The human side [Winter 2000]

G D H R W 2000 EORGIA EPARTMENT OF UMAN ESOURCES u

INTER

The mission of the Georgia Department of Human Resources is to assist Georgians in achieving healthy, independent and self-sufficient lives.

Saying good-bye to welfare

G etting up and going to work every day is pretty automatic for most of us. But for mothers who have depended on welfare for support, taking a job is a giant and sometimes frightening step. Yet, the records show that thousands of Georgia women have taken that step, and many are building careers that will keep them independent.
In fact, Georgia's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) rolls have decreased by more than 56 percent since the law was passed limiting benefits to four years. This means there are lots of success stories of women who have made it, often against tremendous odds.
And speaking of odds: Lisa wound up homeless and on drugs after leaving the Army. The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) began working with her when she was referred to the Veteran's Administration drug treatment program. While receiving TANF she completed rehabilitation and began a subsidized job at the VA Hospital. She later moved into a nursing position there.
Today, Lisa's son has a mother who is drug-free, working and sharing a new rent-subsidized apartment with him.
TANF offered Nikki and her two daughters a way out of a home where she was a victim of domestic

When Jacqueline was hired by the federal government she said happily, "I am now a federal employee with my own cubicle, my own computer, and an official badge!" One year after leaving TANF, Jacqueline is earning $23,000 as an assistant secretary in the whistleblower section of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Southeastern Regional Office.

violence. But she needed more than just temporary assistance. She spoke no English and had been totally dependent on her husband. With help from the DeKalb DFCS non-citizen unit, Nikki enrolled in an English class. She quickly found employment with a large retail store and is managing work and family well. The English is a taking a little more time.
There are many stories like Nikki's and Lisa's. Former TANF recipient Tammy is now a construction worker and her son won a four-year scholarship to Georgia Tech. Carole became a therapist at a diabetes clinic after leaving welfare.

Today she works independently on contract.
DHR recognizes that not every story can have the happy ending these did. Some people, for example
continued on page 3
In this issue
Commissioner's corner ......pg. 2
Violence against women ....pg. 3
Wednesday's Child ............pg. 4
Suicide in Georgia..............pg. 5
Write it right........................pg. 7
Who's news .........................pg. 8

The Human Side Winter 2000 1

Commissioner's corner

S ages advise us to "follow the money" to find out what people really care about. Here at DHR we care about the health and well-being of all Georgians, but we have a special responsibility for the most vulnerable. This is reflected in our FY2002 budget request. Our request is on the DHR website at www2@.state.ga.us/departments/ dhr.
Since I became commissioner I have been working to repair the safety net that protects children at risk from abuse and neglect. We feel that increasing child protection staff and upgrading their salaries and training are essential to this effort. This should help reduce turnover (70 percent in some counties) and lower caseloads. We are especially concerned with hiring more staff who have the responsibility to place children in foster care, but the staffing needs are great throughout DFCS. We also hope to provide a statewide toll-free number for child abuse reporting.
We are asking for a substantial amount of state funds and a one-time grant from the tobacco settlement funds to strengthen Child Protective Services. The Governor has made it clear that he recognizes the urgency of this situation, and we are sure he will do whatever he can to support our request.
We also want to increase the options for children in foster care who have severe problems, because unfortunately we are seeing more of these children entering our system. Other parts of our budget request would fund specialized treatment for more children who are severely disturbed but who are not in foster care, and provide more help for adolescents with substance abuse problems.

