FYI @ DJJ: the official online newsletter of the Department of Juvenile Justice [Fall 2013]

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Fall 2013

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FYI at DJJ: Departmental News from around Georgia

FYI @ DJJ is your online source for the latest news from our many Department of Juvenile Justice court services offices and secure facilities throughout the state and our divisions at Central Office in Decatur. Learn more about the innovative programs and activities involving your professional DJJ colleagues as they strive to improve the lives of the youth in our care and custody while serving the public safety needs of the citizens of the State of Georgia.
FYI @ DJJ Creative Team
Jim Shuler - Editor, Writer Matt Montgomery - Layout & Design / Writing & Posting Janssen Robinson - Photos, Graphics / Videos & Creatives Lisa Kenn - Production Assistant & Story Research
DJJ COMMISSIONER PLANS STATEWIDE JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM FORUMS (ALBANY, GA) DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles appeared with a panel of local judges,

law enforcement and city commissioners in Albany this month to discuss upcoming changes at the state and county government level as a result of the impending implementation of Georgia's new Juvenile Justice Reform law. The special panel that met September 17th at Albany's downtown Law Enforcement Center was one of several start-up information forums and town hall meetings planned by Commissioner Niles to update local community and government leaders around the state about the significant restructuring of Georgia's juvenile justice system beginning in January.
"This new reform law will be very productive for our communities," Commissioner Niles tells the statewide panels. "It reshapes the way DJJ monitors itself and revises the rules for incarcerating juvenile offenders. It places new focus on mental health and substance abuse treatment and on community based programs. It encourages us to continue to partner with our communities."
The Commissioner's forums focus on educating audiences about the new reform law through face to face conversations with local police chiefs, sheriff's, prosecutors and judges. Commissioner Niles began participating in similar public forums and meetings with community leadership this summer in Lula and Savannah, Georgia. More meetings are planned for the future.
According to Niles, the reform law gives local judges the power to act in the best interest of offending minors. At the Albany forum, Dougherty County Juvenile Court Judge Herbie Solomon said the initiative was "long overdue" and said the new code will allow communities to attempt to "solve some of the issues that have been facing our children."
Dougherty County will receive $300,000 in reform funds to initiate community juvenile justice programs for 2014. Judge Solomon said "We also need to have more mentors in the community who will take a young boy and show him how to be a man or teach young girls how to become young women."
DJJ Commissioner Niles said the high cost of incarceration is just one aspect of Georgia's juvenile justice system which will be improved by the implementation of HB 242 in January. It costs taxpayers more than $91,000 a year to keep a single juvenile offender in secure DJJ custody. "My hope is communities everywhere in Georgia will embrace this new law, know

what the law says, and know how the law will apply to them," Commissioner Niles said.
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NOW ON-LINE: "Accepting the Challenge"--DJJ's FY2012 Annual Report
FROM THE EDITOR DJJ PIO JIM SHULER
The DJJ Office of Communications is pleased to report the on-line version of the FY2012 Annual Report for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is now available for your viewing at any time. Visit us at the following link, http://www.djjnewsandviews.org/2012annualreport and read this custom DJJ publication using a special app allowing readers to turn the pages presenting graphs, maps, tables, photos, stories and full color illustrations.
This year's Annual Report called, "Accepting the Challenge", is dedicated to nationally recognized master painter, sculptor, and muralist Emanuel Martinez who has used his art to create a legacy of learning for Georgia's youth in detention. Emanuel's motivational mural designs illustrate the interior cinderblock walls in five of DJJ's Youth Development Campus facilities.
The Emanuel Murals concept crosses every cultural and language barrier to help DJJ reinforce a crucial message of choice to our youth in custody and offers an environment of hope, expectation and possibilities. The Emanuel Murals also show our youth they can take advantage of learning and recovery offered here and look toward a more promising future.
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles encourages readers to admire the mural illustrations in the Annual Report and to review the accompanying profiles, projections and trends in juvenile justice. Commissioner Niles says the Annual Report demonstrates how DJJ Staff have used best practices, quality services and high performance standards to drive the Juvenile Justice agenda during the last year.
The Commissioner says the Annual Report also validates DJJ Staff commitment to adapt to agency growth throughout times of recent change, while this department has undergone various restructurings. "In 2013, we will witness this state enter another new era of juvenile justice reform

