Directions: a publication of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Vol. 13, no. 3 (Fall 2007-Winter 2008)

Directions

D A publication
of the Georgia

epartment of Juvenile Justice

Volume XIII, Issue No. 3 Fall 2007 - Winter 2008

MAPPING THE FUTURE OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

"Perhaps we should look at NOT having a pocket knife at school as being a designated felony." In essence, what Velma Tilley, president of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, was indicating is that a youth who carries a pocket knife at school may not be all that dangerous, not dangerous enough to charge and send to an RYDC.

DJJ Commissioner Albert Murray, also on the morning panel, called for adding more options for judges by expanding successful programs in the community such as MST, multi systemic therapy, a program that focuses on providing services and treatment for the youth and the family in their community environment.

That type of dialogue was what was intended for the "Mapping the Future: Building Consensus for Juvenile Justice in Georgia" summit, held September 28, 2007 in Marietta.
Pete Colbenson, executive director of the Children and Youth Coordinating Council (CYCC), set the tone for the conference as moderator by posing the question; "What are we going to do with low level offenders?"

A prevailing sentiment was a need for more mental health services in the community and other community services for at-risk youth.

Jeffrey Butts, a research fellow at the University of Chicago, presented national juvenile offender statistics showing an increase in juvenile arrests indicating a possible new long term trend. DJJ Deputy Commissioner Rob Rosenbloom followed, showing future increases in Georgia's at-risk youth population, resulting in the need for resources to deal with growth in the system, and either alternatives or more beds.

Fulton County Juvenile Court Judge Sammy Jones, the conference k e y n o t e Representative Alisha Morgan speaks with speaker, pulled no Marietta RYDC Director James Brown on a punches, saying visit to the facility. nothing has changed since the last major push for change some 10 years ago and that there's been a "30 year policy in Georgia with budgets being more important than kids." Jones told conference participants they all should be going to work everyday with the sole interest of helping kids, instead of working toward protecting their respective agencies to the detriment of children. He said probation officers, case workers and judges, for example, should be doing more to meet the needs of the youth. He was at times critical of DJJ, DFCS, mental health and the judiciary. He spared no one, saying he too was guilty of simply doing the routine at times.

Commissioner Albert Murray (right) at the "Mapping the Future" conference with (L-R) District Attorney Kermit McManus, Public Defender Linda Pace and Judge Velma Tilley.
Judge Tilley was one of four panelists discussing challenges and areas of need for Georgia's at-risk youth. She said her husband had lost more pocket knives at the airport than he owned, and if current laws were in effect when he grew up, she wondered if he may have ended up in detention since it was normal to carry a pocket knife. She added that perhaps the Designated Felony Act needs to be "looked at."

Jones added, "DJJ has become a dumping ground for schools," and "we don't have the services for children," and "many children do not belong there (DJJ)." He continued, "It is time for a change in the juvenile justice landscape in the state of Georgia." He ended by saying we need to "empower communities," and "together we can be successful, individually we cannot."
Governor Perdue endorsed the conference. Although he could not attend, he provided a welcome (Continued on page 12)

COMMISSIONER'S CORNER

REFLECTING ON THE PAST, LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE

2007 was another successful year for DJJ. How time flies when you're having fun. Although one might not normally think of our type of work in the same category as having fun, I believe you can have fun if the job is done right, you're effective, and in our case, we are meeting our mission and treating the youth effectively that we serve and providing quality customer services. Oh sure, there are many tasks associated with our jobs that may not be much fun, but the end result is where we can take pride in our accomplishments and reflect with a great sense of pride and enjoyment.

and he made some suggestions for us to consider. Essentially his is a success story. He attained a GED, successfully completing the requirements at our facility, and he has enrolled in college. He also began work. He says he will not hide his past but instead plans to speak of it often to show others that a person can turn their life around, especially with the support

As I reflect on 2007, I can take pride in a job well done, not from a personal perspective necessarily, but by DJJ and our staff. Each year we can point to success. For example this calendar year we hired a new full time victim advocate to work with victims of juvenile crime. As this component of our balanced and restorative justice system develops, so to will our sense of accomplishment as we are able to assist victims and meet their many needs. In 2007, we celebrated the department's 15 year anniversary as a stand alone agency, a significant event as we invited past commissioners and others to help celebrate along with central office staff. DJJ has come a long way in 15 years and has made tremendous strides this past decade and during my tenure.
2007 also saw a rather dramatic change in the makeup of the Board of Juvenile Justice. As we begin 2008, it will mark the first time since I've been Commissioner that we've operated with a full 15member board. I want to thank Governor Sonny Perdue and his Office of Executive Appointments for working hard in 2007 to complete the board. Of course that wouldn't be possible without the commitment being made by these professionals willing to serve Georgia's youth by agreeing to serve on the board. In this issue of Directions you will read more about our board and of course you can review our web site for more information (www.djj.state.ga.us).
As you read in this issue about changes that have taken place in the agency in 2007, I would like to briefly tell you about our board's commitment to the youth we serve and illustrate it through one particular case, yet another DJJ success.
Richard Williams is a youth recently released from the department's custody. A short while back he spoke to the Board of Juvenile Justice describing his experience in DJJ. Richard was well spoken, or perhaps I should say outspoken. Anyway he had plenty to say,

