official member of the Executive

team of DJJ along with existing Deputy

Commissioners Rob Rosenbloom and Tom Coleman.

Mr. Minor will be responsible for all administrative support functions for the department, including the functions formerly in the Office of Human Resources. All current Office Director's and staff will remain in place which will assist the Department in the continuation of excellent service and aid in what is expected to be a smooth transition.

OPERATIONS

Aaron Cohn RYDC Opens and Honors Namesake

Commissioner Murray congratulates Judge Aaron Cohn and wife following the dedication ceremony.
After much anticipation, the Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center officially opened its doors March 9th. The grand opening paid homage to Muscogee County Chief Juvenile Court Judge Aaron Cohn, the facility's namesake, during a dedication ceremony in Columbus,

Georgia. Judge Cohn, one year shy of his 90th birthday, sat poised as Commissioner Albert Murray spoke of the Judge's dedication, loyalty and longevity as the country's longest sitting juvenile court judge.
"Judge Cohn is a living example of what serving our fellow man really means and a living example of the spirit of America," stated Commissioner Murray. "It is my hope that the youth that leave this facility will follow in his great footsteps."
In May 2004, the General Assembly passed House Resolution 1530 designating the detention center in honor of Judge Cohn's lifetime of service. Flanked by his

family and many county political and business officials, the Honorable Judge Cohn addressed the attendees. "It is an honor for me to be here to see this day and I am thankful to everyone who has made this day possible. It is a blessing to be acknowledged while one is still alive to see it."
The new 80 bed facility accommodates pre-adjudicated youth from Columbus and surrounding areas. The Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center, along with its neighboring facility, the Muscogee Youth Detention Campus spans over 60,000 square feet and contains residential, educational, medical, recreational, and administrative spaces.

5
/ directions /

FISCAL MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Sometimes Bigger Does Mean Better

Medical Health, Crisis Intervention, Defensive Tactics, Tool and Key Control, and Fire Safety.

JCO class of 2005 prepares to be sworn in during the March 25th ceremony.

The students say what they learned in the classroom will serve them beyond their current post. "What they (instructors) gave me during my training," said Officer Chante Ray, one of four honor graduates, "will assist me in helping the kids and also aid me in one day becoming a probation officer." Fellow classmate Sgt. Darnell Perkins, also an honor graduate added, "They have prepared me beyond the classroom but also in climbing the ranks to a position in administration."

The "Big Day" for graduating Juvenile Correctional Officers came March 25th, but for the instructors that trained them, every day was a "big day". "This is the largest class we have had to come through and graduate from the academy," Marilyn Reaves Director of Training said of the nearly 100 Juvenile Correctional Officers receiving their diplomas.
On average, a Basic Juvenile Correction Training (BJCOT) class ranges between thirty and thirty-five students; the class of 2005 was almost triple that size. "They just kept coming. By the time all the cadets had arrived, the room was full and you could barely walk around," said Sharon Strickland Public Safety Training Instructor 3.
According to Neil Cannon, Director of the Georgia Juvenile Justice Training Academy (GJTA), instructors were a little leery about the numbers and whether their pupils could or would remain focused. Mr. Cannon went on to say, "It was evident after the first day that class #97 was a mature, enthusiastic, professional and academically gifted group of men and women." In the case of this class of JCOs, bigger did in fact mean better.
During the 160 hours of preparation, instructors covered a wide range of topics during BJCOT including: Adolescent Development, Team Building, Conflict Resolution, Suicide Prevention, Mental and

The achievements of class number 97 did not go unnoticed by the department's brass. During the 8th annual graduation ceremonies held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center Auditorium, Commissioner Murray spoke of the unit's achievements during his commencement address. "It is an honor to stand before you today and announce that one tenth of the class is graduating with honors, one third with an "A" average, four are in a tight race for distinguished honor graduate, and one fifth has earned a college degree." Commissioner Murray went on to say, "If your dedication to studying is any indication to your talents, then the young people we serve are in good hands."
Each officer stood before family and friends with their right hands held high and recited the oath that would make them official Juvenile Correctional Officers and a part of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
For Officer J.C. Hartman, an honor graduate as well, and many others like him in the class of 2005, the oath of office was taken on that first day inside of a crowded classroom. "It is about more than just my personal achievements; this is about giving back to the community and being the best that I can be for the kids I will serve."

6
/ directions /

FISCAL MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

JCOs Get Better With Age
If you have ever wondered if "age is truly just a number", simply ask Dorothy Lewis. She is 63 years young and the oldest person to complete Basic Juvenile Correction Officer Training (BJCOT).

"They may have called me grandma, but I could do things that they

couldn't," stated the feisty grandmother of seven. Lewis signed up for

training after being encouraged by her superiors. "They told me it would be

an opportunity of a lifetime," said Lewis. "They told me I should take

Sandersville RYDC Juvenile Correctional Officer, Dorothy Lewis wears her uniform with a smile.

advantage of this chance, and I did. I am so glad that I did."
Lewis, according to Neil Cannon Director of the Georgia Juvenile Justice Training Academy (GJTA), tackled the four week course with optimism.

"Every time I saw her she was smiling and always pleasant. She never complained, not once," affirmed Cannon.

The lady with the bubbly personality and trendy up-do would affect her classmates the same way. "They didn't treat me like an old lady. To them I was a part of the team," said Lewis. "After awhile, they gave me the title of `Grandma' which made me feel special. It made me happy to know that they would even consider me to be their grandma."

She may be a grandmother theoretically and literally, but she was also a leader and an inspiration in the classroom. "In the beginning they would go out and I would stay in and study," stated Lewis. "After awhile I guess they noticed that I was doing better in my work and so they decided to join me."

Her guidance wasn't just confined to the mental challenges of the classroom, but the woman nearly four decades her classmates' senior still had something to prove physically. "At 63 years of age, I really had some concerns about her physical ability to do some of the practical exercises," said Neil Cannon. According to Ms. Lewis, so did she. "I knew I could do it, but I wasn't sure if my legs could."

She turned Mr. Cannon and her legs into believers. "She surprised me everyday. I watched her perform physical control measures, fire safety, emergency response and verbal intervention techniques flawlessly, never ever complaining, never asking for leniency," confirmed Cannon. "She wouldn't have accepted any if I had been willing to assist her."

For Dorothy Lewis what she learned about herself is just as important as what she learned in the classroom. "I learned that anyone, it doesn't matter their age, situation, or beliefs, if they put the time and effort into it, then they can do anything just like me."

It seems as if she has turned everyone into a believer including Neil Cannon. "I'll tell you one thing," Cannon stated, "If I was the Director of a RYDC, without a doubt Officer Lewis would be the first one to be hired."

Ms. Lewis is now employed at the Sandersville Regional Youth Detention Center, where we're sure Director Harold Thompkins feels the same way.
7
/ directions /

Directions
Sonny Perdue Governor
DJJ BOARD
J. Daniel Shuman Acting Chair
Mary E. Wilhite Acting Vice-Chair Edwin A. Risler Acting Secretary
Michael Lee Baugh Tommy Lee Burgess, Jr.
Lois Frank Donnie Haralson Van Ross Herrin Elizabeth Green Lindsey William "Bill"McQueen
Judy Mecum Daniel Augustus Menefee
Sandra Heath Taylor
DJJ ADVISORY BOARD The Honorable Quintress J. Gilbert
The Honorable Ellen McElyea
Commissioner: Albert Murray Editor-in-Chief: Ericka B. Davis Writing Staff: Ericka Davis Sher're Walton Editing Team: Aprille Cambell 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.

PROGRAM SERVICES

Muscogee YDC Hosts Opening Ceremonies

Commissioner Murray and Muscogee YDC Director, William Samuel shake hands at open house.

Construction of the Muscogee County YDC is in its final stages of completion. The facility was dedicated during an open house ceremony on March 24th in tandem with the monthly DJJ board meeting. Present at the dedication ceremony were a host of DJJ staff, community leaders, and local elected officials. Columbus City Councilman Berry "Skip" Henderson was on hand to give remarks about the importance of the opening of the Muscogee YDC to the community. The 42 acre youth detention center will house medium to low risk first time offenders.

The campus which sits adjacent to the Aaron Cohn RYDC boasts of a "cottage" like culture. The overall objective of the YDC is to foster effective movement of youth from cottages to school and after school programs.

The "village" feel, according to Director William Samuel, is meant to benefit both staff and young people. "In establishing the `cottage culture' at the Muscogee YDC, staff and youth will learn and share ideas, values, ways of problem solving, and rules for living that lean towards a positive change in behavior," stated Samuel.

The Muscogee YDC staff is nearly in place with fifty-nine of the sixty-seven
Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) positions filled, either through transfer or as a new hire. The newly hired JCOs were apart of the March 25th graduating
class.

The feel of the center allows for staff to be involved in the daily activities of the 60 long term males scheduled to be housed there; thus, establishing relationships, and creating a "family" atmosphere.

8
/ directions /