Annual report - Georgia Department of Human Resources, the Division of Youth Services, 1989

Division of Youth Services
Annual Report
Juvenile Offenders
Let's GiveThem What They Deserve...

Support

SupelVision Rehabilitation

Fiscal Year 1989

STATE OF GEORGIA
Joe Frank Harris
GOVERNOR
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
James G. Ledbetter, Ph.D.
COMMISSIONER
DIVISION OF YOUTH SERVICES
Marjorie H. Young
DIRECfOR
BOARD OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Dewitt C. Alfred, Jr., M.D.
CHAIRMAN
Robert L. Carmichael
VICE CHAIRMAN
Laura Vann*
SECRETARY
Helen G. Byars* H. Gordon Davis, M. D.
James K. Davis* Thomas E. Farr James L. Fisher, M.D. Robert H. Herndon* Bev Long, R. N. AI J. Mooney, III, M.D.* Joseph V. Morrison, Jr., M.D. Joesph H. Peek, Ph.D.* Harold L. Smith Solomon W. Walker, 11*
Members of the Youth Services Committee

"'_G.L"'_.Ph.D/Commi.io~, "~"~Kr4-)-------------- ~OlB1R~ .1TRINITY AVENUE. S.W.I ATLANTA. GEORGIA 30334-1202 ~"'N Rce
November 7,1989
James G. Ledbetter, Ph. D., Commissioner Georgia Department of Human Resources 47 Trinity Avenue, S.W. Atlanta, GA 30334
Dear Dr. Ledbetter: In compliance with the Children and Youth Act of 1963, the Division of Youth Services is submitting to you its report regarding program operations and accomplishments during fiscal year 1989. During the past year we experienced unprecedented increases in caseloads and populations in a number of program areas.
Court Services cases increased by 7% to a record high of 24,738. RYDC admissions increased by 8%. Commitments increased by 15% to a record high of 3,109. Despite the high commitment rate, DYS staff were able to divert more committed youth to alternate plans than ever before. Significant increases are continuing into FY90, resulting in increased burdens on staff in our facilities. The coming year will be a critical period for DYS, as we pursue funding for alternative programs to relieve these pressures. I am proud to ~ubmit these accomplishments of our dedicated staff throughout the Division.
Sincerely,
Marjorie H. Young, Director Division of Youth Services
AN EOUAL Of'ORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Contents

Role of the Division

1

Detention Program.s

2

Regional Youth Development Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2

Attention Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5

Treat.m.ent Progra.m.s

6

Non-Residential Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

6

Court Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 6

Community Treatment Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

7

Day Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

8

Residential PrograITIS

9

Youth Development Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

9

Group Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

11

Contract Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12

Wilderness Youth Development Program

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 13

Specialized Residential Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Short-Term Treatment Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Project Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Investigations Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 17

Com.m..it'm.ents

18

Appendix: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 21

Budget

21

Commitments by County. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 22

. Map

24

ROLE OF THE DIVISION

he parent agency of the Division of Youth Services was created by law in the 1963 Session of the General Assembly (Act No. 55, H.B. No 5). The purpose of the act was to provide for the "protection, care, training and supervision of certain children and youth of the state and to define powers, duties and functions of the Division, the Board and the officials thereof." The title of the act was the Children and Youth Act. Organizationally, the operations of the Division are carried out by four sections: Institutional Services, Field Services, Administrative Services, and Program Support and Staff Development.

Number of youth served in fiscal years 1988 and 1989

D.Y.S. Programs

Number served fiscal year
1988 1989

Detention programs
Regional Youth Development Centers
Attention Homes

13,394 (12,923) 686

Treatment Programs
Non-Residential Programs: Court Services Intensive Supervision Community Treatment Centers Day Centers
Residential Programs: Youth Development Centers
Group Homes Contract Homes Specialized
Residential Services Wilderness Youth
Development Prog. Short-Term
Treatment Program Project Challenge

23,094
1,073 227
1,756 ( 1,106)
59 670
144
91
100 50

Investigations Unit

1,087

Interstate Compact

1,621

Unduplicated Estimate:

29,600

14,487 (13,978)
724
24,738 74
1,025 261
1,940 (1,209)
70 719
126
104
100 55
1,254
1,420
32,027

( ) Admissions

1

DETENTION PROGRAMS

The Georgia Juvenile Proceedings Code, as amended, provides for the taking into custody and detention of a child prior to a Juvenile Court hearing if (1) secure detention is required to protect the person or property of others or of the child, (2) the child may abscond or be removed from the jurisdiction of the court, (3) he has no parent, guardian or custodian or other person able to provide supervision and care for them and return him to court when required, or (4) an order for his detention or shelter care has been made by the court pursuant to this Code.
The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Youth Services, through a cooperative effort with the local courts, has developed a statewide system of secure and non-secure detention services for juveniles.

~- 1



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Regional Youth Development

Centers - Trends FY 89

Admitted 13,978 youth in FY89 and 12,923 in FY 88 (Represents an 8%
increase) Availability of secure and nonsecure
detention resources resulted in low utilization of adult jails for juvenile offenders. 197 youth were reported as held in adult jails statewide in FY89. 7,000 juveniles were jailed in Georgia as recently as the early 1960s

Regional Youth
Development Centers
Regional Youth Development Centers (RYDCs) are secure detention centers which serve most geographical areas of the state. Their purpose is the temporary, secure detention of youth who are alleged to be delinquent or who have been adjudicated delinquent and who are awaiting disposition of the court or transfer to another jurisdiction or agency. Some of the regional centers operate a short-term, structured, residential treatment program for committed youth as an alternative to a State Youth Development Center placement. All Regional Youth Development Centers provide care in a therapeutic setting for youth who are detained. Programs at each RYDC vary, but most include remedial education, individual guidance and counseling, indoor and outdoor recreation and arts and crafts. Many Centers have behavior management or token economy system. Each Center is required to have weekly religious services for any youth desiring them. Clothing, meals, medical and emergency dental services are a part of each Center's basic care program. In addition to the state-operated centers, one county (Fulton) has its own detention facility. The Division contracts with Fulton for services.

2

V oL.UMSU

The Columbus RYDC represents a typical structural model for most RYDCs. Secure Detention is provided for delinquent youth and core programs include remedial education, counseling and sports activities.

Youth admitted to Regional Youth Development Centers

Number of youth (thousands)
14

12

10

7,673

8

. _...........-:: ~119

7,~59~i ~ ;~

6

10,818

11,774

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76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
Fiscal year
3

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4

Attention Homes

T he Attention Home Program provides an alternative to detention in a Regional Youth Development Center or jail. Attention Homes divert selected offenders from any contact with secure confine-
ment. Attention Home bed spaces are located
throughout the state in private homes or community facilities. This program provides 24hour emergency care for youth needing a temporary place to stay until they can return home or until a suitable placement can be made. The Division also operates a statewide referral sys-

tern for youth who reside in counties where there are no Attention Homes. The Attention Home Program and RYDCs have brought about the virtual elimination of the use of adult jails for juveniles.
Attention Homes - Trends FY89
Served 724 youths In FY89 and 686 in FY88. (Represents a 6% Increase)

Number served

Youth served by Attention Homes

800

600

400 ;~l:

200

t

:.

T
I

.J

!

,

-+-

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77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 Fiscal year

5

TREATMENT PROGRAMS

Non-Residential Programs

Court Services

The Court Services Program is a statewide delinquency program, established in 1963. Court Service Workers maintain a working relationship with the Juvenile Courts and the local communities. This program provides intake, probation, counseling, case management, supervision, detention planning and aftercare supervision in most counties of Georgia. In some areas intake and probation services are provided by county staff, or there is a shared services arrangement. Intake is the decision-making point at which a youth is either diverted from or formally processed into the juvenile justice system. During the intake process, emphasis is placed on resolving the youth's problems without court processing, especially for first time and minor offenders, including status offenders. Should a youth be adjudicated and placed under probation, the Court Service Worker, serving as probation officer, pursues a plan of action which assists the youth in meeting the terms of the court order. The Court Service Worker may also be involved in obtaining support services, job seeking or training, and maintaining a probationer in school. Once a youth is committed, case management services and aftercare supervision are provided to youth upon return home from a residential program. For committed and noncommitted youth, the workers often provide individual, group or family counseling. In FY 89, a new Intensive Supervision program was initiated to reduce unnecessary out-of-home placements. The program opened in eight circuits in FY 89 and will be expanded to four additional circuits in FY 90.
6

Court Services - Trends FY89
Served 24,738 youth in FY89 and 23,094 in FY88. (Represents a 7% Increase)
Average dally caseload was 50.6 per worker. Intensive supervision served 74 youth.

Michael Giglio, Program Director for Intensive Supervision, is engaged in a face-to-face counseling session with client.

Youth receiving Court Services

...Numb of
youth ("",o,,. .nd.)
11.. ......

"

12

'1.73

10

14 .... 14,574

".-

~ n n n 7. ~ ~ u a ~ M ~ al
FlocoI_

Community Treatment Centers

Community Treatment Centers are relatively small, non-residential, community-based programs for delinquent and unruly offenders. Small caseloads of 812 youth per worker permit an intensive, struc-

Gwinnett,
Hall, Houston,
Bibb, Muscogee,

Richmond, Spalding,
Upson, Walton and Whitfield.

tured treatment format. Although staffed by DYS workers, each Community Treatment Center is an integral part of the local community. Linkages

A new CTC will be opened in Dougherty County in FY 90.

with private and public sector agencies are promoted in order to increase services to youth and

Community Treatment

integrate them successfully into the larger community.
Recreation programs are established to promote physical fitness and appropriate leisure

Trends FY89
Served 1,025 youth in FY89 as compared to 1,073 in FY88.

time pursuits. Group counseling deals with prob-

lems experienced by these adolescents, <e.g., fami-

ly relationships, peer pressures, alcohol and drug

abuse, etc.).

Group activities provide structured learn-

ing experiences in the areas of sex education,

health, law-related education and other life skills

areas. Special emphasis is placed on employabili-

ty skills, stressing the behavior and skills neces-

sary to obtain and retain jobs. In some areas,

actual work experience programs are a part of the

Community Treatment program.

Parents are involved in family counseling or parent effectiveness training at some Commu-

Parents with a desire to learn and improve their parenting skills meet in a parent training class at the Columbus CTC.

nity Treatment Centers and through other local agencies or private resources.
Centers are located in the following counties:
DeKalb (2), Fulton (2), Bartow, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, Colquitt, Coweta, Floyd, Glynn,

Numbe, served

Youth served in Community

1400 - -
-.

Treatment Centers

12OO-i------------------

- ....................~;O.i..lt158;0:i5....................~~;025 ..

_ _ _..".."...~"i;-7r1OO"5H

- 1000-

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. r-'

8M 10111000 r-
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r- 72.

..........

600- ... ~..
--
400- ...
--
200- ...

' 7 3 7 4 7 5 7 5 n 71 71 80 81 82 83 ... 15 H 87 ae at

Fisca' year

7

Day Centers

Day Centers are nonresidential, community-based alternative schools for delin-

fully reenter an educational setting. Life skills education in law related, health and career edu-
cation are included in

quent and unruly offenders. Linkages are developed with local community resources and, in particular, with the local school system in order

Day Center - Trends FY89
Served 261 youth In FY89 as compared to 227 youth served In FY88. (Represents a 15% increase)
Centers are located In Chatham, DeKalb and Fulton Counties.

the curriculurn. Group, individual and family counseling are focused on resolving the underlying causes of school-related problems (non-

to increase services to

attendance, suspen-

youth and facilitate

sion, etc.) and/or law

their reentry into the

violative behavior.

educational system.