During the past five years we have made progress in expanding community services for people with mental disabilities and for frail elderly people. We know most people do better when they live like everyone else, outside of institutions. Consumers and their families have been telling us this for years. However, because of opposition from neighbors who feel threatened by groups of people with physical disabilities, mental illness, mental retardation or substance abuse problems, we are often blocked in our effort to provide community services such as group homes.
We are requesting that some of the tobacco settlement funds be used for a major public awareness campaign to fight stigma attached to mental and physical disabilities. We hope to send educational messages through radio and television, a web page and other media. We are also asking for funding to reduce waiting lists for older people and people with mental retardation who need community services in order to avoid institutionalization.
Many of our requests reflect our emphasis on preventing problems or reducing them before they escalate, causing more harm and expense down the road. For example, we are asking for funds to assure that low-income

women without Medicaid coverage receive prenatal care that can reduce birth complications and birth defects, and to fund six more epidemiologists so that all public health districts will have adequate staff to detect and control disease outbreaks. We hope to be able to fund pilot programs that provide alternatives to jail for people with mental illness who are arrested for nonviolent crimes, and a drug court treatment program for nonviolent substance abusers.
Finally, we hope to continue our success in helping people leave welfare. We are asking Economic Support Services staff to work more closely with those long-term recipients of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families who have the most barriers to employment. Therefore, we hope to upgrade salaries for ESS staff who hold masters degrees in social work.
These are only the highlights of a pretty long wish list, but I believe we are on the right track. It is my sincere hope that the children, frail older people, people with disabilities, and all Georgians have a very happy FY2002.
I f you have not seen the HBO video "Broken Child" and would like to have a better understanding of the impact child protective services have on children and families, I would encourage you to borrow one of the copies I sent to each division director or call my office: 404-6516314 for a copy. You may duplicate the video and share it with other employees, community agencies, advocates, and family members.
Educating ourselves and others is one of the first steps in prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Audrey W. Horne

2 The Human Side Winter 2000

Ending violence against women

B attering is the leading cause of injury to women aged 15 44 in the United States (American College of Emergency Physicians fact sheet, 1998). One in six Georgia women aged 15 44 surveyed by DHR said she had been forced to have sex against her will at least once (1995 Georgia Women's Health Survey).
These aren't just statistics. Rape and domestic violence can scar women emotionally as well as physically and keep them from achieving their goals in life. DHR helps support a network of rape crisis centers and battered women's shelters, but they have not always coordinated their efforts. Public Health's Violence Against Women program took a big step toward bringing together everyone interested in empowering women through their "Conquering Intimate Partner Violence Summit: Building Coalitions in Georgia," held in Atlanta last month.

(L-R) Kellye Blackburn, acting director, Violence Against Women program, and Eve Bogan, director of programs and services, Family Health Branch, at the Conquering Intimate Partner Violence Summit.
Over 200 activists heard updates on violence in the United States and Georgia from Alisa Porter of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence; Kristen Vincent, director of the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault; and Gloria Cisso, Safe House director for the Salvation Army. Tapestri, Inc., and the Refugee and Immigrant Coalition

Welfare continued from page 1

those with health problems, disabilities or mental limitations, will need benefits extended for some months beyond the lifetime limit of four years. A few may have problems so severe that they will need help until their children become adults.
Welfare reform has made allowances for this and allowed the states to grant "hardship" waivers that enable families to continue receiving TANF beyond their lifetime limit, for up to three months at a time.
As The Human Side went to press, about 1,600 people were set

to reach the four-year limit in

December. As many as 70 percent

of them may be eligible for an

extension of TANF eligibility.

DFCS is working to make sure that

a safety net is in place for those

families who do not meet hardship

criteria and must leave welfare

while still unemployed. They will

be visited at home and referred to

appropriate community services.

Also, workers are to ensure that

child support is collected and food

stamps, child care and Medicaid

will continue.

Renee Huie

Against Domestic Violence discussed cultural issues related to domestic violence. Coalition building was the topic of a morning discussion with panelists from Grady Health System, the Women's Resource Center, Men Stopping Violence Against Women, and the courts.
"This problem affects so many areas of women's lives," says Kellye Blackburn, acting director, Violence Against Women Program. "We need to combine our forces across the boundaries of our particular programs to help the victims."
The Violence Against Women program is currently planning a rape prevention public awareness campaign aimed at young men, which will begin in the spring of 2001. Prevention is the major focus of the program, which educated 40,166 youth, 1,640 community agency staff and 988 volunteers during FY99.
For information on programs and issues related to violence against women, contact Kellye Blackburn at 404-657-3147 or see the Violence Against Women webpage at www.ph.dhr.state.ga.us/programs/vaw/index.shtml.
Barbara Joye
Getting the word out
The Office of Communications is looking for some good news. A few examples would be success with a pilot program; a client who has achieved remarkable success in the face of great odds; an innovative approach to a human service issue. If you think you have a story which may qualify, please contact the Office of Communications by email:
DHR GroupWise e-mail - brjoye Internet: brjoye@dhr.state.ga.us.

