AdvOCAcy : your child welfare update, 2019 June

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

June 2019

Page 1

Celebrating National Reunification Month

This month, we celebrated National Family Reunification Month! There By Rachel Davidson have been many celebrations and events throughout the state to recognize fami-

OCA Director

lies who have reunified and the efforts of so many supporting them. I was hon-

ored to have given a keynote speech at one such event in Dalton, where awards

were given to a case manager of the year, a supervisor of the year, a foster/adoptive family of the year,

and a reunified family of the year.

The stories shared were inspiring. The case manager is someone who helps

ensure others have access to the necessary resources and services. The su-

pervisor is one who makes everyone feel special. The foster/adoptive family

strives hard to maintain connections and provide supports to the biological

families of the children in their home--even having recently invited a moth-

er and grandparents to join them on a beach trip to Florida! The reunified

family is one that had extensive generational history with DFCS. But at the

right time, with the right supports, the family was able to get to a place

where it was safe and appropriate to reunify. And it was extremely special The Region 1 Foster/Adoptive Family of the Year pictured

for everyone to have the ability to celebrate all that hard work!

with Region 1 DFCS staff, DFCS North District Director

An excerpt from the speech I gave during this event:

Ashley Parham, and OCA Director Rachel Davidson

"I've always been drawn to the starfish poem about making a difference. In fact, I keep a copy in my office. I suspect many of you have heard this before and some of you may even know it by heart. It's a short
See REUNIFICATION, Page 6

27th Annual Celebration of Excellence

The unedited voices of young people who have been in care

The Georgia Divi-

sion of Family and Chil-

dren Services hosted the

27th Annual Celebration

of Excellence to honor

the educational accom-

plishments of over 250

youth and young adults

who, despite obstacles

and adversity, have grad-

uated from high school

and college. During the

event, the nsoro Founda-

From left to right: Victoria Salzman tion awarded more than

(MAAC), Lamar Smith (DFCS), Colleen $10,000 in scholarships
Mousinho (DFCS), Rachel Davidson

(OCA), and Jen King (CASA)

See CELEBRATION, Page 4

Dear DFCS,

By Eshontee Rowe

I remember the first time I was introduced to you. I was fifteen years old when my mother decided to turn me over to your care. At this time, you promised me that you would take custody over me and take care of me. I remembered being picked-up by a child -welfare investigator and dropped off at this lady house. I was scared, because I was going to stay with a stranger which I found out later that she wasn't exactly welcoming and/or friendly. All I had was a few possessions and the clothes on my back. I had no way of getting in contact with any of my family members and no idea if I would ever see my family again. The thought of not knowing what to expect caused me to become very depressed. A couple of days went by before I met my caseworker. I remember when I first met my first caseworker. She briefly introduced herself and gave me an See VOICE, Page 9

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

June 2019

Page 2

Athens-Clarke County

Celebrates Reunification Month

Children First, Inc. and Home in 5 hosted the

community's first Family Reunification Month Proclama-

tion and Celebration at Athens-Clarke County City Hall on

June 10, 2019. The event

brought together fami-

lies who were reunified

in the past year, court

personnel, lawyers, so-

cial workers, service pro-

viders, and other mem-

bers of the community.

Speakers

included

Mayor Kelly Girtz, West-

ern Judicial Circuit Juve-

nile Judge Robin Shear-

er, Director of Clarke/

Mayor Kelly Girtz signing the county's proclamation to designate June as Reunification Month. Also pictured are parents who recently reunited with their children, Clarke/ Oconee DFCS Director Mary Barrett Yancey,
and Juvenile Court Judge Robin Shearer.

Oconee DFCS Mary Bar-

See COUNTY, Page 7

National Partnership for Child Safety Collaborative

OCA and DFCS represent-

ed Georgia at the National Part-

nership for Child Safety Collabora-

tive. This partnership, supported

by Casey Family Programs, in-

volves 11 states/jurisdictions that

are focused on child safety and

prevention of serious injuries and

maltreatment fatalities in the context of child welfare transformation. Also discussed was a platform for standardized Child Death Review for the collaborative, identification of goals and expected outcomes, data gather-

Left to right: Tiffany Lindsey and Michael Cull from Chapin
Hall with Carol Christopher (DFCS), Renee Moore (OCA), LaShundra Stevenson (DFCS), and Martha Dukes (DFCS).

ing and outcomes and the role of the collaborative in na-

tional conversations on child safety. Stay tuned; this is just

the beginning so there will be more to come!

Youth Organizing
During EmpowerMEnt's statewide summer session the last weekend in June, youth and young adults with foster care experience learned more about youth-led organizing efforts from facilitators with Foster Youth in Action. These young leadYouth perspective on what's working, what's ers have a goal to use their not working, opportunities and improvements, voices to profoundly imand what's needed to live their best life. pact the foster care sys-
tem in a positive way.
Adult Supporters (from left to right): Donjai Calhoun
(DFCS), Candis Jones (DFCS), Sarah Bess Hudson (EmpowerMEnt), Rachel Davidson (OCA), and Car-
men Callaway (DFCS)

When asked to share who they admired, Sebastian and Mi'cal
(both recent graduates and
COE participants!) pointed towards DFCS State ILP Director
Candis Jones

Office of the
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AdvOCAcy
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June 2019

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National Foster Parent Association's (NFPA) 29th Annual Education Conference: "Navigating the Future"

Highlights on Internet Safety
(Presented by Cindy Downey)

Highlights on The Children's Ark
(Presented by Molly Kretchmar-Hendricks)

By Eboni Woodbury

We live in a

OCA Investigator society where so-

By Beth Smith

I had a wonder-

OCA Investigator ful time at the NFPA

cial media is plagu-

Conference. The con-

ing our world. Information is trans-

ference attendees included Foster and

mitted at a more rapid speed. Almost

Adoptive parents, child welfare profes-

everyone is engaged in social media; sionals, and numerous child welfare experts.

and one of the most vulnerable groups are our chil-

dren and teenagers. Over of teenagers, ages 13-17 Workshops included information and discussion on the

years old, are using social media. 73% of kids ages 5- Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), core is-

15 and 37% of pre-school aged children regularly sues in adoption and permanency, navigating kinship

watch YouTube. They are susceptible to anything gen- placements, understanding and supporting LGBTQ

erated on the World Wide Web. The greatest con- youth, supporting birth and resource family partner-

cern is, "Are the activities of our children on the inter- ships, and many other resource based workshops.

net being monitored?"

One of the more dynamic workshops I attended cen-

The internet gives children access to practically any- tered on a presentation from an innovative Model for

thing and they are interacting with everyone. Person- More Compassionate Foster Care, The Children's Ark.

al information is being uploaded to the internet such This approach afforded birth parents the opportunity

as one's demographics to their financial information. to reside, under supervision, with their children during

With pertinent information being readily available, evaluation and treatment. This method draws valuable

strangers find ways to ease into the lives of vulnera- lessons to help foster families and professionals re-

ble children. It was discovered that 44% of children spond to the complex needs of children and families in

admitted to having secrets about internet use from crisis. It was presented by Janet Mann and Molly

parents. 71% of teenagers admitted to hiding what Kretchmar-Hendricks. Ms. Mann is one of the founders

they do online. 71% of teenagers admitted to blocking parents with privacy settings; hiding browsing history; disabling parental controls; and/or having unknown accounts. The internet has provided children with methods in hiding their activities from their par-

and directors of The Children's Ark. Dr. KretchmarHendricks is a professor of developmental psychology with specialized expertise in attachment theory. Molly was one of the initial research affiliates on the "Circle

ents.

of Security" intervention program. The "Circle of Secu-

rity" intervention program helps parents and profes-

Hide It Pro allows children and teenagers to create a sionals understand Attachment Theory as related to a

false screen to hide pictures; text messages; and child's need for "A Secure Base" in which to explore

saved web pages from parents. Icons can look normal and a "Safe Haven" which meets their needs to feel

when scrolling between the screens. When monitoring chil- See INTERNET, Page 8

protected and welcome.

See ARK, Page 10

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

June 2019

Page 4

CELEBRATION cont'd...

to youth in care. Along with the commemorative event, youth were able to engage in enriching workshops, a career fair, and entrepreneurial opportunities that provide additional knowledge and resources as they prepare for life beyond foster care.

Willie Moore Jr. delivered an inspiring message encouraging youth to be grateful, own their story, and know
that they are not a mistake.

Congratulations to all the graduates of the Class of 2019!

GA DFCS ILP Director Candis Jones, Interim Well-Being Services Director Carmen Callaway, Director Tom Rawlings, and GA DHS Commission-
er Robyn Crittenden congratulate the graduates as they cross the stage.

