AdvOCAcy : your child welfare update, 2020 March

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

March 2020

Page 1

Georgians Coming Together-- From A Distance!

By Rachel Davidson, OCA Director

This time is certain-

ly a challenging one, to say

the least. It has created added stressors, new

logistical concerns, and heightened concerns for

potential abuse and neglect.

As schools closed and extracurricular activities have been canceled, DFCS realized a 50% drop in abuse and neglect reports. DFCS Director Tom Rawlings expressed concerns about not picking up on those cases that DFCS would ordinarily know about because of the good work of Georgia's mandated reporters. On the OFI side of the house, DFCS has had a significant increase in applications for food stamps and Medicaid coverage.

DFCS has been working hard to address these concerns and maintain as much continuity as possible when it comes to the services they provide, while also attempting to mitigate the risks to their staff. Courts are also adjusting to new practices, as they do their best to ensure safety concerns are addressed and permanency outcomes are not delayed.

As we are finding our new normal See TOGETHER, Page 8

Social Work Month

By Shantelle Whitehead, MSW, bring attention to

OCA Investigator

the role that social

OCA is workers play in alleviating

celebrating Na- personal and social issues.

tional Professional Social Social workers serve in sev-

Work Month by showing eral different capacities,

gratitude and recognizing working as advocates, cham-

social workers for the dedi- pions, advisors, leaders,

cation and empathy they counselors and facilitators in

deliver nationwide. This schools, hospitals, business-

year's theme, "Social Work- es and government offices.

ers: Generations Strong" was In their roles, they provide

selected by the National As- empowerment and support

sociation of Social Workers to people of all backgrounds

(NASW) and honors the posi- and cultures, while helping

tive and important contribu- them navigate through life's

tions social workers have obstacles and worries. Daily,

made to this nation over social workers are charged

generations. By recognizing with being the voice for

National Professional Social

Work Month, OCA intends to See SOCIAL WORK Page 2

>>>> YOUTH VOICE <<<< The unedited voices of young people who have been in foster care and are leading the way to change!

Passion in Action

By Eshontee Rowe, EmpowerMEnt Policy Council Member

Once upon a time, there was a youth by the name of Shontee. Shontee was a bright, talented, and ambitious young lady, who just so happened to enter the foster care at fifteen and a half years old. She was the stereotypical teenager who enjoyed doing extra-

curricular such as marching band and glee club. She maintained a B average in school and had

great things going for herself. Despite all the great things she had going for herself, she had

one major issue. She liked to argue and fight. She fought and argued about things that she was

passionate about such as respect and honoring your word. Don't get me wrong the things she

was fighting for were things she believed in, but she had to learn how to
See VOICE, Page 5

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

March 2020

Page 2

Georgia DOE and DFCS Partner to Encourage Families to Use Student Tablets to Access SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF Benefits

Note: The press release below is from the Georgia Department of Human Services website here. The idea explained below was generated by Mary Barrett Yancey (Clarke County DFCS Director) who partnered with her local school system. The idea is now being encouraged statewide.

In an effort to ensure children ners at DOE in making access to services

have access to the nutrition and medical easier to families while helping the local

services they need during the COVID-19 offices and families practice social distanc-

pandemic, the Georgia Division of Family ing." While local county office lobbies may

& Children Services (DFCS) and Depart- be temporarily closed, DFCS remains open

ment of Education (GDOE) are partnering for business and is encouraging families to

to encourage families with school-age access self-service options.

children to use district-issued student de-

Self-service options include:

vices to access online SNAP, Medicaid or

TANF applications rather than visit the Food Stamp and Medicaid Benefits

local county office. Leaders from both Visit: gateway.ga.gov/access/ (verification

agencies worked throughout the week to documents can also be uploaded and case

remove any barriers that prevented access status info is available for all benefits).

to the programmatic websites so that par- Download an Application: https://

ents can file an application online and dfcs.georgia.gov/services.

avoid the need to fill out an application at Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

the local county office.

Visit: https://www.connectebt.com/

"We welcomed the opportunity to work gaebtclient or call: 888-421-3281 for up-

with DFCS to make it easier for our fami- dates. Those without internet access can

lies to get the support they need to take contact the DFCS Customer Contact Cen-

care of their children during this difficult ter at 877-423-4746 for additional infor-

time," said Garry McGiboney, DOE Deputy mation or to request a paper application.

Superintendent of School Safety and Cli- Once completed, applications and any

mate. "Our primary goal as a division is to required verification can be mailed back to

make sure that we do everything in our your local county DFCS office. County

power to help families have access to the office locations are available online

basic things they need to take care of their at https://dfcs.georgia.gov/locations.

families in this time of need", says DFCS Learn more about DFCS here and DOE

Division Director Tom Rawlings, "we are very grateful for the support of our part-

here.

Are you looking for a way to help? The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is looking for volunteers who have completed Mental Health First Aid training to provide support via a warm line. Email
MHFAvolunteer@dbhdd.ga.gov
by April 2, 2020 to express your interest.

Social Work, Cont'd...

society's most vulnerable populations, including children and youth in foster

care.

As a professional social worker myself, I can tell you that it takes

someone very special to empathetically, and efficiently do this type

of work. When things are in their most challenging state, it is usu-

ally a social worker who steps in to diffuse the chaos. Everyday so-

cial workers use their "super powers", to make a difference in the

lives of the clients and community they serve. If you know a social

worker who has chosen this field as their life's work let them know

they are appreciated for all they do!

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

March 2020

Page 3
#DDAwareness2020
March is celebrated as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month with the goal to create awareness about developmental disabilities, teach the importance of inclusion within every aspect of life and to share the stories of individuals with a disability to show that a successful life is possible. This year's theme is "See Me for Me". With that, we would like to share information from the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) on People First Language. One way of promoting inclusion is communicating in a way that reflects knowledge and respect for all people. People First Language (PFL) achieves that goal of communication by choosing words that recognize the person first and foremost as the primary reference and not the disability.
The GCDD developed a guide to promote the usage of PFL that can be applied to use by professionals and the general public. The graphic on this page displays some simple ways to incorporate PFL in everyday use. For more information about PFL, visit the GCDD's website here.
Not all people with disabilities agree on which language or terminology is preferred. Individuals will vary as to how they refer to themselves and how they would like you to refer to them. PFL is a great start to be more aware and intentional on how we communicate with each other.

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

March 2020

Page 4

Opinion: State Can Do More to Help Challenged Foster Kids
(This article was originally published by the AJC on March 11, 2020.)

By Chelsea Magee Director of Foster and Adoption

cold garage, not given proper clothing, helped. So many of us former foster verbally abused and severely beaten. I kids truly are searching and need was made to quit school at age 14 un- someone with wisdom. Thankfully, I

Advocacy, Georgia der false premises of changing schools found a solid church family that gave

Life Alliance

so teachers and counselors would stop me love and support. Too often foster

asking questions about why I was so kids don't have support, and they turn

Most peo- thin and what was happening to me at to drugs, prostitution or crime.

ple use Instagram, Facebook, Snap- home.

We also need advice on how to bal-

chat or a host of other social media to When I was 16, I was taken into state ance a checkbook, create a budget, do

show the best of what's going on in custody, but unfortunately was also the laundry, grocery shop all the life

their lives. The truth is, life isn't always abused by one of my foster parents a skills young people take for granted.

pretty. And for children who grow up in member of my extended family. By the Job training, including career counsel-

homes where they are neglected, time I left the foster care system, I ing, would be a tremendous boost

abused, or their parents are substance found my birth mother and stayed with when so many of us are insecure, don't

abusers, life is a game of survival.

her until I earned a high school diploma know what job to pursue, or how to

With Gov. Brian Kemp and Lt. Gov. at an alternative school when I was 19. make a living.

Geoff Duncan pledging this year to I eventually moved to Athens and took As state lawmakers meet this winter,

make foster kids and those who age some online courses before a series of they are considering a host of ideas to

out of the system a top priority for the jobs led to me Atlanta, where I now help foster kids and foster families,

state of Georgia, I thought it was about work for a wonderful company in the including incentives for adoption,

time to tell the story of what it is like financial services industry.

speeding up their cases in court and

for some of us who had to be removed from our parents' care and placed in foster homes.

Growing up in a highly dysfunctional home is nothing I would wish on anyone. In 2019, there were 13,900 kids in

creating harsh criminal penalties for sexual abuse of foster kids. As a child who aged out of the system, I can tell

I am now a 34-year-old adult, but I still foster care in Georgia. I am one of the you it would also be wonderful if the

have many scars because of parents rare foster kids who has not wound up state encouraged recruiting mentors

who just weren't capable of leaving in poverty or turned to crime or drugs. for former foster kids. Additional edu-

their demons behind and putting their

cational options could certainly help

children first. I was one of those foster Seventy-one percent of girls become those who never graduated or perform

kids.

pregnant in the first year that they age well in public schools and need special

out of the foster care system. Like many foster children, my biological

attention.

parents got married too young, di- Less than 11 percent who age out of Foster kids have come from some of

vorced and moved on. When I was 7 the system earn that high school diplo- the most painful experiences you can

years old, I was adopted. That's where ma or GED. I was determined to get imagine. We have emotional battle

the terror began.
I was never really accepted by this family, which wanted to have their own

mine. I wanted to make something of my life after being told I was worthless for years.

scars that last a lifetime. Anything we can do to prevent this cycle from repeating itself is not only an act of love

children. I was demoralized, humiliat- Having a mentor who could have point- and compassion but a worthy act of

ed, denied food, required to sleep in a ed me in the right direction would have preserving our society.

Office of the Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children
March 2020
VOICE, cont'd...
put the boxing gloves down and use her passionate expression in another way. When this young lady was introduced to Georgia EmpowerMEnt, she didn't know the impact it would have on her life.
Now I'm glad to say that I have retired the boxing gloves and how I learned to turn my passion into a purpose to help create change for my brothers and sisters who are currently navigating through the foster care system. I'm helping to set the example that despite the things that happened in my childhood, I will defy the odds and I will be successful. I will be graduating from Albany State University with my bachelor's degree in Music in May, but I can't take all the credit for my success. I have been blessed to have a strong support system which includes Georgia EmpowerMEnt. Georgia EmpowerMEnt is an initiative founded by former and current foster youth, who are working with community leaders to change the foster care system. Georgia EmpowerMent also strives to help youth transition successfully into adulthood. Georgia EmpowerMEnt has helped me develop professionally as well. I have learned public speaking skills, administrative skills, and leadership skills just to name a few. I'm currently serving as the Regional Impact Coordinator for Region 10 and the Vice President of the Policy Council.
The Policy Council is a group that consists of twenty current and former youth leaders who are working with community partners and local state officials to change and improve policy that affects youth in our welfare system. Our goal is to have child welfare administrators and workers, foster parents, group home workers, child advocates and attorneys, the business and faith community, other youth See VOICE, Page 9

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update
Page 5

Office of the Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children
March 2020

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update
Page 6

"My son with dyslexia really enjoyed reading Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus. It's a sweet picture book about a tiger that develops and learns at his own pace. At an early age, my son sensed he was different from his peers and felt reassured by Leo's journey. For fun, we read The Book With No Pictures by BJ Novak. It's great to hear the kids let loose with big belly laughs!" -- OCA Investigator Julia Presuel
"A children's book I enjoy reading to my daughter is Disney's, `The Princess and The Frog'. We enjoy reading about the Princess and her Prince exploring throughout the bayou as frogs and meeting new friends." -- OCA Investigator Shantelle Whitehead
"The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg has been a favorite children's book to read. In a world where we meet people from different walks of life, this book reminds us that we are all human beings that need joy and love no matter where we live or come from. The book teaches us to appreciate what we have, respect others, follow our hearts, and to believe in ourselves. Although it's a Christmas classic, the lessons we learn apply to our everyday lives no matter our age." -- OCA Deputy Director Jansen Head

Office of the Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children
March 2020

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update
Page 7

"I have so many favorites, both as a child and a mom! Two current favorites in our house are "The Candymakers", by Wendy Mass, and "A Giraffe and A Half", by Shel Silverstein. My 4th grade son and I just finished "The Candymakers". We were both eager to keep reading to find out what would happen next! We enjoyed it so much we are about to start reading the sequel, "The Candymakers and The Great Chocolate Chase". Shel Silverstein is a highly regarded author in our house. So it comes as no surprise that my 1st grade daughter (who happens to love giraffes!) is a fan of "A Giraffe and A Half". In fact, she recently read it via FaceTime to a friend as a way to stay connected while practicing social distancing. Her friend also thought it was fun and silly!" - OCA Director Rachel Davidson
"A book that I remember from my childhood is the Runaway Bunny. I liked that no matter where the little bunny went or how far away he tried to run, the bunny's mother would always be there and catch up to the little bunny. I like that it reassures children that their parents love them and will always be there." -- OCA Investigator Ryan Sanford
"Favorites from a mom: I actually have many but my favorite two are: Goodnight Moon and Charlotte's Web. Goodnight Moon- This book became the most important part of our day, after reading it every night and able to recite from memory I got to hear "goodnight mommy- goodnight daddy" and for a moment time stood still as we read this favorite together. (We still have the book, the corners are frayed and pages are loose but would not take anything for it)! Charlotte's Web-This book reminded me
and taught my children about unconditional love. I would like to believe that my children's love of reading came from our many visits to the library and the excitement of getting to pick out a new book and even though they are grown up, they are both avid readers (consistently telling me about new books they are reading) which I hope will continue for many years to come." -- OCA Senior Investigator Renee Moore

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

March 2020

Page 8

Together, Cont'd... during this pandemic, it has been reassuring to learn of the multitude of ways people have been support-
ing each other as they work through solving new logistical concerns. Some of the silver linings include:
Additional food stamp funding is available (Click here for more information.) Virtual contacts have been approved by DFCS for their staff and providers when there are no immediate safety concerns at
issue
Foster parents are reporting positive interactions with biological parents during virtual visits ILP youth, including those in college, have been provided necessary supports Restaurants, schools, and communities have created opportunities for those that are food insecure to have food available
during this time
DFCS and DOE have partnered to encourage families with school-age children to use district-issued student devices to ac-
cess DFCS' online services (Shout out to Clarke County DFCS Director Mary Barrett Yancey for helping to create this solution! See page 2 for more information.)
Partners and communities are helping ensure parents and families are supported with school supplies and virtual assistance
as they navigate virtual learning
Broadband providers are offering various options for Georgians to connect to the internet. (Click here for more infor-
mation.)

While this pandemic has brought a lot of challenges for all of us in such a short time, it is nonetheless reassuring to see Georgians coming together and thinking creatively for the greater good. In doing so, let's be creative in the ways we can fill in for our mandated reporters where they're unable to during this time. Engage with neighbors and friends and offer support as you're able, such as by helping someone apply for food stamps, virtually reading to a child in another household, having a meal delivered to a family, or sharing suggestions on dealing with stressors and mental health struggles.
DFCS Director Tom Rawlings shared, "Our number one priority is to make sure children stay safe. Now, more than ever, DFCS needs individuals and communities to be vigilant and raise their voices for children. We can't rely on mandated reporters alone. Where you are able, connect with and check in on your neighbors and friends (from a safe distance!), especially those that might be under additional stress. If you are concerned about a child's safety, please call 1-800-GACHILD. There is no punishment for making a report of possible abuse or neglect, if done in good faith."
All of our first responders deserve our deepest appreciation as they put their lives on the line to protect others, including children. As difficult as it is, let's all continue to do our part to help flatten the curve while also keeping children safe.

Upcoming Events:
April 2: Webinar on "Technology and CSEC: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" provided by Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA). More info here. April 7 and 21: Webinar on "Mental Health 101" provided by Mental Health America of Georgia. More info here and here. April 9 and 23: Webinar on "Building Resilience in Youth" provided by Mental Health America of Georgia. More info here and here. April 20: Free Virtual Resilience Documentary Screening and Panel provided by Prevent Child Abuse Georgia. More info here. April 23: Webinar on "Talking to Children about Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: A Guide to Children's Books to Help Start the Conversation" provided by CHOA. More info here.

Office of the
Child Advocate
For Georgia's Children

AdvOCAcy
Your child welfare update

March 2020

Page 9

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month! #WearBlueDay on Friday, April 3rd!

VOICE, cont'd...

in and formerly in foster care and other community

members hear our voices

and join us in advocating for positive changes in the foster

care system in the State of Georgia. Georgia Empower-

MEnt's policy council is composed of six advocacy

workgroups that align with the Georgia Youth Opportunities

Initiative. Our workgroup topics consist of Pregnancy Pre-

vention and Parenting Supports, Education and Economic

Security, Permanency, Well Being, Race, Ethnic, Equity &

Inclusion, and Housing. Our members of our council have

sat on various panels, training, focus groups, and national

work with the Jim Casey Initiative. BTW We love our com-

munity partners and appreciate the opportunities that are

given to us. We have had group calls explaining and break-

ing down proposed bills and evaluate if we should help push

it or not such as SB368 which we wanted to die. We have

even had one of members get a shout out on Twitter from

the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia who is in support of

Senate Bill 335. As you can see, we're working hard to help

change the foster system for the better. The Policy Council

has events that are planned such as our Annual Capitol Day,

but unfortunately due to the global pandemic, we have

postponed our events. We want to ensure that we are prac-

ticing social distancing to decline the spread of the Corona-

virus but be on the lookout for future events.

Georgia Office of the Child Advocate Rachel Davidson, Director 7 MLK Jr. Blvd, Ste. 347 Atlanta, GA 30334
For general inquiries, assistance, or to file a complaint, please contact us by phone at (404) 656-4200 or on our website at https://oca.georgia.gov/webform/request-oca-assistance-orinvestigation
To submit an article, photo, or event for the newsletter, please contact Deputy Director Jansen Head at 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"