changes that will become guideposts to our mission," Commissioner Niles says in his dedication message. "I believe achieving the spirit of that law and reform will ultimately depend upon the strength of our Department of Juvenile Justice staff."
Governor Nathan Deal echoes that message from Georgia's gold dome:
"This year's publication of DJJ's comprehensive Annual Report coincides with my signing of Georgia's landmark House Bill 242," the Governor says in his dedication message. "At this pivotal time, it is up to you, the dedicated men and women at Georgia's Department of Juvenile Justice, to move your agency forward into a new decade of progress and leadership in your field. Under this new law, we'll create better outcomes for our youth and for our communities. On behalf of all Georgians, thank you for the vital public service you provide our state," says Governor Deal.
Read Governor Deal's entire statement about Georgia's landmark House Bill 242; read more about Commissioner Niles' comments on "Accepting the DJJ Challenge"; and read the background story behind DJJ's Annual Report dedication to muralist Emanuel Martinez at http://www.djjnewsandviews.org/2012annualreport.
Read the 2012 Annual Report Here
DJJ PREA PROGRAM MANAGER'S PROJECT FEATURED IN NATIONAL CORRECTIONS PUBLICATION
Commissioner Avery D. Niles is pleased to announce the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is receiving national acknowledgement for its sexual safety strategies in juvenile justice detention settings.
A three-page article on DJJ's Zero Tolerance action-plans to prevent sexual abuse in youth detention centers appears in this summer's edition of 'Corrections Today Magazine'. 'Corrections Today' is the official publication of the American Correctional Association.
The featured story in the magazine's Juvenile Justice News section was written by DJJ's designated PREA Coordinator, Adam Barnett. Entitled "PREA Compliance Measures Under Way at Georgia's DJJ", the article details preparations in progress at Georgia's Department of Juvenile Justice. PREA Coordinator Adam Barnett

chronicles agency efforts to meet the extensive national standards required under the federal Prison Rape Elimination Act. Barnett wrote the update at the request of the nationally recognized criminal justice publication.
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In Their Own Words....
Continue reading and you will discover a side of DJJ that we rarely have an opportunity to share. The public may believe juvenile justice is just another occupation - a way to make a dollar. But at the end of the day, you and your colleagues know DJJ is how we each find our own way to make a difference in the lives of youth in our care and custody. Some describe our work with troubled youth as thankless - But fortunately you consider it a calling. This is a DJJ news feature about you - About your countless acts of daily kindness - About the public you serve and the needs you meet without seeing regular recognition from that public Until now. Occasionally, one of those youth or their families find time to write about your tireless efforts and how you helped turn around one young life when nothing else seemed to take effect. The Communications Unit has been collecting letters from Staff like you to share with all our deserving DJJ Teammates. As one veteran DJJ department manager told us, "..You won't always see all the good you did for a young person immediately. Often times you won't see it until years later when you see a young adult in passing who can then articulate what a difference "YOU" made.." Of course, we're keeping the names of the youth in these letters private and changing the names of their facilities, family members, and even the DJJ Staff they wrote about. These Staff members are sharing their own letters to reassure you what a positive force for change you have become. The following letter (with edits) came from a grateful grandmother.. IN HER OWN WORDS..