Cobb County DFCS Celebrates Local Graduates

On June 7th, the Cobb County DFCS Class of

2019 graduates were honored and celebrated by their

local community for their educational accomplishments

and achievements. State and county officials, including

Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp, State Representative

Bert Reeves (Marietta),

and Cobb County Com-

missioner JoAnn Birrell,

joined the local commu-

nity in honoring the

graduates at a ceremo-

ny in the Cobb County

Safety Village. Gradu-

ates were showered

with support, love, and

encouragement through

inspirational messages,

gifts, and an overall

great time spent with

Cobb County Deputy Director friends, colleagues, and Carmen Nance welcoming Geor- loved ones.

gia First Lady Marty Kemp

See COBB, Page 6

Georgia Parent Advisory Council
The Division of Family and Children Services held its first orientation for initial members of the Georgia Parent Advisory Council. The council's goal is to help expand meaningful partnerships between parents and staff throughout the system. Members will serve as representatives for parents in promoting positive changes in DFCS services and practices that strengthen families and help keep them together safely. The council will work with the Prevention and Community Support Section (PCS) within DFCS to help expand meaningful partnerships between parents and staff throughout the system.
DFCS Director Tom Rawlings and DFCS staff with members of the Georgia PAC See COUNCIL, Page 5

Office of the
Child Advocate
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June 2019
COUNCIL cont'd...

Page 5
DFCS is currently recruiting new members for its Parent Advisory Council, especially in DFCS Regions 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9! Interested applicants may review the information below and contact DFCS Program Specialist, Lindsey Dale at Lindsey.Dale@dhs.ga.gov.

Office of the
Child Advocate
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Your child welfare update

June 2019

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COBB cont'd...

REUNIFICATION cont'd...

Cobb County DFCS Director LaSondra Boddie (pictured below) encouraged graduates by saying, "Be bold. Stand out. Be fearless. Be a star amongst the clouds. But most importantly, be you."
State Representative Bert Reeves (pictured below) reminded them of this: "The very thing that tried to break you into a million pieces will be the very same thing that will help you impact a million lives . . . . We can choose to make an impact. Some have a platform to make an impact based on their titles, but [your platform] is for the rest of your lives . . . . You have the ability to make a forever impact in a way that very few of us in this room could ever do."

little story that is adapted from a longer essay called "The Star Thrower", written by Loren Eiseley. Some variation of the short version goes as follows:

One day an old man was walking down the beach just before dawn. In the distance he saw a young man picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea. As the old man approached the young man, he asked, "Why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?" The young man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun. The old man exclaimed, "But there must be thousands of starfish. How can your efforts make any difference?" The young man looked down at the starfish in his hand and as he threw it to safety in the sea, he said, "It makes a difference to this one!"

The next part of the story is not often told. You see, the old

man was accustomed to seeing people collecting the starfish that had already died or

would soon die. And the old man, who was a scien-

tist and a poet, had been troubled by the young

man's response. He finally

realized that the young man was choosing to not

OCA Director Rachel Davidson giving the key-

note speech in DFCS Region 1.

See REUNIFICATION, Page 9

Upcoming Events

July 19: Practical Matters Reality Fair 2019, Atlanta, GA. More info here. July 24: (Free) Darkness to Light's "Stewards of Children Sexual Abuse Prevention"
training, Marietta, GA. More info here. August 3: Georgia CASA Conference, Atlanta, GA. More info here. August 20-22: The 28th Annual Summer Conference by Georgia Mental Health
Consumer Network at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA. More info here. September 23-25: 2019 Georgia Suicide Prevention Conference in Pine Mountain,
GA at The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens. More info here. October 2-4: DBHDD Behavioral Health Symposium and Substance Use Disorder
Pre-Symposium at The Lodge at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. More info here.

Office of the
Child Advocate
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June 2019

Page 7

COUNTY cont'd...

rett Yancey, and two parents who have overcome significant challenges to reunify with their children. The event focused on three goals:

To celebrate the accomplishments of families who have overcome an array of challenges to

reunify safely and successfully.

To inspire other parents that it is possible to confront and resolve the issues that led to their

separation and reunify with their children.

To recognize the vital role that community partners -- mental health and substance abuse

providers, courts and judges, foster parents and social workers, and others -- play in helping

to reunify, strengthen, and support families.

During the event, Mayor Kelly Girtz read aloud and signed a proclamation to recognize June as

Reunification Month. The mayor shared his experience in working as a DFCS employee in another OCA Deputy Director

state and showed his appreciation to those in Athens-Clarke County for the hard work and dedica-

Jansen Head and Mayor Kelly Girtz sharing their

tion of county staff and of families that engage in reunification through healing and growth over support for the celebra-

time. Two parents also shared their experience that led to their recent reunification with their tion and proclamation.

children in the past year.

Clarke/Oconee DFCS Director Mary Barrett Yancey discussing the importance of reunification and the role of foster parents as "bonus
parents".

OCA Investigator Beth Smith, OCA Deputy Director Jansen Head, DFCS Placement & Permanency Director Tammy Reed, and DFCS Deputy Director for Child Wel-
fare Mary Havick celebrating reunification.

A father holding his daughter who he recently reunified with just in time for Father's Day. With great support, the father shared his experience on
his journey to reunification.

DID YOU KNOW?

Notice of a child's placement change

Georgia law requires DFCS to provide notice of any placement change for a child in DFCS must be provided to:

custody. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 15-11-215, DFCS shall provide notice of a placement change at least The court

five days in advance of the change. O.C.G.A. 15-11-215 further states: "If a child's health or welfare A child who is 14

may be endangered by any delay in changing his or her placement, the court and all attorneys of record

years of age or older

shall be notified of such placement change within 24 hours of such change."

The child's parent,

A child who is 14 years of age or older, the child's parents, guardian, or other custodian, and any attor-

guardian, or legal custodian

ney of record may request a hearing with regard to the child's case plan or the permanency plan in The person or agency

order for the court to consider the change in the location of the child's placement and any changes to

with physical custody

the case plan or permanency plan resulting from the child's change in placement location. The court is

of the child

required to hold the hearing within five days of receiving notice of a change in the location of the The child's attorney

child's placement. DFCS is prohibited from changing the child's placement prior to the hearing, unless The child's guardian

the child's health or welfare may be endangered by any delay in changing the child's placement.

ad litem, if any

Any other attorney of

The law is incorporated into DFCS Policy 10.3 which can be accessed in the DFCS Policy Manual found

record

here. The law in its entirety can be found here.

Office of the
Child Advocate
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5 Ways to be Smarter than the Smartphone:
1. Be a parent and a source. Establish clear guidelines, including time limits and consequences for inappropriate behavior, but be open so your youth will come to you with any problems.
2. Set up password protection. This will keep everyone but you and your youth from accessing personal information stored on the phone.
3. Update the operating system. New versions often contain important security fixes.
4. Approve apps before they are downloaded. Make sure you understand their capabilities and approve their content.
5. Understand location services. GPS features are useful when using maps, but you'll want to disable location-tagging when your youth posts anything online.

Source: NetSmartz.org/TipSheets

INTERNET, cont'd...

dren and teenagers' internet and phone usage, it is recommended that parents go through the different icons to ensure nothing is being hidden.

Children and teenagers are at a great risk when having unlimited and unmonitored access to the internet.

Our children and teenagers are vulnerable to a number of risks when they access the internet. They are at risk of cyberbullying from their immediate cohorts to people across the globe. They are criticized on things ranging from their appearances to their political views. The internet gives people a platform to say what they want and are protected because they sit behind computer screens and other electronic devices. Children and teenagers are also subjected to cyber predators/sexual predators; and inappropriate materials. Predators can pose as anyone that would grant them admittance to our helpless children and teenagers. Predators give children and teenagers attention that they lack. Children and teenagers are "groomed" into engaging in risky behaviors. Parents should be observant to any behavior changes that may result in improper internet use.

Children and teenagers who are improperly using the internet can display various behavior changes. Some behaviors parents should be aware of include phone calls to/from unknown friends; spending excessive hours online, particularly at night; receiving unsolicited gifts; withdrawal from the family; reluctance in discussing online activities; multiple email accounts; and/or becoming upset when restricted from using the internet. Predators have easy and anonymous access to our children and teen- See INTERNET, Page 10

Office of the
Child Advocate
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AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

June 2019

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REUNIFICATION cont'd...

be an observer or a bystander, as the old man had been, but was choosing to take action and make a difference even if for just one starfish. The next

morning, he was compelled to join the young man, saying "Call me another

thrower." And he realized that by joining the young man, he was not alone any longer. And knew that there would be

other "star throwers" near and far who showed the compassion necessary to complete the circle from life to death

and back to life again.

At times in our lives, we are all the old man, the young man, or the starfish. Sometimes, as the old man, we don't immediately see the purpose to actions and we can get overwhelmed with all that there is to do. And it can seem like we spend a lot of energy taking actions that seem to be a waste of time. Sometimes, as the young man, we persevere and make a difference even if for just one starfish. And sometimes, we are the starfish who just need a little help."

This work is hard. It is especially important to celebrate the wins. And while this month has helped us put a special spotlight on recognizing those wins associated with the generally preferred permanency option of reunification, it shouldn't stop here. Let's continue the hard work to promote healing and effect substantial, heartfelt and long-lasting change within families, as well as within systems. Children and families--all those starfish who just need a little help-- deserve that.