The Human Side Winterl 2000 3

Wednesday's Child

I magine a child named valedictorian of his senior class who goes on to earn two college degrees. Any parent would be proud to call Shane Salter "son." But Shane had no mother or father to share those milestones. He was taken into state custody when he was four after being found abandoned in his mother's apartment. He spent his childhood in foster homes. His dream of adoption never came true.
Shane Salter is now director of foundation giving for the Freddie Mac Foundation. The foundation, supported by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Company, known as Freddie Mac, spends millions of dollars finding adoptive homes for children in foster care. DHR's Office of Adoption and FOX-TV 5 have joined Freddie Mac to help Georgia's waiting children find adoptive parents.
Almost 300 Georgia children are in permanent state custody, without friends or family members able to adopt them. These children will be featured each week on FOX 5 News at 6:00 p.m. on a segment hosted by Amanda Davis titled "Wednesday's Child." The same segment airs the following Sunday at 10:00 p.m. (For a listing of featured children and information on adoption, visit the Wednesday's Child web site at www.wednesdayschildga.org.)
Some of the people working behind the scenes for DHR on the project are Office of Adoptions Acting Director Velma McCrayDuncan, Recruitment Manager Vale Henson, Placement Coordinator Anne Deibel and Wednesday's Child Coordinator Stephanie Turner.

(L-R) Shane Salter, Amanda Davis, David Salter, Governor and Mrs. Roy Barnes, and DHR Commissioner Audrey Horne pose for a picture following the "Wednesday's Child" launch luncheon.

Regional adoption coordinators and Division of Family and Children Services adoption workers will also participate. Andrea McCarter of the Office of Information Technology designed the website.
Atlanta is the sixth city to launch "Wednesday's Child," joining Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Dallas. Atlanta's launch luncheon was held in November, which Governor Barnes proclaimed as National Adoption Month in Georgia. Shane Salter offered proof that the "Wednesday's Child" program works. He shared a poem he wrote as a boy (see inset). It speaks of a child who wants nothing more than the love a parent can give, a love he was denied.
Shane said that as a man of 30, while watching a "Wednesday's Child" feature he saw David. David was asked why at 14 years of age he still wanted to be adopted. "When I'm 30 years old, I want to have a place to bring my family," answered

David. Shane says that's when he knew he was meant to be David's father.
Shane was further convinced when he read a pre-adoption questionnaire David submitted. David asked, "Will I have to baby-sit, if so how much?" and "Will I get an allowance, if so how much?" The adoption has been final for three years now. David is one of Shane's five children, and the only chosen child.
As Commissioner Audrey Horne said, "A nurturing family life with loving adults is a vital element in the development of all children, and is something that every child deserves." This sentiment is echoed by Fox Five General Manager Gene McHugh: "The spirit of `Wednesday's Child' can be overwhelming. Before long one of you -- one of us -- may provide a home and a family to a `Wednesday's Child'."
That is our hope.
Ann Mann
continued next page

4 The Human Side Winter 2000

Wednesday's child

Helping people with mental

continued from page 4

When you look in my eyes do you see disabilities support themselves

A little boy wanting to be loved by a family
When you look at my face with no shame or disgrace
Remember Im trying to run this race
Trying to be what I wish youd see A boy whos part of your family
Oh, what Id do if I could start over And rest among the chosen few
You see Id cry no more tears for the yesteryears,
But Id smile with joy for the little boy Who became a part of your family Shane Salter

I n a warehouse in Marietta, Georgia, Jessie expertly twines multicolored cable so people across the world can communicate, watch television, and do business over the internet. However, Jessie was not always as productive as she is today.
In 1997, Jessie was diagnosed with "bipolar disorder complicated by drug use." That year she also began to get help from the Cobb Community Service Board, funded by the Cobb/Douglas Mental Health Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse (MHMRSA) Regional Board. That is when she started to twine the cables of her life together.
Jessie is now married, and owns her own home. She works

The DHR Leadership Development Institute (LDI) is presently accepting applications for its second class. The LDI has received rave reviews from participants in the first class. This program is designed to prepare staff to serve in major leadership positions within DHR. It was developed in collaboration with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government and Executive Counselors, Inc.
Conducted over a seven-month period, the four sessions focus on individual, team, organizational and public sector leadership. Each session lasts three and one half days and consists of highly interactive skill-based training that addresses DHR issues, problems and situations. I encourage each of you to plan for your future by taking advantage of developmental activities such as the LDI.
For applications and general information, contact Dennis Yarman in the Office of Human Resources and Organization Development, at 404-651-6442 or email: dwy@dhr.state.ga.us.
-- Audrey W. Horne
Criteria for enrolling in LDI: 1) Two years in DHR preferred, or two years in state government,
or a personal recommendation by your division or office director. 2) Either presently supervising other supervisors (or have done so
in the past) or responsible for a major statewide, regional or facility program.

through the region's supported employment program, which serves more than 600 people.
"I had a hard time being with other folks, and with getting along. So I asked my counselor to help me find a job that would help me mix better. I really wanted to work, but finding work was tough," says Jessie. She found work over a year ago.
Jessie's employment was made possible through the regional board's contract with Briggs and Associates, which specializes in job support for people with developmental disabilities and those with serious mental illness and substance abuse problems. Briggs employment specialist Claudette Dovers made it possible for Jessie to enjoy a year of stability and enhanced relationships with coworkers and to earn money.
"I wish I had a million Jessies to work with," says Dover. "She has a good work ethic, great rapport with her manager, makes friends easily and is highly responsible. I have seen her self-esteem rocket because she is holding down this job. She is getting a second chance at life."
Over 6,000 Georgians with mental disabilities are served in supported employment and other employment programs through contracts with private providers in each of the state's 13 MHMRSA service regions. For information about supported employment and how someone with a mental disability can get help to become employed, call your MHMRSA regional board or contact Iris McIlvaine at 404-657-2272 or email: irmcilvaine@dhr.state.ga.us.
Iris McIlvaine

The Human Side Winter 2000 5

Suicide Frequent in Georgia, but preventable

A bout 850 Georgians committed suicide each year between 1994 and 1998, making suicide the state's ninth leading cause of death for all ages, according to a new report by the Division of Public Health, Suicide in Georgia: 2000. Suicide is a more common cause of death than homicide in Georgia, and is the third leading cause of death among Georgians 15 to 24 years of age.
"Suicide is a public health priority, not only because it's far too frequent but also because it can and should be prevented," says Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., PH director.
Suicide in Georgia: 2000 includes information about the burden of suicide in Georgia; the sex, race, and age of those who die from suicide; the most common methods used; and death rates for each county, for the period 1994-98. Suicide rates are

significantly higher in rural counties than in urban counties. The rates are also highest among older Georgians; about five times as high for men as for women; and twice as high among whites than among blacks. The report also lists risk factors, ways to prevent suicide, and statewide prevention resources.
Risk factors for suicide include a history of mental disorders; substance abuse; physical illness; difficulty getting clinical care; easy

What's News?
I n October the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program left DFCS to become the Office of Child Support Enforcement, reporting to Assistant Commissioner Kate Pfirman. Robert Riddle is director of the new office. He had been acting director since May, and has spent more than 20 years in a variety of positions at CSE. Earlier he was DFCS claims director. He is a volunteer with the Life South Blood Bank and on the board of the HSE Credit Union.
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S anta's helpers in Gordon County have begun a year-round gift giving program for adult protective services clients. County DFCS Director Steve Hatcher sent an article to the Calhoun Times that recruited community sponsors for each of a dozen or so clients, who are mostly seniors or people with a disability. After checking with the clients and their families, case manager Mary Beauchea sent individualized wish lists to the sponsors for special food, clothes, puzzles and other items. One client wanted a book to study for the GED exam. Beauchea has delivered Thanksgiving baskets, Christmas presents and the first birthday gifts.

EDDIE

access to firearms, sedatives and other common methods of suicide; family history of suicide or a previous suicide attempt; hopelessness or depression; financial loss; and social isolation.
Last year Governor Roy Barnes and the Georgia Legislature set aside $250,000 to develop a plan to prevent suicide in Georgia. In September the funding was awarded by DHR to the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network (SPAN), a nonprofit organization that provides education about the problem of suicide and the need for suicide prevention. The United Nations World Health Organization has named SPAN one of seven nongovernmental organizations in the world relevant to suicide prevention. They expect to complete the plan by the end of June 2001. The state prevention plan will follow guidelines provided by the recently released United States Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Suicide. These recommendations, summarized in DHR's report, include increasing the public's awareness of suicide and its risk factors, enhancing clinical services and prevention programs, and advancing the science of suicide prevention. For a copy of Suicide in Georgia: 2000 contact Karen Flemister at 404-657-3103 or Epidemiology, 14th floor, Two Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. The SPAN web page at www.spanusa.org will link you to organizations with information about suicide risk factors and prevention.
Barbara Joye

6 The Human Side Winter 2000

Cancer second leading cause of death in Georgia

Governor Barnes launches cancer control initiative
T his year an estimated 32,900 Georgians will develop cancer and 13,700 will die from the disease, according to a report by the Division of Public Health (PH) and the American Cancer Society, Southeastern Division. The Georgia Cancer Data Report 2000 is the first look at cancer patterns using data from the statewide cancer registry.
"This report allows us to see the immense impact of cancer on Georgians," says Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H, PH director. "Unless current trends are reversed, a citizen of our state will be diagnosed with cancer every 16 minutes and another will die of cancer about every 38 minutes."
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Georgia, accounting for one in four deaths each year. More than half of those deaths, 54 percent, are caused by cancers of the lung, breast, prostate and colorectum. The report also found that cancer places a greater burden on African-Americans. Twenty-seven percent more African-Americans in Georgia will die of cancer than whites. However, many cancers can be treated successfully if detected early, and many can be prevented through measures such as healthy eating, exercising, using sunscreen and avoiding tobacco use.
In May, Governor Roy Barnes called for a statewide collaborative effort by all public and private medical providers, research facilities, and community advocates to combat cancer in Georgia. In November he announced that the Georgia Cancer

Coalition, a public/private partnership, will coordinate this initiative to develop a world-class, comprehensive cancer control program.
The cancer registry systematically encourages physicians and hospitals to report cases of cancer to PH for analysis. The information is intended to help public health officials identify trends for the more prevalent types of cancers and set guidelines to help health care providers and advocates plan better prevention, education, screening, research and treatment.

"The Georgia Cancer Data Report 2000 provides a sound scientific basis for collaboration among public and private medical providers to reduce the often preventable burden of cancer-related illness and cancer deaths in Georgia," says Toomey.
To obtain a copy of the Georgia Cancer Data Report 2000, call 404/657-6611 or the American Cancer Society, Southeast Division, 1-800-ACS-2345, or go to www.health.state.ga.us.programs/can cer/index.shtml.
Barbara Joye

Write it right -- Better letters

O ur latest writing tips come from no less an authority than the Governor's correspondence staff. Here are some of their guidelines

for letter writers:

Never start a letter with "I." In fact, avoid starting any paragraph with "I."

In formal, more business-like letters, it is appropriate to begin the letter

with "This is to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated __________ con-

cerning ________."

In friendly letters, particularly in constituent replies, you might begin

the letter with "Thank you for your letter of (date) concerning _______," or

"It was a pleasure to hear from you about __________." You don't necessari-

ly have to start out with a "thank you." You might try something like "Your

letter of (date) concerning rising property taxes was of particular interest to

me."

When using numbers in a letter, the rule of thumb is to spell out numbers

from one through 10; use figures for numbers above 10. Spell out any num-

ber that begins a sentence.

Commas. Remember: When in doubt, leave it out! The Gregg Reference

Manual is a good resource for comma questions.

Avoid using forms of the verb "to be" when possible. For example, rather

than saying "I am looking forward to seeing you," say "I look forward to see-

ing you." Rather than "I will be paying close attention. . . " say "I will pay

close attention. . . "

Do not capitalize the word "state" in "state of Georgia" when you are talk-

ing about the place. For example, "Peanuts are grown in the state of

Georgia." "He is known throughout the entire state of Georgia." Capitalize

State when speaking of the governmental body. For example: "We work for

the State of Georgia."

Marian the Grammarian

The Human Side Winter 2000 7

Who's news

Baldwin County DFCS staff joined Georgia Military College cadets to celebrate National Make a Difference Day, sponsored by the United Way, by helping an elderly client with household cleanup. (L-R) Jane Bradford, economic support administrator, Gladys Shy, social services case manager, and Eva Stevenson, Baldwin County DFCS director cleaned the kitchen.

P eggy Rosser, director of the Division of Rehabilitation

Services since 1996, has left DHR

to become assistant commissioner

of the Merit System of Personnel

Administration, starting December

1, 2000. "This has been a difficult

decision to make, but taking on a

new challenge also offers some

excitement and opportunity," says

Rosser.

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V elma McCray-Duncan became acting director of the Office of Adoptions (OA) on November 1, after four years as OA's program manager. She has also worked with DHR in the Georgia's Children Initiative/The Family Connection; as a project director for MHMRSA's Office of Substance Abuse and Prevention; and as a program specialist, program administrator and training specialist at the Georgia Retardation Center (later named Brook Run), as well as planner and program administrator for the City of Houston's Health and Human Resources Department.
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B ill Harris is the new director of DHR's Office of Facilities and Support Services (OFSS). He formerly worked in the contracts unit of the Office of Financial Services in the Division of Public Health's Children's Medical Services and Adolescent Health units, and in manufacturing in the private sector. The newly reorganized OFSS oversees construction engineering, DHR transportation services, leasing, and the operation of the state office building at Two Peachtree Street in Atlanta.
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L inda Russell has been named director of DHR's new Office of Information Technology (OIT). She has 25 years of experience in information technology for the State of Georgia. Before joining DHR she supervised IT staff at the Department of Administrative Services and worked in the electronic data processing division of the Department of Labor. OIT is responsible for providing technical support to create, maintain, run and upgrade all of DHR's information systems. In

addition, the office manages numerous critical DHR applications, manages the help desk, and orders computer equipment for DHR.
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Barbara Axley, director of nursing for the Cobb/Douglas public health district, was named National Nurse Practitioner of the Year for Community Service by the Academy of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health. She had previously received the State Award for Excellence for Nurse Practitioner Advocate from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (see Human Side, Summer 2000). The national award honors Axley's work in establishing the district's STD clinic and BreasTest and More program; starting a medical clinic in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and training nurses to work in the center; and winning a Susan G. Komen two-year grant to serve women under age 50 with breast tests and mammographies.
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The purpose of The Human Side is to provide interesting and important information related to DHR employees and their jobs.
Published by the DHR Office of Communications
Supervising editor - Ann Mann Managing editor - Barbara Joye Graphic designer - Eddie Reddick Editorial and production staff Dianne Phillips; Rene Huie; Barbara Joye; Angel Rodriguez; Edna Jackson; Ann Mann; Lola Russell Wilkinson; Iris McIlvaine; Lillian Spencer; Galvan Haun and Bill Gwynn. Please send your letters and ideas to: The Human Side, 2 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 29-426, Atlanta, GA 30303 404/656-4937 FAX 404/651-6815 DHR GroupWise e-mail - brjoye Internet: brjoye@dhr.state.ga.us.

8 The Human Side Winter 2000