FY2021
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SUPERVISION
WHERE PUBLIC SAFETY AND PROGRESS MEET
Office
Our Mission
Locations -- Georgia Department of Community Supervision
--Field Office Locations
As an integral part of the criminal justice system, we protect and serve
the state of Georgia through effective
Dade
Catoosa
Walker
DALTON
Fannin
Union
9
Towns
CLARKESVILLE Rabun
and efficient community supervision
Whitfield
LAFAYETTE
Chatooga
Murray
Gilmer
JASPER
Gordan
White Habersham
DAHLONEGA
Lumpkin
StTeOphCeCnOs A
while providing opportunities for East/West Territory Divide
Judicial Districts Judicial Circuits Within District
Pickens
Dawson
Floyd
ROME
Bartow
CARTERSVILLE
GAINESVILLE
CANTON Cherokee
CUMMING Forsyth
Hall
Banks
WINDER Jackson
Franklin
Hart
Madison
Elbert
ELBERTON
5 CEDARTOWN Polk 10 Haralson
DALLAS Paulding
MARIETTA
Cobb
LAWRENCEVILLE
Gwinnett
Barrow
Walton
Clarke ATHENS Oconee
Oglethorpe
Wilkes
successful outcomes. (Like connecting colors comprise a circuit)
DCS Office Location
Lincoln
DOUGLASVILLE Douglas ATLANTA
Fulton
DEKALB Rockdale CONYERS
MONROE
THOMSON
Carroll
CARROLLTON
Heard
Coweta
COURT SERVICES
Clayton MORROW
Fayette
COVINGTON Newton
Henry
FLINT
Morgan
Greene
Taliaferro
Putnam
Hancock
Warren
EVANS
Columbia
McDuffie
Richmond
6 NEWNAN
Spalding
Butts
Jasper
MILLEDGEVILLE
GRIFFIN
Glascock
Our Vision --
GREENVILLE
Lamar
Jefferson
Burke
LAGRANGE
Pike
BARNESVILLE
Jones
Baldwin
AUGUSTA
Troup
Meriwether
Upson
Monroe
Washington
To become the national
Harris
COLUMBUS Talbot
Crawford
Bibb
MACON
Wilkinson
Johnson
Jenkins
Screven
Twiggs
Muscogee
Taylor
Peach
SWAINSBORO
Emanuel
Bulloch
Chattahoochee
Marion
3
Schley
Macon
Stewart
Sumter
AMERICUS
Webster
WARNER ROBINS
Houston
Bleckley
EASTMAN
DUBLIN
Laurens
Treutlen Montgomery
Dooly
Pulaski
Wheeler
Toombs
Wilcox
Dodge
FITZGERALD
Telfair
Candler
STATESBORO
Effingham
Evans
Tattnall
REIDSVILLE
CLAXTON Bryan
Chatham
SAVANNAH
leader for innovative and progressive community supervision; we will accomplish this by:
Quitman
Terrell
DONALSONVILLE Lee
Randolph
Community SupervisionClay
Calhoun
ALBANY Dougherty
Locations
Early Miller
Baker
Mitchell
Crisp
Worth
Turner
TIFTON Tift
Ben Hill Irwin
Jeff Davis
Appling
Long
HAZLEHURST
Coffee
DOUGLAS
Bacon
Wayne
Liberty
1 McIntosh
2 Colquitt
Berrien Cook
Atkinson Clinch
Pierce
Ware
Brantley BRUNSWICK
Glynn
Embracing best and next evidence based practices
Utilizing an integrated
Seminole
Decatur
CAIRO
Grady
THOMASVILLE
Thomas
Brooks
Lanier
Lowndes
LAKELAND
VALDOSTA
Echols
WAYCROSS
Camden
WOODBINE
Charlton
approach to improve offender behavior
owns
CLARKESVILLE Rabun
hite Habersham
2021 Georgia Department of Community Supervision East/West Territory Divide
Effectively coordinating between all concerned
GA
StTeOphCeCnOs A
LE
Banks
Franklin
Hart
Judicial Districts Judicial Circuits Within District (Like connecting colors comprise a circuit)
DCS Office Location
WINDER Jackson
Madison
Elbert
ELBERTON
Barrow
on
ONROE
Clarke ATHENS Oconee
Oglethorpe
10
Wilkes
THOMSON
Lincoln
stakeholders Ensuring victim's voices
are heard and victim rights protected
Morgan TON n
Greene
Taliaferro
EVANS
Columbia
Jasper
Putnam
Hancock
MILLEDGEVILLE
Warren McDuffie
Richmond
Glascock
WE ARE #TEAMDCS
CORE
Accountability Integrity Selfless service Teamwork Personal and professional development
Table of Contents
--
By the Numbers | 8 #TeamDCS | 12 Notable Events | 15 Reentry | 24 Recidivism Reduction | 28 MPOU | 32 Wellness | 34 In The Community | 38
About Us
Commissioner's Greetings
Commissioner Nail
It is always an honor to present the annual report as it highlights and brings due consideration of the Department of Community Supervision's latest year of operation. I could not be more proud of the hardworking men and women who continually lend their efforts to make a difference and I remain humbled by the lives our work has positively impacted.
Like many organizations across the globe, numerous operation-
al enhancements we intended to pursue were designed to mitigate the impacts caused by the global public health emergency. However, our commitment to effectuate positive change in the lives of those we supervise, their families, and communities across Georgia enabled DCS to face many Covid-related disruptions with a great level of operational preparedness.
If the Georgia Department of Community Supervision has been recognized for anything, it is a commitment to leveraging innovative technology in conjunction with the latest research to effectuate positive change in the lives of individuals under supervision, their families, and communities across Georgia. Representatives from 14 states and countries across the globe as far away as Australia and Japan have either visited or worked with the Department to better understand our person-centered supervision model. This global recognition of this status is why DCS has been asked to present at numerous national and interna-
tional conferences. More important than the recognition, these advancements that are noted in this report enabled us to deliver much-needed services and programming to some of our most vulnerable populations.
Enhancing our new supervision philosophy, successfully implementing employee wellness and engagement initiatives, and launching real-time data dashboards were significant accomplishments that pushed the DCS team forward this year. We recognize that this was not accomplished in the short term, or in a silo. Instead, we will continue to work with those who partner in our mission and vision.
In closing, please know that this report is all about the amazing men and women who comprise our team. Without a doubt, their dedication to public service is what makes it all possible.
Michael W. Nail Commissioner
Department of Community Supervion
Executive Leadership
Our senior leadership team ensures the mission and vision of the Department remain at the forefront of our daily work. These leaders offer valuable strategic direction to our operations and to the community supervision profession.
Scott Maurer
Assistant Commissioner
Bert Flewellen
Chief Operating Officer
Sandra Thomas
Executive Operations Director
P-5
Barbara Neville
Human Resources Director
Phil Sellers
Chief Information Officer
Olivia Duke
Chief Financial Officer
Annual Report 2021 || External.Affairs@dcs.ga.gov.com || www.dcs.ga.gov
Board of Community Supervision
The Georgia Department of Community Supervision is provided oversight by an eleven-person board appointed by the Governor. The board meets regularly on the third Thursday on a quarterly basis unless otherwise noted. These public service professionals ensure the Department's actions serve the citizens of Georgia.
Heath Elliott
Board Member
Terry Barnard
Board Member
Sonja Fillingame
Board Member
Department of Community Supervion
Judy Fitzgerald
Board Member
Jimmy Kitchens
Board Member
Nick Norton
Board Member
Tyrone Oliver
Board Member
Jacqueline Bunn
Board Member
Steve Queen
Board Member
Timothy C. Ward
Board Member
P-7
P-8
By the Numbers
245,387
Cumulative total of all individuals under active DCS supervision
44,243
Count of supervision exits
132
Average caseload per community supervision officer
Department of Community Supervion
Expenditures
P-9
Annual Report 2021 || External.Affairs@dcs.ga.gov.com || www.dcs.ga.gov
Total Expenditures
FY 2020
$179,919,809
FY 2021
$ 174,436,073
*Not included in these figures are expenditures related to the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, which is administratively attached to DCS. The alignment of our agencies allows us to better identify and respond to domestic violence and its impacts within the families we serve.
Expenditures by Fund Source
State
$169,374,919
Federal
$2,296,708
Other
$7,764,445
Department of Community Supervion
Expenditures by Program
P-11
#TeamDCS
external.affairs@dcs.ga.gov || dcs.ga.gov
DCS will continue to invest in employee engagement efforts to ensure the Department attracts and retains dedicated employees who will be strong stewards of our resources and difference-makers in the community.
Department of Community Supervion
Our Employees
1,878
DCS employees
DCS employed 1,351 sworn staff, and 526 non-sworn staff, as of July 1, 2021.
Employee Engagement --
The Training Unit answered the need for accessibility in training availability by adding 14 additional online training courses to the DCS training catalog. They also enhanced the DCS leadership training track by adding Advanced Management Training (AMT), and revamping the Institute for Credible Leadership and Development (ICLD) training.
83,200
Hours of training
Professional development is a value for DCS and we invest heavily in our workforce. DCS believes in providing opportunities for our employees to enhance their talents so that we can remain a relevant and productive department. DCS employees received 83,200 hours of training in FY21--an average of 43 hours per sworn employee. DCS Training provided 535 courses, including 72 online courses.
P-13
Annual Report 2021 || External.Affairs@dcs.ga.gov.com || www.dcs.ga.gov
Fiscal Year 2021 was steeped in uncertainty as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic continued a world health crisis and affected the way people approach their livelihoods as well as how organizations approached their operations.
Given the contact-driven nature of the community supervision profession, the COVID-19 pandemic produced a disparate impact on community supervision agencies. Community supervision agencies were tasked to maintain public safety and work to prevent those under their care from reoffending. Fortunately, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision implemented strategic initiatives ahead of the public health crisis that well-positioned the Department to carefully mitigate operational concerns.
With initial metrics proving that the previous
measures implemented statewide were yielding meaningful results, departmental leadership tasked the Field Operations Division with expediting these supervision changes to stem the potential looming consequences of the pandemic. This task proved to be a valuable expedition as chiefs, officers, counselors, and staff were able to familiarize and normalize themselves with the new supervision philosophy ahead of the pandemic's brunt. The goal of the modifications were to maximize current DCS resources and focus them on the supervisee population that poses the greatest risk to public safety based on a validated risk
Department of Community Supervion
assessment score and are the most likely to fail under supervision
Centralized Reporting Unit
The DCS Centralized Reporting Unit (CRU) has several responsibilities. Supervisees are provided a telephone number and receive adequate instructions to call each month to report. The Centralized Reporting Unit
does not replace officer supervision; instead, it enhances supervision and gives some added responsibility to the supervisee. It is a modified reporting method for individuals that have been classified as low-risk.
During Fiscal Year 2021, the CRU expanded to 37 call agents, coordinated with our Information Technology Office to develop a Contact Supervisee Notification process for missed reports, conducted a Case Review for every Administrative case for all 50 Judicial Circuits within the State to assist local offices in identifying potential cases
for the Virtual Circuit, and took on the task of running all Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) inquiries for Field Staff. Each of the following provides a brief overview of this division's productivity and represent actions that will allow officers to focus their time on those who may need it most:
71,635 total calls answered by the CRU (4,517 hours spent answering and making calls) 10,452 messages sent - Providing information to the supervisee and general public 7,236 monthly average of cases monitored by the Virtual Circuit
P-15
Annual Report 2021 || External.Affairs@dcs.ga.gov.com || www.dcs.ga.gov
Risk Assessment
Internal data from the DCS Office of Strategic Planning and Research suggested that individuals who assessed as an 8 on the risk instrument were disproportionately revoked to incarceration compared to other scores. Cases with risk scores that range from 8-10 receive traditional supervision services from a DCS officer in addition to the monthly reporting requirement. By making this change, DCS began focusing resources on the three highest risk levels and setting an achievable performance goal for caseload carrying officers.
The pandemic has changed daily life for most people and organizations for the foreseeable future. Fortunately for DCS, facilitating change is at the core of the brave men and women who comprise our agency. It is because of these committed change agents that DCS is well-positioned to continue leading the way for innovative approaches to community supervision.
Department of Community Supervion
Looking Ahead
This Fiscal Year created a `new normal' in human behavior, business operations, and social connections across the globe. Fortunately for DCS, facilitating change is a `not so new normal.' The dedicated men
and women who comprise the agency understand pursuing innovation captures the core of the Department's vision, and modeling change is at the heart of the Department's mission.
"Whether through technology, data, or just kind-hearted common sense, we continue to view any uncertainty we may face as a way to improve and enhance the level of service our fellow Georgians deserve"
Pam Thrift Manager, DCS Centralized Reporting Unit
P-17
Annual Report 2021 || External.Affairs@dcs.ga.gov.com || www.dcs.ga.gov
Event
Leading the Way: Data-Driven Advancements
The increasing demand for data transparency has changed how criminal justice agencies report their outcomes. Standard reports are vestiges from the past and new technological advances have propelled tools such as interactive dashboards to the forefront of resourceful analysis. Fortunately for DCS, change is at the heart of our mission and leveraging technology to effectuate change is at the core of our vision. As such, FY 2021 saw phenomenal advancement in data-driven reporting, analysis, and publication.
audiences. The following information chronicles our progress throughout FY 2021 and the outstanding accomplishments made in regards to data-driven decision making.
Through our Division of Research and Analysis, DCS has gleaned industry-leading insights on how to approach the data transparency demand, what to do when challenges arise, and how to produce a product that satisfies multiple
#TeamDCS
Department of Community Supervion
Leveraging Technology
Interactive Dashboards
Increasing internal and external data transparency of Community Supervision in Georgia, the Strategic Planning & Research Division launched two interactive dashboards in FY21: (1) Total Population Dashboard and (2) Executive Dashboard. The Total Population Dashboard provides
stakeholders with immediate access to annual population data. The Executive Dashboard focuses on DCS's nine (9) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that drive the agency's strategic plan and mission.
"Our officers and staff work hard every day to ensure our communities are protected. Their dedicated efforts are what propels the quality of our data-driven approach and enables us to share meaningful, relevant, and useful information that will advance the Department and the profession"
Dr. Maria Stephenson Director of Research and Data Services
P-19
Annual Report 2021 || External.Affairs@dcs.ga.gov.com || www.dcs.ga.gov
P-20
Research Projects
In FY21, the Strategic Planning & Research Division collaborated with eight (8) external research partners on multiple projects to expand knowledge about the adult felony community supervision population, as
well as to identify areas for supervision enhancements. A brief overview of the collaborations and research projects are listed below:
Council of State Government (CSG) Mental Health Caseload Study
In partnership with the Council of State Governments (CSG), this project aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of DCS caseloads with particular focus on specialized mental health caseloads to (1) Evaluate responses to violations (2) Calculate overall supervision outcomes and (3) Assess DCS's fidelity to the specialized program design.
Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), Council of Accountability Court Judges (CACJ), and Georgia State University (GSU) Swift, Certain, & Fair (SCF) Sanctions
This is a collaborative effort with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), Council of Accountability Court Judges (CACJ), and Georgia State University (GSU) to develop a program that leverages existing state accountability courts to provide probation officers with an alternative avenue for implementing swift and certain sanctions for probationers at risk of revocation who have substance use disorders or chronic mental illness. The project scope includes: (1) Provide data to identify up to six pilot sites, (2) Identify population, (3) Hire Program Manager, (4)
Develop policies and guidance for officers to refer offenders to accountability courts, (4) Train pilot staff, (5) Implement program, (6) Refer 30 participants per pilot site by 1st yr. 4th qtr., and (7) Refer 30 participants per pilot site in years 2 and 3
Justice Reinvestment Initiative Data Repository
DCS has been asked to be a leading participant in the multi-agency 'Justice Reinvestment Initiative' data repository hosted by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC).
National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Community Corrections Report Card (CCRC)
This project, funded by the National Institute of Corrections, will validate a standardized community corrections report card or audit tool for eventual public domain use. The review will include a DCS self-audit as well as an external audit conducted by the research partner. The validation will include a comparison between self and external audits and these will be compared to various outcome data using rates provided for the previous calendar year.
Department of Community Supervion
Urban Institute Procedural Justice in Community Supervision
The Urban Institute, in partnership with the American Probation and Parole Association, and the Center for Court Innovation (CCI), with support from Arnold Ventures, developed and piloted a new procedural justice training curriculum for probation officers. CCI staff delivered the pilot training to 41 DCS Community Supervision Officers. The primary goal of this undertaking was to determine if the training impacted officer-supervisee interactions and supervision outcomes. SB174 Policy Assessment Reviewing legislative interventions is a necessary aspect of our development as a Department. As such, DCS participated in the SB174 policy assessment research conducted by Urban Institute. The project consists of the Urban Institute assessing the impact of Behavioral Incentive Dates and Early termination for reducing probation sentence lengths.
The assessment also examines how these reforms have affected probation sentences imposed, preliminary outcomes for eligible people on probation, and how the reforms have been implemented.
Applied Research Solutions (ARS) and RTI Integrated Dynamic Risk Assessment for Community Supervision (IDRACS)
In collaboration with RTI International and Applied Research Services Inc. (ARS), the goal of this project is to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) software tool termed IDRACS (Integrated Dynamic Risk Assessment for Community Supervision). IDRACS will incorporate dynamic risk factors and indicators to more effectively model the risk posed by individuals under community supervision and inform supervision strategies in real time.
P-21
P-22
Published Reports
In addition to external research, the Strategic Planning & Research Division conducts internal research that leads strategic discussions about our agency's
operations. In FY21, five research reports were published. Those reports and a brief overview are listed below:
Supervisee Pulse Survey DCS conducted its first Supervisee Pulse Survey to gauge how supervisees perceive the use of video interactions as a means to communicate with officers. The insights into supervisees' experiences gained from this survey serve as a valuable
resource for improving the quality and efficiency of community supervision in Georgia.
Senate Bill 174: Georgia 3-Year Review Probation Sentence Length
Department of Community Supervion
2019 Revocation Fact Sheet This report contains meaningful data that better reflects the difference we are making in communities across Georgia - especially in regards to revocations for technical violations. Of the 267,514 individuals we supervised in 2019, only 1,173 had their probation revoked for a technical violation....that only amounts to 0.44% of the entire supervision population for that period.
Because of their considerable impact on individuals and institutions, there is considerable discussion amongst criminal justice analysts surrounding probation revocations and their placement of prison and jail populations. The context surrounding revocations has not always been representative of the exceptional work the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS) is doing to ensure the individuals under our supervision receive the resources, services,
P-23
and support they need to succeed. Day in and day out, the DCS Team is exhausting all possible alternatives to incarceration to keep the individuals we work with out of prison.
P-24
Reentry
Community Coordination
Community Coordinators utilize data from assessments to identify the resources needed for returning citizens. This data is incorporated into comprehensive plans which guides the work executed daily by the Community Coordinators.
9,483
Contacts made in FY21
2,350
Community resources in FY21
Department of Community Supervion
Community Resource Spotlight --
The incredible work of our department could not be accomplished without supportive community organizations. Special thanks to Mr. James Richardson, CEO 4 Horseman Rehabilitation Services. Mr. Richardson's organization provides additional and on-going support to those who are seeking employment and choose to also participate in this program.
62
Connected Returning Citizens
Mr. Richardsons has connected 62 returning citizens for personal development, soft skills, employment coaching and employment by way of his unique and individualized program.
P-25
P-26
Reentry Success Story --
During FY21, Community Coordinator Carolyn Johnson organized three (3) in-person career fairs and one (1) virtual job fair. Of the three in-person events, 151 individuals participated and 103 obtained employment. To support the Department's vision of "One Officer, One Family, One Community", during these job fairs eight (8) family members of those under supervision were also able to take advantage of employment opportunities.
In collaboration with Wayfair, 20 individuals participated in a job fair. Of the 20 participants, eight (8) individuals accepted employment offers.
external.affairs@dcs.ga.gov || dcs.ga.gov
Housing
"Working with community organizations throughout Georgia, we ensure every individual has the resources to be successful under supervision. Our work truly is a calling."
Michelle Stanley Director of Reentry Services Division
Department of Community Supervion
Housing Success Story --
Mr. Sherome Gordon was released from the Bacon Transitional Center on April 1, 2021, after serving a 9 years sentence. This was Mr. Gordon third time being incarcerated. He is now a resident of Empowering Men and Women On The Move for Re-entry Inc., Supportive Housing Program. On April 2, 2021, Mr. Gordon opened a Bank account at Wells Fargo Bank. He is also employed full-time through First Step Staffing (April 9, 2021) and earning $ 17.50 per hour. Mr. Gordon enrolled/completed Career Apprenticeship Forklifting Training July 23, 2021 through Urban League Atlanta. Mr. Gordon currently has his CDL Learner Permit and will be completing CDL class through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Mr. Gordon has proven himself to be hard-working, motivated, focused and determined. He is reintegrating back into society in a very productive and effective manner. Mr. Gordon is still resident at Empowering Men and Women On The Move for Re-entry Inc. and plans to move into his own place soon.
Transitional Housing for Offender Reentry (THOR) --
THOR is a public directory of community-based housing for persons releasing from prison or on probation or parole. To locate and view the directory, go to dcs.ga.gov, click on "Reentry Services" then "Housing Resources".
74
THOR Facilities
With select housing providors that are able to serve those who under DCS supervision.
P-27
external.affairs@dcs.ga.gov || dcs.ga.gov
P-28
Recidivism Reduction
Day Reporting Centers --
As part of SB174, Day Reporting Centers are to be evaluated for program fidelity every 5 years. Recommendations from the 2019 Evaluation, which was conducted by the University of Georgia, included refining assessment and case management processes, to ensure quality and consistency and expanding and formalizing community partnerships to enhance services. During this fiscal year, training was developed and implemented for formalized treatment planning processes, analyzing assessment results, and case management and documentation. Counseling and Programming components were added to the Comprehensive Audit Review to aid in ensuring that case management functions are maximized in order to address needs.
we have increased the percentage of DRC sites with formal vocational partnerships from 4 (13%) to 18 (56%) during FY21.
Through the challenges of the pandemic, our Day Reporting Centers transitioned to virtual programming and conducted 23 commencement ceremonies, with a total of 622 graduates during FY21.
In order to enhance local partnerships,
Department of Community Supervion
622
DRC graduates in FY21
Trauma Informed Care Initiative --
Why Become a Trauma-Informed Agency:
"A program, organization, or system that is trauma-informed realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for healing; recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in staff, clients, and others involved with the system; and responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, practices, and settings." (SAMHSA, 2013).
As a part of our Person-Centered Supervision model and our strategic plan of becoming a Trauma-Informed agency, 1765 DCS staff have been trained in Trauma-Informed care through this agency initiative.
ATTC Training Collaboration --
During FY21, DCS RRU collaborated with the Southeast Addiction Technology Training Center (SATTC) at Morehouse School of Medicine to provide training opportunities to 128 Counselors. Funding for this initiative was provided by SAMHSA and topics included Adult children with SUD (of alcoholic parents), Ethics, LGBTQ Trauma and Substance Use Disorders, and Compassion/Fatigue and self-care.
P-29
Annual Report 2021 || External.Affairs@dcs.ga.gov.com || www.dcs.ga.gov
Providing Telehealth Support to Justice-Involved Individuals During COVID-19 Pandemic Pilot Project
DCS was invited to participate in a unique collaboration with the Addiction Policy Forum and the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) to expand telehealth support to justice-involved substance use disorder (SUD) individuals during the COVID -19 Pandemic. This seven month pilot diversion program was a unique opportunity to provide patients with access to a smartphone app that has
been scientifically proven to help people in recovery. The free app linked individuals under supervision in 10 Day Reporting Centers and 1 THOR program to trained counselors and peers and provided daily check-ins, cognitive behavioral therapy, and access to clinical support. It also tracked sobriety and treatment, and other person-centered resources.
#TeamDCS
Department of Community Supervion
"The hard work of our counselors and support staff
reunites families and restores hope to an individual's
life. Our dedicated team is grateful to serve any
individual desiring change."
Sherri Bloodworth Director, Recidivism Reduction Unit
Counselor Certification Prep Program
The CCP program is designed to provide the necessary requirements needed to obtain credentialing. Research has demonstrated that evidence-based treatment of substance use disorders can lead to significant reductions in drinking and drug use as well as major improvements in physical, mental health, and social functioning. However, the provision of culturally relevant evidence-based practices and the demonstration of significant treatment outcomes depend on an effectively trained and supported workforce. (Southern Coast Addiction Technology Transfer Center, Applying the TAP 21 to Certification Standards & Other Addiction Treatment Workforce Improvement Initiatives)
During FY21, RRU clinical supervisors provided over 1700 hours of group and individual clinical supervision to counselors seeking certification. The RRU held monthly CCP training courses, with an average of 75 counselors in attendance per month. Three (3) DCS Counselors received their certification as a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor II (CADC II) during the fiscal year. Congratulations are due to Taylor McDowell from Valdosta GFDRC, Monique Morgan
from Tifton DRC, and Jasmine Harrison from Savannah DRC who passed their CADC-II exams and became certified addiction counselors! Congratulations are also in order to Stephanie Sellers, SSPC 3 with the Recidivism Reduction Unit, for obtaining her licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor! According the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia:
"The Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor credential is the foundation for working in diverse professional settings where addiction services are provided. A thorough understanding of addiction and the latest evidence-based practices for treatment is the hallmark of a qualified professional. The Alcohol & Drug Counselor credential requires professionals to demonstrate competency through experience, education, supervision, and the passing of a rigorous examination."
P-31
P-32
MPOU
external.affairs@dcs.ga.gov || dcs.ga.gov
"Our vision is to ensure Georgia has a misdemeanor system that is fair, efficient, and responsive to the needs of our citizens."
Tim Lewis Director of Misdemeanor Probation Oversight
Department of Community Supervion
Misdemeanor Probation Oversight Unit
The Misdemeanor Probation Oversight Unit (MPOU) is authorized to register misdemeanor probation entities and individuals, conduct audits to determine compliance, and investigate potential violations of laws and/or rules. This past year, MPOU conducted 100% of assigned audits for 75 providers throughout the state and 789 courts serviced by both Governmental and Private providers. MPOU coordinates training events, opportunities, monitors training related activities, and audits training records of the
public and private misdemeanor probation providers. Embedded within DCS, MPOU strives to educate providers on our mission during each training session. Additionally, MPOU approves training resources/ curriculum and trainer qualifications utilized by providers and performs training related compliance reviews per Georgia state law and DCS policies. Through dedicated service delivery, MPOU had a total of 4509 staff members attend the statewide training events.
4509
MPOU - Attendees served
188
Offered Training Hourss
Training hours include both orientation required hours and annual inservice required hours
P-33
Annual Report 2021 || external.affairs@dcs.ga.gov || dcs.ga.gov
Maintain healthy & happy employees
Health is at the forefront of many key organizational decisions as the public health crisis caused by Covid-19 continues. Fortunately for DCS, investing into the holistic well-being of our employees is not a new endeavor. Our Wellness Division made significant strides to ensure our employees are healthy and prepared to make a difference in the communities we serve. The mission of the Wellness Division is to provide opportunities for employees to develop healthier lifestyles by supporting the adoption of habits and attitudes that contribute to their positive social, physical, mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, focusing on wellness has also provided the Department with new partnerships and opportunities to give back to the community. The following accomplishments reflect the hard work and dedication of our Wellness Division and the commitment each employee puts forth to ensure DCS is mitigating the effects of the public health crisis.
Wellness
Department of Community Supervion
Event
DCS Virtual 5K Oct 2020 --
In an effort to promote physical fitness in a socially distant manner, the Wellness Division conducted the first Virtual 5K. This remote event not only spurred activity but was also a fundraiser to
support organizations who partner with our mission. Nealy 200 individuals registered for this event. The virtual race offered participants all the same great experiences as a live event.
162
Registered Atendees for Lunch and Learn "What is Resilience"
Seminars and Town Halls The Wellness Division launched a series of informative "Lunch & Learn" seminars to educate employees and the public on important topics related to healthy living. In addition, DCS hosted a virtual town hall meeting to discuss mental health issues in the law enforcement community and reducing the stigma
P-35
P-36
Special Olympics of Georgia DCS participated in the Polar Plunge and several other initiatives to support the Special Olympics of Georgia
$13,551
Grand total raised for Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) Beginning Dec 2020
Department of Community Supervion
7925.5
DCS Staff logged wellness hours
Partnered with the Office of Public Safety support to put on Post Critical Incident Seminar--
3 seminars completed thus far (Oct 2020 - Jan 2021). The Office of Public Safety Support (OPSS) was established to mitigate the potential psychological impact that critical incidents or traumatic events can have on the members of the Georgia Public Safety community. Approximately 75 participants have benefited from this partnership.
" DCS takes great pride in being
a healthy agency. Caring for each
other through adversity while
supporting each other through
accomplishments is what makes
Team DCS a great place to work
and grow."
Reginald Huley Chief Wellness Officer
P-37
In The Community
Annual Report 2019 || external.affairs@dcs.ga.gov || dcs.ga.gov
Uplifting Communities We Serve
"Giving back is what binds us all to our mission and keeps us mindful, grounded, and motivated to positively impact lives."
Shari Chambers Director of Special Projects
Community Service --
Selfless service is perhaps the most integral value for our Team. Each year, dedicated staff give back to their various communities. This is done not out of obligation; instead, our team believes that one of the best ways to protect the community is to serve and immerse ourselves to the needs of others. Here is a recap of our commitment to selfless service.
Department of Community Supervision
Winter Service Day
--
In celebration of the 2020 holidays, DCS offices across Georgia partnered with the Georgia Governor's Office and DFCS to provide Christmas presents for 31 Georgia foster children. DCS raised over $4600 in donations and gifts for the DFCS Secret Santa Program, shining a light in our communities during the holiday season and making Christmas brighter for Georgia's foster
children!
Summer Service Day
--
In July 2021, DCS held their annual statewide Summer Service Day, providing backpacks and school supplies to children in need throughout the State of Georgia. The DCS Central Office team also distributed over 120 care packages to the homeless community in Atlanta.
$14,010 Amount donated by DCS to the State Charitable Contributions Program (SCCP)
2 Martin Luther King, Jr Drive SE Suite 458, East Tower Atlanta, GA 30334
678. 783. 4337
dcs.georgia.gov external.affairs@dcs.ga.gov