Board Secretary Daniel Menefee (L) and Commissioner Albert Murray (R) with Richard Williams at the October board meeting
of others. He says he's interested in politics. Richard told the board that he got support from DJJ staff, but just as importantly he met Board Member Daniel Menefee at a board meeting conducted at the Sumter YDC this past summer. There the two struck up a conversation. They continued to correspond and developed a relationship. Recently at another DJJ event Dan spoke of this young man. Dan spoke of being "involved" as a board member and now "committed," and he urged all of us to be committed, not just involved. The support Dan has given Richard has helped this young man a great deal. Again, if we can change just one life, then we have been successful.
I sincerely hope for the success of all the youth under DJJ supervision. I know that our DJJ Board is committed, both as a group and as individuals. I am fortunate as the leader of this agency to have such a committed and now full board.
I look forward to many great things in 2008, for DJJ and our staff, for our board and most of all for the all of our customers; our youth, victims, families and Georgia's citizens.
- Albert Murray, Commissioner

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CONFERENCES

DJJ DELEGATES ATTEND ACA CONFERENCE

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice staff traded the Beyond Screening." Rick Harrison, director of the Office of

"dog-days" of summer in Atlanta for the equally sweltering Behavioral Health (OBHS) and Christine Doyle, OBHS

days of Kansas City, Missouri in August as they attended operations administrator, conducted the workshop. The

the American Correctional Association's 137th Annual session covered DJJ's comprehensive mental health deliv-

Congress of Correction. The conference was August 10 ery system.

15, 2007 as temperatures in

Commissioner Albert Murray

Kansas City hit 100 degrees

said, "Having our staff present

most of the week.

to others in this forum is very

noteworthy and speaks to

The conference included

their (DJJ presenters) level of

many training opportunities for

expertise and it serves as an

both adult and juvenile correc-

indicator to the quality of DJJ

tional staff. DJJ staff present-

programming."

ed areas of the training mate-

rial for other correctional

Several D J J officials are

employees.

involved in providing direction

and leadership for the ACA.

DJJ Director of Medical

Commissioner Albert Murray

Services Dr. Michelle Staples-

serves on the Commission on

Horne, M.D., moderated and

Accreditation. This ACA panel

presented training material at

reviews and determines if sys-

a workshop. The title of the

tems have met the require-

presentation was, "Identifying

ments to be accredited.

the Health Needs of

Deputy Commissioner of

Incarcerated Women and

Operations Rob Rosenbloom

Youth." The workshop included information on special medical needs of incarcerated females, specifically young female offenders.

(Clockwise from top left) Commissioner Albert Murray sits on an accreditation panel; DJJ Board Chairman Daniel Shuman and his wife Eva Lou listen to a speaker; Christine Doyle of OBHS conducts a workshop; (L-R) Shirley Turner, director of the Office of Continuous Improvement, DJJ Education Director Dr. Tom

serves on the Board of Governors and as a member of the Delegate Assembly along with Dr. Tom O'Rourke, DJJ's education director.

O'Rourke, and Robin Florie, Campus Operations, look at a con- Board of Juvenile Justice

Another workshop conducted ference schedule.

Chairman Daniel Shuman was

by DJJ staff was titled, "Mental

among the 15 DJJ delegates

Health in Juvenile Justice:

attending the conference.

COMMISSIONER MURRAY ATTENDS KANSAS REUNION

In July, Commissioner Albert Murray

long career in juvenile corrections in

returned to Kansas, where he served as

Tennessee. He served as commissioner

the first commissioner of the Kansas

of the new Kansas JJA until 2003.

Juvenile Justice Authority (JJA), to take

part in that agency's 10th anniversary

Murray said that moving to a new state to

celebration. Coincidentally, this year, the

start an entirely new agency was a chal-

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

lenging and rewarding experience.

celebrated its 15th anniversary.

Commissioner Murray speaks at the Kansas "Having to do more with less took on new

JJA's 10th anniversary.

meaning," he said. "Especially with high

Recognizing the need for reform, the Kansas Legislature expectations placed on the new agency to get something in

passed the Juvenile Justice Reform Act in 1997, which the way of juvenile reform done early. There was a tremen-

allowed for the creation of a separate agency to supervise dous responsibility as a juvenile justice professional and

juvenile offenders. Prior to the creation of the JJA juvenile system leader especially with a start up agency and no

incarceration was handled by the Kansas Department of staff."

Social and Rehabilitative Services.

Murray added, "It was a huge challenge but also a great

Commissioner Murray was chosen to build the new agency opportunity to transform the reform act into action and sell

from the ground up. He came to Kansas in 1997, after a the skeptics on the plans."

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BOARD NOTES
GOVERNOR SONNY PERDUE ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD OF JUVENILE JUSTICE
Perry J. McGuire (left), of Douglasville, has been appointed as an at-large member of the Board of Juvenile Justice. McGuire is an attorney and a partner at Taylor, Busch, Slipakoff, and Duma, LLP. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Georgia Restaurant Association, Southeast Franchise Forum and the Atlanta Franchise Alliance. McGuire earned a bachelor's degree from Valdosta State University and a law degree from Georgia State University. He served in the State Senate from 1993 to 1996. During his term he was a member of the Special Judiciary Committee.

Elaine P. Snow (right), of Lindale, has been appointed to the Board of Juvenile Justice representing the 11th Congressional District. Snow is a bureau major for the City of Rome Police Department. She is the first female president of the Georgia Chapter F.B.I. National Academy Associates and the founder and president of the Georgia Association of Terminal Agency Coordinators. She serves on the Open Door Home Board of Trustees, Northwest Georgia Police Academy Advisory Board, Georgia Crime Information Center Advisory Board and is the Georgia representative to the Criminal Justice Information Services Southern Working Group. Snow earned a bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University and a master's degree from Columbus State University.
Stephen K. Simpson (left), of Macon, has been appointed to the Board of Juvenile Justice representing the 8th Congressional District. Simpson is the president of Simpson-Jones Construction, LLC. He served in the United States Army for 20 years. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Macon, director of the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia and was the founding director of Crime Stoppers of Central Georgia. He is a trustee of the Georgia Military College Foundation and a graduate of Leadership Macon. Simpson earned a bachelor's degree from Georgia College and State University and master's degrees from both Mercer University and the University of Southern California.

DJJ BOARD ELECTS OFFICERS AND APPOINTS COMMITTEES
The Georgia Board of Juvenile Justice has elected new officers. J. Daniel Shuman was again elected chairman. Dr. Ed Risler was elected vice-chairman, and Daniel A. Menefee was elected secretary. The board elects officers every two years.

At the September meeting, Chairman Shuman announced appointments to two board committees. The finance committee is: Daniel Menefee, chairman; Judy Mecum, Michael Baugh, Sandra Taylor, Judge Quintress Gilbert, Judge Steven Teske and James Kelly.
The education and staff development committee is: Dr. Ed Risler, chairman; Larry Barnes, Bruce Garraway, Van Herrin, Elizabeth Lindsey, Dexter Rowland and Perry McGuire.

The Board of Juvenile Justice : Seated (left to right): Judy Mecum, Secretary Daniel Menefee, Chairman J. Daniel Shuman, Vice-Chairman Dr. Ed Risler and Sandra Heath Taylor.
Standing (left to right): Larry Barnes, Michael Baugh, James Kelly, Van Herrin, Dexter Rowland and Perry McGuire.
Not pictured: Bruce Garraway, Elizabeth Lindsey, Elaine Snow, Stephen Simpson, Judge Steven Teske and Judge Quintress Gilbert.
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STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

Patricia Merritt has been selected as District Director, District 12. Merritt began her career as a court service worker, and she has held the positions of juvenile probation/parole specialist III and juvenile program manager. She also served as the multi-service center manager in Chatham County. Merritt has a bachelor's degree from Savannah State University in political science and a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina in liberal studies.
Shelia Dease has been selected as Director of the Claxton Regional Youth Detention Center. Dease began her career with DJJ at Metro RYDC as a juvenile correctional officer I in 1998. She was promoted to JCOII in 1999. In 2000 she was promoted to Lieutenant at the Griffin RYDC, and in 2001 she became the assistant director at Griffin. Since 2004 she has served as senior investigator with DJJ. Dease has a bachelor's degree in political science from Morris Brown College and a master's degree in management from the University of Phoenix.
Carl Brown has been selected as Regional Administrator, Region IV. Brown has worked for DJJ for more than 20 years, holding a number of positions including Macon MultiService Center manager and district

