Directions: a publication of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Vol. 13, no. 1 (Spring 2007)

Directions

D A publication
of the Georgia

epartment of Juvenile Justice

COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

Volume XIII, Issue No. 1 Spring 2007

Commissioner Albert Murray
As juvenile justice professionals commit-
ted to quality services and effective treatment programs for juveniles, our primary focus is on safety, security, and best practices in the day to day delivery of services. Our annual operating budget, by and large, is devoted to maintaining good staff-student ratios in the secure facilities, strengthening systems in place to protect those incarcerated youth from assault, rape, and other mistreatment that can easily occur within a locked facility. The passage of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) by
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
CONFERENCES BOARD NOTES STAFF APPOINTMENTS &
RECOGNITIONS PROGRAM SERVICES AROUND DJJ OPERATIONS EDUCATION SERVICES

THE VICTIM FACTOR
Congress in 2003 holds adult and juvenile systems to a greater level of accountability to protect juveniles and inmates from sexual assault and rape, and DJJ has been proactive in taking steps to assure compliance with this federal legislation. We will continue to place high priority on protecting incarcerated youth from harm and mistreatment while at the same time holding them fully accountable for their delinquent behavior. In keeping, however, with a direction I set for the agency in early 2006, which involves a greater investment in community programs and services, I want to bring more attention to a category of Georgians most affected by adult and juvenile crime, and these are the victims.
If you have ever been the victim of a crime, particularly a serious life threatening crime, you are keenly aware of how your life changed, and as a part of that, how your attitude toward the criminal justice system was affected. Years ago I personally had the experience, and I am thankful to have survived unscathed, unlike many victims. There are many victims and potential victims in Georgia who must be kept in mind as we develop public policy in this area, and as we operate public safety agencies in the 21st century. As a part of DJJ's increased emphasis on community programs and services, we are establishing a victim's component which will bring about heightened sensitivity to the special needs of crime victims. It will also strengthen the agency's commitment to Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ), a nationally recognized approach to crime that places balanced interest on the needs of the offender, the community, and the victim(s). Specifically, a Victim Coordinator will be brought on line this year with responsibility to develop and implement a victim's advocacy program as part of the overall mission of the agency. The agency will also continue to make a greater investment in BARJ as the springboard for rehabilitating youthful offenders both at the community level and within the secure facilities.

Finally, with the agency's outreach to strengthen prevention and early intervention programs, a result we strive for is to reduce the number of Georgians who fall victim to the many senseless acts of crime where the perpetrator, in many cases, has not reached puberty or who is still in the preteen age bracket. To the victim, the age of the perpetrator has little meaning because the scars are just as deep and long lasting. Furthermore, youthful offenders in most cases cannot fully appreciate the life changing trauma their impulsive behavior has caused and may cause on those who fall prey. This has led DJJ to reach out to this population in a different way in 2007 with a pilot project that has produced good success in its infancy stages and may be replicated in other communities of the state. DJJ staff who work at the local level have partnered with local leaders and school officials to conduct a number of eye opening presentations to middle and high schools during assembly which has focused on the "real world" consequences of getting involved in criminal activity. What DJJ has learned from this initiative is how misinformed some youth are about the criminal justice system, and how hungry they are for information. This experience also served to remind DJJ staff that most youth are good youth who try and make good life style choices and will probably never need the services of DJJ. However, they are youth who can always benefit from the good advice of caring adults on consistently making good choices, setting priorities, and otherwise being able to reach their full potential as they approach adulthood. As a public safety agency, we must continue to meet our statutory mandate which is to be the custodian and service provider for the many youth who will be placed in the agency's custody or under supervision. However, we will place an increased focus on victim advocacy services this year as we continue to look for ways to improve the overall juvenile justice system in Georgia.

CONFERENCES

PREA IMPLEMENTATION ON TRACK AT DJJ

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) continues

implementation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act or PREA.

January 3-5, 2007, DJJ conducted PREA training for agency

leaders at the DJJ Training Academy in Forsyth. The session

was facilitated by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC),

the Moss Group and

the DJJ Office of

Training.

The

comprehensive

training session for

DJJ trainers and

administrators was

specific to PREA

and its impact on the

juvenile population.

DJJ presenters included Director of Legal Services Amy Howell, Dallis Davis of the DJJ Office of Investigations and Apprehensions, and Assistant Training Director Yvonne Saunders-Brown.

PREA training is designed to assist adult and juvenile correctional leaders in understanding their roles and responsibilities in implementing the PREA law and employee accountability regarding compliance. Addressing the group at Forsyth, DJJ Commissioner Albert Murray stated he wanted to emphasize the agency's responsibilities as they relate to PREA.

PREA was signed into law September 4, 2003 by President George W. Bush. The legislation requires the Bureau of Justice to develop a new national data collection procedure

on the incidence and prevalence of sexual assault within correctional facilities. PREA covers all public and private residential facilities that house detained and adjudicated youth. In response to the legislation, DJJ began implementation by conducting a series of workshops to discuss data collection
strategies and prevention mechanisms.

As a follow up to the early January training session, two 4hour PREA training sessions were provided January 17th to RYDC and YDC facility directors and their key managers with a total of 43 staff attending that training. PREA will also be a part of DJJ's pre-service training.

Last

June,

Commissioner

Murray testified

before the National

Prison Rape Elimination Act Commission in Boston,

Massachusetts. The Commission was created by PREA.

Commissioner Murray served as a panel expert as a result of

Georgia's juvenile justice system being found with one of the

nation's lowest incident rates of sexual assault.

Commissioner Murray addressing agency staff in early

January stated that, "Having this training under our belts will

be of immediate benefit as we go forward with training all per-

sonnel and establishing standards and policies to further

keep youth safe in our facilities."

WINTER CONFERENCE 2007 TAMPA, FLORIDA
The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) was well represented at the American Correctional Association's 2007 Winter Conference. Several staff members participated in various capacities. Deputy Commissioner Rob Rosenbloom serves on the Board of Governors which is a major leadership role within the American Correctional Association. Dr. Tom O'Rourke serves on the Delegate Assembly and Commissioner Albert Murray serves on the Commission of Accreditation. Numerous DJJ staff are certified as accreditation auditors by the ACA.
Amy Howell, Director of Legal Services, and Dr. Michelle Staples-Horne, Director of Medical Services, presented workshops at the ACA 2007 Winter Conference entitled, "Culture Change in Juvenile Institutions" and "Community Collaboration for Continuity of Care for Juveniles." These were just two of the many presentations well attended by juvenile justice and corrections professionals from around the country. The conference was held in Tampa, Florida from January 19th - 24th.
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CONFERENCES

WINTER INSTITUTE - ATLANTA, GEORGIA FEBRUARY 11-14, 2007

Over 1,000 community corrections professionals, probation and parole practitioners, administrators, educators and concerned citizens with an interest in criminal and juvenile justice congregated for the 31st Annual Training Institute held by The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA).

Dee Bell - Attendance Subcommittee Co-Chair Phyllis Hall - Volunteer Subcommittee Co-Chair Fabienne Tate - Georgia Program Track Coordinator Bertron Martin - Transportation Chair Yvonne Saunders-Brown - Host City Information Co-Chair Linda Layton - Institute Co-Host and Professional Development Tours Chair

During this three day event there were many activities and workshops that featured the Department of Juvenile Justice. On February 12th Commissioner Albert Murray, (DJJ), Commissioner James E. Donald (DOC), and Chairman Garland Hunt from the Parole Board participated in a panel discussion on "Evidence Based Practices in Georgia's Community Corrections." Other DJJ workshop presenters included Dr. Michelle Staples-Horne, Jackie Kelsey, Yvonne Saunders-Brown, Dee Bell, Coy Satterfield, Natilyn Young,

APPA Opening Session
This was a major collaborative effort by the Department of Juvenile Justice, Board of Pardons and Paroles, Department of Corrections, Georgia Probation Association and other local, county and private correctional agencies, to organize a statewide, cross-organizational steering committee to host, organize, and promote the Institute. Over 600 professionals from Georgia agencies attended of which 63 were DJJ employ-

L to R: Commissioner Donald (DOC), Commissioner Murray (DJJ) and Gary Hinzman, President Elect of the American Probation and
Parole Association
Diana Aspinwall, Vivienne Wood, Cindy Pittman, and Suzanne Luker of the Children and Youth Coordinating Council (CYCC). Professional Development Tours were given on February 13th to the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center and the Fulton Multi-Service Center.

Deputy Commissioner Rob Rosenbloom (2nd from right at table) on Judges Panel
ees. This collaboration was recognized by the APPA as a major factor in the success of the Winter Institute. DJJ staff that played key roles in the statewide steering committee included:

The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) represents a strong, unified voice for the field of community corrections. APPA is the only professional organization devoted solely to the needs of probation, parole and community corrections professionals in the United States of America, Canada and many other countries. By taking the initiative, APPA has grown to become the voice for over 30,000 individuals actively involved with probation, parole and community-based corrections, in both adult and juvenile sectors.

