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

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Winter 2014

www.djjnewsandviews.org/fyiatdjj

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 Niles Appointed to Child Advocate Nominating Committee Governor Nathan Deal has appointed DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles to the

nominating committee for the selection of Georgia's next head of the Office of the Child Advocate. The Governor's nominating committee is responsible for finding a deserving successor to current Child Advocate Tonya Boga, whose three year appointment is soon to be completed.
The nominating committee will recommend candidates for consideration for Georgia's Child Advocate position. Members will select from a pool of applicants who are qualified to perform duties for the Child Advocate job using their knowledge of the child welfare system, the Georgia legal system, and the juvenile justice system.
Commissioner Niles joins a statewide group of professionals who sit on the Child Advocacy nominating committee. The committee includes Cherokee County Juvenile Court Judge John Sumner, Carrollton Police Chief Joel Richards, Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney Jackie Johnson, DHS Commissioner Keith Horton, Georgia COO Bart Gobiel, and Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities Commissioner Frank Berry.
The vision for the Georgia Office of the Child Advocate is to be the first place for those in government and the private sector to turn for advice, assistance, and aid using proven, evidence-based practices to assist the at-risk families and foster children of our state.
READ MORE

GPA Food Services Wellness Goals
The Department of Juvenile Justice Food Services Division is proud to provide information to other food and nutrition sites across the country that can help you provide a healthier environment for the youth in your life. The Office of Nutrition and Food Services is responsible for meeting the nutritional and dietary needs of youth housed in DJJ facilities. This goal is accomplished by providing continuous education, training and support for the food service staff, menu design and distribution, and nutrition education information.
READ MORE
DJJ Cares: Thanksgiving Support Across Georgia For most Americans, Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and support for our families and the community at large. At the Department of Juvenile Justice, employees take the spirit of Thanksgiving to heart by going above and beyond the call of duty to those most of need of help. During the recent holiday, the staff from the Muscogee MSC, Muscogee Intake, and Muscogee CSO provided a Thanksgiving luncheon for the homeless and less fortunate members of the local community. Lunch was provided entirely through donations from generous staff. Over fifty meals were provided to those in need. At the Dodge County Court Services Office, a

recent home visit of a youth current under the supervision of the court by Pulaski County JPPS Jeff Lowery and Community Supervision Specialist Jessie Mincey, led to additional help. A routine safety plan compliance of the home turned up missing window panes and not much in the way of food in the family refrigerator. While the family was attempting to make the best of their current circumstances, it was obvious that the family was having some issues and this weighed on the hearts of both of the DJJ supervisors. Thanksgiving support was needed.
Read more about Muscogee CSO here
Read more about Dodge County CSO here
In Their Own Words....
This is a news feature about all DJJ Staff -- About your countless acts of daily kindness-- About the public you serve and the needs you meet without seeing regular recognition from that public. 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. 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 letters (with edits) came from committed DJJ youth..

IN THEIR OWN WORDS..
Youth Letter Number One: "Why I don't ever wont to come back"
Dear DJJ Staff Member Jones, (not her real name)
I don't ever wont to come back to (a DJJ secure facility) because first I will be respectful to my mother, father and teachers and other adults. I will do what they ask me to do at all times, when they ask me to clean up my room, do dishes, and anything else they ask me to do with out them having to tell me twice and over and over again. I will do it the first time they tell me without back talking.
Secondly I don't needed to be in jail. I have school to finish and I need to repair for high school and don't need to be preparing for jail.
I also will make better decision and choices. I do ever thing right in the house so that I don't have to run away. I also will set a better example for my baby sister so that she can exceed in life. That's why I will never come back to (a DJJ secure facility).
I'm going to miss you
DJJ Youth Number One
******
Youth Letter Number Two: "Going to Change"
Dear DJJ Staff Member Jones, (not her real name)
I don't want to end up in this (DJJ secure facility) because it's no where I will love to be at. It's not a fun place. There's NO FREEDOM, NO GOOD FOOD I LIKE TO EAT & YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO WATCH YOUR BACK.
I am going to start being myself and stop getting attitudes fast. I am going to learn to stay in the right crowd. Im starting to stay in the right crowd. Im starting to start back saying yes ma'm. No ma'm, yes sir, no sir.
I only got two more months in middle school. Im going to stay in school and do better. Im going to take a brake from being too close with my sister. I'm going to start doing the right things so I won't be in (a DJJ secure facility) or dead.
Thank You for my Reality Check
DJJ Youth Number Two
(END OF LETTERS)
As one veteran DJJ 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..'
Along with these grateful youth, Commissioner Avery D. Niles shared 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."
"These letters from committed youth are treasures to be shared by us all and the progress made by these youth is inspirational," said Commissioner Niles. "I sincerely thank the DJJ Staff member who shared these letters to help motivate us to a higher level of public service. I ask each of you to keep up the good work. I thank all of you for your service and I know others are also proud of you for all the good you do here each day."
The DJJ Communications Team extends its appreciation to the DJJ Staff member who provided these inspiring letters. On behalf of Commissioner Avery D. Niles and the Executive Management Team, 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, Administration, 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 share a copy with us so we can share it with your colleagues. Let it serve as an inspiration and example to all of your 4,200 DJJ family members throughout the state. Let us hear from you soon so we can publish a new letter of DJJ success every month...IN THEIR OWN WORDS..
Send your special letters to jimshuler@djj.state.ga.us.
Do You Know the Law?
"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.
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 an "Ignorance Is No Defense" situation involving consensual sexual relations among teens that can seriously affect young people in Georgia.
DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that a teenage couple having sexual relations can result in an arrest for statutory rape even If one of the teens tells the other he or she is 16-- (and they're not?)
AND.. Did you know that the charge for statutory rape can be made even if the other person under 16 years old consents to have sex?
SCENARIO: Person A is 17 years old. Person A believes that Person B is 16 years old. Person B tells Person A that Person B is 16 years old and looks at least 16 years old. Person A has sexual intercourse with Person B. Person B is actually 15 years old. Person A is guilty of statutory rape.
BEFORE THE CRIME: Prior to Person A's arrest, Person A did not know that Person A could be charged with statutory rape if Person A made an honest mistake about the other person's age.
OUTCOME: Person A cannot use "ignorance of the law" as a defense!
The legal age for consent to sexual contact in Georgia is 16 years old. Sexual contact means any type of sexual activity, including intimate touching of the other person's body.
The crime of statutory rape occurs when a person has sexual intercourse with a person under 16 years of age.

Relying on real-life cases from his career experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, examples like these in attorney J. Tom Morgan's book often bring reactions of disbelief and dismay from both teens and parents who read about the consequences of reckless teen actions. 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/
Read more
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.

Toombs County Service Learning Project: American Red Cross
Last month, several DJJ youth from Toombs County learned about emergency response planning by participating in a Service Learning Project sponsored by the American Red Cross. The scenario presented the youth had real world implications: what would be the emergency response be if the local Plant Hatch nuclear plant experienced a meltdown disaster?
Held at the Toombs County Middle School where the American Red Cross houses individuals during real emergencies, the DJJ youth helped arrange many of the stations of the model emergency center. After creating the post decontamination sign-in station, DJJ volunteers also helped to create both a medical room and shelter room for potential victims. A temporary cafeteria also was created where youth prepared snacks for the would-be participants.
Read more
Coweta CSO: Corral Duty
Earlier this month, youth from the Coweta Court Services Office HITS (High Intensity Team Supervision) program got to spend an afternoon around the barnyard as part of a service learning project with Coweta CORRAL. The Coweta CORRAL, the Coweta Organization for Riding, Rehabilitation and Learning, operates programs involving horses that benefit the public and/or serve individuals with special needs, including but not limited to equine assisted activities and therapies.
Read more

DJJ Medical Director Receives National Honors
Commissioner Avery D. Niles of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is pleased to announce DJJ Medical Director, Dr. Michelle Staples-Horne, is the recipient of the 2013 Armond Start Award for Professional Excellence from the Society of Correctional Physicians (SCP). Dr. StaplesHorne received this high honor at the SCP's October 27th meeting in Nashville, TN.
Read more
November marks the one-year anniversary of my appointment by Governor Deal as the Commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice. Looking back, I want to share some insights from the last 365 days with this Department. I am happy to say that we have witnessed many accomplishments together over the past year and I would like to recognize some of those with you.
We have seen the successful passage of Georgia's Juvenile Justice Reform legislation and the Governor signing HB 242 into law. We have restructured the Department's organization chart. We have added new members to the agency's outstanding leadership team.
Inside the classrooms of the state's 181st school district, we have observed a promising increase in the graduation rate of our youth in custody, based on upgrades to our educational programming. Concurrently, our youth-on-youth assault rates have diminished from year to year.

We have updated more than 900 officers' training records with POST to ensure that all of our certified corrections staff will be found in good standing. We also have approval from POST Council to increase our Basic Juvenile Corrections Officer training from a 4-week course to a professional 5-week course.
READ MORE
After D-A Calls DJJ Polygraph Director as Expert Witness.. Defense Team Withdraws their own Polygraph Evidence
When an investigation at the Department of Juvenile Justice requires testimony that's been lie detector-tested, investigators put in a call for DJJ's Polygraph Director, Jerry Rowe.
Rowe is a 30-year retired Agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation where he specialized in sex cases. He spent seven of those years at the GBI working polygraphs. And as a local newspaper once described him while he worked polygraphs for the Bartow County Sheriff's Office, "You bare your soul to Jerry Rowe."
This summer, the District Attorney in Brunswick called-in DJJ's Polygraph Director Jerry Rowe as an expert witness to help refute polygraph testimony for a hearing in a high profile Coastal Georgia homicide case. But before that hearing concluded, Jerry Rowe's case research resulted in the defense team withdrawing their own polygraph evidence altogether. And the opposing polygraph examiner, who came to testify on behalf of the defense, admitted in open court that he'd been caught in a lie.
Read more

