AdvOCAcy : your child welfare update, 2019 September

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

September 2019

Page 1

Judicial and System Leaders Focus on Family Involvement in the Dependency Process
"Family voice can be a path to family healing." This was one of many sentiments heard during the recent National Judicial Leadership Summit IV on Child Welfare by a team of child welfare partners from across the United States. Georgia's team consisted of Georgia Supreme Court Presiding Justice David Nahmias, OCA Director Rachel Davidson, Forsyth County Juvenile Court Judge Christopher Willis, Georgia DFCS Director Tom Rawlings, Georgia DFCS Deputy Director and Legal Counsel Chris Hempfling, and Fulton County Parent Attorney Emma Brown-Bernstein.

The conference began with a focus on incorporating the voice of

children and families in the child protection process. The Summit's

leaders emphasized the role of the courts in creating a culture that

values all families. While it can be easy to disregard or minimize

the voice of children and families in the court and dependency pro- Georgia's delegation at the National Judicial Lead-

cess, these same children and families can often offer the best in-

ership Summit IV on Child Welfare.

sight and solutions that will most help them.

Unfortunately, we don't always ask families and children for their input. So what can we do differently? Try asking the
See FAMILY, Page 9

The unedited voices of young people with foster care experience

Courtesy of Kyle Minnick, Case Manager

Myjia Tucker and Cobb County DFCS

Want to know what youth in foster care think of the system and how their

voice plays an important role? A great example has been shared through digital story tell-

ing by the Cobb County Team in DFCS Region 13. Recently, the team interviewed a youth

named Kyle Minnick and his case manager, Myjia Tucker, which told a story of how em-

powering a youth's voice through positive relationships can encourage the youth in

meaningful ways. Listen to the full interview of Kyle here and here. To listen to Myjia's

interview, click here. These interviews are great ways to show how DFCS policies, practic-

es, and theories look in real life and how they can change lives in a positive and meaning-

ful way. Here are helpful tips shared by the Cobb County Team to promote youth voice:

Give youth a seat at the table when you are creating their family's case plan or generating the child's case plan.

They should be included on an ongoing basis.

Afford youth the opportunity to voice their feedback through transitional roundtables, family team meetings, and

treatment teams.

See VOICE, Page 6

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

September 2019

Page 2

September is

Download MyGCAL App

Suicide Awareness Month

Earlier this year,

By Renee Moore Senior OCA Investigator

DBHDD launched its MyGCAL app designed to reach Georgia's youth in times of need with a

Brainstorm: What can YOU do to prevent juvenile suicide?

team staffed by caring professionals - including licensed clini-



Take any written, spoken or other communication of suicide seriously

cians - who are available 24/7 to address behavioral health

If you think someone is at risk, ask if they are consid- crises, make referrals for treat-

ering suicide...this will NOT cause suicide

ment, and dispatch mobile crisis

Communicate any suspicion that a youth is thinking response teams. The app is

about suicide to a mental health professional imme- compatible for both Ap-

diately

ple and Android smartphones. A



Remember...Always stay with the youth. DO leave a suicidal youth alone while you get help
Know your community resources

NOT

crisis has no load the app

schedule. Downtoday and share

this great resource with your

Warning Signs--Recognize Threats of Suicide:

friends, family, and colleagues.

Talks about committing suicide Has trouble eating and/or sleeping Experiences drastic changes in behavior Loses interest in work, school, hobbies, etc. Withdraws from family and/or friends Loses interest in personal appearance
See PREVENTION, Page 5
It's okay to be NotOK!
Charlie and Hannah Lucas are a brothersister duo who developed an app for youth suffering from depression and anxiety. The app allows a user
to alert up to 5 different trusted people that they're "not ok" as a way of asking for help. Learn more here.

