Welfare reform in Georgia 2020

Welfare Reform in Georgia
2020

Senate Bill 104

DIVISION OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN SERVICES WELFARE REFORM IN GEORGIA ANNUAL
REPORT 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS

SENATE BILL 104 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

ii

WELFARE REFORM IN GEORGIA, 2020

iii

SECTION A

The Total TANF Caseload Count

2

SECTION B

Quarterly and Annual TANF Reports

3

SECTION C

Percentage and Number of TANF Caseload Given Hardship Exemption from Lifetime Limit

5

SECTION D

TANF Recipient Transportation Assistance

10

SECTION E

Diversionary Assistance to Prevent TANF Receipt

14

SECTION F

Number of Individuals Denied Assistance Due to a Serious Violent Felony Conviction

23

SECTION G

Number of Mothers Under 19 Who Received TANF Assistance

24

SECTION H

TANF Subsidized Child Care

28

SECTION I

Data on Teen Pregnancy Prevention

40

SECTION J * Number of TANF Sanctions * Information is not available

SECTION K

Number of Legal Immigrants Receiving TANF Benefits by Category of Immigration Status

54

SECTION L

Number of Families No Longer Eligible Because of Time Limits

58

SECTION M
* Follow-up Information on Job Retention and Earnings: Information is not available

SECTION N

Evaluation of the Effect of Code Section 49-4-186 On the Number of Births to

TANF Recipients Families

59

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES IS SUPPLYING REPORTS AND STATISTICS ON WELFARE REFORM TO FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS OF SENATE BILL 104.
FROM SENATE BILL 104:
"[The department shall] publish an annual report and such interim reports as may be necessary. The annual report and such interim reports shall be provided to the Governor and members of the General Assembly and contain the following:
A. The total TANF caseload count;
B. Quarterly and annual TANF reports, in full, prepared for submission to the federal government;
C. The percentage of the TANF caseload and the number of individuals given a hardship exemption from the lifetime limit on cash assistance and a categorization for such exemption;
D. The number of individuals who received transportation assistance and the cost of such assistance; E. The number of individuals who received diversionary assistance in order to prevent their requiring TANF
assistance and the categories of such diversionary assistance, and job acceptance and retention statistics;
F. The number of individuals denied assistance due to a serious violent felony conviction; G. The number of mothers under 19 years of age who received assistance and their percentage of the total
TANF caseload; H. Number of children receiving subsidized childcare and the total and average per recipient cost per child; I. Data on teen pregnancy prevention; J. The number of families sanctioned; K. The number of legal immigrants receiving TANF benefits by category of immigration status; L. The number of families no longer eligible because of time limits; M. Follow-up information on job retention and earnings; and N. An evaluation of the effect of Code Section 49-4-186 on the number of births to TANF recipient families. The annotations required under this paragraph shall be provided on a county-by-county basis where feasible.

WELFARE REFORM IN GEORGIA: 2010 2020
Senate Bill 104
The enabling legislation for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in Georgia is Senate Bill 104, now known as Act 389. The major provisions are:
Most recipients are limited to 48 months of TANF assistance. All adult TANF recipients and all eligible parents are mandated to participate in
approved work activities. All adult TANF recipients are required to sign a personal responsibility plan that
emphasized the fact that they must take personal responsibility to better their lives.
Some of the required actions include: o ensuring that minor children attend school o attending school conferences o attending family planning counseling o participating in substance abuse treatment, if needed o having children immunized, and o obtain prenatal care, if needed
Teen parents are required to continue to live with a parent or responsible relative and must remain in school to obtain their GED or high school diploma.
Family cap measures were strengthened, so that TANF cash assistance was not increased for recipients who had another child after receiving TANF for ten months.
Families who did not meet work or personal responsibility requirements could be sanctioned, with a reduction or termination of benefits for three (3) months or 12 months, depending on the number of infractions.
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act
In August 1996, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) was enacted. PRWORA eliminated the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) cash entitlement program and replaced it with the TANF block grant. PRWORA effectively ended welfare entitlement, replacing the AFDC program with the time-limited benefits of TANF. The purpose of this legislation is to:
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Provide assistance to needy families so that children could be cared for in their own homes;
Reduce welfare dependency by promoting job preparation, work and marriage; Prevent teen pregnancies; and Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families.
PRWORA established mandatory work and job training participation rates for recipients and enacted time limits for the receipt of TANF benefits. Moreover, PRWORA afforded states greater flexibility in the design and implementation of the TANF program and provided each state a block grant to fund its program. State Maintenance of Effort (MOE) spending levels were mandated so that states would maintain levels of spending consistent with previous spending for AFDC. In the fall of 1996, Georgia submitted a state plan for administering the TANF program. Following a 45-day federal review period and a series of public hearings, the plan was accepted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Georgia was approved to receive its share of the TANF block grant. The first TANF checks were issued on January 1, 1997. In past years, the most important aspect of the case manager's job was issuing welfare benefits. With the 1996 introduction of Work First, the emphasis shifted to helping case managers assist TANF recipients in maintaining employment, as well as seeking career advancement. Customers are not just expected to get a job, but to keep the job and seek advancement. They are expected to earn enough money to leave the welfare rolls. As a result, our TANF caseloads greatly declined.
Georgia has made the necessary changes to be compliant with the final rule. The most significant change was new internal control guidelines, requiring major system changes.
The Growth of TANF in Georgia
October 2004: Georgia initiated a new service delivery strategy for TANF called TANF = WORK NOW. This strategy focused on 3 elements:
Education - TANF participants were educated at the point of application on all the goals and requirements of the TANF program.
Engagement - TANF participants with a work requirement were engaged in work activities within seven (7) days of the approval of their application.
Monitoring - TANF participants were monitored consistently and frequently to ensure adherence to program requirements.
This concept yielded a significant decrease in the number of Total TANF Cases, in particular, the number of Adult Cases on TANF.
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April 2006: Georgia took TANF = WORK NOW a step further by focusing on values and beliefs that would assist in strengthening Georgia's families. New policies were implemented, and case managers were trained on the principles of case management. The values and beliefs that we espouse are:
Welfare is not good enough for any family.
Government cannot and should not take the place of family.
Children are better off when responsible caretakers are able to provide for their families.
There is dignity in work, whether with the hand or the head.
Georgia urges responsible adult behavior and economic self-sufficiency to end dependency on government assistance.
With proper preparation, support, and supervision, we can help our customers create a more secure employment future for themselves.
October 2006: Georgia recognized the need for additional transitional supports to assist participants with job retention and career advancement, thereby, launching the Work Support Program.
February 2008: Final Rule for the Reauthorization of TANF was released by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) / HHS. This rule was based on changes required by the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005. According to the DRA final document (45 CFR, Parts 261, 262, 263, and 265. pg. 6772), "The DRA reauthorized the TANF program through federal fiscal year (FFY) 2010 with a renewed focus on work, program integrity, and strengthening families through healthy marriage promotion and responsible fatherhood."
The DRA retained most of the original welfare reform law. The key changes in the final rule were: (1) defined each of the 12 countable work activities, (2) defined the term "work eligible individual," (3) clarified that a State may count only actual hours of participation, (4) recalibrated the caseload reduction credit by updating the base year from FFY 1995 to FFY 2005, (5) required each State to establish and maintain work participation verification procedures through a Work Verification Plan, (6) established a new penalty for failure to comply with work verification procedures, and (7) allows additional pro-family expenditures to count toward a State's MOE requirement.
October 2010: The agency rolled out a new business process, Georgia Re-engineering Our Work (G.R.O.W.). The G.R.O.W. process established three functions that case managers focus on (1) interviewing applicants, (2) processing applications, and (3) finalizing applications. An applicant in North Georgia applying for benefits could be interviewed by a case manager in Middle Georgia. The application could then be transmitted to a case manager in West Georgia for processing and transmitted to another location for finalization or approval. After approval, the case was transferred back to the county where the applicant resided. The G.R.O.W. process symbolized the concept of doing more with less.
v