2013 GEORGIA PREPARATORY ACADEMY TEACHER OF THE YEAR CEREMONY
On November 20th, the Georgia Preparatory Academy held its Teacher of the Year Ceremony at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia.
The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Teacher of the Year program is designed to recognize and honor teachers that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to provide the best educational opportunities for the youth that have been entrusted in their care. Using an organizing committee, a reward structure has been implemented to provide an incentive system for the teachers that have been selected to represent their facilities, regions, and the Department of Juvenile Justice. The committee consists entirely of former DJJ Teachers of the Year.
The selection process for this year's Teacher of the Year finalists included the following for each facility:
Every staff in the Education Department will vote on a Teacher Nominee to represent their facility.
All teachers that are selected must have at least 1 year of teaching experience.
Each candidate must be in good standing as a teacher and employee; and cannot be currently under any level of the EAD Process.
Nominees should be screened for excessive tardiness and absentees.
All selected Teachers of the Year Nominees will be approved by the facility management team.
All nominees must have a clear renewable teaching certificate as required in the GA TOTY guidelines.
Once the facilities have made their choices for Teacher of the Year, there is a regional

process which includes:
Regional Principals will select a finalist from the perspective sites in their regions. Selections will be based on teacher performance and other attributes that makes them an outstanding teacher.
Once the Regional Finalist are selected; they will be notified by their Regional Principal and presented with the GA TOTY Packet.
There are a total of 4 regional Finalist that will compete for the Georgia Preparatory Academy Teacher of the Year.
Finalist must submit the Georgia Teacher of the Year Packet as well as be observed by the Teacher of the Year Committee.
The Georgia Preparatory Academy Teacher of the Year will represent the Department of Juvenile Justice in May 2014 for the Georgia Department of Education Teacher of the Year. They will be awarded at a banquet with all Georgia School Districts Teachers of the Year Nominees.
Read more

The Holidays. Just the phrase conjures up visions of turkey, Christmas trees, presents, parties, and seasonal joy and good-will. Unfortunately, for many of people, the holidays are a time to reflect on past defeats, mistakes, rejections, and to experience anxiety and despair. But with a little awareness, we can recognize and combat holiday depression.
Many factors contribute to holiday depression, including: increasingly hectic holiday schedules; financial stress caused by holiday shopping and entertaining; feelings of sadness caused by failures, real or perceived, over the past year; feelings of loneliness, especially for people who are unable to be with loved ones; and unrealistic expectations. Even individuals who do not usually experience symptoms of depression may fall prey to such symptoms as fatigue, poor sleep, headaches, anxiety, and excessive drinking. For individuals who do have depression, symptoms can be intensified. People may be embarrassed to admit they are depressed during what "should" be "the most wonderful time of the year," and often suffer in silence.
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Recently, the Muscogee Youth Development Campus concluded its second twelve week session of its Helping Hounds Across Georgia collaboration with the Harris County Humane Society. Using dogs that were abandoned at the shelter or simply found in the street, volunteers from the Harris County Humane Society come to the Muscogee YDC each Friday to teach DJJ youth in the art of training undisciplined dogs. Without intervention, the dogs brought to the facility would not have as long a life expectancy, so the work done by the DJJ youth is of vital importance.
In addition to the direct visits to the Muscogee YDC by the Harris County Humane Society, DJJ youth who meet the criteria to participate have supervised visits to the kennels to insure sanitation, exercise, and training. The ultimate goal for each dog involved in Hounds Across Georgia is being adoption ready by the end of the twelve week session.

READ MORE
One of the more rewarding aspects of working at the Department of Juvenile Justice is the ability to reach out and provide unique learning experiences for youth who have never had the chance to enjoy life moments that many of us take for granted. Whether it is spending time learning about the arts or spending time outdoors in nature, Service Learning Projects are a small but important way for the young people in our care to enjoy life experiences while connecting with their community. Recently, the Department of Juvenile Justice's Dodge Court Services Office along with the Department of Natural Resources held a service learning project at the Dykes River Landing in Bleckley County. Over twelve local youth participated in a day of cleaning the river, lawn maintenance, and structural painting. READ MORE

Cooking with the Aaron Cohn RYDC
Earlier this month, the youth at the Aaron Cohn RYDC got into the Thanksgiving spirit by decorating banners for an upcoming Fall Harvest. As part of the decorative festivities, a competition was held where the winning team would receive a cooking skills class as a reward.
Using the motto, "VOICE: Let Your Voice Be Heard", the youth from the Aaron Cohn APod won the banner competition and were able to participate in the cooking skills class held by Ms. Tanya Bryant of the non-profit organization, Isaiah's House. In addition to being a great cook and teacher, Ms. Bryant is a dedicated volunteer at the Aaron Cohn RYDC.
Read more
DJJ at the Thomas County Literary Fair
The Thomas County Certified Literate Community Program (CLCP), a consortium of literacy providers and other friends of literacy, held their sixth annual Literacy Fair on Thursday, October 24th 2013, to raise awareness of local efforts to combat illiteracy. While estimates of illiteracy top 33% in this area, numerous local organizations are working hard to increase literacy levels in the areas of reading, financial, health, workforce management, and education.
Many local agencies, including public schools, mental health agencies, law enforcement, and several state agencies (including the Thomas Count Health Dept., Thomas County Public Library, and Department of Family & Children Services) gathered in the parking lot of the public library to distribute literature about their specific organizations.

READ MORE
FYI at DJJ: Departmental News from around Georgia -- PAGE THREE
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: KAWAIN REESE
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and the Division of Community Services are pleased to announce the promotion of Kawain Reese to the position of Case Expeditor for the Macon RYDC in the SW Region.
Kawain Reese began his public service career as a Social Services Case Manager with the Bibb County Department of Family and Children Services. After two years with Social Services, Kawain began work with the Department of Juvenile Justice in September of 2006. After starting as an Intake Officer for Bibb County he transferred to Monroe County as a JPPS II. He later served as a school based probation officer for Mary Persons High School, Monroe County Alternative School, and Monroe County Middle School.
READ MORE
PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: ANTHONY MINNIGAN
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and the Division of Secure Facilities are pleased to announce the promotion of Anthony Minnigan to the position of Facility Director at Aaron Cohn RYDC.
Before his career with the Department of Juvenile Justice, Mr. Anthony Minnigan served 32 years in the United States Army holding assignments as a Military Policeman, Correctional Officer and Healthcare Recruiter. He has held numerous leadership positions ranging from Guard Commander, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Operations Sergeant and Battalion Command Sergeant Major. Mr. Minnigan's personal military citations include the Legion of Merit, (4) Meritorious Service Medals, (4) Army Commendation Medals, (5) Army Achievement Medals, (2) Army Superior Unit Awards, and (10) Army

Good Conduct Medals. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: FRA JOHNSON-MADDOX
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and the Division of Secure Facilities are pleased to announce the promotion of Mrs. Fra JohnsonMaddox to the position of Assistant Director of Security for the Atlanta YDC. Mrs. Fra Johnson-Maddox has worked for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice more than 15 years. She began her DJJ journey in 1995 at the Griffin RYDC as a part-time JCO I, while also working as a full-time Advisory Counselor for Angela's House Group Home. In 1999 she became a full-time team member for the department when she accepted a position as an Education Instructional Aide.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: JANET PINEIRO
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and the Division of Community Services are pleased to announce the promotion of Ms. Janet Leigh Pineiro to the position of Juvenile Program Manager position for the Colquitt County CSO.
Janet Pineiro began her career with Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice at Colquitt County CSO in 2007 as a JPPS II. In March 2013 Ms. Pineiro was promoted to a JPPS III leadership role at Colquitt CSO. She began her new Juvenile Program Manager position at Colquitt CSO in October 2013.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: MEREDITH DUNAWAY
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and the Decatur County Court Services Office are pleased to announce the promotion of Mrs. Meredith Dunaway to the position of JPPS III for the Decatur County HITS unit.
Mrs. Meredith Dunaway has been with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice since 2002 as a JPPS II in the Decatur County Court Services Office. She assumed her new duties as JPPS III for the Decatur County HITS Unit on November 1, 2013.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: SCOTTIE ELROD
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and the Decatur County Court Services Office are pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Scottie Elrod to the position of JPPS II with the Stephens CSO. JPPS Elrod held the position of JPPS I with the HITS Unit at the Barrow Court Services Office from 2004 until 2006 and continued to hold that position at the Stephens CSO from 2006 to present until his promotion to JPPS II.
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PROFESSIONAL MOMENTUM: AMANDA SHIRLEY
DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles and the Stephens CSO HITS unit are pleased to announce the promotion of Ms. Amanda Shirley to the position of JPPS III with the Stephens CSO. Before being promoted to a full-time JPPS II position with the Department of Juvenile Justice, since 2006 Ms. Shirley served as JPPS II at the Stephens and Hart Court Service Offices. During that time she was also working a part-time position as a Social Service Aide.
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3408 Covington Highway - Decatur, GA - 30032 Phone: 404-508-6500 / Fax: 404-508-7289 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice