2019 DJJ Annual Report

Georgia Depart ment
of Juvenil e Just ice

2019

Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 A Message from the Commissioner MISSION
4 DJJ Top 5 Strategic Goals
5 DJJ Organizational Chart The DJJ mission is t o
6 DJJ Leadership prot ect and serve t he
7 DJJ Board and Board of Education cit izens of Georgia by
8 What DJJ Does and Why It Is Important holding young of f enders
9 FY2019 Highlights account abl e f or t heir
10 Division of Financial Services act ions t hrough t he
11 Office of Human Resources del ivery of services and
13 Division of Administrative Services sanct ions in appropriat e

Office of Engineering set t ings and by
Office of Technology and Information Services support ing yout h in t heir
Office of Real Estate and Building Services communit ies t o become
16 Division of Community Services
19 Office of Professional Development and Standards product ive and
Victim and Volunteer Services l aw-abiding cit izens.
ACA Accreditation
23 Office of the Ombudsman VISION
24 Division of Education
26 Division of Secure Detention DJJ wil l l ead t he nat ion
28 Division of Secure Campuses in preparing young
29 Division of Support Services peopl e in it s care t o
Office of Chaplaincy Services devel op and sust ain
Office of Nutrition and Food Services product ive l ives.
Office of Classification and Transportation Services
Office of Behavioral Health Services

The 2019 Annual Report Team would like to thank everyone who contributed their time, energy, and
enthusiasm to this endeavor. Also, we are very grateful for the advice and support from our partners at
Kennesaw State University.

2

A MESSAGE FROM THE
COMMISSIONER

Fiscal Year 2019 in Review

It is an honor to present to you the 2019 Annual Report for the Georgia
Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). This document will provide you with a
comprehensive review of the work accomplished by this agency during
FY2019, which allowed Georgia?s youthful offenders to become productive
members of society.
During FY2019, the Agency experienced growth and development through the
dedication and hard work of our board and staff; as well as that of the
volunteers working both within our secure facilities and in the community.
With the vision and support of Governor Brian Kemp, DJJfocused on working
with our law enforcement and judicial partners to help decrease gang
recruitment and reduce sexual trafficking of minors. In addition, we continued
to work hand-and-hand with the state?s juvenile court judges to ensure that
adjudicated youth who were at low-risk to re-offend were not committed to our detention facilities, but received
educational and mental health services in their cities or counties.
Education, whether in the classroom or through independent programming, remained a priority at DJJduring the
year. Our teachers and instructors helped to increase the number of eligible youth in our care who receive either a
high school diploma, GED certification, and technical certificates of credits. These youth were also provided access
to activities such as job readiness fairs, art competitions, human-animal bonding through dog training, and
athletics; which gave them the opportunity for positive change and progress.
The FY2019 also brought forth exciting accomplishments to Georgia?s juvenile justice system, which demonstrated
DJJ?s challenge to itself to provide the best possible services to the youth we serve:

- The creation of an aquaponic garden at our secure facility in Dalton, GA.
- A new Education Transition Center in Columbus, GA.
- Accreditation of the Macon, Rockdale, and Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Centers and the Macon

and Muscogee Youth Development Campuses by the American Correctional Association.
Thank you for taking the time to review this report and the scope of services offered at DJJ. I consider it an honor to
serve the State of Georgia, along with more than 3,500 employees who report for duty each day to meet the
mission of DJJ. Their dedication is steadfast in providing safe and secure facilities to the youth we serve. On behalf
of the Board and its employees, I wish to thank you for your continued support and recognition of our efforts.

Sincerely,

Tyr one Oliver, Commissioner

3

DJJ TOP 5 STRATEGIC GOALS

FY2019 TOP 5 STRATEGIC GOALS

The top five strategic goals for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) were developed to provide
clarity of our mission and set forth expectations for all Department personnel while conducting business
operations.
By establishing these goals, DJJ works to fully align all objectives, programs and services offered to youth that
have been outlined by the Governor.

1. Enhance System of Care f or Mental Health

2. Ef f ective Responses f or Human Traf f icking
Vict ims and Famil ies

3. Gang Prevention and Intervention

4. Recruitment, Retention and Succession Planning

5. Operate Saf e and Secure Facilities and
Communit ies

4

DJJ ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Georgia Depart ment of Juvenil e Just ice
Organizat ional Chart

Commissioner

Executive Deputy Financial Gover nment L egal Communications Auditor
Assistant Relations Ser vices
Super intendent Ser vices

Chief of Staff Human Pr of essi onal
Resour ces I nvestigations Development
Executive
Assistant Cr iminal and Standar ds
Histor y
Assistant Ombudsman
Commissioner

Administr ative Secur e Suppor t Community Special
Ser vices Facilities Ser vices Ser vices Oper ations

Engineer ing RYDC M edical

IT YDC Behavior al
Health
Building Effective 10/7/2019
Ser vices Food Ser vice

Fleet Class &
Tr anspor tation
Gr ants
Chaplaincy

5

DJJ LEADERSHIP

The executive leadership team sets the strategic direction of DJJ and drives the core values, mission, and vision that
undergird the agency?s daily work. DJJ leaders are passionate and focused veterans in their respective fields.

Tyrone Ol iver Mark J. Mit chel l Sean C. Hamil t on
Commissioner Chief of Staff Assistant Commissioner

Gl enn Al l en St even Cart er-Wil l iams Margaret Cawood Lat era Davis
Direct or Chief Financial Of f icer Deput y Commissioner Direct or

Communicat ions Financial Services Support Services Prof essional Devel opment
and St andards

Pamel a Johnson Dr. Monica Henson Dana Kil pat rick Zachary Louis
Deput y Commissioner Deput y Superint endent Direct or Direct or

Secure Det ent ion DJJ School Dist rict Human Resources Legisl at ive Services

Shawanda Reynol ds-Cobb Vict or Robert s Cindy Wang Mat t hew Wol f e
Deput y Commissioner Deput y Commissioner General Counsel Direct or
Administ rat ive Services Communit y Services Legal Services
Invest igat ions

6

DJJ BOARD AND BOARD OF
EDUCATION

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Board consists of 14 members and two judicial advisors, each appointed by
the Governor. Pursuant to Title 49-4A-2, Official Code of Georgia, the Board of Juvenile Justice establishes the general
policy to be followed by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

Sandra Heat h Tayl or Wil l ie C. Bol t on Adam Kennedy
Board Chairman Vice Chair Board Secretary
LaGrange At hens
Cl axt on
(Congressional District 3) (Congressional District 10) (Congressional District 11)

Danny L. Bl ackmon Lisa Col bert Thomas L. Col eman Quint ress Gil bert Angie Hol t
Lit honia Judicial Advisor Warner Robins
Quit man Count y Savannah (Congressional Dist rict 8)
(Congressional Dist rict 4) Bibb Count y
(Congressional Dist rict 2) (Congressional Dist rict 1)

Margaret Kaiser Penny A. Penn El aine P. Snow Fred E. St ephens

At l ant a Cum m i ng Lindal e Cl evel and
(Congressional Dist rict 5) (Congressional Dist rict 7) (Congressional Dist rict 14) (Congressional Dist rict 9)

John Edwards St even C. Teske James Val brun Dick Yarbrough
Cl axt on Judicial Advisor Lit hia Springs At l ant a
Cl ayt on Count y
(Congressional Dist rict 12) (Congressional Dist rict 13) (Congressional Dist rict 11)

7

WHAT DJJ DOES AND WHY
IT IS IMPORTANT

26 30 96 3,500

Secure Geor gi a Communit y Empl oyees
Facil it ies Preparat ory Services Of f ices

Academy

WHAT DJJ DOES AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is a multi-faceted agency that serves the needs of the state's youthful
offenders up to the age of 21. The Department has more than 3,500 employees at its Central Office, 26 secure facilities
(19 Regional Youth Detention Centers and seven Youth Development Campuses) and 96 Community Services Offices
throughout the state to effect justice and redirect the young lives in the agency's care.

Including those placed on probation, thousands of youths are diverted each year to evidence-based community
programs, sentenced to short-term incarceration and committed to long-term custody by juvenile courts. DJJ's
professional corrections and law enforcement staff preserve public safety, safeguard the citizens of Georgia and protect
victims of crime. DJJ holds juvenile offenders accountable for their delinquent conduct through a rehabilitative
treatment model while under probation, supervision or secure confinement.

While under DJJ supervision, the agency provides youth with educational opportunities by some of Georgia's best
teachers and administrators. Youth also receive medical, dental and mental health treatment from qualified
professionals who provide a range of services and support. DJJ offers programs designed to equip the youth in its care
with the social, intellectual and emotional tools needed to achieve successful re-entry into the community and
workplace as more productive and law-abiding citizens.

8

FY2019 HIGHLIGHTS

New Facil it y Hi gh Aquaponi c Educat ion
Secure Accredit at ions School / GED Garden Cent er
Facil it y
Dipl omas

FY2019 HIGHLIGHTS

- The Cadwell Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) in Laurens County has 23,000 square feet of dormitory
space to accommodate up to 48 males and eight female juvenile offenders. The facility also has 9,300 square
feet of vocational space.

- DJJ obtained accreditation for the Macon, Aaron Cohn and Rockdale RYDCs and the Macon and Muscogee YDCs
from the American Correctional Association (ACA).

- During FY2019, DJJ youth enrolled in the Georgia Preparatory Academy earned 37 high school diplomas, 70
GEDs and 68 technical certificates of credit.

- DJJ installed and operates an aquaponic garden system at the Elbert Shaw RYDC in Dalton, GA. A first of its kind
at a DJJ facility, the garden is a self-sufficient farming system where the presence of fish help to grow an
assortment of fruits, vegetables, and herbs through a combination of aquaculture and hydroponics.

- DJJ opened the Muscogee Education Transition Center (ETC) in Columbus, GA. The new facility is designed to give
youth re-entering society and still under DJJ supervision a setting to complete their secondary education.

9

DIVISION OF FINANCIAL
SERVICES

The Division of Financial Services (DFS) has the overall responsibility to ensure the Department is within state
budgetary compliance, adheres to generally accepted accounting principles and is compliant with all federal and state
fiscal policies and procedures. DFS oversees budget services, procurement and all accounting matters for the
Department.

FY2019 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Budget
$ 351,011,927

Depart ment Administ rat ion $ 24,752,962 28.2% 7.1% Depart ment
28.2% Administ rat ion
Communit y Services
Communit y Services $ 99,007,101 Secure Det ent ion
Secure Commit ment
Programs
St at e Funds
Secure Det ent ion $ 128,378,600 36.6% Federal Funds
Secure Commit ment $ 98,873,264 Ot her Funds

Fundi ng St at e Funds $ 342,867,415
Sources Federal Funds $ 7,804,205
Ot her Funds $ 340,307
97.7%

10

OFFICE OF HUMAN
RESOURCES

The Office of Human Resources (OHR) serves as a strategic partner to the agency
and provides guidance to leadership on the agency's human resources needs.

In FY2019, OHR served more than 3,500 DJJ employees, with a goal to foster
cohesive working relationships to build a strong culture of qualified,
mission-driven employees dedicated to carrying out the agency's priorities.

OHR strives to operate in the best interest of both DJJ and its employees by
applying industry best practices in the delivery of services including job and
compensation analysis, employee relations, recruitment and retention,
performance management and other HR services.

Th e dat a below r epr esen t s st af f in g n u m ber s f or DJJf or FY2018 an d FY2019

4000 Type of Em ployees (FTE) FY2019 FY2018 DJJ EMPLOYEES (FULL-TIME)
3000 FY2019
3275 3241 At the end of FY2019, DJJ employed 3,241
full-time employees (FTE). Juvenile Correctional
2000 1990 Officers (JCO) made up 28 percent of its staff, while
1793 another 17 percent were sworn employees. Of the
1000 980 894 JCO employees, 63 percent worked in the
305 554 Secure Facilities Division, and 37 percent worked
894 in our Secure Campus Division providing direct
Non -Secu r it y * Ot h er Sw or n Tot al supervision of the youth offenders.
0
St af f St af f Em ployees HIRES AND SEPARATIONS
Ju ven ile
Cor r ect ion al The retention of JCOs has long been a challenge for
DJJ. JCO hiring makes up 54 percent of all DJJ
* Ot her Sworn St af f consist s of Correct ional Capt ains, Sergeant s, Lieut enant s, Invest igat ors recruitment and 52 percent of separations. During
and Supervisors, Publ ic Saf et y Trainers and Supervisors, Probat ion Of f icers and Pol ice FY2019, JCO turnover increased to 94 percent up
Of f icers. from 84 percent in FY2018. The overall
departmental turnover rate increased to 45 percent
Hir es an d Separ at ion s at DJJin FY2019 from 44 percent in FY2018.