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BOARD NOTES
GOVERNOR SONNY PERDUE ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
Judge Thomas C. Rawlings of Sandersville has been appointed to the Judicial Advisory Council. Rawlings is a judge of the Juvenile Courts for the Middle Judicial Circuit covering Emanuel, Jefferson, Toombs and Washington counties, a position he's held since 2000. Judge Rawlings is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Georgia and was named Senior Specialist in Law by the United States Fulbright Commission in 2005. He serves as a member of the Georgia Supreme Court's Committee on Justice for Children and the board of directors of the Washington County Historical Society. Rawlings earned a bachelor's degree from Duke University and a law degree from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Kay, have three children.
Judge Steven C. Teske of Jonesboro has been appointed to the Judicial Advisory Council. Teske is a judge of the Juvenile Court of Clayton County, where he has served since 1999. He served as chief of the Atlanta parole district and deputy director of field services of the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles. He was a trial attorney and partner in the law firm of Boswell & Teske, where he served as Special Assistant Attorney General. He is on the executive board of the Georgia Council of Juvenile Court Judges as vice president and on the Georgia Children and Youth Coordinating Council as vice chairman. He serves on the boards of trustees of the Securus House for Battered Women and the Good Shepherd Clinic. Teske earned an associate's degree from Clayton State College and University and a bachelor's degree, master's degree and law degree from Georgia State University. He and his wife, Deborah, have three children.
James P. Kelly, III of Alpharetta has been appointed to the Board of Juvenile Justice representing the 6th Congressional District. Kelly is the founder and president of Georgia Community Foundation, Inc. and director of international affairs for the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies. He serves as the official representative of the Federalist Society on the U.S. National Commission for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Georgia Judicial Nominating Commission and the Atlanta Estate Planning Commission. Kelly earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, master's degrees from Georgia State University and Regis University and a law degree from the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children.
Larry F. Barnes of Douglasville has been appointed to the Board of Juvenile Justice representing the 13th Congressional District. Barnes retired as an administrator in the Douglas County school system. He also taught in the Fulton County school system. He is a member of the Douglas County Board of Education, the Georgia Retired Teachers Association and the Leadership Douglas Board of Directors. Barnes earned a bachelor's degree from Berry College and a master's degree from the State University of West Georgia. He and his wife, Tracey, have two grown children and two grandchildren.
Mary E. Wilhite of Canton is leaving the Board of Juvenile Justice. Ms. Wilhite represented the 7th Congressional District. About her board service, Ms. Wilhite states, "I believe the Board does a great service for the state and the youth of our community, and I wanted to make a difference and be involved in community service as it relates to youth." Mary serves as Director of FaithBased and Community Initiatives for the Faith Center for Community Development, Inc., in Cherokee County. This non-profit organization sets up after-school and outreach programs for youth. Commissioner Albert Murray noted, "Mary's dedication was a true asset to the Board. She was committed to moving the agency forward." Ms. Wilhite was first appointed to the Board in 2001, and reappointed in 2003. She had served as vice chair of the Board since 2003.
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BOARD NOTES

Cherokee County Juvenile Court Judge Ellen McElyea was selected for the newly created third judgeship for the Superior Court of the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit by Governor Sonny Perdue on Wednesday, December 6, 2006. Mrs. McElyea had served as a county juvenile court judge since her appointment in January 2000 and is the first woman ever to be named a superior court judge in Cherokee. As a result of Judge McElyea's appointment she has stepped down as a Judicial Advisory Council member of the Board of Juvenile Justice. Commissioner Albert Murray states that as much as he hates to lose Judge McElyea, "It was an honor to have worked with her. She has exhibited community leadership and assisted the Board through many transitions."

Chairman J. Daniel Shuman and his wife, Eva Lou, flew from Atlanta to Tel Aviv, Israel on January 23, 2007, for a 10 day tour. They were part of a group of 54 people from the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. During this trip the group spent two nights in Tiberius located on the Sea of Galilee. Other sites visited were Nazareth, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jericho, Caesarea on the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. Mr. and Mrs. Shuman were thankful for the opportunity to visit Israel and to view its biblical and historical sites. They both feel that this trip was the most inspirational trip that they have ever had.

STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

GLENDA BULLARD AND GLORIA ALBRITTON RETIRE FROM DJJ AFTER 34 YEARS OF SERVICE

Glenda Bullard and Gloria Albritton retired in January and February after 34 years of service respectively.
Glenda Bullard began her career with the State of Georgia in the early 1970's working part time at the Gainesville RYDC in the education department.
Her positions have included Rob Rosenbloom and Glenda Bullard court service worker for the
then Northeastern Judicial Circuit; court service worker, court service worker senior, unit director, and juvenile program manager for the Stephens County Court Services Office; District 2 assistant director; and District 2 director. Glenda states that her immediate plans will be to spend more time with her parents, her husband, Jerry, her son and daughter-in-law, Trey and Mary Beth, and her grandson, Parker.

Gloria Albritton began her career on October 16, 1974 as a youth development worker at the Macon RYDC. In 1986 she was promoted to senior youth development worker, which later became the JCO II position in 1996. Upon retirement Ms. Albritton held the position of lieutenant. During Ms. Albritton's career she has received numerous awards and accolades that include receiving the "Lieutenant of the Year" award for the past two years and "Employee of the Year" in 1986.

Both Glenda Bullard and Gloria Albritton 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 youth and their families for 34 years.

Gloria Albritton

DON MARTIN JOHNSON RETIRES FROM BILL IRELAND YDC

Recreation Director Don Johnson retired from Bill Ireland YDC on November 30, 2006 with over 25 years of service. During his tenure at Bill Ireland, Coach Johnson touched the hearts and minds of hundreds of youth and staff. Coach Johnson, a Georgia College graduate, was instrumental in the development of recreational activities for youth. Coach Johnson always had an open door policy for his direct employees and facility staff. Coach Johnson's expertise and heartfelt kindness will be missed. "Congratulations on your retirement!"