October 2011: The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) added a new process, Document Imaging System (DIS). The DIS gave public assistance customers the option to scan in documents from a home computer scanner, a scanning station in a public community center, such as the Community Action Agencies/Authorities (CAA's), certain child support offices, or local Georgia Division of Family and Children's Services (DFCS) offices. Customers who were employed and unable to report to a local DFCS office could renew their benefits online and scan the required supporting documents to an image repository where the case manager or other staff could access the documents.
October 2012: DFCS revisited the G.R.O.W. process to reevaluate its effectiveness. During the evaluation, it became evident that the work could not change, but the way the work was done could. Business Operations Planning (B.O.P.) was added. B.O.P. is: (1) the standardization of G.R.O.W. within each Region. All Regions would use the same procedures to complete a case from start to finish. (2) Self-service was the standardized lobby resource, (3) Document Imaging (DIS), (4) Telecommunications Local Office call center model, and (5) Office of Financial Independence (OFI) Data Tool Standardized data management. OFI Teams were formed to ensure standardization. The OFI Teams consisted of: (1) Customer Support, (2) Business Support, and (3) Eligibility Specialists. Our customer support staff supported all walk-in work and was the face of DFCS. The business support staff scanned mail to DIS, answered general inquiries, registered and initiated cases. The eligibility specialists keyed cases, interviewed applicants, finalized cases and handled case maintenance. With these measures in place, we were striving to provide our customers with a timely and efficient outcome.
2013: To improve the overall service of the public assistance programs, Georgia focused on improving the process to provide convenient access, service accountability, and improve the customer experience. Georgia One was a combination of technology (DIS and COMPASS) and incorporated self-service options that allowed DFCS to provide Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), TANF, Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS), and Medicaid recipients the opportunity to track and manage their case. This change helped us serve our customers more efficiently and effectively.
March 2015: In an effort to find the best way to serve its people, the State reached out to all public assistance programs to map current processes. Georgia began to find more effective ways to help provide eligibility services and improve customer service. Georgia Gateway, an integrated eligibility system, began to form. It would allow interested parties to research information about available public assistance programs online. Future enhancements will include online application and eligibility criteria for other participating public assistance programs such as SNAP, CAPS, Medicaid, Women, Infants, Children (WIC), and PeachCare for Kids (PCK). Georgia Gateway is being implemented concurrently with a new business model known as "One Caseworker, One Family", which streamlines the case management process by assigning one caseworker from application to completion.
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February 2017: Georgia Gateway, the multi-agency integrated eligibility system, debuted in Henry County. A phased rollout across the state culminated with Fulton and Dekalb counties joining in September 2017. October 2018: Standardized Employment Services contracts, developed jointly by the state office and district staff, were put in place to simplify the delivery and monitoring of referred applicants and the activities of work-eligible individuals. Additional vendors were developed, along with a standardized invoicing system. 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic created the need to modernize TANF policies and procedures in 2020. Effective March 2020, mandatory work requirements were waived. However, those who were able and wished to continue their work activities remained supported. Also, eligibility verification requirements were lessened to remove potential hardships to those who were sheltering in place. For example, forms were mailed, but a signed copy was no longer required to be returned. Effective June 1, 2020 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) became available via Georgia Gateway as an online application tool. Anyone may apply online Monday-Friday 5:00 am midnight (excluding weekends and holidays). Work Activities and Sanction Suspension: Since work requirements were temporarily waived, all outstanding work sanctions were lifted effective April 2020. Failure to participate will not result in adverse action until work requirements resume as mandatory. Extending Certification Periods on Renewals: Reviews were also extended to assist families during the COVID pandemic. Families received a six-month extension on their annual renewal deadlines. For example, renewals that were due in March (pre-COVID19) were extended to September.
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TANF Adult CASELOADS
SFY 2010 thru SFY 2020

4,500

4,079 3,861

4,000

3,442

3,500 3,250

2,917

3,000

2,416

2,500 2,000

2,046 1,956 2,079

1,500

1,518 882

1,000

500

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

TANF Adult Caseloads
As we continue our mission to help TANF recipients attain self-sufficiency, our adult TANF caseload is decreasing. The TANF Adult Caseload has dropped from 3,250 in 2010 to 882 in 2020. The decrease is 2,368 cases within a 10-year period.
Collaborative Efforts
To assist Georgia's TANF recipients fulfill the requirements of Act 389 and attain selfsufficiency, it was necessary that we collaborate with other public service agencies and entities. To start, we formed partnerships with Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) to develop a job-ready workforce. Each agency committed to providing specific services to TANF recipients, while DHS provided case management and support services. TCSG was the primary source for job training and GDOL focused on job development and placement.

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The services provided through these partnerships have contributed greatly to the families receiving TANF. The recipients utilized the job training, job development and job placement resources from our partners to gain or refresh their skills; thus, becoming more marketable. The services also helped some find better jobs and leave the TANF program.

TANF CASELOADS
SFY 2010 thru SFY 2020

25,000

20,000

19,988 19,256 18,286 17,109

15,000 10,000

14,600

12,924

12,408

11,309

10,878

10,012

11,085

5,000

0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

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In SFY 2010, Georgia had 19,988 cases on its TANF roll. The current total number of cases on TANF in Georgia for SFY 2020 is 11,085. Georgia has reduced its rolls by approximately 45% in ten years.
Transportation
Transportation expenditures greatly increased with the implementation of TANF and subsequently decreased as the number of TANF cases declined. DFCS provides direct payments or public transportation cards to applicants, recipients, and those receiving transitional support. Beginning SFY 2000, DFCS collaborated with the Georgia Office of Facilities and Support Services to expand the Consolidated Transportation System. TANF funds invested in this initiative have increased from $345,000 in SFY 2000 to $3,200,000 in SFY 2018. Transportation services through DHS' Consolidated Transportation System ended in 2019 with a reduction in TANF cases. In SFY 2020, TANF funds paid directly to applicants and recipients totaled $66,804.14.
Employment Intervention Services (EIS)
EIS is available to TANF applicants who have full time employment but is temporarily on unpaid leave due to a temporary illness and is scheduled to return to work within four (4) months, and the AU meets the gross income ceiling (GIC) test.
Work Support Payments
In addition to partnerships with other agencies, the availability of work support payments is critical to the success of TANF self-sufficiency efforts. To secure and maintain employment, many families require assistance with transportation, childcare, and medical expenses as well as assistance in obtaining child support. WSP and Transitional Support Services (TSS) will be provided for applicants and participants who find employment and become ineligible for ongoing TANF or those who choose to close their TANF case once the benefit is reduced. Both services will be provided for up to twelve (12) months.
x

TANF Subsidies
Entitlement Code 98: Work Support Payments $200 Number of Clients
State Fiscal Years 2012 - 2020

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

SFY2020 516

512

485

451

429

429

394

390

277

214

172

146

SFY2019

0

0

2

5

0

2

4

28

220

427

511

515

SFY 2018 895

691

811

745

690

665

628

567

556

511

353

129

SFY 2017 956

972

974

1,016

1,022

1,029

1,032

1,000

976

1,005

953

915

SFY 2016 295

378

436

535

670

754

807

878

889

934

972

845

SFY 2015

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

7

47

154

219

SFY 2014

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

SFY 2013

0

2

2

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

SFY 2012 233

196

152

113

68

44

10

1

0

1

1

0

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Comparison of Cash Assistance and Childcare Expenditures in Millions of Dollars
SFY 2010 thru SFY 2020

$250 $200 $150

$212

$226 $174

$172

$209 $206

$204

$181

$168

$127

$100

$66

$51 $50

$51

$47 $45

$40 $34

$32

$28

$33 $25

$21

$0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

TANF Cash Assistance Childcare Subsidies

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90,000 80,000 70,000 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000
0
SFY2020 SFY2019 SFY2018 SFY2017 SFY2016 SFY2015 SFY2014 SFY2013 SFY2012 SFY2011

Jul 51,977 64,704 83,583 57,786
100 60,421 60,682 47,473 52,984 79,754

Number of Children in Childcare
(Based on payments processed)
State Fiscal Year 2011 2020

Aug 49,956 62,390 72,881 60,709
193 60,080 60,306 47,663 53,191 82,156

Sep 53,144 63,910 70,721 57,016
375 61,488 61,364 47,425 48,580 75,212

Oct 53,351 71,135 72,476 56,862 1,204 61,458 61,737 49,894 48,440 69,958

Nov 52,660 76,051 72,668 55,036 36,524 62,114 63,347 49,754 46,444 70,710

Dec 59,108 78,258 67,287 53,976 47,510 62,877 61,580 51,055 45,321 68,547

Jan 56,295 65,328 69,884 53,120 50,565 61,564 61,735 50,927 44,775 66,585

Feb 60,787 65,689 67,005 50,577 54,225 62,145 61,508 52,457 43,342 63,815

Mar 76,780 60,156 64,824 49,186 54,938 63,336 63,114 54,217 43,289 62,105

Apr 76,034 66,934 70,813 47,837 56,711 61,381 62,618 57,467 45,601 61,477

May 67,912 56,274 68,279 47,222 60,481 60,557 63,851 58,243 46,531 61,765

Jun 70,007 33,087 61,423 41,901 57,702 57,210 62,388 58,103 45,743 55,560

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Childcare
Affordable, quality childcare is essential to the success of individuals obtaining and maintaining employment. The average number of children in childcare from month to month decreased from 78,289 children in SFY 2010 to 33,087 in SFY 2019. In addition, expenditures in the program decreased from $212M in SFY 2010 to $66M in SFY 2020. Childcare assistance is administered by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.
Medicaid
Many TANF recipients beginning first-time employment were either unable to afford the medical insurance made available to them by their employers or found that few employers offered the option of medical insurance. The combination of Low-Income Medicaid (LIM), Transitional Medical Assistance (TMA), and Right from the Start Medicaid (RSM) or PeachCare for Kids (PCK) provided and continues to provide this necessary coverage. The 12-month continuation of Medicaid in the form of TMA provides necessary medical coverage for families who become ineligible for LIM because of new or increased earned income. Once TMA ends, the children of most families are eligible for additional coverage through RSM or PCK. As of June of 2019, there were 918,034 Georgia families that received Medicaid through Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD), LIM, TMA, and RSM.

Increasing Success in Collecting Child Support

(Collections in Millions)

$800

$700 $600

$600

$500

$708

$692

$682

$703

$721

$804 $737

$741

$814

$466

$400

$300

$200

$100

$0 SFY10 SFY11 SFY12 SFY13 SFY14 SFY15 SFY16 SFY17 SFY18 SFY19 SFY20

Child Support
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Insufficient child support prevents many single parents from attaining economic selfsufficiency. Increased collections by the Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) program are helping families receive more of the child support owed to them. There was a drop in the amount of child support collected from SFY 2007 ($651M) to SFY 2008 ($566M). The collections rebounded in SFY 2009 ($595M), in 2010 ($600M), in 2011 ($708M) and then slightly decreased in 2012 to ($692M) and again in 2013 ($682M). Child Support collections rebounded in 2014 to ($703M), in 2015 to ($721M), 2016 ($737M), and 2017 ($744M). Collections took a slight dip in SFY 2018 to ($741M). In SFY 2019, there was a 37.1% decrease in collections. The total collected in SFY 2019 was $466M. The total collected in SFY 2020 was $814M.
An additional support service provided by DCSS is the Georgia Fatherhood Program, a statewide outreach program designed to increase the collection of child support from non-custodial parents with education and employment barriers. Job training is provided to assist non-custodial parents in securing employment that will enable them to pay child support and provide for their children.
Collaborative Work Supports
The future of welfare reform in Georgia includes a continuing focus on moving families to economic independence, through stable employment. Most recipients who remain on TANF fall into three main categories. The largest population is comprised of children who receive TANF in "child-only" cases, which a non-parent relative caring for the children and is not included in the TANF grant. These families are not subject to time limits or work requirements. The second category consists of recipients who are enrolled in an activity and participating at the required federally, mandated level for adults receiving TANF for themselves and their children. The third and most challenging category consists of recipients who are dealing with multiple barriers to selfsufficiency. Some of these barriers include substance abuse, illiteracy, disabilities, and domestic violence issues. The following initiatives continue to assist these recipients in attaining self-sufficiency:
The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and Addictive Diseases provide substance abuse counseling and treatment through outpatient and residential facilities. Treatment for clients who have been diagnosed with mental impairment and mental retardation is also provided.
The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) provides disability assessments for recipients who allege a disability that impedes their ability to work. GVRA also places recipients in appropriate programs based on assessment outcomes and makes recommendations that assist DFCS in planning services to help recipients overcome barriers to employment.
The TCSG provides expanded adult literacy services.
Domestic violence issues have been emphasized through various measures. Local shelters provide assessments for individuals claiming domestic violence as a barrier to becoming self-sufficient. Waivers from certain program requirements
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may be granted based on assessment outcomes. Training is provided for DFCS staff. Brochures and posters are distributed throughout local areas to increase awareness of available services.
In FY2018, Georgia partnered with the City of Atlanta and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to form the TANF Rapid Rehousing Program. Using a braided funding model, this partnership rapidly rehoused 100 homeless families living in location unsuitable for human habitation. Supportive services, including childcare navigation, employment assistance, and housing resources were provided. In FY2019 and ongoing, funds were added to house up to 150 TANF eligible families.
Lifetime Limits
In Georgia, the receipt of TANF is limited to 48 months in a lifetime for an assistance unit. Beginning in January 1997, each month in which an assistance unit receives TANF, counts toward the 48-month lifetime limit. The federal lifetime limit is 60 months. An assistance unit that is subject to the lifetime limit may have the limit waived if it is determined that the assistance unit meets certain hardship criteria. TANF months received by a recipient from another State is subject to be counted in the lifetime time limits.
Hardship waivers
Some families will require additional time to prepare for work and some may never be fully self-sufficient. For these families, Georgia has established a hardship waiver policy that is approved on a case-by-case basis. The waiver of the lifetime limit allows for temporary extensions of TANF to families experiencing additional barriers.
The hardship waiver policy was revised in April 2006. There are three hardship criteria for case managers to use to evaluate each family's situation.
1. The AU meets the domestic violence criteria.
2. The AU has an active child protective services case and the circumstances necessitating the CPS case create a barrier to the AU's attainment of selfsufficiency.
3. The disability of the grantee relative, other eligible adult or a household member is a barrier to employment for the grantee relative or other eligible adults.
Other forms of support like Food Stamps, Medical Assistance, shelter and utility assistance, are available to families that do not meet any of the hardship criteria.
Georgia's TANF caseload totaled 50,996 cases in December 2000 when the first 1,446 families reached the 48-month time limit. Of those families, 1,094 met a hardship criterion and were eligible for extended TANF benefits through hardship waivers. Since December 2000, the number of families reaching the 48-month time limit has consistently decreased.
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In December 2005, another milestone in the TANF program was reached. There were 311 Georgia TANF recipients that reached the federally imposed 60-month TANF lifetime limit. Of the 311 recipients, 280 continued to be eligible under a hardship extension. As with the 48-month time limit, the number of families reaching the 60month federal lifetime limit has decreased. In June 2002, there were 1,566 families receiving a hardship extension, but in June 2005 there were only 230 families receiving extensions. In June of 2006, 49 families received an extension, and in June 2009, Georgia had only 18 families who received a hardship extension. In June 2010, there were only two households that received a hardship extension. In 2012, there was one household receiving a hardship extension. In 2013, there were no households receiving a hardship extension. As of 2020, there were 15 households receiving a hardship extension.
TANF Hardship Extensions June of the Year from 2010 to 2020
30

20
15 12
10

2

2 1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Teen Pregnancy Prevention
Georgia Department of Public Health: Teen birth rates have decreased both in Georgia and nationally. Georgia has made significant progress in reducing teen births (currently at a rate of 10.0) and the associated personal and economic costs; however, women continue to need help in Georgia. The Department of Public Health (DPH) works to sustain this progress by implementing programming and services aimed at reducing sexual activity and other risky behaviors among unmarried teens, thus having an impact on the overall teen birth rate. Unintended pregnancies, particularly those occurring very early in a woman's reproductive years, often have adverse health, social, and economic consequences for the mother and her child. Teen pregnancy and out-of-wedlock parenting is linked to poverty and welfare

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dependency. Teenage mothers are more likely to be unmarried, drop out of school, and rely on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). In partnership with the Georgia Department of Human Services, DPH uses a comprehensive approach to address teen pregnancy through two programs, the Georgia Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program and the Georgia Women's Health Family Planning Program.
Teen Birth in Georgia, ages 10-19 years, 2000-2019

Year

Birth Rate

Number of

# Black

# White

% of First

% of repeat births

births

births

2000

31.2

18,333

8,507

9,578

77

22.9

2002

27.3

16,581

7,391

8,951

78.4

21.5

2004

26.2

16,474

7,100

9,123

78.5

21.5

2006

27.4

17,990

8,097

9,601

79.4

20.6

2008

25.8

17,477

8,227

8,130

79.2

20.8

2010

21.2

14,469

6,826

6,680

80.2

19.8

2012

17.0

11,623

5,381

5,520

80.8

19.2

2014

14.1

9,736

4,162

5,003

82.6

17.4

2016

11.9

8,311

3,530

4,339

83.1

16.9

2018

10.4

7,452

3,318

3,761

85.3

14.7

2019

10.0

7,158

3,246

3,545

85.5

14.5

Table 1: Teen Birth data, 2000-2019 GA OASIS (2020) Note: Number of births from other races are small and not included in the table As seen in Table 1, teen births (10-19 years of age) have declined steadily and significantly since 2000. From 2000-2018, Georgia has recorded a 76.5% reduction in the total number of births among the targeted age group. Additionally, there has been about 60% reduction when analyzed by race: hence, a disparity among race does not exist. Finally, though consistent over the past two decades as the age at which the first pregnancy occurs, Georgia has recorded an 8.2 decrease in the percentage of repeat pregnancies in the targeted group. We attribute a portion of this positive decrease to DPH's focus on empowering youth with the knowledge and skills to strengthen their relationships, increasing community buy-in and engagement to solve adolescent related issues.
The AHYD program works synergistically with the Georgia Women's Health Family Planning Program, also located in the Department of Public Health, (Maternal and Child Health Program). Family planning services are coordinated through county health departments. These services are essential to the well-being of women, men, adolescents, and the community at large. The Family Planning Program offers opportunities for individuals to plan and space their pregnancies to achieve personal goals and self-sufficiency. MCH has developed strategies and implemented services to prevent and reduce repeat adolescent pregnancies, including facilitating referrals to

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family planning services, increasing community awareness, and promoting life skills and abstinence at the community level. Families, parents, and legal guardians are encouraged to participate in the decision of minors to seek these services. Adolescents are counseled on risk reduction strategies to resist sexual activities. Abstinence as the most effective way to prevent pregnancy, contraceptive and safer sex practice options to reduce the risk for STD/HIV, and pregnancy are prioritized with all adolescents. In addition to seeking family planning services, adolescents seek services for other medical reasons.
DPH's Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) Program focuses on empowering youth with the knowledge and skills to strengthen their relationships and increasing community buy-in and engagement to solve adolescent related issues. AHYD actively tries to create supportive networks that will help Georgia youth to adopt healthy lifestyles, reduce the incidence of teen pregnancy & HIV/STI contraction, and improve school performance and graduation rates. Collectively, these efforts should increase their chances of securing employment. It is expected that these efforts will ultimately help in increasing the rate of healthy, productive adolescents in Georgia.
To achieve these aims, AHYD program continues to partner with the Georgia Department of Human Services to offer a comprehensive approach to address teen pregnancy, including:
Implementing risk reduction evidence-based curricula to reduce risk of pregnancy and HIV/STIs contraction
Instituting public awareness events about adolescent health-related issues Providing training opportunities youth-serving professionals (including
Adolescent and Young Adult Centered-Clinic), parents, community members or youth Providing youth development opportunities to cover adolescent health topics/skill set; and Engaging/creating youth coalition
Youth Development Coordinators (YDCs) at the local level coordinate efforts between district and county health departments and form pertinent partnerships to reach adolescents. Evidence-based practice indicates that successful teen pregnancy prevention programs address the broad range of social and economic factors that affect teen behavior. DPH has continuously recorded an increase in the number of youths that participate in evidence-based teen pregnancy prevention program.
With the current TANF funding available, in addition to a partnership with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), Personal Responsibility and Education Program (PREP), DPH is able to implement programming in 12 public health districts (highlighted) as shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Pregnancy Rate by Residence, 10-19 Years of Age (RANKED BY 2019 PREGNANCY RATE)
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Geography
Clayton County Health District (Jonesboro) Southwest Health District (Albany) Southeast Health District (Waycross) South Health District (Valdosta)
West Central Health District (Columbus) South Central Health District (Dublin) East Central Health District (Augusta) North Central Health District (Macon) DeKalb Health District Coastal Health District (Savannah) Northwest Health District (Rome) Fulton Health District District 4 Public Health North Georgia Health District (Dalton) Northeast Health District (Athens) Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale North Health District (Gainesville) Cobb/Douglas Health District

2018 Pregnancy Rate
19.7 19.4 18.8 17.6
20.2 21.1 17.4 16.3 17.8 15.4 14.1 14.4 13.5 11.5 10.4 10.5 10.6 9.7

2019 Pregnancy Rate
21.0 20.7 19.8
19.5
19.2 19.1 17.5 16.3 16.1 15.2 13.7 13.0 13.0 12.3 11.0 10.3 9.6 9.3

However, the pregnancy rates in other public health districts including Dalton, Augusta, LaGrange, Waycross, Athens and Dublin show a consistent trend higher than 10 pregnancies per 1,000 females (see Figure 1), suggesting a need for intervention. Increased funding could allow for a greater impact in non-TANF funded public health districts.
The first 6 months of the program year went well, with each district engaging and reaching youth through curriculum implementation and other outreach activities. Due to the impact of COVID-19, unexpected school closures and the suspension of youth serving programs the second half of the program year had some challenges. Several districts were able to transition to virtual programing and outreach, however, it was difficult to locate and engage the participants in many districts. Despite the current pandemic, DPH recorded progressive increases on the measurable deliverables through the fourth quarter. As we prepare for FY21, recommendations and guidelines are being put into place to assist the districts with their virtual and potential in-person efforts. Based upon the memorandum of agreement between the Georgia Department of Human Services and the Georgia Department of Public Health, the following deliverables reflect the progress made during the fiscal year 2020.

Figure 1: Trend in Pregnancy Rate in Selected Public Health Districts xx

Figure 2: Number of Youths participating in evidence-based programs through POE/AHYD Core (Annual Goal= 350)

800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

126

0 1st Quarter

166 2nd Quarter

422 3rd Quarter

685 4th Quarter

Measure 1: Outcome:
Progress:

Number of Youths participating in evidence-based programs through POE/AHYD Core:

Annual Goal 350

Number Reached 685

Overall Summary: As shown in figure 2 above, public Health districts exceeded the stipulated annual goal of 350 and engaged youth in various evidence-based curriculum including `Making Proud Choices', `Making a Difference', and `Reducing Risk'. Engaged youths were from diverse target settings including school, afterschool and mentoring programs.

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1st Quarter: 126 youths reached through 1st Quarter Although districts were still in the planning stage, some districts started implementation as indicated below:
(District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District) Identified 9 classrooms at Rome High school to implement Reducing the Risk curriculum during November and December. Administered pre survey to the identified participants.
(District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District) Implemented 1 cycle with 8 sessions of Making Proud Choices (MPC) to 6 youths in foster care. Initiated other partnership the principal of Towns County High School to implement risk-reduction curriculum training.
(District 07 West Central (Columbus) Health District) Implemented risk-reduction training with 8 cycles of MPC curriculum and FLASH, reaching 54 youths.
(District 08-1 South (Valdosta) Health District) Implemented 4 sessions of Making a Difference with 23 youths. The remaining sessions will be completed by October 25.
(District 09-1 Coastal (Savannah) Health District) Started implementation of risk-reduction training with 43 youths, including 15 youths for FLASH and 28 youths for Making a Difference (MAD).
2nd Quarter: 166 youths reached through 2nd Quarter The following districts implemented the `Reducing the Risk' training during this quarter as reflected below:
District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District Implemented "Reducing the Risk" with 258 students in the freshmen health classes at Rome High School.
District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District Implemented Making a Difference, Making Proud Choices, and FLASH and trained the activities coordinator from Brightstone Transitions in Hall County 2019.
District 08-1 South (Valdosta) Health District Completed (2) cycles of Making a Difference curriculum at the Maceo Horne Learning Center (LOWNDES) and the Delta Academy (BROOKS) with a total of 17 youth - Horne Learning and 21 students at the Delta Academy.
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3rd Quarter: 422 youth reached through 3rd Quarter Due to COVID19 pandemic, most of the public health districts could not implement curricula as reflected below.
District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District No implementation due to statewide school closure. However, emailed link for 3-month follow-up survey to health educator from Rome High school for participants.
District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District Participated in collaborative meetings with county Family Connections, Health Core Connections, and other local organizations to increase awareness of curricula and other AHYD education opportunities. Continued to foster relationship for the implementation of risk reduction curricula. Trained an adolescent coordinator with Boys and Girls club of Lanier to implement MAD and MPC with their youths.
4th Quarter: 685 youth participated through 4th Quarter Due to COVID19 pandemic, most of the public health districts could not implement curricula.
District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District Implemented 7 cycles of "Reducing the Risk" curriculum digitally from midMarch through the remainder of the session due to COVID-19. Two hundred and fifty (250) youths were reached at Rome HS school through the health teachers. Also, the "Visit to the Clinic" lesson that was usually taught was recorded and uploaded into Google classroom.
District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District Reached out to Hall County School System, Gainesville City School System, Eagle Overlook Recovery Center for adolescents in recovery in Dahlonega as well as health teacher in Stephens County to introduce the Risk Reduction curriculum. Also reached out to the Forsyth County Jail to offer risk reducing curricula at the Juvenile Detention Center.
District 07 West Central (Columbus) Health District No implementation reported
District 08-1 South (Valdosta) Health District No implementation due to COVID-19 shutdown.
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Figure 3: Number of graduating youth in Personal Resposibility Education Program
(PREP) Annual Goal=660)

700

600

500

400

300

311

200

100

0 1st Quarter

311 2nd Quarter

454 3rd Quarter

575 4th Quarter

Measure 2: Outcome:

Number of graduating youths in Personal Responsibility Education program (PREP):

Annual Goal: 660 PREP Graduates

Number of PREP Graduates 571

Overall Summary: As shown in figure 3 above, GA-AHYD program is on track to achieve the annual goal of graduating 660 youth. To date, 1,374 at-risk youth have participated in the program, a total of 575 youth have graduated from 22 cycles of the multiple program curricula including, `Making a Difference', `Making Proud Choices', and FLASH designed to help reduce teen pregnancy and contraction of STD/HIV at the time of this report. It should be noted that TANF funds support the infrastructure of PREP implementation. The PREP funding source is HHS and uses a fiscal year of October 1stSeptember 30th. The final deliverable will be updated after September 30, 2020

1st Quarter: 311 PREP youth graduated through 1st Quarter

Progress:

Many districts were in the planning stage for the implementing the evidence-based riskreduction curriculum for the fiscal year, for e.g.
(District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District) Met with representatives from Cobb, Douglas, and Marietta City school systems to discuss the possibility of integrating risk reduction curriculum in their schools.

(District 03-2 Fulton Health District) Concluded plans to implement MPC curriculum at Rosel Fann Recreation Center from October 21 to December 13, 2019.

(District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District) Met with AHYD youth advisory to discuss advocacy plans for the new school year and trained the youth advisors in PREP/FLASH education.

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Administered pre survey and started implementing Making Proud Choices and FLASH curricula to 197 youths.
(District 05-2 North Central (Macon) Health District) Implemented 2 cycles of Making Proud Choices, reaching 73 youths. Implemented 1 cycle of MPC and FLASH curricula, reaching 34 youths.
(District 08-2 Southwest (Albany) Health District) Started implementation of MPC curriculum with 7 youths.
2nd Quarter: 311 PREP youth graduated through 2ndQuarter District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District
Worked on securing and finalizing the PREP sites for the fiscal year. Lithia Springs High School and New Manchester High School were the two sites selected for Douglas County while We Thrive Riverside/STING and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health were being explored for Cobb County. In addition to solidifying sites, staff spent most of this quarter equipping staff with the tools necessary to facilitate PREP. In October staff and facilitators, both new and old, attended a training for PREP. This training certified attendees and provided them with the credentials necessary to facilitate the programs outlined in PREP. Finally, staff also spent time this quarter outlining program plans, developing implementation schedules, ordering supplies for Spring implementation, and preparing documentation for the program.
District 03-2 Fulton Health District Fulton County hired a new 100% FTE Public Health Senior Educator to coordinate AHYD programing and started PREP implementation with Atlanta City Parks & Recreation at the Rosel Fann Center.
District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District Continued to implement Making Proud Choices and FLASH in Coach Harrison's Health classes. AHYD staff continued to close out PREP/FLASH by providing PREP post-survey make up days to capture and survey absent students. PREP exit surveys were mailed to GSU and the PREP FMF forms were successfully emailed to Tessa Johnson, GSU.
District 03-5 DeKalb Health District Implemented seven contracts and a MOU. Three facilitators were identified and trained on MAD and MPC.
District 08-2 Southwest (Albany) Health District Registered 7 youth in our 1st cohort and graduated 5. We registered 32 youth in our 2nd cohort of Risk Reduction (PREP) programming. We are on track to graduate 24 of the 32.
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3rd Quarter: 454 youth graduated through 3rd Quarter District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District
Implemented risk reduction curriculum at Lithia Springs and New Manchester High schools in Douglas County comprising 2 and 3 cohorts, respectively, and reaching a total of 123 youths.
Staff completed paperwork to implement curricula at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health and WeThrive Riverside! /STING before statewide closure due to COVID19.
District 03-3 Clayton Health District No implementation due to COVID19 pandemic
District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District Administered AHYD pre survey and implemented 7 sessions of MPC (in 2 cycles) to a total of 404 at-risk youth from Meadow creek high school and 40 youth in foster care.
District 03-5 DeKalb Health District Started implementation of MPC at Chamblee Boys & Girls Club and MAD at East DeKalb Boys & Girls Club with a total of 30 youths.
District 05-2 North Central (Macon) Health District Suspended implementation FVSU Upward Bound due to COVID19.
4th Quarter: 575 youth graduated through 4th Quarter
District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District YDC was not able to complete Risk Reduction Curriculum implementations as a result of COVID-19 and its impact on in-person meeting abilities but spent time planning and developing materials for virtual implementation in FY21. Worked to transition curriculum workbooks and paperwork to virtual formats to enable youth access them from their personal computers and devices. Also filmed some videos for the program that will aid in virtual implementation of the curriculum. The videos will cover some of the more difficult subjects in FLASH (the ones that staff have the most questions about when implementing) as well as some of the role plays outlined in the MPC curriculum.
District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District Enrolled 200 students and 4 youths in foster care for the curriculum training
District 03-5 DeKalb Health District Due to COVID-19 Risk Reduction curriculum training did not continue.
(District 08-2 Southwest (Albany) Health District) No implementation reported
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Figure 4: Number of Youth Development Activities Implemented (Annual Goal= 60)

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

9

0

1st Quarter

35
2nd Quarter

65
3rd Quarter

85
4th Quarter

Measure 3: Outcome:

Number of Youth Development Activities

Annual Goal 60

Youth Development Group Activities: 85

Overall Summary: As shown in figure 4 above, despite the effect of the pandemic, a

total of 85 youth development activities were implement during the fiscal year,

exceeding the annual goal of 60. A total of 3,905 youth was reached. In addition to

implementing FLASH program as a reinforcement to the evidence-based curricula

trainings, other activities including karate, Youth Action Team, Georgia Teen Institute,

Prom Safety seminars, Teen Maze, mentoring, Youth Fest, STD awareness and birth

control methods presentation, gangs and violence, drugs, nutrition and wellnesses,

summer camp health presentations, outreach on sexting and GA laws were also

implemented.

1st Quarter: 9 activities implement through the 1st Quarter The following activities were implemented for youth development:

Progress:

(District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District) Implemented 1 cycle of FLASH curriculum with 6 youths.

(District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District) Implemented 2 youth development opportunities in healthy relationship curriculum, involving 2 classes.

(District 08-1 South (Valdosta) Health District) Presented at the Valdosta Housing Authority on general youth development topics including career goals, self-esteem and academic achievement.

(District 09-1 Coastal (Savannah) Health District) Implement 5 youth development opportunities with a total of 30 AfricanAmerican youths from Park Place Outreach and Gateway Behavioral' s Savannah Clubhouse.

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2nd Quarter: 35 activities implemented through the 2nd Quarter The following activities were implemented for youth development: District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District
258 students completed "Safe Dates" in addition to the risk reduction curriculum "Reducing the Risk." YDC received permission from the state DPH office to use "Safe Dates" (which was already being implemented) in place of the 5 requested FLASH lessons. This curriculum is comparable to the 5 FLASH lessons.
District 03-2 Fulton Health District Completed eight sessions of MPC at Rosel Fann with the same participants, which allowed us to have a strong rapport with the youth while implementing the FLASH session.
District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District Distributed the required DPH pre-surveys to Coach Harrison's 8th period class consisting of 35 students and received them back. They began their official implementation of the Mature Plus II-Healthy Relationships.
District 03-5 DeKalb Health District The program is looking for potential partners to complete the SPARK training and implement these youth development opportunities.
District 05-2 North Central (Macon) Health District The North Central Health District is partnering with the Juvenile Justice System (RYDC) to bring sexual and personal health workshops to youth offenders.
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3rd Quarter: 65 activities implemented through 3rd Quarter
The following activities were implemented for youth development:
District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District Implemented 9 youth development opportunity programs to middle and high school youths including (1) leadership through skills with a total of 18 youths at South Central middle school focusing on leadership, goal planning, communication and healthy relationships; and (2) Karate outreach program at Rome city school with a total of 10 students Also implemented FLASH curriculum in all 6th grade classrooms at Rome city reaching 528 youths.
District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District Implemented 5 FLASH lessons to youth victims of abuse and neglect at Rainbow Children's Home in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County. Seven female youths participated.
District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District Implemented 18 youth development programs with 3 cohorts at New Manchester High School and reaching an estimated number of 82 students Program planned with two cohorts of youth in Cobb County were cancelled due to COVID19.
District 03-3 Clayton Health District Youth development opportunity planned for next quarter District 09-1 Coastal (Savannah) Health District Established partnership with CAN and implemented some FLASH modules with middle and high school students totaling 49. Plans to complete the other modules virtually due to school closure.
District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District In collaboration with community partners including More than conquerors (MTCI), Partners Against Domestic Violence (P.A.D.V) Implemented 3 cycles of youth development opportunities for a total of 9 to students at Berkmar, Discovery, and Meadowcreek High Schools. Area covered included teen dating violence/Healthy relationship involving relationships 101, Power & Control, healthy relationship tools, gender roles & stereotypes, teen dating violence, barriers and bystander information & safety planning. Also provided facilitation on goals and dreams.
District 05-2 North Central (Macon) Health District Suspended all in-person programs in schools due to COVID19 and working to introduce virtual youth development opportunity through NCHD teen health web page.
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4th Quarter: 85 activities implemented through 4th Quarter The following activities were implemented for youth development:
District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District Implemented Leadership through Life Skills to 10 males and 8 females 7th grade students at South Central MS and focused on topics such as: leadership, goal planning, communication, & healthy relationships. They only met twice and continued digitally due to COVID-19 Implemented Karate Outreach Program-Leadership through Life Skills with 10 at-risk boys and girls from Rome City schools. The group met twice weekly and incorporated lessons on leadership, goal planning, communication, and healthy relationships into karate lessons that focused on improving physical health (BMI, blood pressure). It targets at risk boys & girls from Rome City Schools.
District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District Health educator planned to be trained in FLASH. FLASH will be included in implementation of Making a Difference and Making Proud Choices in FY20.
District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District No implementation was offered as a result of COVID-19. Two programs scheduled with Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health and STING Inc./ We Thrive Riverside were cancelled.
District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District AHYD Program Manager & AHYD Youth Ambassadors met twice and collectively participated in GCAPP's "Teens Quarantine Coping" led by GCAPPS Youth Advisory Council. The AHYD Youth Ambassador's also met on Video zoom call to discuss program closeout festivities, celebrating/bidding farewell to the Youth Ambassador graduating seniors and to discuss preparations for final exams and summer goals/plans.
District 03-5 DeKalb Health District No Progress due to COVID-19
District 07 West Central (Columbus) Health District Partnered with several school districts to provide health education literacy to students during the lunch pickup during the pandemic. Muscogee, Macon, Crisp, and Dooly Counties all partnered with public health to allow the YDC and other public health staff members to distribute literature and health education literature during the month of April and May.
District 08-1 South (Valdosta) Health District Partnered with the Adult Health Promotion clinic to provide a virtual event designed for young adults entitled, "Pandemic & Prevention". The event focused on providing insight, information, and encouragement to sexually
xxx

active/interested young people to make informed decisions concerning sexual behaviors during the COVID crisis.
(District 08-2 Southwest (Albany) Health District) No implementation recorded.

Figure 5: Number of public awareness events about adolescent health-related issues implmented (Annual Goal = 120)

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

21

0 1st Quarter

97
2nd Quarter

122
3rd Quarter

146
4th Quarter

Measure 4: Outcome:

Number of Public Awareness events about Adolescent Health-related Issues

Annual Goal 120

Public Awareness Event Implemented: 146

Overall Summary: A total of 146 events (Figure 5) were implemented throughout the

public health districts, involving 25,445 youth and exceeding the annual goal of 120

events. The youths reached includes students, employees, families and community

members. The various events included Drugs and Alcohol, Teen Pregnancy & STDs/HIV,

Puberty and Hygiene, Bullying, and Healthy Relationships & Teen Dating Violence, Teen

pregnancy month, Health fair, Human and Child Trafficking awareness, teen dating

violence, STD awareness, bullying and suicide prevention and bystander intervention.

Progress:

1st Quarter: 21 public awareness events implemented through 1st Quarter The AHYD districts implemented various public awareness events/campaigns about adolescent health-related issues reaching students, employees, families and community members. A highlight of the various events implemented in specific districts include:

District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District The Bartow Youth Action designed and displayed stall posters around antivaping. The posters included a text back pledge that students could enroll in. A total of 80 students have taken the pledge. For Red Ribbon Week, the Bartow YAT designed a snapchat/Instagram filter that students could use to list the reasons they stay drug free & then tag friends to participate. They also distributed over 5,000 red ribbons to the County & City middle and high schools.

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Surveyed their peers and collected data that measured any perception and behavior changes around underage alcohol use. The team reviewed this data in June while attending Georgia Teen Institute. They held focus groups in July-Aug to create a new 3 poster series that went up into all 4 high schools in October. This quarter, the team put up the second poster in the series. This campaign is done in partnership with Bartow Against Drugs.
Presented a teen pregnancy & STI prevention presentation to 20 of the middle school & high school aged youth at the children's shelter.
The Floyd YAT designed a snapchat/Instagram filter that students could use to list the reasons they stay drug free & then tag friends to participate. At Armuchee High School & Rome High School, the team had their peers fill out red & white feathers listing either activities they do instead of drugs or a community resource they wanted their peers to know about and then the feathers were put into a wing display in the hallway for students & staff to take pictures in front of.
(District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District): Offered CAMP presentations on Sexual Health/Risk Reduction to a group of 50 students and discussed STI's and pregnancy prevention methods and Teen dating violence.
(District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District) Participated in 2 public awareness events, Word of Faith Community Health Fair and Wellness Day South Cobb reaching 135 individuals and focused discussion on `Let's Talk Month', STI Awareness, and pregnancy prevention; educated the community on the meaning behind "Let's Talk Month"; provided communication tips and strategies for facilitating effective conversation between parents and their kids about sex; tested community members on their knowledge about sexual health; and provided information about STD/STIs and pregnancy prevention Incorporated information provided during Wellness South Cobb in SAMHSA's Eight Dimensions of Wellness and discussed the benefits of having open communications related to sex, STD/STIs and pregnancy with children. Planned for the 18th Annual Power in Truth Conference to be implemented during the next quarter.
(District 03-2 Fulton Health District) Continued planning and partnering with Board of Commissioner Natalie Hall to implement Let's TALK Month on October 26th. The AYHD program will also sponsor a workshop alongside entitled "Say It Like You Mean it" designed to provide assertive communication skills to assist youth on effective expression of both positive and negative feelings to others.
2nd Quarter: 97 public awareness events implemented through 2nd Quarter
District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District AHYD has worked on planning events by networking and collaborating with new partners. We have successfully partnered with WomenSource for their youth summit, Girl Power 2020, and will be covering Drugs and Alcohol at the event in
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February 1, 2020. Our program has also connected with Northeast Georgia on Domestic Violence for their teen summit and will cover Healthy Relationships at their event.
District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District Staff participated in 16 public awareness events: Word of Faith, Delta Academy, Great American Smokeout and the Power in Truth Conference. At Word of Faith, staff focused on promoting "Let's Talk Month" an initiative that encourages parents to start having crucial conversations, about pregnancy prevention and STD/HIV, early with their kids. At this event, staff served over 100 attendees from the community. Staff participated in a presentation at Delta Sigma Theta's monthly meeting and educated a group of 35 girls ages 11-14 on puberty and personal hygiene. Implemented Great American Smokeout and focused on educating teens on the dangers of smoking, the importance of stopping and never starting with using these products. An estimated 2,600 students attended this event. Hosted the Annual Power in Truth Conference, coordinated and executed, with the help of numerous community partners, 13 individual public awareness events. The topics surrounded top trending teen topics, such as mental health, stress management, healthy relationships, and alcohol use. More than 500 youth attended this event.
District 03-2 Fulton Health District Implemented a Bullying Prevention awareness event/presentation for youth at Future Foundation Woodland Middle School, a Decision Making and STI/HIV and Pregnancy Prevention awareness event/presentation for youth at the Coretta Scott King Leadership Academy Hosted Talking is Power/Talking to Your Teen About Sex Community Awareness Event at the Boys and Girls Club and provided a Community Awareness Event at the annual CEO Youth Conference.
District 03-3 Clayton Health District Made plans for a Teen Maze that included the Public Awareness Event topics related to adolescent health including Drugs and Alcohol, Teen Pregnancy & STI's, HIV, Healthy Relationships & Teen Dating Violence.
District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District The AHYD staff and Youth Ambassadors hosted the Step up Step In (SUSI) Sexual Bullying awareness campaign throughout Meadowcreek High School. The AHYD Youth Advisors role this month was to bring awareness about Sexual bullying. They were responsible for ensuring that Sexual Bullying flyers were posted in each of their classrooms as well as throughout the entire school building and over 200 teacher/staff mailboxes. A PSA Public Service Announcement was made to the entire school body during the schools weekly Mustang Pride days. AHYD Health Educator served as a guest speaker on the topic of Sexual Bullying during MHS football team's field house wind-down after evening practice and hosted a Sexual Bullying awareness day during MHS football game against
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Brookwood HS. Over 100 people, including parents, teachers, staff and students stopped by the table to gather brochures, hotline information and pledged against sexual bullying. Testimonials were given by parents and students of their personal experiences with sexual bullying. There were weekly Lunch & Learns held in the Teen Center where conversations and continuous teen friendly videos played via smart TV depicting Sexual Bullying, what it is, its consequences and how to help as a bystander. Staff and Youth Ambassadors hosted the Dental Hygiene Awareness campaign which provided information about dental health, how to properly care for teeth, how often to visit the dentist, where to health clinics and how to find a dentist. Th d a dental hygiene display was provided which contained all the necessary toiletries used to properly take care of the teeth. In addition to the awareness campaign, AHYD continued to close out the SUSI (Step Up Step In) Sexual Bullying program at MHS. Post survey administration for Sexual Bullying began this month. SUSI post-surveys continued this month as AHYD received a directive to have students take an online survey instead of previously administered paper copies. Over 175 students from 4 classes/grade levels were revisited and they took the online version.
District 03-5 DeKalb Health District No implementation reported
District 07 West Central (Columbus) Health District The YDC partnered with the Crisp County School City, Chamber of Commerce, and other entities to coordinate Red Ribbon Week activities. A community kickoff celebration was held on October 25, 2019. The YDC served as one of the speakers at the kickoff celebration.
District 08-1 South (Valdosta) Health District Completed (2) public awareness events centered around Sexual Bullying Prevention and Puberty/Personal Hygiene at North Brooks Elementary, Brooks Middle School (BROOKS) and Newbern Middle School (LOWNDES). A total of 126 students participated in these events.
District 09-1 Coastal (Savannah) Health District Implemented YELP's Camden County Teen Summit; #The unfiltered lifediscussing online safety and social media with 61 attendees Implemented S2S Saturday Group: Sex Trafficking and Dating Violencediscussing safety tips when out in public and effects of dating violence on teens with 21 attendees Implemented STIs, contraception, and teen pregnancy-presented to three health classes at Islands High School with 82 attendees Implemented STI, contraception, and teen pregnancy-presented to three health classes Islands High School with 80 attendees Implemented Derenne Sexual Bullying assembly for 6th grade classes at Middle School with 121 attendees
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Implemented Park Place Transitional Living Program involving Drugs and Alcohol with 4 attendees
Presented to 9th grade at Glynn Academy on Erin's Law and Sexual Abuse Prevention Tools with 280 attendees
Presented to entire female population of McIntosh Academy on Puberty, Personal Hygiene and Teen Pregnancy/STDs with 80 attendees.
3rd Quarter: 122 activities implemented through 3rd Quarter
District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District Implemented 8 public awareness events (Positive Social Norms (4 schools=4 events), Teen Dating Violence Prevention Month (3 schools=3 events), Puberty & Hygiene (1 event) reaching a total of 340 participants The Bartow Youth team put up an underage alcohol positive social norms series in 4 local high schools in partnership with Bartow against drugs. Also held a teen dating violence prevention at Adairsville high school reaching 90 participants Floyd Youth Action team implemented a lunch time awareness campaign for February's teen dating violence prevention at Armuchee and Rome High schools with 80 and 150 students, respectively. Participants also designed posters highlighting each line of the "Relationship Bill of Right." Also presented on puberty and hygiene at Rome Boys and Girls club reaching 20 students.
District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District Collaborated with women's source and implemented 2 events including Gil Power 2020 summit with 150 girls and local youth-serving organizations and discussed Drugs & Alcohol. Also collaborated with Northeast Georgia council to implement domestic violence with 50 attendees.
District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District Participated in a puberty and hygiene program at Girls Inc reaching 30 girls aged 10 to 15 Cancelled scheduled events at Lithia Springs High school and female Empowerment day with the Delta Academy due to COVID19 Developed virtual programs that partners could access upon request Developed COVID19 related social media posts and flyers for distribution to community and partners.
District 03-3 Clayton Health District Implemented Teen Maze covering topics related to adolescent health including Drugs and Alcohol, Teen Pregnancy & STI's, HIV, Healthy Relationships & Teen Dating Violence. 300 participants were reached including middle and high school youth, Sheriff & fire departments, funeral home, Clayton county judge and many other organizations and agencies.
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District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District Implemented 9 events reaching a total of 213 participants comprising of parents, students, school staff and community partners:
Hosted 4 HPV health campaigns as a classroom lunch and learn discussing HPV, the importance of taking the vaccine, distributed brochures and shared information about the Department of health clinics and TMI to students.
In collaboration with Partnership Against Domestic Violence, hosted a Teen dating violence/healthy relationship awareness campaign during lunch breaks and discussed information about relationship 101, power and Control, healthy relationship tools, gender roles and stereotypes, teen dating violence, barriers and bystander information and safety planning. Students also participated in activities around "Healthy love" and why it matters.
Kicked off "Take down Tobacco" with videos in the AHYD teen center centered around tobacco products, specifically on e-cigarettes and vaping. Progress was hindered by school closure due to pandemic
District 03-5 DeKalb Health District Hosted 3 events including Teen Dating Violence awareness event, DFCUPCS Youth Summit, and Men of McNair Youth Empowerment Conference reaching a total of 300 participants including middle and high school students and public health professionals.
District 07 West Central (Columbus) Health District Participated in 7 awareness programs in collaboration with partners and presented on including bullying, healthy relationships and teen dating, AHYD in DeKalb, teen pregnancy and STD/STI, vaping and smoke free schools in DeKalb, YAC and Action items for youths. A total of 180 people reached including students, parents, community, teachers and young adults.
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4th Quarter: 146 activities implemented through 4th Quarter
District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District Implemented 5 events including:
Shared a pre-recorded presentation on bullying and completed the 20 surveys with Flowering Branch Children's shelter in Bartow Co., as well as a girl group that was still meeting digitally in Rome (A Teen's Choice).
Shared a pre-recorded presentation on Teen Dating Violence Prevention/Healthy relationships with girl's group (A Teen's Choice) in Rome online.
Shared a pre-recorded Public Awareness presentation on Drugs & Alcohol through the Rome-Floyd Commission on Children and Youth to the local children's shelter in Rome, as well as other organizations. RFCCY Exec Director sent the presentation out through email and shared on the RFCCY Facebook page.
Bartow Youth Action Team implemented a "Positivity" campaign on Instagram. The team designed a different "story filter" to fill in and share each day in order to help their peers feel connected and promote positive mental health during the pandemic.
Floyd Youth Action implemented a "Positivity" campaign on Instagram The team designed a different "story filter" to fill in and share each day in order to help their peers feel connected and promote positive mental health during the pandemic.
District 02 North (Gainesville) Health District Assisted with a bullying seminar with the NorthEast Georgia County on Domestic Violence where around 60 surveys were completed before COVID. Currently planning several online events with the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega and possibly the campus in Gainesville to offer bullying, healthy relationships, drugs and alcohol and STDs and pregnancy prevention seminar. Also planned to offer all 5 topics at Eagle Overlook Recovery several times in the next year as new members enter the camp, including the Forsyth County Juvenile Detention Center.
District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District No public awareness events occurred but staff connected with some partners about virtual implementation options. To date, no one has requested a speaker.
District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District Implemented 4 events reaching a total of 389 participants comprising of parents and students:
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, AHYD hosted virtual health awareness information through Zoom and offered awareness on the Human Papillomavirus covering its transmission, symptoms, preventative measures, and lifelong challenges and consequences.
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Also used an innovative Photovoice project created by the students to increase awareness of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Students contributed their photographs, images, and messages to educate their peers and parents about the cancer prevention benefits of HPV vaccination and to initiate conversations about why the vaccination is important for adolescent boys and girls.
District 03-5 DeKalb Health District Hosted 3 virtual public awareness events covering bullying and puberty and hygiene and reaching 43 teens.
District 05-2 North Central (Macon) Health District Implemented one public awareness event at the Twin Cedars Youth and Family Services for young men (teenage boys). This was an in-person session with 10 youth that discussed Teen Pregnancy and STDs/HIV. Post surveys were given to each youth to ensure the information presented at the event met the expectations of the students and the organization.
District 07 West Central (Columbus) Health District Conducted a virtual parent workshop on Nutrition and Physical Activity in partnership with the GA Center for Resources and Supports with their foster parents. A total of 14 parents and 2 staff members participated in the virtual presentation.
District 08-1 South (Valdosta) Health District Facilitated (2) public awareness events via Zoom teleconference video application, titled "Avoiding the Pitfalls for Teens - Pandemic Edition" and featured an overview of the top 5 health risks for teens as it relates to school closure, quarantine environments, and prevention measures. Forty-six (46) youth were reached.
(District 08-2 Southwest (Albany) Health District) No implementation reported
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Figure 6: Number of youth-serving professionals, parents, community members or youth trained (Annual Goal
=600)

1400 1200 1000
800 600 400 200
0

107
1st Quarter

411
2nd Quarter

982
3rd Quarter

1,210
4th Quarter

Measure 5: Outcome:

Number of Youth-serving Professionals, Parents, Community members or Youth trained

Annual Goal 600

Youth-serving Professionals, Parents, Community members or Youth: 1,210

Overall Summary: As shown in Figure 6 above, GA-AHYD, through targeted

Public Health districts exceeded the annual goal and implemented a total of 70

youth-serving professional trainings, reaching 250 community members, 180

parents, 639 professional and 563 youths. The trainings included Asthma Pilot

training program, educational information on areas of child abuse prevention,

bullying prevention and stress management, Safe Dates, substance abuse,

emergency preparedness. Sexual Violence Assault prevention/exploitation

training.

Progress:

1st Quarter: 107 youth-serving professionals were trained through 1st Quarter Three health districts conducted training opportunities to youth-serving professionals during the first quarter including:
(District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District) Continued planning for the 19th annual Power in Truth (PIT) conference, an event that will offer 3 youth-serving professional trainings including adverse childhood experiences, #MeToo and Erin's law and prevention burnout in the workplace.

(District 03-2 Fulton Health District) Planned a positive youth development workshop for professionals, parents and community members or youth on November 11 and a youth mental health first aid workshop.
(District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District) Implemented2 youth-serving professional trainings including PREP/FLASH education training with senior youth advisors; and partnered with Georgia Division of Family and Children Services Personal Responsibility Education

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Program (PREP) to present "Tips for having the talk with your teen" during Parent engagement training at Meadowcreek High school. Sixteen (16) parents, 19 youths and 2 community members were reached.
(District 05-2 North Central (Macon) Health District) Trained 12 Macon-Bibb Middle school teachers on MAD. Partnered with the Macon-Bibb County Court System and conducted a workshop at the Macon-Bibb family court with 40 parents to build their skills on how to talk to their child about sex. The workshop covered the statistics of teen pregnancy and STD and how to introduce sex education to children. Partnered with Meritan Foster Care agency to host a training for their foster care parents to learn how to talk to their children about sexual health and responsibility. Topics covered included healthy relationships, undoing gender stereotypes, abstinence and reproductive health. Seventeen (17) parents participated.
(District 07 West Central (Columbus) Health District) Conducted 1 train-the-trainer session for the Making a Difference curriculum with one participant (an intern from Columbus state University).
2nd Quarter: 411 youth-serving professionals were trained through 2nd Quarter
District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District Hosted 3 youth serving professional trainings at the 19th Annual Power in Truth Conference. The three topics for the sessions included: 1) Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) 2) #MeToo and Erin's Law and 3) Prevention of Burnout in the Workplace. Over 30 Youth Serving Professionals attended the trainings and it included a mix of school counselors, teachers, parents, and community members. All 3 sessions were surveyed.
District 03-2 Fulton Health District Hosted a Positive Youth Development Workshop, which focused on the core concepts of the Positive Youth Development (PYD) approach.
District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District AHYD Program Manager & AHYD Youth Ambassadors met twice to discuss Sexual Bullying awareness updates/personal progress, other group updates: group academic/tutoring support, youth summit, focus group, MHS-AHYD winter ball, November's awareness campaign and joining/partnering with MHS PTSA, and Youth Empowerment Summit logistics, Emory Focus group dates, and upcoming dental hygiene awareness campaign updates/personal progress.
Meadowcreek HS AHYD 13 youth ambassadors and AHYD Program manager/staff attended a youth empowerment summit field trip experience at the Cobb Galleria along with 500+ students from various high schools in Atlanta. The event featured young people who are experiencing personal growth and leading social change in their local communities, in many cases against all odds.
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The youth-driven event included: town hall youth panel discussions; interactive activities focused on overall adolescent wellness and healthy peer relationships; and breakout sessions facilitated by community leaders from the public and private sectors addressing the realities and emerging issues young people face.
District 08-1 South (Valdosta) Health District Completed (1) youth serving training with the Valdosta High School AVID program staff. The Achievement Via Individual Determination (AVID) presentation was focused on preparing teachers, counselors, and other youth serving professionals to effectively identify and address students in the area of sexuality, abstinence and engagement. The workshop was 2hr and held during Staff Inservice training at Valdosta City Schools.
3rd Quarter: 982 youth-serving professionals were trained through 3rd quarter. The following health districts implemented youth-serving professional trainings reaching parents, community members and youth:
(District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District) Implemented a total of 16 youth development opportunity programs including:
Provided 15 online trainings for new mentors at Bartow Provided a training at Adairsville High School on what teen dating violence is,
how to avoid it, and how to help someone in need to the entire 12th grade class and part of the 11th grade class at AHS.
(District 03-1 Cobb & Douglas Health District) Staff focused primarily on developing relationships and preparing a curriculum for the second youth-serving professional training of FY 19. Staff spent this quarter working closely with Cobb & Douglas Public Health's HR department to secure a competitive slot to present during one of the organizations monthly "Lunch and Learns". The relationship staff developed with HR was leveraged to permit staff to offer a training that is open to all CDPH employees on Adolescent Friendly Clinics. The training is scheduled to occur during quarter 4 (May). Throughout this quarter, staff also worked on preparing for the presentation that will be shared during the May "Lunch and Learn". Cobb/Douglas AHYD's state coordinator is working closely with the YDC to ensure she is sufficiently trained and qualified to implement the clinic training.
(District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District)
Met with individual Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) leaders and two leader elects to discuss leading forthcoming YAC group meetings. The 4 leaders also collaborated on an agenda for meeting with the entire group to plan for Teen Dating Violence activities this month.
Hosted GCAPP Adolescent Service Network Meeting at Meadowcreek High School (MHS) and AHYD, in partnership with Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP), held its 1st quarterly Adolescent Services Network (ASN) meeting at MHS to introduce other community partners programs and
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services and to discuss the latest trends and statistics as it relates to Adolescent Health. Held Meadowcreek two meetings this month to discuss Kick Butts Month and activities centered around the campaign and discussed upcoming teen summits and possible youth participation in upcoming months. Individual meetings were held with the graduating YAC seniors to discuss future career/life goals and plans as they transition into young adulthood. AHYD in partnership with MHS, participated in the Georgia State University Toolbox meeting held to introduce the current and upcoming school Principals/Asst. Principals at all levels of secondary education with tools on how to address the multiple aspects of diversity within the school environment. AHYD Teen Center was on the panel to introduce and highlight the program components and services as it relates to providing diversity of wellness needs for Meadowcreek High School Students.
(District 03-5 DeKalb Health District) Continued to provide resources to community providers, parents and youth.
(District 05-2 North Central (Macon) Health District) Implemented a Family Life and Sexual Health (FLASH) to assist teachers and health educators in teaching a pilot sexual health education program.
(District 07 West Central (Columbus) Health District) Conducted a training in Sumter County and provided information on understanding the 40 Developmental Assets as a strategy to promote positive youth development. Participants also received information on the "It Takes A Village" initiative that will begin in the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The participants included youth service providers, afterschool programs, mental health professionals, juvenile court workers, principals, parent coordinators, parents, and faith- based representatives.
(District 08-1 South (Valdosta) Health District) Facilitated a youth serving professional training for local youth pastors, 501(c)3 organizations, and interested parents on 3/8/19 at the Highgrove Farms, Lake Park, GA. The training was entitled "Tough Talks with Teens" and focused on communicating issues of sexuality, self-esteem, puberty, and dating/relationships with young people. The District YDC served as the presenter/trainer for the event.
(District 09-1 Coastal (Savannah) Health District) Held a presentation on consequences for risky choices while positively interacting with youth with probation officers at Department of Juvenile Justice Staff in Pembroke in Bryan and McIntosh Counties with 5 attendees Held a presentation on giving consequences for risky choices while positively interacting with youth with probation officers at Department of Juvenile Justice Staff in Hinesville, Liberty/Long Counties with 5 attendees).
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Held a presentation to Chatham and Glynn County school counselors of Erin's law curriculum at College of Coastal Georgia, Glynn County with 50 attendees.
Held a presentation to Coastal Health District Nurse Managers on Erin's Law Curriculum and implementation of comprehensive risk reduction curriculum at the Chatham County Health Department with 15 attendees.
4th Quarter: 1,210 Youth-serving professionals were trained through 4th quarter. The state identified SPARK model was put on hold pending YDC training. However, some health districts implemented other youth-serving trainings.
District 01-1 Northwest (Rome) Health District Facilitated each of the clinic trainings for the state program manager each month as preparation for the next FY implementation.
District 03-4 Lawrenceville (East Metro) Health District Offered Parent Sessions: "How to Talk to Your Preteen about the HPV Vaccine" and parents were informed on the importance for their child to get the vaccine series before sexual activity.
District 08-2 Southwest (Albany) Health District No implementation reported
District 09-1 Coastal (Savannah) Health District No progress reported
TANF Purpose #3: Prevent and reduce the incidence of Out-of-wedlock pregnancies.
Funding: Segregated TANF Funds
For more information about Adolescent Health and Youth Development Unit Programs, please contact DPH at 404-657-6638 or visit http://health.state.ga.us/programs/adolescents/
References Frost JJ, Frohwirth L and Zolna MR, Contraceptive Needs and Services, 2014 Update, New York: Guttmacher Institute, 2016, https://www.guttmacher.org/report/contraceptiveneeds-and-services2014-update.
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Kost, K., Maddow-Zimet, I., & Arpaia, A. (2017). Pregnancies, births and abortions among adolescents and young women in the United States, 2013: National and state trends by age, race and ethnicity. Retrieved from https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/report_pdf/us-adolescent-pregnancytrends-2013.pdf
Kost K, Unintended Pregnancy Rates at the State Level: Estimates for 2010 and Trends Since 2002, New York: Guttmacher Institute, 2015, https://www.guttmacher.org/report/unintended-pregnancy-rates-statelevel-estimates2010-and-trends-2002.
Sonfield A and Kost K, Public Costs from Unintended Pregnancies and the Role of Public Insurance Programs in Paying for Pregnancy-Related Care: National and State Estimates for 2010, New York: Guttmacher Institute, 2015, http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/public-costs-of-UP-2010.pdf.
DFCS Afterschool Care Program
The Afterschool Care Program is located within the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and provides federal funding to non-profit organizations and public agencies who serve youth and families during the out-of-school time. It is designed to support DFCS' goal of providing resources and services that promote selfsufficiency among children and families. By funding services that are provided during before school, after school, intercession and summer hours, the Afterschool Care Program also supports two Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) goals:
(a) Reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work and marriage. (b) Prevent and reduce unplanned pregnancies among single young adults.
The mission of the Afterschool Care Program is to provide resources to youth-serving organizations within the state of Georgia who serve families within low-to-moderate income communities and the foster care system. The vision of the Afterschool Care Program is to ensure every child and youth has access to high quality youth development programming within their community. Educational attainment, positive youth development and an enhanced well-being are key factors in preventing future welfare dependency among today's youth, particularly youth of economically disadvantaged communities. Through out-of-school time programs, parents and caregivers can ensure their youth have a safe and enriching environment when the traditional school day ends. By providing funding through a Statement of Need (SoN) solicitation process, the Afterschool Care Program partners with community-based organizations and public agencies throughout the state of Georgia who provide services to youth and their families. The goals of the DFCS Afterschool Care Program are to:
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Strengthen youth-serving organizations and institutions by providing funding that increases their capacity to design, implement, and sustain quality youth development programs and services;
Provide opportunities for youth to establish positive relationships with their peers and caring adults during traditional non-school day hours; and
Provide technical assistance to organizations and agencies as they implement services and activities that support their youth's overall well-being as they prepare for and transition into young adulthood.
Positive Youth Development Services
Agencies that are funded through the DFCS Afterschool Care Program provide projectbased learning activities and/or youth apprenticeship experiences to youth participants that support school day learning and encourage positive transitions into adulthood. In Federal Fiscal Year 2016, funded agencies began implementing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) based learning opportunities. Through projectbased learning activities and apprenticeship-based experiences, youth had the opportunity to learn about 21st century career and educational pathways that support our evolving workforce. The Afterschool Care Program has continued with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) based learning opportunities for partners funded with the Federal Fiscal Year 2019 Statement of Need solicitation process.
Project-based learning is a hands-on and creative approach to teaching, which provides academic support to students in a way that is fun and engaging. Projects are interdisciplinary in nature, build on student interest and provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned through the completion of the project. The youth apprenticeship experience is a method of engaging youth in workbased skill development training that assists them in identifying and pursuing professional and career choices. Within organizations who implement apprenticeship experiences for youth, apprenticeships are taught by professionals with real-world experiences in the apprenticeship field selected by the program. Each of these programs also include opportunities for students to participate in well-being support opportunities, including, but not limited to, health and well-being programming, and family and community engagement.
Funding Allocation and MOE
Since Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2006, the DFCS Afterschool Care Program has partnered with agencies by providing funding to serve youth during the out-of-school time. Through this partnership, the Afterschool Care Program has required each partnering agency to provide a match contribution to support programs and services provided to youth. This match is used to support the Georgia Department of Human
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Services (DHS) and Georgia Division of Family and Children Services' (DFCS) Maintenance of Effort (MOE).
From FFY 2006 to FFY 2019, the Afterschool Care Program funding supported programs and services that served over 25,000 youth annually through after school and summer programs collectively (majority of youth are served through the Georgia Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs) each year. As COVID 19 descended upon our state during FFY 2020, funded Afterschool programs have remained committed to serving youth and their families by way of virtual engagement, socially distanced in-person programming and expanded social supports (food boxes, student check ins, etc.) that have all proven to be instrumental in navigating life during this pandemic. Each fiscal year, the DFCS Afterschool Care Program awards approximately $15M was awarded to selected agencies with additional Maintenance of Effort (MOE) match support of approximately and $35M or more each year.
Currently (FFY 2020), the Afterschool Care Program is partnering with 40 agencies to provide positive youth development services during the out-of-school time. As in previous programming years, the Georgia Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs continues to serve the largest number of youth and providing the largest amount in match funding for the Department of Human Services and Georgia Division of Family and Children Services' MOE.
Partnerships and Collaborations
During FFY 2013, the Afterschool Care Program partnered with other state agencies to provide the first Afterschool and Youth Development (ASYD) Conference in Georgia. In FFY 2014, in partnership with the Governor's Office for Children and Families (GOCF), Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE), and Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services provided the second statewide After School and Youth Development (ASYD) Conference. The conference was held in Augusta, Georgia and over 900 youth development workers, stakeholders and agency representatives attended. During the ASYD Conference, the Georgia Afterschool and Youth Development Quality Standards were launched to continue the effort of improving quality and support to youth development and out-of-school time programs within our communities in Georgia. The ASYD Conference was held again in FFY 2016 and FFY 2018. Both years we utilized Columbus, Georgia as the conference location and each conference had the same emphasis of continuous quality improvement for out-of-school time programs. With the statewide partnership to provide the ASYD Conference and in initiating an effort to improve out-of-school time program quality through state after school quality standards, DHS, DFCS, GaDOE and DPH have continued their commitment in working to provide programs and services that do not duplicate efforts throughout the state of Georgia but compliment and support the work of each agency while considering how initiatives, events, programs and services can be offered more streamlined and efficiently.
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From FFY 2016 through FFY 2018, the Afterschool Care Program partnered with the Georgia Department of Public Health's Georgia SHAPE Health Initiative as the official DFCS Afterschool Care Program health program for all participating youth. Youth served through the DFCS Afterschool Care funded programs participated in Georgia SHAPE approved activities to aid in the overall improvement of their health and well being. Future Goals and Program Impact In addition to requiring that all current funded programs have an emphasis on STEAM, the Afterschool Care Program has moved forward with continued implementation of the Afterschool and Youth Development (ASYD) Quality Standards statewide. Through a collective partnership with other state agencies, each funded program will have the opportunity to utilize the established ASYD Self-Assessment Tool to obtain baseline data of their program's quality and to create a plan of improvement to be implemented over the course of the contract year.
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