Recreational and cul-

Youth referred

tural activities are

to the Day Centers

established to pro-

spend a short period

mote physical fitness

of time (usually less

and appropriate

than six months)

leisure time pursuits.

acquiring the academ-

ic and social skills

necessary to success-

Youth at the Crossroads Day Center receive instruction in

English from Cheryl Winston.

Number served 350
300
250
200

Youth served in Day Centers

: : '" 100 50

;: : :'

T. .~.. .:-

I

: l '.

:
:I
i

76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 88

Fiscal Year

8

Residential Programs

Youth Development Centers

S tate Youth Development Centers are residential institutions providing rehabilitation and treatment for those youth committed to the Division of Youth Services by Juvenile or Superior Courts of Georgia. All four centers provide academic, vocational, medical, counseling and religious services. These placements are for youth for whom no alternate plan is available or considered desirable.
Atlanta YDC
The Atlanta YDC with a capacity of 100, serves males who have been assessed as having low public risk ratings, who live within a 100 mile radius of the YDC, and whose residential

support needs have been assessed as being high. The center's program calls for a good degree of cooperation and involvement with the youth's Court Service Worker and the youth's family.
Augusta YDC
The Augusta YDC serves males who have been assessed as having medium public risk ratings; youth with high mental health needs; and youth who have significant prior histories or previous YDC placements. The Augusta YDC has a capacity of 240. The educational program includes introductory vocational courses such as small engine repair, brick masonry and fast food service.

Project Adventure at the Atlanta YDC was funded through the Mental Health High Risk Youth Grant. The YDC residents above learn to build trust and courage through the Tire Traverse Activity.

The PYE Project at the Augusta YDC is designed to provide residents with entrepreneurial skills. Raymond Davis, Project Director, instructs residents on proper care of plants.

9

Macon YDC
The Macon YDC serves females and has a capacity of 80. The therapeutic milieu provides individual and group counseling, academic and pre-vocational education, career education and recreation. Students who qualify are able to participate in and complete the Center's Nursing Assistance and High School programs. The Macon YDC is accredi ted by The American Correctional Association (ACA).
Milledgeville YDC
The Milledgeville YDC, with a capacity of 240, serves males who have been assessed as having a high public risk rating; a history of aggressive and/or assaultive behavior; escapees, and those with high alcohol and drug or medical needs. Program goals include helping youth develop impulse control and appropriate decision- making skills. Because the median age of the youth served is 16.5 years, the Center places

emphasis on career education and its community (off campus) work program. The Milledgeville YDC is the most secure of the state YDCs.

Youth Development Centers Trends FY89

Four yeCs admitted 1209 youth In FY89 as

compared to 1106 youth admitted In FY88.

(Represents a 9% Increase)

Center totals were as follows:

Atlanta

231

Augusta

500

Macon

118

Milledgeville

a2Q

T9TAL

1209

Number of youth (thousands)
3000

Admissions to State Youth Development Centers

2500

2000 1500 1000

1887

1506 158

1404 1450

. ...-- 1252 1310
1064 1070

11:~

1146 1210 1.2y61" '
_ __.. -

-

Total Male Female
1209 977 ~ 105_ 8 10_ 91 -1106

500

240

269

305 .. 296

322 373

2a93

262 240

250 223

205

229

203

188

'" .. .... ..

a 169 121 140 146 112 118





JP

69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
Fiscal year

10

Group Homes

T he Group Home Program is a placement for delinquent youth who come from unstable home sit~ations. Youth from throughout the state are referred to one of three locations: Winder, Gainesville, or Savannah. In these facilities, young men share a structured home environment. Counselors often use a group counseling method to ameliorate the effects of a poor home situation. Fort Yargo Boys' Group Home in Vfinder is a joint DNR/ DHR project. The home i~ located in the park, and the residents are hired

Group Homes - Trends FY89
Served 70 youth In FY89 as compared to 59 youth In FY88. (Represents a 19% Increase)
Three homes have a dally capacity of 24.
for park maintenance services. Youth at the Savannah Group Home work at the Regional Hospital operated by the Division of Mental Health. The Gainesville Group Home initiated a work program in FY89 in cooperation with the Gainesville Parks and Recreation Department.

Number served

Youth served by Group Homes

75

76

77

78

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

86

87

88

89

Fiscal year

11

. ,

'

Contract Homes
C ontract homes, like group homes, provide residential treatment for delinquent and unruly youths whose home situation is contributing to their behavior. Services are provided in an atmosphere as much like home as possible through contracts with private families, institutions or community facilities. The Division has developed and expanded this program due to its cost effectiveness and statewide availability. The Contract Home program makes maximum use of community resources as youth attend schools and participate in community activities.

Contract Homes Trends FY89
Served 719 youth In FY89 as compared to 670 youth In FY88. (Represents a 7% increase)

Broken Shackle Ranch is a prime example of what a community can do when it works together, This Contract home is unique because of its physical surroundings and homelike atmosphere. The residents above are responsible for grooming the horses as a part of their daily routine chores.

Youth served by Contract Homes

I Number
served

: 719

:

'

700 l

': l: '. , :T ; ;

600

500

400

300 EIf~t-

:1,~

200

100

1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 Fiscal year
12

Wilderness Youth Development Program
T he Wilderness Youth Development Program is a short-term treatment program for youth committed to the Division of Youth Services. Purchased from the private sector, this program provides an alternative to placement in a Youth Development Center through a twenty-six (26) day wilderness experience. Upon completion of the wilderness experience, youth return home or to another community placement on aftercare status.

Wilderness Youth Development Program
Trends FY89
Served 104 youth in FY89 as compared to the FY88 total of 91. (Represents a 14% increase)

Wolfcreek Wilderness particpants work on improving selfesteem, personal responsibility and communication through a back packing experience.

Number served
160

Youth Served by the Wilderness Youth Development Program

140

127

131

120

118

115

112

110

100

101

104

80

60

40

20

1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 Fiscal year
13

Specialized Residential Services

T his program provides residential treatment services for delinquent and unruly youth who need more specialized care than the Division of Youth Services or Department of Human Resources programs currently provide. These youth either require long-term residential placement or specialized treatment services. Services are obtained from the private sector. Many of the placements are in alcohol and drug treatment programs.

Specialized Residential Services - Trends FY89
Obtained services for 126 youth in FY89 as compared to the FY88 total of 144.

Number served
160
140
120

Youth served by Specialized Residential Services
155

144
126

100 80 60 40 20
14

88

61
53 45
43

D.:27 \

1980

1981

1982

1983



1984

1985

Fiscal ear

1986

1987

1988

1989

Short-Term Treatment Programs

T he Short-Term Treatment Program provides structured, residential treatment to committed youth for a short time (less than four months) in small

Short-Term Treatment Programs - Trends FY89

groups within the secure Regional Youth Development Center setting. Youth served are those not in need of long-term institutionalization but

Served 100 youth In FY89, the same as In FY88.

not presently appropriate for a less structured

community-based program.

Programs are located in the Athens, Clax-

ton, Eastman and Blakely centers. They include

academic experience and alcohol and drug

counseling. Programs on employment opportu-

nities are coordinated with the Department of

Labor and a unit on family planning is coordi-

nated with the local health department. Stu-

dents in each of the programs participate in an

official first aid course, coordinated by the local

chapter of the American Red Cross, as well as a

citizen awareness program developed by the

area volunteer coordinator. In addition, the

Athens program offers an extensive wilderness experi-

Residents of the Claxton RYDC Short Term Treatment Program are leaving for their weekly Tuesday A.A. meeting in Statesboro, Georgia.

ence including raft-

ing, backpacking, rappelling and camping. The Eastman program also has an outdoor com-

Number of youth (thousands) 200
180

Youth served by Short-term Treatment Programs
173

ponent.

160

Although housed in a secure

140

130

120

facility, each Regional

100

Youth Development

80

Center's Short-Term

60

Treatment Program

40

emphasizes activities

20

and educational expe-

riences in the community.

1982

1983

1984

1985

1986

Fiscal year

1987

1988

1989

15

Project Challenge

Project Challenge, developed under contract with Project Adventure, Inc., provides a six-week community-based experience for committed youth combining active and compelling experiences, experiential academics and individual and group counseling. The use of a ropes course provides cooperative interaction experiences as a tool for counseling and problem solving activities. Upon completion of the program, the participants are transferred to aftercare status.

Project Challenge Trends FY89
Served 55 youth In FY89 as compared to the 50 youth In FY88. (Represents a 10% Increase)

Project Challenge is a six weeks program for adjudicated youth. Activities involve challenging experiences which help residents improve life skills and self esteem. The Trolley exercise above requires teamwork, cooperation and communication from the participants.
16

INVESTIGATIONS UNIT

T he Investigations Unit has primary responsibility for locating and apprehending runaways from Youth Services' institutions and

the transfer of supervision of delinquent and unruly youth who are relocated to a state other than the one in which they are adjudicated delinquent or unruly. These services are facili-

community programs. Working in cooperation tated through a reciprocal legal agreement

with local and state law enforcement agencies,

among the 50 states. Security services are pro-

Youth Services agents and investigators respond vided at the Atlanta airport for runaway youth

to requests for apprehension of runaways on a

who are changing planes while returning to

24-hour basis. A computer terminal providing

their home states.

access to the Georgia

Crime Information

Center and National

Crime Information Center is used to aid

Investigations Unit - Trends FY 89

the unit in its investigations of runaways and in its criminal background investiga-

Total of 1,254 referrals of runaways were handled In FY89 . Clearance rate of 95%. Interstate Compact served 1,420 youth.

tions of potential

Youth Services

employees. The Unit

also has some

statewide responsibili-

ties in the areas of

security, specialized

training and disaster

coordination.

The Interstate

Compact Unit is

under the supervisory

structure of the Inves-

tigations Unit. The

primary function of

the unit is to coordi-

nate efforts with other

states' Youth Agencies

and law enforcement

agencies and with

local uni ts in Georgia

in returning interstate runaways. The unit also coordinates

The Investigati~ns Unit's computer terminal provides an efficient system for the tracking
and apprehenSion of runaways. Rebecca Sayer, radio operator, is pictured above at the controls.

17

COMMITMENTS

Commitment of a youth to the Division is often the final disposition of the Juvenile Court when probation or other counseling services have failed to prevent a chronic or serious offender from returning the attention of the court. When a youth is committed to the Division, a treatment plan is developed which includes counseling, supervision and placement. Possible placements include admission to a Youth Services community-based or Short-Term Treatment program, admission to a Youth Development Center, referral to an outside agency, or placement in the youth's own home. The Division maintains a classification system for committed youth. The purposes of the system are to provide staff with information to (a) assist in placement decisions, (b) assist in establishing programming priorities once a placement is made, and (c) establish a method for security classification for Youth Development Center placement. This profile provides an assessment in eight (8) areas:
Public Risk-This scale is an indication of the extent to which the youth represents a threat to the public. Offense and escape history are considered, and the scale provides guidance in determining whether an institutional or community placement is appropriate. Youth rated at Level one are those committed for offenses such as trespassing, theft (under $500), curfew violation, possession of alcohol, runaway, and simple assault. Level two offenses include burglary, theft (over $500), auto theft, and escape. Level three offenses include aggravated assault, child molestation, vehicular homicide, and robbery. Level four offenses include aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation, armed robbery, rape, and murder (Designated Felony cases are

level four). Level five is used for superior court commitments. Assigned levels can be increased if there is a history of escape or habitual/multiple offenses. FY89 commitment totals by level were as follows:

Superior Court Designated Felons LevelS Level 4 Level 3 Level 2 Levell Status

31 199 66 258
577
757 1067 154

Total

3109

Residential Support Needs-This scale provides an assessment of family needs and problems, and provides guidance on the need for family counseling or out-of-home placement. Medical Needs-This scale provides an assessment of medical problems that could affect participation in programs. Mental Health Needs-This scale, often completed in consultation with a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, provides an assessment of emotional problems and offers guidance for appropriate placement and services. Alcohol and Drug Needs-This scale provides an assessment of substance abuse problems and provides guidance for appropriate services. Educational Needs and Vocational NeedsThese scales provide an assessment of academic functioning and vocational training needs, with appropriate programming guidance. Institutional Risk-This scale provides an assessment of conduct in YDCs and, in conjunction with the Public Risk scale, provides the basis for security classification.

18

r'J' ,.'

""""'" ..

Commitment Trends

1. The number of commitments increased by 15%, from 2,697 in FY88 to 3,109 in FY89.
2. The alternate plan rate (percent of commitments placed outside DYS institutions) was 57%. The actual number of alternate placements increased from 1642 to 1770.
3. Revocations decreased from the 553 in FY88 to 480 in FY89, a decrease of 13%.
4. Commitments for unruly (status) offenses totaled 153 in FY89, an 8% increase over the FY88 total of 140. No status offender was placed in a YDC.
5. Commitments for designated felony acts (with restrictive custody) increased from 169 in FY88 to 199 in FY89, an 18% increase.
6. Males accounted for 87% of all commitments. The average age at the time of commitment was 14.9 for males and 14.8 for females. Whites accounted for 36% of all commitments; blacks accounted for 64%.
7. No father figure was present in 55% of the homes of committed youth and no mother figure was present in 4.4% of the homes.
8. The median school grade at time of commitment was the 6th grade.

Commitments to Youth Services and Placements - FY 1970-1989

Commitments

and Placements

- - Total commitments - - - - Alternate plans

3109

3000

-_._- Revocations

2500

2000 1500 1000
500

1770

1M8 1642 57% 1413 1466 61% 61%....
62% 6~~,. __ r

1166

m!'1 ~-

1091 45% 43%, .._

_14131%3

1078 45%

' l50.9.(,,

768

706 746 771, ""

! 7 3~ ::~ 501 2670%3 .... "" ...... _3.2.%_ -3S %-

109 227 291 2..8.%' , r

-

- - .. ' -

4J6 4;~ 553 4.80

If: 15% 1~'"

217 246 277 283 ~.-

, 70 - 118 140 143

105 176_....._ ..--_-_........

r.._ ..--.-_ - ~~_

~ 39 32 .-.;:..-

I
70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89

Fiscal year

19

ApPENDIX
Youth Services Expenditures Fiscal Year 1989

$63.9 Million

- - - - - - - - -tRreYaDtCmeSnhtoprtr-otegrrmams .7%

Non-residential Programs 24.2%

Other 3.6%

A==---=--~:::::=-----\
/

Community-based

Residential Treatment

---Programs

5.8%

Institutional Treatment _____ Programs
38.2%

Non-Secure Detention Programs " - - - - - - - - - - - .5%

Secure Detention Programs ' - - - - - - - - - - - 27%

21

Commitments by County Fiscal Year 1989

County

Total# of

, of Unruly , of Alternate

Commitments Commitments Placements

Appling

8

0

4

Atkinson

3

0

2

Bacon

6

0

1

Baker

1

1

0

Baldwin

4

0

0

Banks

2

0

1

Barrow

13

1

11

Bartow

19

3

11

Ben Hill

1

0

0

Berrien

7

0

3

Bibb

73

2

43

Bleckley

0

0

0

Brantley

1

0

1

Brooks

6

0

1

Bryan

6

1

5

Bulloch

30

2

21

Burke

19

0

7

Butts

3

1

3

Calhoun

3

1

2

Camden

16

0

9

Candler

4

0

1

Carroll

19

0

11

Catoosa

16

4

16

Charlton

7

1

4

Chatham

179

4

73

Chattahoochee

4

0

0

Chattooga

6

0

2

Cherokee

6

3

5

Clarke

49

2

30

Clay

0

0

0

Clayton

61

0

38

Clinch

1

0

1

Cobb

77

6

54

Coffee

18

0

14

Colquitt

15

0

7

Columbia

6

0

2

Cook

16

0

7

Coweta

25

0

16

Crawford

0

0

0

Crisp

9

0

2

Dade

5

0

5

Dawson

2

0

1

Decatur

61

6

31

DeKalb

286

2

161

County
Dodge Dooly Dougherty Douglas Early Echols Effingham Elbert Emanuel Evans Fannin Fayette Floyd Forsyth Franklin Fulton Gilmer Glascock Glynn Gordon Grady Greene Gwinnett Habersham Hall Hancock Haralson Harris Hart Heard Henry Houston Irwin Jackson Jasper Jeff. Davis Jefferson Jenkins Johnson Jones Lamar Lanier Laurens Lee

Total' of Commitments
6 1 201 17 7 0 18 7 12 3 2 3 104 5 6 323 3 0 40 26 18 0 75 2 20 1 9 1 14 0 10 32 3 5 1 7 3 5 3 1 7 1 21 6

'of Unruly Commitments
0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 23 0 2 6 0 0 0 2 6 0 5 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0

# of Alternate Placements
2 0 96 12 6 0 14 5 9 2 0 3 84 3 5 130 2 0 14 19 13 0 48 2 12 1 5 1 8 0 7 28 1 4 0 4 2 2 2 1 5 1 16 3

22

County
Liberty Lincoln Long Lowndes Lumpkin Macon Madison Marion McDuffie McIntosh Meriwether Miller Mitchell Monroe Montgomery Morgan Murray Muscogee Newton Oconee Oglethorpe Paulding Peach Pickens Pierce Pike Polk Pulaski Putnam Quitman Rabun Randolph Richmond Rockdale Schley Screven

Total # of # of Unruly # of Alternate Commitments Commitments Placements

33

3

15

0

0

0

0

0

0

53

4

34

0

0

0

2

0

1

20

2

11

0

0

0

10

0

6

1

0

0

9

0

5

1

0

0

16

2

9

6

0

2

0

0

0

1

0

0

17

2

14

169

3

97

27

2

18

12

3

10

6

1

4

23

1

12

11

0

5

7

3

6

3

0

3

1

0

0

12

2

11

6

0

2

2

0

0

0

0

0

2

0

2

7

0

5

153

1

89

9

1

4

0

0

0

10

0

8

County
Seminole Spalding Stephens Stewart Sumter Talbot Taliaferro Tattnall Taylor Telfair Terrell Thomas TIft Toombs Towns Treutlen Troup Turner Twiggs Union Upson Walker Walton Ware Warren Washington Wayne Webster Wheeler White Whitfield Wilcox Wilkes Wilkinson Worth
Total

Total #of

# of Unruly # of Alternate

Commitments Commitments Placements

0

0

0

49

2

32

5

0

4

0

0

0

18

0

11

3

0

3

0

0

0

9

2

6

1

0

1

6

0

2

1

0

1

35

0

10

11

1

5

14

0

7

0

0

0

0

0

0

47

0

32

3

0

1

1

0

1

2

0

2

24

0

16

19

4

17

22

5

16

13

0

7

1

0

1

5

0

4

8

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

3

0

2

47

10

34

1

0

0

2

0

1

0

0

0

7

0

3

3109

154

1770

23

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. _ . _ . _....... 'AULDING

I

DYS Programs and District Director Areas

YDC
RYDC
o CTC
Day Center
.A Group Home

llNCOllll

0 District Director

Office

v Court Service
Office

ClllrjCH

-...........

(("ou

' .!

24

"'- .....

The Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Youth Services,
provides a wide range of services for youth referred to the division by the juvenile courts.
Of primary concern are services and care for the individual youth that are
consistent with protecting the public, maintaining social order and ensuring that the child remains responsible and accountable.
We believe that all youth in trouble deserve the chance
to turn their lives in a positive direction. Our job is to help them.
Division of Youth Services 878 Peachtree Street, N.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30309