Dear DJJ,
Until 2010, my granddaughter Chris (not her real name) was an honest, fun-loving honor student who was deeply involved in sports and to most people it looked like she had it all together. But what couldn't be seen were the problems stemming from the last 13 years of serious family issues that she had not dealt with.
Chris ended up out of school, hanging out with the wrong crowd and on the wrong side of the law. That's how she ended up under JPPS Smith (not her real name).
The past year, I have had moments when I thought I could see the light at the end of the tunnel and some moments I felt like I was fighting a losing battle. Through it all, JPPS Smith was not only a probation officer to her, but a friend as well; assuring us she had her best interest at heart.
JPPS Smith was professional in her dealings yet at the same time personal enough to gain her trust and confidence. Chris would make comments such as, she could talk to JPPS Smith and trust her and she tried to help her without judging her.
When teenagers have a rough upbringing or one day find themselves going down the wrong road they need someone to guide them back ... not force them back. JPPS Smith knew how to do just that.
During the past year, I didn't see JPPS Smith going to work to make her 8 hours, but rather to make a difference in the lives of teens that no one else could reach.
So many times adults and people in authority are quick to judge and write these kids off as trouble makers or losers, but JPPS Smith looks beyond their faults and mistakes and sees what they can become. In my granddaughter's case, she went beyond her call of duty to make sure she didn't lose this opportunity.
Chris could be sitting in juvenile detention believing she was a hopeless cause that no one cared about, but because JPPS Smith believed in her even when she didn't deserve it and because she never gave up on her, she now has her GED diploma, has enrolled in college and has her own way to get to school and work. A year ago, no one would have given her any kind of hope.
I can't express my gratitude for having someone like JPPS Smith who not only works for DJJ to make a living, but also to help kids see their self-worth and see a future they can look forward too.
I don't know what we would have done this past year without her help and guidance and I wanted you to know what a wonderful job I think she is doing.
Sincerely,
A thankful grandmother
(END OF LETTER)
Along with this grateful Georgia family, Commissioner Avery D. Niles shares his message of thanks for all you do for the Department of Juvenile Justice. Commissioner Niles said, "Sometimes when work becomes especially demanding, we all have those moments when we might question if we're really making a difference. But I encourage you, that even when you don't see immediate change in our youth, you should know that I consider the work you do every day a valued commitment."

"This family's letter is a treasure to be shared by us all and the progress made by this youth is inspirational," said Commissioner Niles. "I sincerely thank the DJJ Staff member who shared this letter to help motivate us to a higher level of public service. Keep up the good work, thank you for your service and know others are also proud of you for all the good you do each day."
The Communications Team extends its appreciation to the DJJ Staff member who provided this inspiring letter. On behalf of Commissioner Avery D. Niles, we thank you for helping us bring another "Positive Message for Change" to this profession and to the DJJ workplace.
Whether you serve in Corrections, Counseling, Education, Health or any of the many professional fields it takes to support youth in our care and custody, if you have received a letter of thanks from a DJJ parent or youth, please send us a copy so we can share it with your colleagues. Let it serve as an example to all of your 4,200 DJJ family members throughout the state. Let us hear from you soon so we can regularly publish your DJJ success letters ... IN THEIR OWN WORDS..
Send your special letters to jimshuler@djj.state.ga.us . If you are a parent or guardian of a DJJ youth with a positive story to tell, let us hear from you too.
"KNOW THE LAW"...
This issue of "FYI @ DJJ" features another installment of DJJ's new "Do You Know the Law?" website. This teen legal forum site was envisioned by Commissioner Avery D. Niles to help teens become better informed about our state legal system and to avoid negative encounters with Georgia's juvenile justice system.
DJJ is partnering with nationally recognized author J. Tom Morgan to use excerpts from the former DeKalb County District Attorney's book entitled, "A Teenager's Guide to Georgia Law". As a child advocate, attorney J. Tom Morgan compiled his guide to defend young people against becoming victims and perpetrators of crimes. Relying on real-life cases from his career experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, examples in Morgan's book often bring reactions of disbelief and dismay from both teens and parents who read about the consequences of reckless teen actions.
Attorney Morgan also calls his book, "Ignorance Is No Defense". He and DJJ Commissioner Niles share a common concern for teens who don't understand they're responsible for violations of law, even if they don't realize their actions are illegal before they commit the crime.