director for District 6. Brown brings a strong community background and as district director has supervised the Macon Regional Youth Detention Center from its opening to the present.
Jackolyn Kelsey has been selected as Director, Office of Classification and Transportation Services. Kelsey came to DJJ in 2006 from the Department of Corrections, where she worked for over 25 years. At the DOC she served as a correctional officer, counselor, probation officer, inmate classification examiner, classification supervisor and diagnostic & classification manager. She has a bachelor's degree from Tuskegee University in social work.
Ira Caslin has been selected as Assistant District Director, District 4. Caslin has been with DJJ since February of 1998, and her most recent position was as the juvenile program manager for Upson, Butts and Lamar counties. Prior to coming to the DJJ, Caslin worked in the educational field, as well as at the Outdoor Therapeutic Program in Warm Springs, Georgia. She has an associate's degree in business administration from Gordon College and a bachelor's degree in psychology from West Georgia College.

Deborah Moore has been selected as Deputy Director, Office of Human Resources. She has 20 years of state experience in the field of human resources and comes to the Department of Juvenile Justice from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles, where she has served as the workforce analyst and also as director of human resources. She has a master's degree in public administration from Columbus State University.
Elliott Norman has been selected as Director of the Augusta Regional Youth Detention Center. Norman has worked for DJJ for close to 20 years and has a bachelor's degree in sociology from Augusta State University. In addition to serving his country for four years in the United States Army, Norman is a licensed Baptist minister.
Melissa Aaron has been selected as District Director, District 6. Aaron has worked for DJJ for over 25 years. She has served as director of Macon YDC, director of Bill Ireland YDC and as the director of the Macon RYDC. Aaron has a bachelor's degree in social work from Savannah State, a master's degree in mental health from Fort Valley State and a master's degree in public administration from Georgia College and State University.

LINDA LAY TON, DIRECTOR OF CLASSIFICATION AND TRANSPORTATION, RETIRES

Linda W. Layton, director of the

She came to the DJJ in 1999.

Office of Classification and

Transportation Services, retired on

DJJ Commissioner Albert Murray

July 31, 2007, after 8 years at the

said his only regret about Layton's

DJJ and 34 years working for the

tenure at DJJ was that it was too

State of Georgia.

short. "It was a real compliment to

this agency that you chose to come

Layton began her career in 1974

and work here," Murray told Layton

as a probation officer in Dublin.

during her retirement celebration.

She worked her way up to become

the first female chief probation offi-

Dr. Thomas Coleman, deputy com-

cer in the state in 1979. She held Linda Layton at her retirement party with Assistant missioner of Program Services, that position until 1990, when she Deputy Commissioner Gordon Fisher, Commissioner said that Layton was a true change

went to work for the Department of Albert Murray and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Thomas agent and that she brought DJJ's

Corrections.

Coleman.

classification program a long way.

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STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

YOUNG, WISE AND TATUM RETIRE AFTER DISTINGUISHED CAREERS

Natilyne Young

Natilyne W. Young, regional administrator, Region IV, retired on August 17, 2007 after 34 years of service. Young began her career in 1974 with the Department of Juvenile Justice as a juvenile correctional officer.

During her career with DJJ, Young also worked as a teacher, counselor and assistant director. Young was also director of the Macon Regional Youth Detention Center for 11 years. In 1997 she was selected to be the regional administrator for detention services in the Metro and North Georgia regions. In 2001 Young was appointed to the position from which she retired.

"Natilyne Young had a great career with DJJ and had a great impact on staff and youth," said Deputy Commissioner of Operations Rob Rosenbloom. "She was a valued member of the operations leadership team and is greatly missed."

Karen Wise retired from the Department of Juvenile Justice September 1, 2007 after 26 years of service. She worked as a juvenile probation/parole specialist III and was most recently a JPPS II in Dade County. She has also worked as a trainer for DJJ at the Macon Law Enforcement Academy. She earned her bachelor's degree in pre-law from the University of Nevada-Reno and worked for 11 years in juvenile justice in other states, for a total career of 37 years.

Karen Wise

Gayle Tatum, secretary III at the

Marietta Juvenile Apprehension

Unit (JAU), retired on September

18, 2007. Tatum served 34 years

with the Department of Juvenile

Justice. She spent seven years

with the JAU. She also worked at

the Marietta Regional Youth

Detention Center, Cobb County

Court Services and Bartow County

Gayle Tatum with Lane, JAU director

Ronnie

Court Services.

JANICE BROWN NAMED DJJ TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Janice Brown is The Department of Juvenile Justice 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year. Brown is a social studies teacher at the Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) in Columbus. She was the regional Teacher of the Year for the West Region. Brown was honored at the annual DJJ Fall Education Conference October 16, 2007. Educators and DJJ staff attended the conference and numerous training workshops. The theme of the conference was "A Prescription For Successful Teaching." 2008 Georgia Teacher of the Year, Emily Jennette, a Marietta City Schools elementary teacher, was the keynote speaker at the teacher awards luncheon.

The other regional winners include: Julia Coleman for the East Region. Coleman teaches at the Augusta Youth Development Campus (YDC). Kyra-James Hammonds for the Metro Region teaches at the DeKalb RYDC. Dewayne Galyon for the Northwest Region teaches at the Elbert Shaw RYDC in Whitfield County. Charlotte Hall for the South Region teaches at the Claxton RYDC. Bonnie Brown for the Southeast Region teaches at the Loftiss RYDC in Thomas County.

Janice Brown, DJJ Teacher of the Year, with Commissioner Albert Murray

Janice Brown, the overall winner, will compete against all teachers next year for Georgia Teacher of the Year honors. Brown says her desire to become a teacher stems from her childhood. She was molded by the varied styles of her teachers. Brown says she makes it a part of each day to show love and respect to each child with whom she comes into contact. She says, "Students learn more effectively when they feel safe, cared for, and validated."
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STAFF APPOINTMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS

SHIEH AND MARKS HONORED AT CHILD PLACEMENT CONFERENCE

Two Department of Juvenile Justice employees received top honors at the annual Child Placement Conference, sponsored by the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children. The conference was held in Augusta, October 29 31, 2007.

Dr. Janice Shieh with her Friend of Children Award

Janice Shieh, the campus

psychologist and clinical

director at the Augusta Youth Development Campus (YDC),

received the Friend of Children award for her work at the

facility, which is tasked with providing services to youth with

special needs. Sheih has worked at the Augusta YDC since

February 2005.

Shieh said much of the credit for the award should go to her

colleagues at the facility. "This award is the result of the hard efforts of the entire mental health team at Augusta, who are truly the most talented group of individuals I have ever known," she said.
At the same conference, Michael Marks, a j uvenile pro- DJJ Judicial Advisory Council bat ion and parole specialist II Member Judge Steven Teske working in Fayette County, was presents Michael Marks with selected as Case Manager of his Case Manager of the Year the Year. M a r k s , who has Award. worked for DJJ for 30 years, was nominated for the award by Fayette County Juvenile Program Manager Helen Tr outh.
"For the past 30 years JPPS Marks has been a steward for this agency and is a dedicated worker who truly believes in providing rehabilitative services for our youth," Trouth said.

PROGRAM SERVICES

MUSCOGEE YDC YOUTH LEARN RESPONSIBILITY CARING FOR ABANDONED DOGS

At the Muscogee Youth Development Campus (YDC) stray dogs are helping youths build character and learn responsibility as the youths help the dogs find a home.
On Monday, July 30, 2007 four youths at the Muscogee YDC graduated from the PAWS to Care program, which pairs youths at the center with stray dogs. The youths are taught care for the dogs, and they then work to train the animals in basic obedience skills so that they might be more easily adopted.

Patrick J. Valentine, social services provider II at the Muscogee YDC, said there were four boys in the program, but the number has increased to six. The youths work with the dogs two or three times daily, Valentine said. "For some of them, it's the first time they've ever had any real responsibility for a living creature," he said.

A Muscogee YDC youth walks his PAWS puppy.

PAWS Columbus is a non-profit that seeks to prevent pet overpopulation and carries out many pet therapy programs. Cindy Haines, director of operations for PAWS Columbus, said the program started at the Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) and moved next door to the Muscogee YDC. "It's a great program," Haines said. "We have seen a huge change in these boys."

To participate in the program,

Valentine said, youths must main-

tain the top level of discipline and work hard at school. Muscogee

A PAWS puppy sits.

YDC Director William Samuel has the final say as to who

can participate. The program teaches them responsibility

and provides them with a sense of self respect, Samuel

said.

At the graduation ceremony, each of the youths in the program had a chance to show what the dog they trained could do and say a few words about what the program meant to them.

So far eight animals have been trained in the program and found homes, Haines said.

"We take in these animals and teach them basic skills so they can get a better home, just like this facility teaches us skills to better ourselves," said one of the graduates.

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PROGRAM SERVICES

CLOSED UNIT ESTABLISHED AT EASTMAN YDC

Eastman Youth Development Campus (YDC) has historically taken the most challenging male youths committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice. For the past several years, the population at Eastman YDC has been re-stratified to consist of youth primarily ages 17 to 21. "It is the most challenging population we have in any one place," said Dr. Thomas Coleman, deputy commissioner of Program Services.
This older and more aggressive population has not been responsive to the approach utilized at YDCs designed for younger and lower risk youth. In recognition of the need to provide a more structured environment, a closed unit has been established at Eastman. Youth recommended by staff for the closed unit are evaluated by a panel with backgrounds in security, mental health, administration and medicine.
Youth housed in the new self-contained closed unit program receive all services (meals, medical, education, behavioral

health, coun-

seling, and

recreation) in

the closed

program. The

program con-

sists of five

stages the

youths

must

The Eastman YDC houses some of the most challenging youth committed to the DJJ.

c o mplete

before they can be removed from the closed unit.

Seventy-four youths were initially placed in this program when it began operation in May. When a youth is placed on the unit, his supervising juvenile probation/parole specialist is notified via e-mail.

Visitation for the closed program and general population youth are separate. Youth in the closed program will not normally be considered for release on their minimum date.

AUGUSTA YDC OPENS NEW VOCATIONAL UNIT FACILITY RECOGNIZES ANNIVERSARY

November 8, 2007 was a big day at the Augusta Youth Development Campus (YDC) primarily due to the graduation of five students. All five earned their GED. The day also marked the opening of the facility's new vocational classrooms unit. The newly renovated building was once a housing unit. The $1.3 million renovation enables students to attend classes under one roof, whereas previously education classes were spread across campus. That made movement of youth an issue, including managing that movement by staff.

This new vocational building is adjacent to the campus school and will accommodate GED, computer application classes, certified construction, landscaping and design/horticulture under one roof. This remodeled unit will greatly enhance the learning experience for the youth at the Augusta YDC.

Commissioner Albert Murray cuts the ribbon on the new vocational building at the Augusta YDC.

DJJ vocational programs are an extension of our accredited schools at all of our facilities and through them the youth are able to extend their education and gain valuable resources that can and does lead to success once a youth is released from a DJJ facility. The Augusta YDC vocational program is a partnership between DJJ and the Augusta Technical College.

The Augusta YDC also celebrated the 3rd anniversary of the facility reopening. Commissioner Albert Murray closed the facility in early 2004 just a few months after his appointment to lead DJJ. At the time, the facility was being operated under a contract. Commissioner Murray reopened the facility in November of 2004 under state operation.

(L-R) Deputy Commissioner Dr. Thomas Coleman with Augusta YDC Director John Brady and computer instructor Glenda Saldivar.

Commissioner Murray, delivering the commencement address at the graduation for the five students said, "Of all the things we do, I'd like to say that (providing) education may be the most important."

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OPERATIONS

DJJ HIRES FIRST VICTIM ADVOCATE

While the Department of Juvenile Justice works diligently to serve the youth entrusted to its care and h e l p mold them i n t o productive members of the community, they Joycelyn Evans, DJJ's first official victim advocate are not the department's only clients.
DJJ is also responsible for serving the victims of juvenile crime and making sure they know their rights and receive the assistance they deserve. To further this part of the agency's mission, Joycelyn Monice Evans has been brought on board as DJJ's first official victim advocate.
Evans comes to Georgia from Maryland, where she served for four years as the victim services program manager for the Maryland Division of Parole and Probation, a division of the Maryland State Department of Public Safety and Corrections. Evans also has eight years of experience as a parole officer.

the information they need to have peace of mind," Evans said.

As victim advocate, Evans will provide direct administration of DJJ's statewide victim services program. She will also be responsible for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of victim services and advocacy. She will advise victims of their rights and provide assistance with victim impact statements, crime compensation applications and restitution. She will also coordinate victim-offender conferences.

"I want to have victims feel In addition to her

comfortable calling the other duties, Evans

Department of Juvenile

will serve as a point of contact for

Justice to get information DJJ employees who

they need to have peace of have questions on

mind."

how to deal with vic-

Joycelyn Evans, DJJ Victim Advocate tims. "This position

allows employees as

well victims to have a point of contact in time of need,"

Evans said.

The victim advocate position is part of DJJ's commitment to Balanced and Restorative Justice (BARJ). BARJ is an approach to juvenile justice which recognizes that corrections is not only about holding offenders responsible for their actions but also about offering victims and the community a chance to heal. The ultimate goal of BARJ is the reconciliation of all affected parties.

Evans said her goal as victim advocate is to make sure that victims know that the Department of Juvenile Justice is not just there to serve offenders. "I want to have victims feel comfortable calling the Department of Juvenile Justice to get

"Having a victim advocate is an essential component of meeting our mission of Balanced and Restorative Justice," said Dee Bell, DJJ program coordinator, who is a nationally recognized expert in BARJ.

FORMER DEKALB COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY SPEAKS AT METRO RYDC

Former DeKalb County District Attorney J. Tom Morgan visited the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) on September 14, 2007 to talk to youth about what they don't know concerning Georgia's juvenile and criminal laws and how that can lead to big trouble for them.
Morgan, who worked in the DA's office for 20 years, including 12 years in the top post, told the youths that what they don't know can hurt them. He encouraged the youths present to educate themselves about the law so they know what behaviors to avoid. Even seemingly minor things can get you in major

trouble, Morgan told the audience. For instance, Morgan said, in the wake of Sept. 11, possessing a fake ID in Georgia has been made a felony.
"I'm not aware of any terrorists arrested under that law," he said. "But I do know a lot of young people in Georgia arrested under that law."
Morgan also told youths they could be charged for having consensual sexual activity. The age of consent in Georgia is 16, Morgan said. If two youths under 16 engage in sexual intercourse they are both guilty of statutory rape, he said. Youths who engage in oral sex
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and are up to two years apart in age can still be charged with aggravated child molestation, even though the legislature has enacted a "Romeo and Juliet" exception to the law, making it a misdemeanor.
A 17-year old, considered an adult under Georgia law, could end up with that charge on their record for life for engaging in sexual activity with a 15year old, he cautioned.
"No one wants to hire someone with aggravated child molestation on their record," Morgan told his audience.

FISCAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

DJJ HONORED FOR ASSISTING OLDER WORKERS

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice was honored in June for its efforts to assist mature workers in attaining gainful employment.
The Department was recognized with a Distinguished Employer Award at the Metropolitan Atlanta 60+ awards luncheon. DJJ was recognized for its participation in the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). DJJ acts as a host agency for the program, assisting those 55 and over in updating or developing the skills they need to obtain permanent jobs.
The program allows enrollees to work an average of 20 hours per week. The length of assignment varies, depending on enrollees' ability to secure full-time employment, which is the ultimate goal of the program. DJJ has been instrumental in assisting five employees gain both full-time and hourly employment in the agency says Ed Adams, a personnel analysis section manager for DJJ.

Betty Wilson, a full-time secretary II in the Office of Classification and Transportation Services, said the AARP program helped her get back into the workforce after being on worker's compensation for many years.

Ed Adams, personnel analysis section manager

"I wanted to get back into the workforce, and the only way I had to get back into the workforce was the AARP," she said. Wilson started part-time at DJJ in May of 2006, and she transitioned to full-time 14 months later. Working at DJJ has been a rewarding experience, she said. "I love being part of the DJJ family," she added.

AROUND DJJ

DJJ MAKES STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER

(Left) Margie Segaye walks with her granddaughter Harmony Hart.

(Right) DJJ's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" participants prepare to leave from the
central office.

On Saturday, October 27, 2007 more than 30 DJJ employees participated in the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk at Atlantic Station in downtown Atlanta. Many walkers came out to DJJ headquarters before sunrise to ride to the site of the walk. Others came on their own, and brought family and friends.
Deputy Commissioner of Program Services Dr. Thomas

Coleman along with nutritionist Joyce McKay organized the event, which began with a kickoff meeting in September.
DJJ striders raised over $3,000 for the fight against breast cancer.
Overall, the Atlanta event raised more than $1 million for breast cancer research.

(Left) DJJ Employees line dance to warm up
for the walk.
(Right) Dr. Thomas Coleman with Mary
Hemphill.
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AROUND DJJ
DJJ EXPANDS CUSTOMER SERVICES, HONORS STAFF
Team Georgia. "Service in Action." That's the message Georgia is sending to all customers, and the Department of Juvenile Justice is in step with Governor Sonny Perdue as he works to make Georgia the best managed state in the nation.

Following the Governor's Customer Service Summit in late October, DJJ held its second Customer Service Summit November 7, 2007 at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center auditorium in Forsyth. Two-hundred DJJ managers from the Commissioner's level to the facility director level and supervisors and managers in between joined other DJJ staff to begin taking the next steps in the agency's customer service program.

Commissioner Albert Murray (L) and Dr. Tom O'Rourke, DJJ Customer Service Champion (R), with Sumter YDC Director Glynn Maddox

Also at the event, DJJ honored those staff nominated for the first Team Georgia Customer Service Recognition Program awards. Twenty-six DJJ nominations were included in the more than 400 submitted statewide that were considered. The awards were announced at the Governor's Customer Service Summit. Though DJJ employees were not among those recognized on a state level, DJJ recognized its employees for providing quality customer services.

Among those honored were Sumter YDC Director Glynn Maddox and the youth who assisted in the cleanup of Americus, Georgia following deadly tornados earlier this year. Commissioner Albert Murray said all those nominated deserved recognition.

DJJ has expanded its customer service program by implementing a customer service recognition program for employees. New additions to the DJJ web site include the recognition program and a form for employees and the public to access and nominate DJJ staff who provide excellent customer service. Quarterly winners will be announced and vie for the annual award. The annual recipient will be able to attend the training conference of his or her choice. Details are on the web at www.djj.state.ga.us on the customer service link. Under the program all DJJ customer service award winners will be recognized at a DJJ board meeting and have lunch with the Commissioner. DJJ began accepting nominations for the last quarter of 2007. The first quarterly winner and annual winner will be announced early in 2008.

Also new to the web site, a customer service feedback form giving customers another means of contacting and communicating with the department. The public can access the form and receive a response if requested. The online connection with DJJ's customers will benefit the customer as they can more easily communicate with the department as well as DJJ benefiting by learning how it can improve services. The new online method of reaching DJJ follows the recent placement of customer service brochures at all DJJ facilities and offices throughout the state. Customers can express their level of satisfaction with the service they received from DJJ staff.

Also in November, DJJ distributed to staff statewide new DJJ Customer Service computer mouse pads for their office computers. The item is another method being used to remind employees of how important our customers are to us and that we always should provide the best customer service possible.

The new additions to DJJ's customer service program follow the implementation of a new DJJ Customer Service Policy. DJJ policy 1.11 can be found on the web site on the customer service link. The link now includes several menu items aimed at informing and assisting the public and DJJ customers, providing them with easy to find and much needed information including information that will assist parents who have children under DJJ supervision.

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Directions
Sonny Perdue Governor
DJJ BOARD
J. Daniel Shuman Chair
Dr. Edwin A. Risler Vice-Chair
Daniel Augustus Menefee Secretary
Larry Barnes Michael Lee Baugh
Bruce Garraway Van Ross Herrin James P. Kelly III Elizabeth Green Lindsey Perry J. McGuire
Judy Mecum Dexter Rowland Stephen K. Simpson Elaine P. Snow Sandra Heath Taylor
DJJ ADVISORY COUNCIL The Honorable Quintress J. Gilbert
The Honorable Steven C. Teske
Commissioner: Albert Murray
Editor-in-Chief: Steve Hayes
Writing Staff: Steve Hayes Nathan Cain
Editing Team: Nathan Cain
Janssen Robinson Lena Wilson
Ra'Chel Fowler
Publisher: Printed Communications, Inc.
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 treatment services and sanctions in appropriate settings and by establishing youth in their communities as productive and law abiding citizens.
M F APPING THE UTURE (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1)
letter, which was read by former DJJ Judicial Advisory Council member, former juvenile court judge and new Child Advocate Tom Rawlings. The letter outlines several principles which illustrate the Governor's vision for the juvenile justice system.
Rawlings moderated the afternoon session, which included a second panel titled, "Treatment or Punishment: Is there a balance?" Panelist and Clayton County Juvenile Court Judge Steve Teske said, "It's the resource issue that fragments us" and has us pointing fingers. Teske, a DJJ Judicial Advisory Council member, said there is no balance between rural and metro kids who find themselves sent to detention because there are no resources. Fellow panelist Gwen Skinner, a director with the Department of Human Resources mental health division, stated, "When you don't invest, you get what you get." Skinner is a former DJJ official, having worked in several capacities including deputy commissioner.
The conference was a major success from the standpoint of bringing in a significant partner needed to bring about change; the Georgia Legislature. Fourteen legislators attended most of the day, asking questions and receiving information. Senator Bill Hamrick (District 30) was impressed with the size of the group and said it appears all have the same goals aimed at improving the system. Hamrick said, "It's a necessary step in the process in making changes. We can't have one side without the other in order to make changes."
State Representative Alisha Morgan (District 39), who recently visited the DeKalb RYDC, called the conference, "a great first step," to be used as a cornerstone for what changes need to occur in the juvenile justice system. Morgan says she was impressed with the candor expressed by those at the conference.
At the end of the day, through dialogue that included more and less discretion for judges and the same, more and less for DJJ, the conference appeared to be a success. The conference garnered participation from many groups including several child advocacy organizations.
DJJ Commissioner Albert Murray agreed saying, "Participants seemed less concerned about protecting territory and everyone was genuinely interested in the welfare of Georgia's youth while creating a better juvenile justice system."
CYCC's Suzanne Luker, conference organizer, closed the conference by engaging a dialogue about next steps. Planners will work on a conference document incorporating the many ideas and possible directions in order to continue the process of improving Georgia's juvenile justice system. Senator Hamrick called that necessary in order to continue the movement and asked for signatures from attendees representing the various groups in order to give the legislature direction regarding possible action.
The timing may be right for code changes. The State Bar Young Lawyers Division is working on a possible juvenile code rewrite. The model code would be ready for possible legislation to be introduced in the 2009 session.
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