Quick facts

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES QUICK FACTS
Robyn A. Crittenden, Commissioner

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. DHS Mission, Vision and Core Values II. Division of Family and Children Services
Child Protective Services Foster Care and Adoptions Family Independence III. Division of Child Support Services Community Outreach: Parental Accountability Court Program Community Outreach: Fatherhood Program IV. Division of Aging Services Home and Community-Based Services Adult Protective Services V. Office of Inspector General Benefits Recovery Unit Residential Child Care Licensing VI. DHS Contacts: Quick Reference

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
MISSION
Strengthen Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency, independence, and protect Georgia's vulnerable children and adults.
VISION
Stronger Families for a Stronger Georgia.
CORE VALUES
Provide access to resources that offer support and empower Georgians and their families. Deliver services professionally and treat all clients with dignity and respect. Manage business operations effectively and efficiently by aligning resources across the
agency. Promote accountability, transparency and quality in all services we deliver and programs
we administer. Develop our employees at all levels of the agency.
1

GEORGIA DIVISION OF FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES
Child Protective Services
Strengthening Georgia by protecting its most vulnerable children from the risk of abuse and neglect.
Reporting

DFCS receives reports of abuse and neglect through a centralized line (1-855-GACHILD) that operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Report of abuse/neglect

Not accepted or assigned (screen out or screen out & refer to outside resource)
Accepted & assigned for investigation
Accepted & assigned for Family Support Services

Substantiated Unsubstantiated Assessment of family functioning
is completed. No maltreatment finding is made.

Opened for Family Preservation Services Opened for Foster Care or Case Closure

Safety threats are identified. Case sent
to investigations

Case Closure or Opened for Family Preservation Services (if safety threats are identified)

No safety threats identified
Services needed

Services not needed Services provided
or in progress

Increased Community Awareness & Impact on DFCS Caseloads

Since the implementation of a centralized reporting system for child welfare concerns in April 2014, reports of abuse and neglect have risen tremendously in Georgia. To help manage an increased demand for DFCS services, Gov. Nathan Deal has committed funding to reduce case managers' caseloads to 15 per worker -- a nationwide best practice -- by 2017.

AVERAGE CASELOAD FOR CASE MANAGERS IN 2015 BY REGION*

Region 1 18.33

Region 2 17.85

Region 15 17.95

Region 3 20.74

Region 5 19.60

Region 14 13.50
Region 4 20.11
Region 13 14.92

Region 7 16.56

Region 6 14.95

Region 9 32.06
Region 12 18.63

Region 8 21.87

Region 11 22.73

Region 10 17.07

*Averages calculated for case managers carrying caseloads of five or more.

To report abuse or neglect call 1-855-GACHILD (1-855-422-4453)

Bobby Cagle, Director Virginia Pryor, Deputy Director, Child Welfare

Jon Anderson, Deputy Director, Family Independence Carol Christopher, Deputy Director, System Reform

4,099
Investigations were opened as a result of abuse or neglect referrals in October 2015.
3,574
Family Support cases were opened as a result of abuse or neglect referrals in October 2015.
4,529
Investigations were opened as a result of abuse and neglect referrals in October 2014.
3,567
Family Support cases were opened as a result of abuse and neglect referrals in October 2014.

Revised 1/2016

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GEORGIA DIVISION OF FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES
Foster Care & Adoptions

Reasons for Entry

Top 5 reasons children entered DFCS custody (SFY2015):

NEGLECT

4,525

DRUG ABUSE

2,892

INADEQUATE HOUSING

1,906

ABANDONMENT

1,011

INCARCERATION

1,004

Greatest Need for Foster Homes

By county. Darkest red = greatest need.
Those interested in foster parenting can call 1-877210-KIDS or visit dfcs.dhs. ga.gov/generalinformation for answers to frequently asked questions concerning foster parenting, links to related sites and upcoming events for the foster care and adoption communities.
From inquiry to approval, the process can take from five to 10 months due to safety screenings, pre-service training, required documentation and home evaluations.
After calling the 1-877-210-KIDS inquiry line, prospective parents are assigned to a resource development case manager from the local DFCS office to begin the process.

Bobby Cagle, Director Virginia Pryor, Deputy Director, Child Welfare Jon Anderson, Deputy Director, Family Independence Carol Christopher, Deputy Directory, System Reform

11,551
approximate number of children in DFCS custody as of 9/30/15.
SFY2015 Adoptions

843 children transitioned from state custody into adoptive families in 2015.
FINALIZED ADOPTIONS BY COUNTY

Atkinson

1 Evans

1 Muscogee 3

Baldwin

5 Fannin

9 Newton

4

Banks

6 Fayette

3 Paulding

8

Barrow

13 Floyd

32 Peach

3

Bartow

37 Forsyth

9 Pickens 10

Berrien

5 Franklin

1 Pierce

1

Bibb

39 Fulton

50 Pike

6

Brantley

1 Gilmer

10 Polk

4

Brooks

9 Glynn

28 Putnam

2

Bulloch

13 Gordon

8 Rabun

4

Butts

4 Grady

3 Randolph 3

Camden 10 Greene

3 Richmond 19

Candler

2 Gwinnett 13 Rockdale 6

Carroll

12 Habersham 5 Schley

1

Catoosa

6 Hall

23 Spalding 12

Chatham 16 Haralson

5 Stephens 6

Chattooga 7 Hart

2 Sumter

3

Cherokee 26 Henry

3 Taylor

1

Clarke

12 Houston

3 Terrell

4

Clayton

15 Jackson

8 Thomas

3

Cobb

42 Jasper

1 Tift

9

Coffee

4 Jeff Davis 1 Toombs

2

Colquitt

11 Jefferson

1 Towns

3

Cook

5 Jones

5 Troup

3

Coweta

8 Lamar

6 Turner

1

Crawford 7 Lanier

2 Union

1

Crisp

1 Liberty

1 Upson

10

Dade

3 Lowndes 10 Walker

4

Decatur

1 Macon

4 Walton

12

DeKalb

33 Madison

9 Ware

1

Dodge

2 Meriwether 3 Washington 1

Douglas

6 Monroe

11 White

5

Effingham 13 Morgan

2 Whitfield 24

Elbert

3 Murray

11

Revised 1/2016

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GEORGIA DIVISION OF FAMILY & CHILDREN SERVICES
Family Independence
Strengthening Georgia by providing individuals and families access to services that promote self-sufficiency and independence.
Nutritional Assistance

SNAP The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the food stamp program, provides low-income Georgians help with their monthly food costs.
$2.8 billion
Amount food stamps added to Georgia's economy in SFY2015.
Gross income must be

Average size of household receiving food stamps.

of the federal poverty level to qualify for benefits.

850,628
Households receive food stamps in Georgia.

Medicaid

SNAP Works
Using a $15 million grant, Georgia is testing a program in select counties to provide intensive job training and placement services to SNAP recipients who are between the ages of 18 and 49, able to work and do not have a dependent child in their home. Working much like a managed care provider for medical services,
the program seeks to help recipients become self sufficient through coordination with multiple state agencies, including the Technical College System of Georgia, the Department of Labor and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Currently, Georgia provides employment and training services to SNAP recipients in 12 counties. Over the next three years, the Division plans to serve 2,500 Georgians using grant funds.

718,457
applications submitted for Medicaid in SFY2015.

Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income families, pregnant women and adults who are determined to be aged, blind or disabled. DFCS is a contractor of the Department of Community Health, providing eligibility determinations to applicants of the program. Apply for or renew benefits online at www.compass.ga.gov

Childcare and Parent Services
DFCS continues to provide eligibility determinations for applicants of the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program operated by the Department of Early Care and Learning. Georgia residents can apply for CAPS at www.compass.ga.gov.
For information on economic assistance or to report fraud, call 1-877-423-4746.
Bobby Cagle, Director Virginia Pryor, Deputy Director, Child Welfare Jon Anderson, Deputy Director, Family Independence Carol Christopher, Deputy Director, System Reform

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program was created in 1996 as part of welfare reform legislation. The program provides time-limited cash assistance to Georgia's neediest families. During SFY2015, Georgia had a total of 17,777 families who received TANF; 14,995 were child-only cases, including foster children in the care of relatives and 2,782 were adult recipients. Adults must participate in a work program, unless there are special circumstances. The average benefit amount is $159.69 per month.

Revised 1/2016

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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES

Division of Child Support Services
Strengthening Georgia by ensuring children receive support from both parents.

542,222
children were served financially through child support orders in Georgia in FFY15.
$726 million
amount distributed through Child Support Services in Georgia.
There were 403,410 cases; 361,555 parents were under court orders; 61.29% of parents make consistent payments.

Helping Parents Support their Children

FATHERHOOD PROGRAM
Through the Fatherhood Program, the Department works with parents who are unemployed or underemployed and are, as a result, unable to pay their full child support obligations. The program connects parents with resources leading to jobs that pay above minimum wage, greater selfsufficiency and more emotional, parental and financial involvement in the lives of their children. Georgia has the only statewide program in the country.

PARENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY COURT
The Parental Accountability Court (PAC) program is a joint effort of the Department and Superior Court Judges to offer an alternative to incarceration and to help chronic non-payers of child support make regular payments. The program utilizes community resources to address barriers that keep parents from meeting their support obligations. Each program, including the services provided to participants, is tailored to the needs of the local community. Superior Court Judges provide judicial oversight and collaborate with PAC coordinators to implement the program. To graduate, participants must meet their child support obligations for a minimum of six consecutive months.

ADMINISTRATIVE COLLECTION & SERVICE TOOLS
Withholding child support from paychecks or unemployment benefits Intercepting federal and/or state income tax refunds to pay child support arrears Reporting parents delinquent in child support payments to credit bureaus Suspending or revoking driver's, professional, occupational, hunting and/or fishing licenses for failure to pay child support Filing liens and levies on tangible or intangible property Denying passports if more than $2,500 in child support is owed Seizing bank accounts after notice

Review & Modification of Child Support Orders
Individuals with child support cases may request a review and modification of their child support order every three years. However, a review may be granted sooner if the requesting party has a substantial change in circumstances. Situations that may qualify for a more frequent review include but are not limited to: Diagnosis of a serious illness or an accident that impacts either party's ability to work
and the resulting condition is expected to last for more than a year Either party begins receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits since
the last order Parent suffers a 25 percent or greater involuntary loss of income Parent receives an unanticipated windfall of money (i.e. lottery, inheritance, etc.) Documented proof that custody of a child has changed from the custodian
Available Summer 2016: A new mobile application that will allow parents to make online payments and receive alerts about changes in their case status. The app will be available on Apple and Android devices.

CONTACT INFORMATION Custodial and noncustodial parents may apply for services, enter and receive information about their case, make a payment online or check payment information by using the Customer Online Services

portal at www.dcss.dhs.georgia.gov. Users receive a password to protect confidentiality. For information
about the Georgia Fatherhood Program and other
Community Outreach Services, call 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347).

Robyn A. Crittenden, DHS Commissioner | Tanguler Gray, Division Director | Reed Kimbrough, Division Deputy Director

Revised 1/2016

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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Community Outreach
Helping parents support their children.
Parental Accountability Court Program

The Parental Accountability Court (PAC) program is a joint effort of the Department and Superior Court Judges to offer an alternative to incarceration and to help chronic non-payers of child support make regular payments. The program utilizes community resources and judicial oversight to address barriers that keep parents from meeting their support obligations. Each program, including the services provided to participants, is tailored to the needs of the local community. Superior Court Judges provide judicial oversight and collaborate with PAC coordinators to implement the program. PAC coordinators connect participants to existing community resources.

Judicial Circuits Served by Parental Accountability Courts

PACs are in operation in 21 judicial circuits across the state.

Lookout Mountain

Conasauga Appalachian

Enotah

Mountain

Cherokee

Northeastern

Rome

Blue Ridge Forsyth

Tallapoosa

Cobb

Paulding

Douglas

Piedmont

Gwinnett

Stone Mountain

Alcovy

Western

Atlanta Clayton Rockdale

Northern

Toombs

Flint

Judicial Circuits No Parental Accountability Court Parental Accountability Court

Coweta

Griffin

Towaliga

Ocmulgee

Middle

Augusta

SERVICES OFFERED TO PARTICIPANTS

Volunteer Work Opportunities Literacy Training Job Assistance/Placement Mental Health Services Clinical Assessments Substance Abuse Treatment Coaching/Mentoring Additional services specific to each local
community

BY THE NUMBERS

Since SFY 2012, the Parental Accountability Court program has helped

Program participants paid an estimated
$2.8M

Chattahoochee

Macon

Dublin

Houston

Dublin

Ogeechee

Southwestern Pataula
Dougherty

Cordele Tifton

Oconee

Brunswick

Atlanttic

Eastern

2,711
noncustodial parents provide much needed support to

in support, which, in return, has saved the state more than
$10M*

South Georgia

Southern

Alapaha

Waycross

4,780

in incarceration costs.
*Information on SFY15

incarceration savings are not

CONTACT INFORMATION

of Georgia's children.

available yet and have not been included in the amount.

For information about the Parental Accountability Court Program and other Community Outreach Services, call

1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347).

Robyn A. Crittenden, DHS Commissioner | Tanguler Gray, Division Director | Reed Kimbrough, Division Deputy Director

Revised 1/2016

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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION OF CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES
Community Outreach

Helping parents support their children.

91%
of noncustodial parents owing child support in Georgia are fathers.
During FFY15,
5,848
were enrolled in the Fatherhood Program, supporting
12,741
children.

Fatherhood Program

Through the Fatherhood Program, the Department works with parents who are unemployed or underemployed and are consequently unable to pay their full child support obligations. The program connects parents with resources leading to jobs that pay above minimum wage, leading to greater self sufficiency and more emotional, parental and financial involvement in the lives of their children. Georgia has the only statewide program in the U.S. Services provided include:

GED classes Short-term training Volunteer opportunities Resume writing

Job placement, coaching and mentoring Federal bonding Referrals for access and visitation Referrals for legitimization

Participants who have had their driver's licenses suspended or who are subject to license suspension for nonpayment of child support have the opportunity to regain driving privileges. The process for releasing a driver's license for a program participant is outlined below.

Fatherhood Program Driver's License Release Process

Parent enrolls in Fatherhood Program
(FHP)
Enrollment date entered

Suspension override activated
Suspension process stopped or
Suspended license is released
Parent must pay reinstatement fee to DDS

Parent nonparticipation

Removed from FHP Suspension override
removed License subject to
suspension if criteria met

Parent completes program

Suspension override removed
Current and arrears payments must be paid in full to avoid re-suspension

CONTACT INFORMATION For information about the Georgia Fatherhood
Program and other Community Outreach Services,
call 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347). Custodial and noncustodial parents may apply for services, enter

and receive information about their case, make a
payment online or check payment information by using
the Customer Online Services portal at www.dcss. dhs.georgia.gov. Users receive a password to protect confidentiality.

Robyn A. Crittenden, DHS Commissioner | Tanguler Gray, Division Director | Reed Kimbrough, Division Deputy Director

Revised 1/2016

7

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Aging Services

Strengthening Georgia through services that give older Georgians and adults with disabilities independence and dignity.

Area Agencies on Aging

Dementia

Georgia's Aging Network provides an array of services to help older adults maintain independence and remain safely in their homes and communities. Through the 12 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), as shown in the map to the right, the Division provides the following services:

COMMUNITY CARE SERVICES PROGRAM
The Community Care Services Program (CCSP) helps Medicaid-eligible individuals who cannot perform activities of daily living to remain in their communities and avoid placement in a nursing home through:

Alternative Living Services Emergency Response
Services Home-Delivered Services

Home-Delivered Meals Adult Day Health Personal Support Services Out-of-Home Respite Care

amount home and community-based services saved taxpayers in Medicaid expenditures in SFY15 over nursing home utilization.

$33,690
Cost of Nursing Home Care to Medicaid

$11,473
CCSP costs to Medicaid

13,205
Georgians were able to remain in their communities through CCSP in SFY2015.

HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) helps those aged 60 or older to remain independent, providing nutrition assistance to those who are temporarily or permanently homebound, as well as assistance with routine household tasks, home modification and emergency response systems. The program also supports caregivers and provides wellness programs that increase the ability of older adults to perform everyday activities and remain in their homes.

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE
20,215
Georgians were served home-delivered meals in SFY2015.

An additional
18,455
Georgians were given access to food through a congregate meal program in their communities.

MONEY FOLLOWS THE PERSON PROGRAM
In SFY2015, 227 Georgians were able to transition back into their communities from long-term acute care facilities through the Money Follows the Person program. A total of 1,125 have returned to the community since July 2011.

More than
Georgians are living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.
Georgia continues to implement the State Plan on Alzheimer's and Related Dementias to promote the early diagnosis of dementia, develop
the state's dementia-capable workforce, provide quality medical care for people with
dementia and prepare law enforcement and other public safety officials for issues that surround dementia. In 2016, the Department held its first "Basics of Dementia" training to help case managers and other caregivers recognize the signs of dementia and to promote early diagnosis of the disease.
Caregiver Support
Care Consultation is an evidencebased information and coaching service designed to empower caregivers to understand options, manage care and make decisions more effectively.
In SFY2015, 5,433 caregivers were provided case management and counseling through the program.
1,800 caregivers were provided respite care services.
3,634 caregivers were provided with homemaker services.

To find out about aging services in your area, call 1-866-552-4464. Robyn A. Crittenden, DHS Commissioner | James Bulot, Division Director | Jean O'Callaghan, Division Deputy Director

Revised 1/2016

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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Aging Services
Adult Protective Services

A dult Protective Services (APS) investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and seeks to prevent the recurrence of abuse, neglect or exploitation of adults through the provision of

protective service interventions. When assessing the need for interventions, investigators consider an adult's right to personal autonomy and self-determination while using the least restrictive method of providing safety.

BY THE NUMBERS
Forensic Special Initiatives Unit

T he Forensic Special Initiatives Unit

responders may need to move them quickly to a safe, accessible

(FSIU) educates

location.

law enforcement, first responders, members of the legal community and others about ways to identify and respond to abuse, neglect and exploitation of at-risk adults. The FSIU also works with state agencies to coordinate the emergency relocation

The Department works with legislators, agencies, and other experts to develop coordinated response procedures and identify emergency resources for vulnerable adults. In SFY2015, APS relocated 92 individuals.

of abused and

neglected adults.

Financial

Exploitation Training

Unlicensed Personal The Department and

Care Homes

its partners trained

When older adults and 140 bank personnel

adults with disabilities and law enforcement

face abuse, neglect, officials on how to

or exploitation

prevent, recognize

-- particularly in

and prosecute

unlicensed personal financial exploitation of

care homes --

vulnerable adults.

1,714
Law enforcement and other professionals who have received training from the FSIU to serve as At-Risk Adult Crime Tactics (ACT) Specialists.
Active APS investigations in 2015:
30,924
APS workers in 2015:
135
1 in 24
For every one case of elder abuse that comes to the attention of a responsible entity, another 23 cases never come to light. Source: NYS Elder Abuse Prevalence Study; Weill Cornell Medical College, NYC Department for the Aging; Lifespan; (2011)

Revised 1/2016

9

Guardianship
The Department serves as the guardian of last resort for incapacitated adults who are at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Number of adults for whom the Division served as a legal guardian in SFY2015.
GANE App
The Georgia Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (GANE) mobile application is a resource to help law enforcement and social workers make critical decisions about adults in vulnerable situations. The app provides information on laws, makes it easier to report a missing adult and provides guidance on evaluating whether an adult may have been abused, neglected or exploited. The app also helps law enforcement and social services agencies access resources in the event an adult has to be relocated in an emergency.
CONTACT
Contact Adult Protective Services to report the abuse of older individuals (65+) and adults with disabilities (18+). Call 866-552-4464, and press Option 3.
Robyn A. Crittenden, DHS Commissioner James Bulot, Division Director Jean O'Callaghan, Division Deputy Director

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Office of Inspector General

Ensuring DHS work is conducted according to state and federal laws, policy, procedure, and practice.

Benefits Recovery Unit
The Benefits Recovery Unit (BRU) of the Office of Inspector General investigates suspected intentional program violations in the SNAP (traditionally known as food stamps), TANF and Child Care programs. The unit also investigates retailer trafficking of SNAP EBT cards.

Georgia is recognized nationally for its aggressiveness in seeking out and establishing fraud claims in the Food Stamp program.

Penalties for Program Violations

Benefit recipients who are found guilty of an Intentional Program Violation (IPV) are suspended then permanently disqualified from the program on a three-strikes-you're-out policy.
FOOD STAMPS
First-time offenders:
1 year disqualification
Second-time offenders:
2 year disqualification
Third-time offenders: Permanent disqualification
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES
First-time offenders:
6-month disqualification
Second-time offenders:
12-month disqualification
Third-time offenders: Permanent disqualification

EBT TRAFFICKING
The BRU works with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to investigate EBT trafficking at retail locations. The USDA retains exclusive authority for investigating retailer fraud, while the State is responsible for investigating recipient fraud. Once an authorized SNAP retailer has been identified for engaging in EBT trafficking, the State reviews all transactions to identify specific benefit recipients who engaged in EBT trafficking with the retailer. Once those recipients are identified, the State initiates an adjudication process to hold recipients accountable for violating the program.

There were
3,881
established claims for Intentional Program Violations -- both non EBT trafficking and EBT trafficking -- in SFY2015.
Those claims were valued at
$12.2 million
making up 0.4% of the total
$2.8 billion
disbursed in SNAP benefits in SFY2015.
TANF There were
42
IPV claims established in SFY2015.
Those claims were valued at
$75,108
comprising 0.22% of the

To report fraud, waste or abuse in Georgia benefit programs, call 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347) or email inspectorgeneralhotline@dhs.ga.gov.
Robyn A. Crittenden, DHS Commissioner Renorta Heard, Deputy Commissioner | Gerlda Hines, Deputy Commissioner

$34,066,817
in TANF benefits that were disbursed in SFY2015.

Revised 1/2016

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GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Office of Inspector General

Setting standards for safety in facilities that house Georgia's most vulnerable children.

Rule Waivers RCCL recognizes that each facility is unique in its services to children, and that certain rules may create a hardship for an agency providing for children with specialized needs. For that reason, facilities may request a waiver or a variance to a rule that impedes the ability to adequately serve a child. There is a mandated 15-day wait for waiver requests, and requests are typically processed in 30 days.
Calendar Year 2015:
44 waivers requested 33 Approved 10 Denied
1 Pending Refuting Citations When a facility is found to be in violation of RCCL rules, the result can be a citation or an adverse action. Adverse actions may involve a financial penalty, and can be appealed through an administrative court hearing. Citations that do not rise to the level of an adverse action have no financial penalty and cannot be appealed through administrative courts. However, to ensure each evaluation is fair, Georgia is one of the only states to allow facilities the opportunity to refute citations. Refutation requests must be made within 15 days of the notification of a citation and are typically processed within 35 days.
10 Citations Refuted out of 3,976 issued CY2015
0 Changed due to Surveyor Error

Residential Child Care Licensing

Residential Child Care Licensing (RCCL) inspects, monitors, licenses, registers,certifies and investigates complaints at all residential child care facilities in Georgia that meet the definition of:

Child Placing Agencies (CPA) -- an agency that places children in foster homes for temporary care or in prospective adoptive homes for adoption. [106 statewide]
Child Caring Institutions (CCI) -- a facility that provides full-time room, board and watchful oversight to six or more children through 18 years of age (also known as a group home). [171 statewide]
Outdoor Child Caring Programs (OCCP) -- a CCI that provides outdoor activities designed to improve the emotional and behavioral adjustment of the children that take place in a wilderness or camp environment. [2 statewide]
Children's Transitional Care Centers (CTCC) -- a temporary, home-like environment meant to help medically-fragile children, technology-dependent children, and children with special healthcare needs to transition from a hospital or other facility to a home or

RCCL ACCOMPLISHMENTS [Calendar Year 2015]

Complaints/Incidents investigated

[606]

Intakes Assigned

[615]

CPS Referrals

[410]

Relicensure Visits [276] Adverse Actions Issued [28]

$8,300
Fines collected on Adverse Actions

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

other appropriate setting. Facility serves children up to 21 years of age. [0 statewide]
Maternity and Second Chance Homes (MH) -- Maternity Home is any place that receives, treats or cares for, within any six-month period, more than one pregnant woman, whose child is to be born out of wedlock, either before, during or within two (2) weeks after childbirth. A Second Chance Home provides care for pregnant and parenting youth for more than an eight-week period following delivery.

Serves youth through the age of 21. [14 statewide]
In addition to these facilities, RCCL registers:
Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs (RHYP) -- facilities that serve children under the age of 18 who have run away and/or are homeless. Providers must notify a parent, guardian or legal custodian of the child's location and general state of well-being as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours after the child's acceptance of services. [7 statewide]

For questions about licensing a residential childcare facility, call (404) 657-9651. To file a complaint about a facility, notify the Department by email at RCCReports@dhs.ga.gov. Robyn A. Crittenden, DHS Commissioner | Renorta Heard, Deputy Commissioner | Gerlda Hines, Deputy Commissioner

Revised 1/2016

11

DHS CONTACTS: QUICK REFERENCE
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
GENERAL INFORMATION Statewide toll-free number for customers who need assistance from the Division of Child Support Services, Division of Aging Services or the Office of Inspector General
AGING SERVICES Statewide toll-free number serving older adults and individuals of all ages with disabilities for information and to make reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults. Callers may leave messages 24 hours per day
DHS CONSTITUENT SERVICES For complaints regarding Aging Services, Child Support Services and DHS enterprise functions. Email: CustomerServiceDHS@dhs.ga.gov

1-844-694-2347 (1-844-MYGADHS) 1-866-552-4464 404-651-6316

DIVISION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES

OFFICE OF FAMILY INDEPENDENCE
Statewide toll-free number for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps), Medicaid, TANF, or Child Care and general inquiries. OFI Only: Self service available 24 hours/day. Agents are available 7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

1-877-423-4746

CHILD WELFARE
Child Protective Services (CPS) For all reports of child abuse and neglect, email CPSIntake@dhs.ga.gov or statewide toll-free number 24/7
Adoptions & Foster Care For information, visit http://itsmyturnnow.dhs.ga.gov or call. Hotline hours are Mon.-Fri.: 8 a.m. -10 p.m., Sat.: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

1-855-422-4453 1-877-210-KIDS (5437)

DFCS COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
For complaints regarding OFI Programs & Child Welfare Customer_services_dfcs@dhs.ga.gov

404-657-3433

All hotline hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5p.m., unless otherwise noted.

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