AOC on balance, 2010 December

AOC

December 2009

On Balance

Legislative Team Ready for

2010 Session

The 2010 Legislative Session is less

than a month away. With the

House leadership in question, there

has been plenty of activity under

the Gold Dome these past few

months. Many of the committees

have met, including a study com-

Tonya L. Griesbach

mittee on the juvenile code rewrite and the House Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee. No action can be taken in these hearings,

only testimony. These meetings are intended to help pre-

pare legislators for issues expected to come up during the

upcoming session.

Following this year's legislation is as easy as visiting

the AOC Legislative Website at www.ciclt.net/aoc. You

can also find committee meeting announcements and

agendas, news stories and a host of other important infor-

mation from the legislature that affects the judiciary at this

site.

The AOC has put together a Legislative Team to

review bills and develop judicial impact statements for

important legislation. This Team will consist of a designee

from each department in the AOC along with other stake-

holders within the judiciary. The Team will help create a

unified front to the legislature and improve communica-

tion within the judiciary.

Your AOC Governmental Affairs team at the Capitol

can be reached at the following contacts:

Tonya L. Griesbach, 404-463-5420 tonya.griesbach@gaaoc.us

Michael Cuccaro, 404-651-7616 mike.cuccaro@gaaoc.us

Christopher L. Causey, 404-463-6296 christopher.causey@gaaoc.us

AOC Staff Celebrates Holiday Season in International Style

This wasn't your Mama's holiday party. There was no

turkey or ham on the menu, no cranberry sauce in sight.

More like spiced Thai curry, Kugel,

and Ethiopian Injerah (spongy

bread) amongst the international

dishes served.

The Administrative Office of

the Courts staff came together on

Monday, December 14th for its

annual holiday party, international-

style. Staff cooked sweets and

savory items from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Marla S. Moore, AOC Director, stirred her Wassail.

The AOC Information Technology group won best decorated table for their spread of Asian and Greek food.
The Children, Families, and the Court team served up Eastern European treats.
continued page 5

Committee on Civil Justice Hosts Georgia Legal Needs Summits

Submitted by Tracy Powell

In 2005, the Supreme Court of

Georgia created by order the

Committee on Civil Justice, and

charged it with the mission of

strengthening Georgia's civil justice

system through the development

and support of policy initiatives

Tracy Powell

designed to improve access to the courts for poor and vulnerable cit-

izens of the state. The Committee came under the admin-

istration of the Administrative Office of the Courts in late

2007, and is staffed by Jill Radwin, Executive Director,

and Tracy Powell, Project Coordinator. The Committee is

part of the Children, Families, and the Courts division.

The cornerstone of the Committee's work is the

2007/2008 Georgia Legal Needs Study ("legal needs study").

This comprehensive study was divided into four compo-

nents: a public telephone survey of low and moderate

income Georgians regarding their civil legal needs; a tele-

phone survey of attorneys regarding pro bono practices; a

web-based survey of court personnel and legal/social serv-

ice providers regarding their opinions on obstacles to

access to justice; and focus groups with hard-to-reach

client populations and with court personnel and providers.

The A.L. Burruss Institute of Public Service and Research

at Kennesaw State University conducted the research and

the Committee worked with Mr. D. Michael Dale, a legal

services attorney and writer based in Oregon, to transfer

the data in to a final report. After a year and a half of

work, the study was completed and published in May,

2009.

The last statewide assessment of civil legal needs in

Georgia was done in 1994. At that time, it was found that

over 40 percent of our state's poverty population had at

least one civil legal need in a year. By contrast, the 2008

survey showed that over 60 percent had at least one civil

legal need. Of those surveyed, low income households

named consumer, housing, and public benefits related

issues as the top three areas of need, while moderate

income households identified consumer, housing, and

health. Almost 74 percent of respondents said they did not obtain legal help to address their issue; of this group, 73 percent said they did not even know the problem was legal in nature.
To roll-out the final results of this long-awaited report, the Committee hosted the Georgia Civil Legal Needs Summit on June 24, 2009. The event was held at the State Bar of Georgia headquarters in Atlanta, and was presented via webinar to the Tifton and Coastal Georgia satellite State Bar offices. Over 55 attendees, primarily from the Georgia legal community, received a copy of the report and a summary of the findings. The results of the study were presented, followed by a panel discussion regarding current access to justice initiatives taking place in Georgia. Former Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears delivered the opening and closing remarks, and Committee cochairs Anne W. Lewis and Teri P. McClure served as moderators for the program.
The Committee followed up the summit at the local level with round table discussions held around the state; these proved to be a smashing success. Jill and Tracy (with assistance from AOC staff Patricia Gavel, Elaine Johnson, Eden Freeman, Debra Oliver, and Raquel Gonzalez) traveled to twelve sites across Georgia to present the study and to facilitate conversation among local stakeholders about ways to improve access to justice in their area. The series began in Albany on July 31, with Chief Judge Willie Lockette (Superior Court, Dougherty Judicial Circuit) serving as host, and concluded in Savannah on October 16, hosted by Judge Louisa Abbot and Judge James Bass of the Superior Court, Eastern Judicial Circuit. While total attendance varied at each location, there was one trend that was common throughout far more participants showed up than had preregistered. Most locations had double the number of attendees than originally anticipated. Yet, what was even more exciting was the enthusiasm and exchange of ideas that were generated at each of these sites. The round table with the greatest number of participants was Ellijay, with approximately 90 in atten-
continued next page

2

On Balance

Around the State

On Balance 3

dance. The average number of attendees for all twelve of

issues of prominent legal needs, the lack of resources fac-

the round tables combined was 43.9.

ing the courts and providers, and the unquestionable need

The agenda for these discussions was structured

to provide alternative options to litigants who are not able

around a condensed presentation of the findings of the

to afford legal representation. Many attendees met their

legal needs study; presenta-

local counterparts for the first

tions of the resources avail-

time at these round tables and

able to help litigants in

spoke about their excitement

each area (through two to

to continue meeting together.

five minute speeches by

The results and find-

representatives from vari-

ings from the round tables are

ous organizations, includ-

currently being compiled, and

ing Georgia Legal Services

will be included as an adden-

Program, Georgia Office of

dum to the 2007/2008 Georgia

Child Support Services,

Legal Need Study. The adden-

domestic violence shelters,

dum will include recommen-

etc.); and, a discussion of Participants at the DeKalb County Summit.

dations for programs and ini-

participant's opinions on

tiatives aimed at addressing the

the current local situation and necessary steps for improve- needs of low and moderate income citizens. The goal and

ment, led by psychologist Dr. Kevin Baldwin of Applied

intent is for local groups to continue meeting on their

Research Services, Inc.

own, implementing some of the ideas produced. As for

There was much positive feedback from participants

the Committee itself, 2009 was a very productive year and

throughout the series. Judges, attorneys, legal and social

it will continue to work on initiatives in 2010 that will

service providers, mediators, and private citizens were rep-

improve access to the courts for all Georgians.

resented and all shared their thoughts and opinions on the

Location
Albany Gwinnett Brunswick
Ellijay Carrollton Columbus Augusta
DeKalb Rome Macon Jefferson Savannah

Date
July 31 August 7 August 21 August 28 September 4 September 11 September 18
September 23 September 25
October 1 October 9 October 16

Host
Chief Judge Willie Lockette Judge Michael C. Clark
Chief Judge Amanda Williams Chief Judge Brenda Weaver Judge John Simpson Chief Judge John D. Allen Judge Sheryl B. Jolly &
Chief Judge J. Carlisle Overstreet Judge Cynthia J. Becker
Chief Judge Walter Matthews Chief Judge Martha Christian
Judge Currie Mingledorff Judge Louisa Abbot & Judge James F. Bass, Jr.

Pre-registrants Actual Attendance

11

26

25

44

22

50

29

84

25

39

20

42

10

35

48

57

24

57

20

38

12

25

14

47

Douglas County Court Helps Drug Dependant Families

Submitted by Melva Steps

The Douglas County Family Dependency Treatment

under 5 years of age. Judge Walker stresses that this

Program (FDTP), part of Douglas Circuit Juvenile

group of children has the greatest risk of death and seri-

Court and awardee of the National Commissioners

ous injury, coming into foster care, staying in foster care

Award, is making a difference by helping parents seek-

longer and re-entering the foster care system more than

ing drug abuse treatment. Referrals for the program

any other age group. These young, vulnerable infants,

come from the Division of Family and Children

toddlers and preschool age children do not have teach-

Services and the courts. Jennifer King, program coordi- ers, counselors and school administrators who see them

nator, says the program is designed to break the cycle of every day to make referrals for services and address safe-

addiction and neglect by using a highly structured team ty concerns. Judge Walker feels that the program pro-

approach to treating the parent's disease and addressing

vides early identification of families who need many

other parenting problems. Referrals to the program

services and helps them find substance abuse treatment,

come from the Division of Family and Children

employment as well as other wrap around services to

Services (DFCS), attorneys,

strengthen the family.

court personnel, and the

The FDTP works to

Guardian Ad Litem as long as

assure that all children

there is court jurisdiction

under 5 are screened

through a deprivation or protec-

for and receive any

tive order filing.

Part C the Individuals

The team, comprised of

with Disabilities

Judge Peggy Walker, Juvenile

Education Act (IDEA)

Court of Douglas County;

services that they are

King, Case Manager Midge

entitled to receive.

Roman-Ortiz, Program Administrator Jenny McDade,

The Douglas County Drug Treatment Program Team.

Early intervention services for young chil-

Assessor Leisa Mason, along

dren helps with physi-

with representatives from the Division of Family and

cal, social, emotional, and cognitive development to

Children Services, Guardian Ad Litem, Special Assistant enable them to enter school healthy and ready to learn.

Attorney General (as needed), attorney team member,

The Douglas and Appalachian Judicial Circuits

court appointed special advocates and treatment

currently share a $1.5 million, three year grant awarded

providers, meets prior to client review. During the

by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

staffing, they discuss individual participant's current

from funds allocated by the Safe and Stable Family Act.

progress, needs, other concerns and next steps. This

The Division of Children, Families, and the Courts

team communication equips each member with the

staff provides technical assistance to both courts to

necessary information to compassionately and some-

include project and grant management and sustainabili-

times sternly encourage participants on their journey to ty and strategic planning. In 2006, Judge Walker shared

healing. Sobriety is rewarded with incentives such as

some of her most memorable court experiences during

baby supplies and clothing, personal care items, and

a presentation before U.S. Senate staff sponsored by

photo frames.

Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Charles Grassley (R-

The focus of the FDT Program is saving children

continued next page

4

On Balance

On Balance 5
AOC Staff Celebrates Holiday Season in International Style
In the spirit of the holiday season, staff donated toys to the Toys for Tots drive run by the US Marine Corps. The donated items were displayed around the room during the holiday party.

Some Middle Eastern treats were provided by the Planning, Data Anaylsis, and Evaluation group.

The Court Services team served traditional African dishes.

Regulatory served up traditional eats from Western Europe.

The Financial Administration group covered the United States, Canada, and Mexico with their spread.

Douglas County cont.

IA) and Michael DeWine (R-OH) who share concerns about the impact of methamphetamine use on children and families. The result was an allocation of $40 million in Safe and Stable Families funding to serve communities experiencing the adverse affects of methamphetamine abuse to help children and families. These efforts dispel widely accepted false assertions that serious substance abusers do not benefit from treatment and do not recover from methamphetamine abuse.

The AOC staff from the grants management unit provides project management for this program. The management services include grant reporting, managing subcontractors, sustainability and strategic planning, and research. If you are interested in implementing a FDTP or have questions regarding better practices for your existing program please call Melva Steps at 404463-1229.

AOC Website Committee Working to Develop New Site

Submitted by Ashley Stollar

You might have noticed some recent changes at www.georgiacourts.gov
Under the direction of Ms. Marla S. Moore, AOC Director, the AOC's website has undergone one redesign and is headed for another new look. Representatives from each of the office's divisions were asked to participate in the weekly session to design a new look for the website and to update the content that is delivered to our customers.
The website has already undergone one design change that you might have noticed (top, right). We will continue to update it until the next version is approved and goes live (bottom, right).
As we make changes, your input is invaluable. Tell us how you use our website. What's there that you don't like? What's not there that you need? Contact us with your ideas about georgiacourts.gov by e-mailing us at publications@gaaoc.us
The Committee: Mr. Jorge Basto,
Assistant Director for Information Technology; Mr. Walter Hickman, Manager of Data Services; Ms. Sowjanya Aligala, Webmaster Mr. Christopher Patterson,
Associate Director for Court Services; Ms. Billie Bolton,
Assistant Director for Communications; Ms. Ashley Stollar, Graphic Designer; Mr. Christopher Causey, Governmental Affairs Project Coordinator; Ms. Kelly Steele, Planning, Data Analysis, and Evaluation Planning Coordinator; Ms. Jennifer Sanders, Center Accounting Manager; and Ms. Stephanie Hines,
Assistant Director for Regulatory.

The current georgiacourts.gov

6

On Balance

The future georgiacourts.gov