We Hear You. Help is Available.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people between 10 to 24 nationwide, according to a 2017 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For those who have thoughts of suicide or know of someone with those thoughts, remember that help is only a conversation away (in person, text, chat, or call). Sometimes our struggle can be underestimated because of our age. But many of us hear you and want to help. Don't be afraid to let your friends, family, or teachers know what you need when they ask: they want to help you. Remember that this feeling can be overcome. Family conflict, relationships, grades, sexual identity, and the loss of important people can seem impossible to deal with. But with support from others, you can overcome this.

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

September 2019

Page 3

Looking Beyond the Behavior
By Eboni Woodbury OCA Investigator

Did you know that in the State of Georgia, students in Pre-K are being suspended, even expelled, three times higher than students who are in grades kindergarten-twelve? During the Georgia Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect earlier this month, speakers Cheryl GallowayBenefield and Micole Talley educated the audience of the growing issue of children spending more time at home than in school. Teachers are instructed to educate students on a specific curriculum. However, what if the child is unable to learn due to alarming behaviors? Teachers are not trained to handle children who are battling traumatic childhoods. Sending children home, or to out of school suspension, sends the message, "We do not want you here." They are said to be disruptions to the "learning environment". Children who are repeatedly suspended from school can develop a hatred towards school. Georgia's legislators created a resolution to remedy the concern of sending elementary aged children home before assessing the underlying problem.

DID YOU KNOW...

Georgia House Bill 740 requires local schools to conduct screenings, Governor Brian Kemp proclaimed Sep-

assessments, and reviews prior to expelling or suspending students in grades kindergarten through third for five or more consecutive days. It

tember

2019

as

Bullying

Prevention

has been recommended that teachers are trained in trauma informed Awareness Month in Georgia? Read the

care. Also, to be educated on mental health concerns and services that are available to students in need. Teachers are encouraged to take

proclamation here!

time to speak to the child to learn about their behaviors rather than

considering a child a nuisance. Georgia has a high rate of children in

foster care and it is difficult to identify which children are suffering

with issues at home. It is the goal to educate children and allow them

to express themselves effectively. Educators must look through a

different lens. What may be seen as aggression, disrespect, and diso-

bedience may actually be behaviors resulting from neglect, malnutri-

tion, health issues, or a family history of mental health struggles. Geor-

gia's children need us. We should work towards being advocates for

those who feel they do not have a voice.

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

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update
Page 4

Kinship Care

Kinship care helps children maintain ties with their families and communities when they come into contact with the child welfare system. These connections positively impact the well-being of the child and provide more opportunities for future success.
Kinship care refers to a temporary or permanent arrangement in which a relative or any non-relative adult who has a long-standing relationship or bond with the child and/or family has taken over the full-time, substitute care of a child whose parents are unable or unwilling to do so.
Kinship care includes those relationships established through an informal arrangement, legal custody, guardianship order, a relative foster care placement, or kinship adoption.
This month, Governor Brian Kemp proclaimed September as Kinship Care Month in Georgia. Georgia's Kinship Care program includes kinship navigators, resources, and supports. To learn more about Kinship Care in Georgia, click here.

Kinship Summit 2019

Tacia Estem, DFCS Kinship Director

The Kinship Care Summit was held this month to educate, support and celebrate the remarkable work being done every day by unsung heroes.

As kinship care continues to be a primary and valuable option for children who cannot live with their parents, emphasis on kinship care policy, practice, and research is necessary to continue to enhance services and supports for kinship caregivers and families. Kinship families appreciated the time to hear from leaders, learn about important and relevant topics and engage in a safe and empathetic space amongst others who identify and understand the joys and challenges of kinship caregiving.

DHS Commissioner Crittenden chatting with attendees

The Summit was provided free of charge to the entire family with activities for children including arts and crafts, caricatures, face painting, and movies!

Fun activities!

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

September 2019
Child Welfare Law Specialists Gathering
A group of Georgia's Child Welfare Law Specialists (CWLS) met for two days of learning and camaraderie this month. The CWLS certification is a professional achievement that signifies an attorney's specialized knowledge, skill, and DFCS Medical Director, Dr. Priyanka Patel verified expertise in the field of child welfare law. discussed reviewing psychotropic medica- To learn more about becoming a CWLS, click here.
tions for children in foster care

Page 5
Networking and socializing

Ashley Willcott, Angela Tyner, Rachel Davidson, and Jerry Bruce

Darice Good, Kristi Lovelace, and Vicky Wallace

Anissa Patton, Temika Murry, Diana Rugh Johnson, Donald Lee, and Nathan Hayes

Prevention, cont'd...

Out of the Darkness Walk

Loses interest in personal appearance Starts or increases use of alcohol or drugs Takes unnecessary risks Has attempted suicide before Has had recent severe losses Gives away prized possessions Shows happiness after prolonged depression
Resources for Youth
Free 24/7 text line for youth-in-crisis: 741741 Suicide Prevention Resource Center:
www.sprc.org Suicide Prevention Action Network: www.spanga.org Georgia's Suicide Prevention Information Net-
work: www.gspin.org American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org (Click chapter, then choose Geor-

Barrow County DFCS organized a group to walk in the local Out of the Darkness walk focused on suicide awareness and prevention. This group, which included DFCS, their SAAG, CASA staff, and family and community members walked in memory of a teenager in care who died by suicide. This teenager's siblings, foster parents, neighbors and friends remember him fondly and were honored to participate in his honor.
The gray t-shirts worn by some in the photo read "Team Reunify" as reunification is the primary goal for children in foster care. If you see someone wearing one of these shirts, ask them about it and how you can help! And remember, you are loved!

Office of the Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children
September 2019
DID YOU HEAR...

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update
Page 6

As Seen on Social Media

OCA Director Rachel Davidson, Georgia Supreme Court Justice Nahmias, and other Georgia child welfare leaders were featured in Tom's Tuesday Talk! Check it out here.

Check out the submission form here!

VOICE, cont'd...

Ask the youth about what they think their fami-

ly strengths and needs are.

When visiting with youth, discuss the youth's goals with them specifically around education, life, skills, and relationships.

Though visits are monthly, increase the visits when you assess that the youth is experiencing challenges.

Make sure the youth has a copy of their child case plan and that they understand it.

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

September 2019

Page 7

The Georgia Conference on Child Abuse & Neglect

By Shantelle Whitehead OCA Investigator

The Georgia Conference interest of abused and neglected children. Ful-

on Child Abuse & Neglect was tonCountyCASA.org

or

email

recruit-

held on September 12, 2019 and er@fultoncountycasa.org.

was hosted by Prevent Child Connections Matter Georgia Abuse Georgia and The Stephanie The Connections Matter training focuses on preventing V. Blank Center for Safe and and mitigating the effects of ACEs through stable and nurHealthy Children at Children's turing connections. PCA Georgia and the Georgia Center Healthcare of Atlanta. This year for Child Advocacy are leading this initiative with the help focused on promoting safe, stable of trainers statewide! The Connections Matter training is and nurturing relationships and intended for all audiences as we believe everyone has a environments to prevent child abuse and neglect. The role to play in helping children and families thrive. workshops promoted innovative strategies that prevent, www.ConnectionsMatterGA.org intervene, and/or treat children and families who are im-

pacted by adverse childhood experiences.

Attachment &Trauma Network, Inc.

Exhibitors to highlight:

At the Attachment & Trauma Network, it is our mission to promote healing of children impacted by trauma through

Fulton County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) supporting their families, schools, and communities. Our

Since 1995 Fulton County Court Appointed Special Advo- parenting program provides training and support for those

cates (FCCASA) Inc., has been a 501(c)(3) that provides parenting/caregiving children affected by trauma and our

training for community members to become child advo- Creating Trauma-Sensitive Schools program provides pro-

cate volunteers to follow abused and neglected children as fessional development training for school districts. We will

they navigate the child welfare process in foster care. Ful- be hosting our national conference in Atlanta, Feb 16-18,

ton County CASA needs volunteers to advocate in the best 2020. www.AttachTrauma.org

Upcoming Events and Deadlines:
October 3-4: 2019 Embark Georgia Leadership Conference at Columbus State University. More info here. October 9th: Deadline to submit artwork for The Summit Youth Art Contest. For more info, contact OCA Investigator Beth Smith (bsmith@oca.ga.gov). October 23: Volunteer Training Seminar by Truancy Intervention Project at the Romae T. Powell Juvenile Justice Center in Atlanta. More info here. October 25: Third Annual Domestic Violence Forum by Tapestri at Agnes Scott College in Decatur. More info here. October 28-30: Georgia Conference on Children and Families at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. More info here. November 13-15: The Summit: Georgia's Child Welfare Conference at The Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta. More info here.

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

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update
Page 8

For more information on physical activity, visit the DPHP website here.

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

September 2019

Page 9

parents and children you work entering and exiting the foster care system multiple times

FAMILY, cont'd... with the following:

as a result of neglect by her mother. She felt the court and

the system showed no empathy or humanity for either her

Unfortunately, we don't always ask families and children mom or herself and, as a result, came to believe the sys-

for their input. So what can we do differently? Try asking tem to be malicious. She also noticed that while she was

the parents and children you work with the following:

not the least bit fearful of her mom, at least one set of fos-

What do you need?

ter parents were truly fearful of her mom because they

What can we do to mitigate these concerns?

didn't know or understand her. If they had the opportunity

What do you want in life?

to do that, perhaps they would have been able to see in

What are your goals, hopes, and visions for the future? her mom what she saw in her.

Jerry Milner, Associate Commissioner of the federal ChilWhen we take the time to listen to people's needs, it can dren's Bureau, spoke about needing to value parents and help us become more empathetic and understanding. Tak- the parent-child relationship as opposed to only valuing ing the time to listen may help you understand that a par- the "rescue" of children. By recognizing those values, it's ent made every effort to make it to court on time but en- possible to dramatically change the foster care experience countered difficulties beyond her control that resulted in for both children and parents. When holding true to these her arriving late. This understanding may then help you values, parent-child contact should never be used as a rerealize just how truly committed that parent is and that ward or punishment. Robust family time supports the her tardiness should not be interpreted as a lack of inter- bonding and attachment necessary to support and sustain est in her child or respect for the court process. The empa- the parent-child relationship. thy that results from that realization can help you move

past any preconceived notions or prejudices to target the Let's actively listen, hear, and engage children and families

underlying issues and work towards actual and long-lasting throughout the entire dependency process. With the right

improvements.

supports and interventions, people can change. As one

parent with lived experience stated during this Summit, One young lady at the Summit shared her experience of "People do change. I'm living proof of that."

Practicing Self-Care

Mental wellness is vital to our overall health and it is just as important as our physical well-being. Below are a few self -care tips that can help keep you mentally strong!
Practice good emotional hygiene (i.e. maintain self-esteem) Make time for friends and family Make time for yourself Nourish your body with healthy food Get enough sleep Move your body Help others Manage your stress Manage other medical or physical problems Ask for help
To learn more, visit the Take 5 to Save Lives campaign.

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

September 2019

Page 10

Register Today!

REGISTRATION:
October 1st is the last day for the early registration rate. Please visit the conference website here where you can find additional information on registration fees, hotel reservations, conference agenda and workshops, speakers, and much more. Keep in mind that the reservation cut-off date for The Hotel at Avalon is October 11th. If you have any registration questions, please contact AK Consulting Group at annette@akconsultinggroup.org or 850-523-4200.
EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS: DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 10TH
The Summit is a great opportunity to promote your organization, services, and products while interacting with over 500 conference attendees composed of advocates, judges, attorneys, guardians ad litem, child protective services investigators, case managers, community-based care providers, juvenile justice professionals, law enforcement professionals, mental health and medical providers, and many other stakeholders. Click here for more information.

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: Jansen Head: jhead@oca.ga.gov

Join us on Social Media!
Facebook: @GeorgiaOfficeoftheChildAdvocate Twitter: @georgia_oca Instagram: @georgia_oca LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaoca/ YouTube: "Georgia OCA"