With the author's permission, DJJ is sharing share excerpts of Georgia laws that can impact the freedom of Georgia teens every day. But this feature is meant as a guide, not as legal advice. Anyone who has trouble with the law should talk to their lawyer.
EXAMPLE: Here's an example of a common "Ignorance Is No Defense" situation involving marijuana that can seriously affect Georgia teens.
DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that passing a joint to a friend is a felony and that passing a joint to a friend on school property is a separate felony?
SCENARIO: Person A, who is 17 years old, shares a joint with a friend on school property on a summer night when school is not in session. Person A is arrested by the police and charged with two crimes: (1) distributing marijuana (a felony with punishment of one-to-ten years in prison) .. and (2) distributing marijuana within a school safety zone (a felony with punishment up to twenty years in prison).
BEFORE THE CRIME: Prior to Person A's arrest, Person A did not know that sharing a joint with a friend on school property violated two separate Georgia laws.
OUTCOME: Person A cannot use "ignorance of the law' as a defense!
DJJ'S monthly newsletter and "News & Views" on-line publication will feature more examples of serious criminal laws that can impact Georgia juveniles. For more examples of surprising "No Defense"scenarios in Georgia, visit our "KNOW THE LAW" webpage at this link:
http://www.djjnewsandviews.org/knowthelaw
DISCLAIMER: "Know The Law" is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. To obtain legal advice, speak with an attorney. The law varies from state to state and outcomes of individual legal matters can vary depending on the particular facts and circumstances. This DJJ feature does not create an attorney-client relationship between either the author of this feature or any attorney included in this feature and any reader of this feature.

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Encouraging Positive Outcomes: Muscogee MSC When it comes to preventive measures to encourage positive outcomes for local youths, the Muscogee Multi-Service Center walks the walk to back up the talk. The Center participated in a Girls Conference called "Beauty Boot Camp" at the New Birth Outreach Church in Midland, Georgia. JPPS II's Knyetta Copeland, Tiffany Shorter, and Jasmine Harris spoke to about eighty girls from the area about their jobs at DJJ, the juvenile justice system, and the importance of making positive life choices to avoid becoming part of the correctional system.
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State honors DA's office team Recently, the Cherokee County Child Fatality Review Team team was named Prevention Team of the Year

for its accomplishments in investigating suspicious child deaths in the county and using data to generate prevention initiatives.
The State of Georgia's Office of the Child Advocate at the Annual Child Fatality Training recently recognized the team's efforts on June 6 and the Georgia House of Representatives passed a resolution April 9, commending the committee for receiving this award. The group is comprised of individuals from local agencies, including the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Together, the Cherokee County Child Fatality Review Team works to detect correctable issues within the child welfare system. According to the Statewide Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel, this is accomplished by "promoting more accurate identification and reporting of child fatalities, evaluating the prevalence and circumstances of both child abuse and child fatalities, and developing and monitoring the statewide child injury prevention plan."
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DJJ Excellence: Dee Bell
The Department of Juvenile Justice is proud to announce Community Services Division Program Coordinator Dee Bell was awarded the prestigious Walter Dunbar Award by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) at their Summer Training Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. The Award is the most prominent practitioner award given by the APPA and presented in honor of one of the APPA's most distinguished colleagues. The Walter Dunbar Memorial Award is presented to worthy individuals who have significantly contributed to the field of probation and parole and the community at large through work with the APPA.

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DJJ Partners with the Provost Academy
Recently, the Department of Juvenile Justice through its Division of Community Services and Office of Education partnered with the Provost Academy to provide an alternative educational opportunity for youth unable to attend their local schools. Running through August 1st, Enrollment Fairs for the Provost Academy took place in Fulton, DeKalb, Muscogee, Bibb, Richmond, Chatham, Newton, Worth, Houston, and Tift County DJJ Offices. A total of 121 DJJ youth (and one parent) were registered to attend.
The Provost Academy is a stateauthorized online high school offering students personalized learning plans, a wide range of course options, and college credit opportunities. The Department of Juvenile Justice is proud to offer this educational opportunity for youth in its care. For more information on the Provost Academy, visit them on the web at http://ga.provostacademy.com/PagaLeads/index.html.
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GWINNETT HITS: SERVING THE COMMUNITY IN GEORGIA AND BEYOND
As a deadly tornado tore through the downtown and suburbs of Oklahoma City in May, a spark of inspiration and compassion began to germinate amongst a group of youth more than seven hundred miles away. Within days of the tragedy in Oklahoma, the Gwinnett HITS Team (High Intensity Supervision Program) sprang into action to provide help to the survivors of the storm. Working with the American Red Cross, the Gwinnett HITS Team collected donations of drinking water and other nonperishable items to be shipped directly to Oklahoma. In addition to the items donated and collected, HITS youth were encourage to write letters of support to the affected families.
Working with Oklahoma families was not the only recent activity for the Gwinnett HITS Team. Partnering with the DeKalb Sheriff Department, the DeKalb District Attorney Office, and the DeKalb Solicitor General, DJJ youth were proud to participate in their annual Community Day with the Sheriff. With the Community Day Workshop, local youth are taught about the current dangers for kids in society and how important it is for one's future to stay in school and do well. Despite the serious and important message of the day, all who participated had a good time with bowling, pizza, and getting the chance to talk to their peers. Gwinnett HITS members also distributed school supplies to all attendees.
At the White County Court Service Office, the destination was the journey this summer at Camp Journey. Camp Journey is a three week long summer day camp based in Cleveland, Ga. that affords opportunities to low income and at-risk youth to experience camp life firsthand. Through the collaborative efforts of many local agencies, Camp Journey