Region 1 Supervisor of the Year

Region 1 Reunified Family of the Year

Region 1 Case Manager of the Year

VOICE cont'd... option of going to a foster home or group home unlike my fellow foster brothers and sisters. It took an additional time for my caseworker to secure a placement for me so in the in between time a transporter had to transport me back and forth to my high school which was in a different county outside of the county I was in. After two weeks of being at that placement, I was eventually transported to my first placement of six placements. This was the start of a beautiful, eye opening, crazy roller-coaster ride through the child welfare system. This system has taught me several life skills that the young adult, in their early twenties don't know, such as adaptability, leadership, and even some professional skills. I found out what youth voice and advocacy was in my roundtables, court hearing, and transitional living meetings. I was the lead creator of my transition plan meanwhile my caseworker and adult supporters in my placement helped me make my plan clear and reasonable. I learned how to passionately fight with more than my fist and how to use my words to express the emotions. I learned that if it's not in black and white then there's no way to prove what was said. I had a strong team of DFCS workers who helped me make my visions, aspirations, and dreams come to reality, and when I misbehaved and acted-out of character the system never gave up on me. I am currently in my senior year in college due to the support and connection with professionals in the child-welfare system. This was not a smooth sailing ride at all, but because I had a persistent group of people behind me even in times that I was fearful, doubtful, and combative I am who I am today, so I would like to say thank you. I also would like to charge you to not only continue your effort, but find more innovative ways to work with young people today.
Sincerely, Eshontee Rowe Former Foster Youth/ GA Empowerment Advocate

Office of the
Child Advocate
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Your child welfare update

June 2019

Page 10

National CASA Conference
At the 2019 National CASA/GAL Conference, GSU Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Sharon Hill and OCA Director Rachel Davidson and gave a presentation on "Trauma-Informed Systems of Care: Creating a Culture of Well-Being."
We appreciate the CASA/GAL volunteers who continue to demonstrate exemplary service on behalf of the most vulnerable children, especially here in Georgia!

INTERNET cont'd... agers. Children and
teenagers thrive on the virtual validation they receive from predators; and are oblivious to the dangers that they are prone to. Predators groom children and teenagers into trusting them through manipulation and seduction. Parents must stay alert of the children's activities as more and more predators are meeting up with children and causing lasting harm.
The internet has a wide variety of usage. We have transitioned to an age where everything associated with one's life in plastered on social media. People are learning more and more about an individual based on what a person shares. Children and teenagers are vulnerable if their internet usage is not being monitored. Children and teenagers have admitted to hiding their internet activities from their parents. Additionally, there is a growing concern with predators having access to children and teenagers. Parents must monitor their children's electronic devices to ensure nothing is being hidden; and to ensure the internet is being used properly. The internet is a different world than the reality we live in. We must protect our vulnerable children from being taken advantage of by those that do not mean them well.

ARK cont'd...

The workshop was extremely engaging and

utilized excerpts and

readings by the au-

thors of the book,

"Creating Compassion-

ate Foster Care, Les-

sons of Hope from

Children and Families

in Crisis". The work-

shop inspired me to

focus on the im-

portance of under-

Co-Founder of Children's Ark, Jane Mann, reading her book and sharing
insights from it.

standing that I can be a catalyst for change in the work I do at OCA.

Office of the Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children
June 2019

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update
Page 11

The Georgia Office of the Child Advocate, Supreme Court of Georgia's Committee on Justice for Children, and the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services are pleased to announce the Call for Workshop Proposals for The Summit: Georgia's Child Welfare Conference to be held on November 13-15, 2019 at the Alpharetta Conference Center at The Hotel at Avalon.
You are invited to join other child welfare professionals at the third annual Summit, a statewide, multidisciplinary conference for sharing best practices, and collaborating across professions. The agenda is taking shape for an extraordinary program for all child welfare professionals case managers, lawyers, judges, policy makers, Court Appointed Special Advocates, stakeholders and anyone interested in improving our system of serving Georgia's abused and neglected children.

Georgia Office of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children Rachel Davidson, Director https://oca.georgia.gov 7 MLK Jr. Blvd, Ste. 347 Atlanta, GA 30334
For general inquiries, assistance, or to file a complaint: Phone: (404) 656-4200 Internet: https://oca.georgia.gov/
webform/request-oca-assistance-orinvestigation
To submit an article for the newsletter: rdavidson@oca.ga.gov

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