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STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

DJJ BIDS FAREWELL TO LORR ELIAS AFTER 23 YEARS OF SERVICE

Lorr Elias left the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) in February after 23 years of service.
June 1984, Lorr began her career with (DJJ) as a court service worker (JPPS) in Glynn County, later progressing to juvenile program manager for Glynn, Camden, and McIntosh counties, assistant district director, District 12, district director, District 11, and regional administrator, Region V.
Ms. Elias has made many contributions to the department through the years. She was responsible for establishing one of the first Commissions on Children and Youth in Georgia and the

development and implementation of a program of graduated sanctions that has been implemented statewide. During her tenure at DJJ, Lorr received numerous awards and accolades that included the "Governor's Award for Outstanding Achievement in State Government" in 1989.
Deputy Commissioner Rob Rosenbloom states that, "Lorr will be greatly missed. She brought to the department over the course of her career, an unmatched work ethic, expertise in juvenile justice and a caring for youth and families."
Ms. Elias' new position is with the Department of Human Resources where she will continue to work closely with DJJ staff and with youth in need of mental health services who are served by both agencies.

DR. JODY TARLETON RECEIVES THE 2006 FRIEND OF CHILDREN AWARD

Dr. Jody S.

Ta r l e t o n

received

the 2006

Friend of

Children

Award dur-

Dr. Jody Tarleton and Craig McLeod, Project Adventure

ing the 6th Annual Child

Placement Conference in Augusta,

Georgia on November 9, 2006. Dr.

Tarleton was recognized for her signif-

icant commitment to making a differ-

ence for children in foster care, juve-

nile justice and mental health systems

by providing direct care service. Dr.

Tarleton has worked in the field of

mental health and corrections for 18

years. Career accomplishments

include operations director for CHRIS

Homes and owning her own construc-

tion company which designs group

homes for children that include unique

features to help them feel safe and

loved. Dr. Tarleton is currently the

program manager for the Youth

Offender Reentry Project (YORP) for

the Department of Juvenile Justice,

Office of Behavioral Health Services.

YORP identifies and provides youthful

offenders with substance abuse treat-

ment as they re-enter the community.

Her energy level and enthusiasm for

helping youth and educating care

givers makes Dr. Jody S. Tarleton a

definite "Friend of Children."

YDC EDUCATOR RECEIVES OUTSTANDING TEACHERS AWARD
Shellie Stroman, assistant principal at the Macon Youth Development Campus in Dublin, Georgia recently received the "National Honor Roll's (NHR) Outstanding American Teachers Award" for 2005-2006. Mr. Stroman received a certificate of commendation, the 2005-2006 National Honor Roll Publication, and notifications were sent to Governor Sonny Perdue, state senators, and all school principals in Georgia. NHR's Outstanding American Teachers Award was established to provide positive recognition to educators who have been identified by their students as having had the greatest influence on their lives, either as a student or as an individual. At National Honor Roll, it is firmly believed that, "The future is in the hands of our children and that the teachers who help their students reach their full potential make the greatest contribution to society."
Shellie Stroman 6
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TONI DRISKELL AWARDED 2006 TORCH OF PEACE AWARD

To n i

Driskell

was

award-

ed the

2006

Torch of

Peace

Award

January

18,2007

during

the 24th

Annual

Martin

Luther King, Jr.

Toni Driskell and Pearl Cleage Author and Keynote Speaker

Convocation. Recipients of the Torch

of Peace Award are chosen annually

by leaders of Georgia State

University from individuals who have

worked to improve relations between

races in the Atlanta community. The

award each year recognizes an

exemplary faculty member, staff

member, undergraduate student,

graduate student, alumni and student

based on recent contributions in pro-

moting improved diversity. Ms.

Driskell serves as the administrative

assistant to Deputy Commissioner

Dr. Thomas Coleman, Division of

Program Services.

STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

DJJ continues to build on its bench strength and leadership through staff promotions and new hires this quarter. Several office divisions and facilities welcomed new leadership.
Martha Dalesio has been promoted to Assistant Office Director in Campus Operations. Ms. Dalesio has served within the Operations Division as the program coordinator for Detention Services and as the director of the Griffin RYDC. Prior to joining DJJ she worked in Ohio and Indiana as a child care worker, counselor, facility assistant director, sex offender unit manager and program manager of a 72-bed treatment center. Ms. Dalesio holds degrees in criminology from Indiana State University.
Adam Kennedy has been selected as Regional Administrator for Region V. Mr. Kennedy has worked his entire career with DJJ, beginning in 1984 as a court service worker. Previous positions also include juvenile program manager, assistant district director and most recently he's held the position of district director since December 1, 1997. Mr. Kennedy was recently awarded the distinguished Harold K. Ables Award by GJSA. He holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Mercer University.
Todd Bentley is the new District Director for District 2. Mr. Bentley has worked for the department since 1997 and has extensive community experience. He has a master's degree in professional counseling and also serves as the Department's representative on the Outdoor Therapeutic Program's Independent Oversight Committee.

SheRee Young has been selected as the District Director for District 3B. Ms. Young most recently served the department as one of the assistant district directors for District 3B and as manager of the Fulton Multi-Service Center. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Hiram College in Ohio and a master's degree in public administration from Clark Atlanta University.
Ulysses Young has been selected to fill the Assistant District Director position located in District 3A. Mr. Young has held a number of positions with the department and most recently served as juvenile program manager in Clayton County.
Yvonne Saunders-Brown has been promoted to Assistant Director of Training. After 27 years of service with the Department of Corrections (DOC), Yvonne joined DJJ in March 2006 as the Training Program Manager for the Field Operations/Management Training Unit. Ms. Brown's previous positions included assistant superintendent of a Probation Detention Center, superintendent of a Diversion Center, and consultant for the DeKalb Juvenile Court.
Bruce Johnson has been selected as the new Assistant District Director for District 3B. Mr. Johnson's background is in juvenile justice, mental health, public health, and education. Most recently, he served as the Multi-Service Center Manager in DeKalb County. Bruce has worked in state government for 20 years of which 14 have been with DJJ. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Troy State University.

Antonius Robinson has been promoted to Director of the Martha K. Glaze RYDC. Mr. Robinson has an extensive history with the Department of Juvenile Justice and has most recently served as assistant director at the Martha K. Glaze RYDC. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Savannah State University.
James D. Brown is the new Director at the Marietta RYDC. Mr. Brown joins DJJ, leaving the Jimmy Helms Transitional Center where he was the assistant superintendent. He started with the state of Georgia in 1985. Mr. Brown's positions with the state include correctional officer, adult probation officer, inmate classification analyst and internal affairs investigator. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Troy State University.
Loftiss RYDC welcomes Stephen Westberry as the facility's newly promoted Director. Mr. Westberry has been a part of the Loftiss RYDC family since 1995, serving as the assistant director. Mr. Westberry holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Valdosta State University.
Pamela Mitchell has been promoted to the position of Director of the Griffin RYDC. Ms. Mitchell has been with DJJ since April 1998, when she was hired as a JCO I at the Metro RYDC. She has steadily moved up through the ranks, serving as JCO II, lieutenant, acting director I at Metro RYDC and assistant director at Griffin. Ms. Mitchell holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University.

PROGRAM SERVICES
NEW OFFICE OF CAMPUS PROGRAMS
There is now a newly created office within the Division of Program Services under the Office of Campus Operations, reporting to Assistant Deputy Commissioner Gordon Fisher. This office is responsible for oversight of all YDC case management and general counseling programs currently being provided by juvenile detention counselors as well as the Behavior Management and Sex Offender Treatment programs. William (Bill) Parks, program director II, will direct this office which includes two additional staff; Ms. Christina Pollard-Durr, former coordinator of Assessment and Orientation and Mr. Oliver Johnson who previously served as an assessment/orientation specialist and juvenile sex offender certified counselor at the Muscogee YDC. With the establishment of this office DJJ has acquired the ability to standardize and coordinate all YDC counseling functions. The assessment and orientation functions have now been split. Assessment will be conducted by the Office of Behavioral Health Services and orientation will remain with YDC staff.
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PROGRAM SERVICES

DJJ LAUNCHES CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT TEAM

The Office of Behavioral Health Services (OBHS) has launched the DJJ Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team. CISM, a model which can trace its beginnings back to D-Day during WWII, is a form of crisis intervention in which trained DJJ staff and peers can respond quickly to other DJJ facilities that have experienced a critical incident or crisis. The goal of a CISM intervention is to help affected staff, whether one or fifty-one, cope more quickly with the situation.
Currently, the team consists of more than 40 members statewide who have received 56 hours of core CISM training. James Nelms, a captain with the Henry County Fire Department and trainer with the International Critical Incident Stress

Foundation, has conducted most of this training. "The thing that makes this so powerful," Captain Nelms says, "is that it's peers helping peers. It's not someone coming in to try to do therapy on anybody, it's DJJ coming together to help DJJ cope and be stronger." Nelms states strongly that CISM is NOT therapy, but a structured form of crisis management, which is what allows a broad range of disciplines, from police officers to nurses to SSPs (social service provider) to JCOs, to use the model effectively.
Many law enforcement and other public safety organizations utilize CISM teams, including the FBI, all branches of the military, and several local police and fire departments. Several agencies use a

CISM approach for their assaulted staff programs, and research in psychiatric facilities has indicated that the availability of such programs can reduce staff turnover and increase job satisfaction.
The DJJ CISM team can be accessed through the Office of Behavioral Health Services. If your facility has experienced a critical event such as the traumatic death of a staff member, a serious staff or youth assault, a loss due to natural disaster or fire or any other incident and you would like to discuss possible CISM services, contact OBHS Director Rick Harrison, Ron Koon, CISM Clinical Director, or Christy Doyle, CISM Team Coordinator, or you can email the request to "CISM."

AROUND DJJ

WORLD'S STRONGEST MAN VISITS BILL IRELAND YDC

Reverend

James

Henderson, who is certi-

fied through the

Guinness Book of World

Records as the World's

Strongest

Man,

addressed the residents

of Bill E. Ireland Youth

Development Campus

on December 1, 2006.

Mr. Henderson provided

an uplifting message of

Michael Wombles watches as James Henderson demonstrates he can tear a phone
book in half with his bare hands

encouragement to the residents by using his own life experiences.

While in college he was

sentenced to 25 years for drug trafficking and 25 years for

obstruction of an officer's duties. He served 3 years, was later

paroled and spent 8 months on probation. Describing what he

endured while incarcerated and other life changing events left

the students mesmerized and amazed. Reverend Henderson provided a living example of how they could succeed through struggles and mistakes by accepting responsibility for their choices and deciding to reshape their lives.
Mr. Henderson is the founder and president of James Henderson Ministries, which was established to reach out to men, women, and children in need. He has been recognized for his community outreach in Florida, and is the recipient of the prestigious 2000 Influence Award, a national honor given for outstanding services to one's community. In recent years, Mr. Henderson has worked closely with numerous youth organizations.
Reverend Henderson is the only man ever to bench press more than 700 pounds without the aid of special lifting suits or drugs. He holds bench-press records and honors in every national and international powerlifting federation, and is a five-time world champion in the bench press.

BLOOD DRIVE AT CRISP RYDC

During the holiday season, there always seems to be a shortage of lifesaving blood, but the Crisp RYDC in Cordele did something about that this

season. The Crisp RYDC held its Red Cross Blood Drive on December 28th.

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AROUND DJJ

STAFF REACT TO SAVE LIFE AT MACON RYDC

Shortly before 7 p.m. on November 21st, Judy Brown, RN, a reg-

istered nurse at the Macon RYDC, had no idea her day would end

with a dramatic call to duty. Medical emergency training by staff

on duty including Judy Brown, Sgt. Tamaria Washington and Sgt.

Anthony Dillard, saved the life of a 15-year-old who fell to the floor

with his body

involuntarily jerk-

ing, gasping for

air and clenching

his chest. "I was

giving out med-

ications on the

units

when

Felecia Wiggins

noticed the resi-

dent going to the

restroom and vomiting. She notified Officer

Commissioner Murray, Melissa Aaron, RYDC Director Jim Lientz, Chief Operating Officer

Reco Calhoun and within a few minutes the youth collapsed."

Judy Brown recalls.

Children's Hospital for specialized care and remained hospitalized from November 21st to November 28th with the Macon RYDC staff providing around the clock coverage for the youth throughout this time.
What happened at the Macon RYDC shows how powerful being attentive to the needs of our youth and being properly trained in CPR can impact someone's life at a moments notice. In this case the first responders happened to be professionals, but really anybody with the basic training could save a life this way.
At the February 22, 2007 Board of Juvenile Justice meeting, seven staff at the Macon RYDC were acknowledged with certificates from the Governor's Office. Jim Lientz, Chief Operating Officer for Governor Sonny Perdue assisted Commissioner Albert Murray in the special presentation. Staff members honored were:
Felicia Wiggins (laundry worker), Officer Reco Calhoun (JCO I), Judy Brown (RN), Robert Johnson (lieutenant), Anthony Dillard (sergeant), Eric Jackson (JCO II),Tamaria Washington (acting sergeant).

Staff immediately dialed 911 and moved the stricken youth to the clinic.
While Nurse Brown monitored his vital signs his blood pressure began to drop, his pulse felt faint and the youth complained of persistent chest pain. Soon the youth became unconscious.
Next, Ms. Brown felt for a pulse and found nothing. She began CPR with mouth to mouth resuscitation receiving assistance from Sergeants Washington and Dillard. "I started chest compressions and after I had pumped on his chest about 90 times, (3 cycles of 30) the youth showed signs of responsiveness," according to Brown.
A short time later the paramedics were on the scene and the youth was assessed by EMS and transported to Coliseum Hospital. While in route to the hospital the youth had no pulse and his breathing stopped three times before his arrival. After being evaluated and kept, the youth was transferred to the

Also, deserving special recognition: Officer Tashia Smith, Sgt.

Tracy Parrish, Officer Steven Grayer, Officer Jarvis Wimbush,

Officer Unray Solomon, Officer William Monday, Officer Chastity

Middleton, and

Officer

Erin

Dicks.

L to R:Felicia Wiggins (laundry worker), Reco Calhoun (JCO I), Eric Jackson (JCO II), Anthony Dillard
(sergeant), Robert Johnson (lieutenant), Judy Brown (RN), Tamaria Washington (acting sergeant), Melissa
Aaron (director)

Each of these staff showed great team work and great concern for the resident in crisis, and together did everything possible to save the life of a child.