has always been free for those who wish to attend.
Based on a hands-on approach to nature and the wild, youth attending Camp Journey learn to face challenges they would not otherwise experience. Young campers are encouraged to make and reach goals in a fast paced, fun filled environment. DJJ's White CSO is proud to be associated with this great organization.
Giving back to the community is an important goal of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the DeKalb MSC takes that consideration to heart. As part of their Community Service Service Learning Project, the DeKalb MSC HITS Unit recently visited the Atlanta Mission Center to help those most in need of support from their community.
The Atlanta Mission Center is Atlanta's largest and longest-running provider of services to homeless men, women, and children. Established in 1938, Atlanta Mission provides emergency shelter, temporary shelter, recovery programming, job attainment and transitional housing for more than 950 men, women and children each day.
As part of this eye-opening service project, DeKalb MSC youth were assigned to take part in the daily activities of the shelter, including kitchen clean-up and serving lunch. After the planned activities, members of the Atlanta Mission recovery programming division told DJJ youth their personal stories about homelessness, stressing the importance of family in a fulfilling life, and the need to stay away from drugs, crime and other destructive temptations.

As our new school year begins, Secure Facilities staff will attend and participate in the Education Open House held at each facility during August and September. Sumter YDC, Savannah RYDC, and MK Glaze RYDC have had successful open houses with interested parents and siblings and other family members attending. The Open Houses provide families the opportunity to not only meet the teachers and education staff but also the respective Facility and Central Office leadership teams while visiting with their child.
- On August 6th, the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice helped celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the National Night Out Against Crime. Joining forces with the City of Atlanta Department of Corrections, the City of Atlanta Police Athletic League, and the College Park Police Department, DJJ was proud to promote crime prevention awareness and law enforcement partnership with local Georgia communities.
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The Office of Victim Services in coordination with its partner agency, the GovernorTMs Office for Children and Families, is serving as a co-lead chair for CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) At-Risk Workgroup. Currently, the Workgroup is partnering with community organizations to identify resources and develop best practice approaches for youth who are at-risk for exploitation.
The Office of Victim Services represented the Department at the APPA Conference in Savannah and the Georgia Juvenile Services Association. At the APPA conference, Victim Services helped provide national partners with the tools and information needed to engage community groups responding to the needs of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). For the Georgia Juvenile Services Association, Victim Services provided training and support for the GovernorTMs Office of Children and Families.
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The DJJ H-R department is hard at work on its recruiting campaign. On August 9th, DJJ staff members representing secure facilities from across the state participated in a job fair at the Lincoln Technical College in Marietta. Three interview panels were assembled to conduct on-the-spot interviews for the Atlanta YDC, Gainesville RYDC, Clayton RYDC, and Marietta RYDC. READ MORE
Working for the Department of Juvenile Justice can be an exciting career choice for individuals with the drive, determination, and passion to improve the lives of the youth in our care. In our "Professional Momentum" showcase, Commissioner Avery D. Niles and the DJJ Leadership Team want to recognize staff members who have recently been promoted or hired to key positions within the department. Commissioner Niles is pleased to announce this new online feature of the DJJ Newsletter, designed to welcome and congratulate those who strive to make DJJ a better work place every day.

PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: JAJUANA DEWBERRY
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and Northwest Regional Administrator Margaret Cawood are pleased to announce one of the newest Fulton Case Expeditors, Ms. Jajuana Dewberry.
Ms. Dewberry has spent 15 years serving the youth of Georgia. She began her career with the Department of Juvenile Justice in 1998 as an intern with the Claxton RYDC and then was hired as a JPPS II in the Evans County CSO. In 2002, Ms. Dewberry continued her career with DJJ in Clayton CSO where she has worked as a JPPS II, JPPS III and most recently a JPM.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: JONATHAN MCMICHAEL
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and Northwest District 5 are pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Jonathan McMichael as the JPM for the Walton CSO.
He started working for the Department on April 16, 2003, as a JPPS II at the Hart Court Services Office, where he supervised a caseload of Hart, Franklin, and Banks County youth. Mr. McMichael was promoted to JPPS III in October of 2006 and began working as the court intake worker for Hart CSO. In June of 2013, Mr. McMichael transferred to the Clarke CSO, where he supervised the sex offender caseload. He was then promoted to

JPM of the Walton CSO.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: SONYA ABRAMS
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and Director Lisa Casey Bryson are pleased to announce Sonya Abrams as the new Transportation Captain of the Office of Classification and Transportation Services. She came to the Transportation Unit in its infancy and have been a key part in its growth. Sonya has been with the Department of Juvenile Justice for 15 years. Twelve of those years were with the Transportation Unit. She has four years of Lieutenant experience and served as the Administrative Transportation Officer, performing administrative duties in the Captain's absence for 5 years. She brings unequalled expertise to the Transportation Captain position.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: JOHN HARP
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and Northeast Regional Administrator Debbie Alexander are proud to announce the promotion of John Harp as Rockdale RYDC Assistant Director of Security.
John Harp began his career with the Department of Juvenile Justice March 16, 2000 as a Juvenile Correctional Officer I at Griffin RYDC. In 2007, he was promoted to the rank of Juvenile Correctional Lieutenant at Griffin RYDC. In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, Chief of Security at DeKalb RYDC. In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, Chief of Security at DeKalb RYDC.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: MARGARETTE REDDING
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and Northeast Regional Administrator Debbie Alexander are proud to announce the promotion of Margarette Redding as Metro RYDC Unit Manager/Director 1.
She was promoted to a JCO II in 2003, Lieutenant in 2005, and Administrative Lieutenant in 2007. During her tenure with DJJ, she has participated in various trainings and has earned numerous certificates to include, but not limited to FEMA, Field Based Investigations, Management Development, Safe Crisis Management (Instructor), and P.O.S.T. certified General Instructor.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: DARIUS BINION
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and the Division of Secure Facilities are pleased to announce the promotion of Darius Binion to Facility Director at the Atlanta YDC.
Mr. Binion has more than ten years of experience in criminal justice operations. He began his career with the Georgia Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer. His last GDC position was on the Cobra Unit which is similar to DJJ S.M.R.T. He started with the DJJ team in 2012 as the Macon RYDC Assistant Director of Security and completed the DJJ S.E.R.T Basic Training Course. He joined the Atlanta YDC this spring as Assistant Director of Security and has been serving as Acting Director since June.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: THOMAS BUTTS JR.
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and Division of Secure Facilities Regional Administrator Ronnie Richardson are proud to announce the promotion of Thomas Butts to Director of the Augusta RYDC.
Thomas Butts Jr. began his career with Georgia Department of Corrections in 1984 as a Correctional Officer at Rivers Correctional Institution. In 2001, he transferred to the Augusta Transitional Center as Security Chief and served as the Acting Assistant Superintendent. In August of 2012, Mr. Butts transitioned to the Department of Juvenile Justice as the Director of Gwinnett RYDC.

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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: JERMAINE LANGO
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and Division of Secure Facilities Regional Administrator Ronnie Richardson are proud to announce the promotion of Jermaine Lango to the Director of Sandersville RYDC. Jermaine Lango began his employment with the Department of Juvenile Justice beginning in July 1, 1997 as a Juvenile Correctional Officer I at Bill E. Ireland YDC. In 2011, Jermaine was promoted to Associate Director at Sandersville RYDC. During his DJJ tenure, Lango has assisted with efforts at several facilities throughout the state to provide operational stability. Jermaine is currently a subject matter expert for the Sergeant's Academy.
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3408 Covington Highway - Decatur, GA - 30032 Phone: 404-508-6500 / Fax: 404-508-7289 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice