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 
 
 
 
~ 
 
;~. : \ 
 
.. 
 
..! 
 
~. 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
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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 
 
! 
 
, 
 
-+- 
 
. .~ 
 
i 
 
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- 
iI ~ 
 
;- 
 
_aoo 
 
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 
 
 ! i CAl~SA ' 'V \ 
 
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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 
 
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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