EMMANUEL LEWIS "WEBSTER" GIVES MESSAGE OF HOPE AND INSPIRATION TO GRIFFIN YOUTH

L to R: Commissioner Albert Murray, Pamela Mitchell, John Grant, President 100 Black Men of
Atlanta, Emmanuel Lewis, James Frazier, and Jarvis Johnson
Mr. Emmanuel Lewis, ("Webster") the star of the 1980's television show "Webster,"

delivered a Christmas message of hope to the youth detained at the Griffin RYDC on December 20, 2006. Lewis and Mr. John Grant, President of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Georgia, participated in the Griffin RYDC Christmas program for the 30 youth which included Christmas carols and refreshments.
Today Lewis is founder and CEO of the non-profit 501 (c) (3), "The Future is Now." He and Grant spoke to the youth in an effort to motivate them to do more with their lives. Lewis says he believes in what his foundation is doing. He added that the event at the RYDC was about inspiring the youth and nourishing their minds. As he worked his young audience, Lewis told the
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youth that the future is now for them. He says he wanted to encourage the youth to be, "the best they can be; to be visionaries." Lewis says his job and that of adults, is to get kids to see; "the bigger picture, to go further than they ever thought."
Grant told the youth; "Life is in front of you, not wrapped up in this current moment." He added, "You can't make things happen while you're in here." Grant says it's important the youth understand and recognize they can accomplish many things and contribute. He and Lewis spent time talking individually with many of the youth following the program which included a youth choir performance.

AROUND DJJ
SAVANNAH RIVER TEAMS UP WITH THE SCREVEN COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER

Each month, students and staff from the Savannah River Challenge Program assist the Screven County Senior Citizens Center in Sylvania, Georgia by carrying and loading food and supplies into vehicles to be delivered to the elderly in the community.
The Department of Juvenile Justice is interested in assisting the communities of Georgia by transforming juvenile justice into a more balanced and restorative system through various strategic initiatives which include assisting in community service projects. Through these initiatives, throughout the year students are selected to assist in various community projects. These activities foster positive relationships between the courts, juveniles and the communities as well as enables productivity and positive interaction with the youth.
The youth that are chosen consider it a privilege to assist the community with these projects. Hearing the heartfelt

"THANK YOU" from the senior citizens who they assist and the sense of being appreciated for doing good work helps them transition back into their communities in a positive way.
Cathy Forehand, director of the Screven Senior Citizen Center said, "Senior volunteers and staff always enjoy working with these youth and the community service they provide is very valuable to their center."
The Savannah River Challenge Program is a challengedbased short-term, therapeutic treatment program affiliated with the Associated Marine Institutes, Inc. (AMI), a private, non-profit organization which is designed to provide appropriate support and behavior treatment to youth with shortterm sentences.

AARON COHN LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST

On November 30, 2006 the Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center hosted its 12th Annual Legislative Breakfast. Approximately 75 guests attended.
Commissioner Albert Murray presented the keynote address for several dignitaries from the Columbus and Fort Benning surrounding areas. Other notable attendees were Judge Aaron Cohn, Judge Warner Kennon and Senator Seth Harp, (R) District 29.

The Aaron Cohn Annual Legislative Breakfast is an opportunity for legislators, stakeholders and DJJ management to meet and dialogue about the needs of the department and the direction DJJ is interested in taking in the future.

Aaron Cohn youth were able to display their multi-faceted talents through song, dance and poetry. Their performances captivated the audience and encouraged crowd participation. As the poem entitled "The Caged Bird" was read, several guests were seen drying tears as this poem seemed to touch their emotions.

FAYETTE CSO & FORTUNE 500 GLASS COMPANY PROVIDE GIFTS TO NEEDY FAMILIES
Owens-Illinois Glass Company, the largest manufacturer of glass containers in North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand and China, through it's workers at the Hapeville, Georgia plant partnered with the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide clothes, coats and other gifts to Fayette, Henry and DeKalb County needy families. During the "Holiday Spirit" ceremony at the Fayette Court Services Office (CSO) on December 20th, approximately seventy low income youth received gifts and clothing. The ceremony was attended by Fayette CSO staff (Ms. Tahesha Wade, JPM), Henry CSO staff (Derrick Reese, JPM) and members of the DeKalb Multi-Service Center. Each family was referred by a JPPS worker who provided the necessary information to purchase items for the youth.

JPM Tahesha Wade and Owens-Illinois Plant Manager Christopher Peetz

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OPERATIONS AND PROGRAM SERVICES
DJJ TAKES STEPS TO BE MORE VISIBLE IN PREVENTION INITIATIVES

In partnership with the District Attorney's Office, Augusta area schools and the Richmond County Gang Task Force, the Department of Juvenile Justice kicked off Juvenile Justice week on January 29th in Richmond County. Over 1000 students were addressed during the week at six high schools. This is an on-going prevention initiative in conjunction with DJJ's school based officers. Additional presentations were scheduled for middle schools during March and April and in elementary schools throughout May.

During these presentations students and school faculty receive information and an overview of the Juvenile Justice System, Gang Involvement and Consequences, the 7 Deadly Sins and Consequences, Truancy and Court Responsibility, and they watch the video, "Multiple Choices."

Christopher Paige, JPPS II Intake OfficerPresentation at an Augusta High School

Often the Department of Juvenile Justice is perceived to be just a punitive based agency. By initiating these prevention seminars DJJ hopes to not only provide a glimpse of life within our facilities but provide information and resources that will hopefully reduce the number of youth entering the juvenile justice system.

District 7 Director Angela Cosby isn't surprised at the overwhelming support received from both school personnel and students. She states that, "Many of them were unfamiliar with the laws that impact children's lives and wanted to learn about these laws, punitive consequences and prevention mechanisms."
SUMTER YOUTH ASSIST IN "AMERICUS RECOVERY" EFFORTS
and later began picking up debris along a 4-mile stretch of highway 49. The youth were screened and selected from the Sumter facility. Additional assistance was requested by the community and one youth team continued to work unloading truckloads of supplies delivered to the community's relief distribution center.

On March 13, 2007, DJJ's Employee Assistance Program provider, Cameron and Associates was on site with many local providers to ensure that the needs of the Sumter employees
were being addressed. The assistance included individual counseling for DJJ employees.

In the aftermath of the tornado that struck Americus, Georgia on March 1, 2007, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and Sumter YDC launched "Americus Recovery," a relief effort to provide community assistance and special assistance to Sumter YDC employees directly affected by the storms. The homes of eight YDC employees received tornado damage; the homes of four employees were completely destroyed. A privately organized Sumter Disaster Relief Fund to raise money for those families was established.
"Americus Recovery" included youth from the Sumter YDC participating in clean up and recovery efforts for the community. On March 8th youth teams consisting of 5 youth per team, under supervision of two juvenile correctional officers (JCO), reported to the Americus Department of Transportation Office

DJJ Commissioner Albert Murray thanked Sumter YDC Director Glynn Maddox and other agency officials for coordinating the relief efforts. He added that although providing youth for community service is activity not normally approved, "In light of the need, a much needed exception was made." Nine people in Georgia were killed by the storms.
As a result of the many giving hearts of DJJ staff and others, more than $3,500 had been contributed through the relief fund for DJJ families at the time this publication was printed.

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Sonny Perdue Governor
DJJ BOARD
J. Daniel Shuman Chair
Edwin A. Risler Secretary
Larry Barnes Michael Lee Baugh Bruce L. Garraway
Van Ross Herrin James P. Kelly III Elizabeth Green Lindsey William "Bill" McQueen
Judy Mecum Daniel Augustus Menefee
Dexter O. Rowland Sandra Heath Taylor
DJJ ADVISORY BOARD The Honorable Quintress J. Gilbert The Honorable Thomas C. Rawlings
The Honorable Steven C. Teske
Commissioner: Albert Murray
Editor-in-Chief: Steve Hayes
Writing Staff: Steve Hayes Dawn Miles
Editing Team: Dawn Miles
Janssen Robinson Lena Wilson
Publisher: American Solutions for Business
Please direct comments or questions to:
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Office of Public Affairs
3408 Covington Highway Decatur, Georgia 30032 Telephone: (404) 508-7147 Facsimile: (404) 508-7341 Website: 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.

EDUCATION SERVICES
DJJ DEDICATED STAFF MAKE A DIFFERENCE
He says he's a product of the system, but that doesn't describe Carl Carter; this humble yet charismatic young man. Carl as a 16 year old was committed to the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). He spent three years in seven different DJJ facilities. That could have been the end of this story, or just another chapter to be followed by another similar chapter, but not for Carl Carter.

Carl Carter

Carl has told his story a couple of times, but it was the recent appearance in front of the Board of Juvenile Justice that enabled him to give even more back for what he says he received from DJJ.

Carl told the Board that he accepted responsibility for his actions saying, "I learned my lesson, I owned up and took responsibility for what I did." He said he eventually, "came along and knew what I needed to do." God blessed him by putting the right people around him according to Carl, including both staff (DJJ) and family. Carl says he realized there were dedicated DJJ staff that cared, that they weren't there just for a paycheck.

Carl met those people in our facilities; at Eastman YDC, a history teacher named Mr. Calloway, who took the extra step and helped Carl with math toward his GED. There were others at Sumter and Bill Ireland YDC's who worked with him on finding educational opportunities after release.

Carl also credits his mother. He recalls he could see in his mother's eyes how much faith, hope and potential she saw in him and he began to believe in himself.

As a result of his effort, family and our staff, Carl received his GED. After returning home, he enrolled in Georgia Military College, and then transferred to Fort Valley State University where he played football and is on schedule to graduate this December with a major in psychology.

Oh, it gets better. Carl says he has plans to return to DJJ to work and help out youth who are in the system and are going through what he went through. As he closed his comments to the Board recently, he thanked DJJ and the Board for their dedication and hard work in helping younger youth.

Carl is not simply a DJJ success story. Here success is definitely a two-way street. Carl Carter and DJJ worked together to change a young man's life. Today Carl Carter is many things to include a college student and a public speaker. Perhaps one day he'll be back in the DJJ system as a professional. We can only wait.

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