DJJHir es Retention has also been a concern in other areas of
DJJSepar at ion s DJJ. During FY2019, Behavioral Health experienced
a turnover rate of 35.78 percent and Food Service
1620 1543 experienced a turnover rate of 55.19 percent.

DJJ's Human Resources team continues an
aggressive recruitment strategy that targets ideal
candidates for officer positions and other areas
that experience retention challenges.

Hir es an d Separ at ion s of JCO in FY2019

JCO Hir es
JCO Separ at ion s

846 833

Separat ions are def ined as dismissal , ret irement s, resignat ions and right sizing.

11

OFFICE OF HUMAN
RESOURCES

Vacan cy Rat e - All Posit ion s Vacan cy Rat e - JCOs
56%
40% 40% 60%
30% 40%
20% 34% 20%
10%
0% 25% 40%

29%

FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 0% FY2018 FY2019
FY2017

JCO Hir es an d Separ at ion s Com par ed t o all DJJFY19 Tu r n over Rat e f or JCOs FY19

60% 54% 52% 100% 94.42%
40% 75%
50% 84.33%

61.47%

20% 25%

0% 0%

JCO Hir e % JCO Separ at ion % FY2017 FY2018 FY2019

Tu r n over Rat e f or DJJFY19

50% 42.86% 44.88% 45.38%
40%

30% FY2017 FY2018 FY2019
20%
10%
0%

12

DIVISION OF
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

The Division of Administrative Services is responsible for providing adequate technology, contract procurement,
grant resources, maintenance and construction services, and property management while ensuring the upkeep and
safety of DJJ?s central office. This division is also responsible for providing personnel services to employees which
include the development of policies, employee benefits, classification and compensation, employee relations,
performance management, recruitment and retention, criminal background checks and ensuring fair and lawful labor
practices.

OFFICEOF ENGINEERING

The Office of Engineering's mission is to address the needs outlined in the strategic plan for growth and
development as well as challenges presented by the agency?s aging building structures and MEP systems statewide.
During FY2019, the facility maintenance team received more than 3,100 corrective and preventive work orders per
month.

FY2019 TOP 5 CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCEHIGHLIGHTS

The Cadwell Regional Youth Detention

1 Center (RYDC) located in Laurens County,
was the third construction and renovation
project to address DJJ?s aging facilities. DJJ
added two housing units and a gymnasium,
increasing the overall size to 63,000
square feet.

With an emphasis on education and

2 technology, the Cadwell RYDC added a
vocational education program with a
horticultural courtyard and enhanced security
measures to upgrade youth and employee
saf et y.

IP CCTV systems were installed in 24 out of

3 26 DJJ facilities replacing pre-existing analog
cameras.

Security Control Panel (touch screen)

4 upgrades were made at the
Gainesville, Aaron Cohn, Loftiss and
Claxton RYDCs.

Fire alarm upgrades were made at the

5 Augusta YDC and Metro, Dekalb, Savannah
and Loftiss RYDCs.

13

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES

OFFICEOF TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION SERVICES

The Office of Technology and Information Systems (OTIS) provides support,
development, and maintenance of highly effective, reliable and innovative
information systems in support of the agency?s strategic goals.
During FY2019, OTIS continued its mission to position DJJ?s technology to be a
leader in state technology innovation. Efforts in 2019 were focused on
changes to structure and process to facilitate leaps over coming years.

FY2019 HIGHLIGHTS
Dat a Shari ng and Int egrat i on ? Completed the rollout of the Juvenile Data Exchange (JDEX)

project in conjunction with the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and the Council of Juvenile Court
Judges.

Juveni l e Tracki ng Syst em (JTS) ? Received $1.6 million in funding at the beginning of

FY2019 from the Operation Planning and Budget to refresh the JTS application.

AMTEL ? Completed the rollout of the AMTEL System which provides juvenile telephone and PREA

services for DJJ.

Axon Body Cameras ? Successfully deployed Axon camera docking stations and isolated network

connections over FirstNet in seven YDCs, 14 RYDCs and 30 CSO/ HITS offices.

GPS Tracki ng Devi ces ? Deployed 108 T-Moble SyncUpFleet GPS tracking devices in agency

transportation vans, facility vans, and SMRT vehicles.

Agency Net w ork Improvement s ? Completed the installation of separate utility-grade

networks across all secure facilities to support AMTEL, and JPay to enhance our ability to manage the
remote facility technologies.

14

DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES

OFFICEOF REAL ESTATE& BUILDING SERVICES

The Office of Real Estate and Building 106 Real Est at e Propert ies
Services manages 106 real estate properties
utilized by the agency. This unit also
oversees the day-to-day operations,
maintenance, and security of DJJ's Central
Of f i ce.

During FY2019, DJJ's Real Estate team,
Community and Education team, the State
Properties Commission of Georgia and the
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers
successfully completed the project for DJJ?s
new Muscogee Education Transition Center
(ETC) in Columbus, Georgia.

The Muscogee ETC includes classrooms and
traditional office space. This ETC will provide
youth with an incredible opportunity to
continue their education by earning course
credits towards a high school diploma or
GED. DJJ held the ribbon-cutting ceremony
on May 29, 2019, and students began classes on
June 17, 2019.

FY2019 HIGHLIGHTS

Caldwell RYDC Opening

Facility Control Room

Muscogee Education Transition Center

15

DIVISION OF COMMUNITY
SERVICES

The Division of Community Services is responsible for intake, case management, probation, detention planning,
residential care, re-entry services, and aftercare supervision. In some areas of the state, the Department shares these
services with county juvenile court staff. Intake is the entry point in which a youth is either diverted from or formally
processed into the juvenile justice system. The Division has 96 Court Services Offices and includes the Office of
Residential and Community-Based Services and the Office of Re-Entry Services.

Intake (court admission process including Pl acement ADP PCT Share
detention decision-making and diversion) Communit y 9,258 87.2%

Secure detention alternatives (monitor the
status of youth in detention and offer
alternatives to judges)

Non-secure detention (electronic monitoring Jai l 224 2.1%
and group home placements)

Probation supervision Resident ial 327 3.1%

Commitment supervision RYDC 490 4.6%
YDC 316 3.0%
Residential placement (room, board, and
watchful oversight and psychiatric residential
treatment facilities for an average of more
than, 369 youth per month)

Interstate Compact for juveniles Tot al 10,615 100%

Aftercare supervision and services for youth
returning from YDCs and residential
placements

FY2019 Yout h Supervised Dail y by t he Division of Communit y Services

4.6% 3.0%

RYDC YDC

3.1%

Jai l

2.1%

Resident ial

87.2%

Communit y

Dat a Discl aimers:

- Communit y: Excludes juveniles with independent court case workers
- Jail : Includes DOC, Jail, Secure Detention (SD), and Secure Commitment (SC)
- Resident ial : Excludes third party vendors
- RYDC: Includes DJJ case worker cases, and excludes superior court cases
- YDC: Includes DJJ case worker cases

16

DIVISION OF COMMUNITY
SERVICES

The Division of Community Services uses several tools and evidenced-based programs to implement juvenile justice
reform and improve the juvenile justice system.

1,881 Yout h Tracking Program - Tracking services provides intensive surveillance and monitoring allowing
Yout h juvenile offenders to remain at home pending further court action. During FY2019, 1,881 youth were
Tracked tracked with this program.

Mul t i-Syst emic Therapy (MST) - An evidence-based and high-fidelity intensive treatment program to 1,016
address environmental systems impacting medium and high-risk juvenile offenders ages 12 to 17 with Part icipat ed
lengthy delinquency histories and serious anti-social behavior.

1,623 High Int ensit y Team Supervision (HITS) - HITS is a community-based, in-home detention placement
Sl ot s alternative for community-supervised youth. HITS involve team supervision strategies including
housebound detention alternatives, electronic monitoring, curfew checks, drug and alcohol testing,
crisis management, ESP and home, school, work, and office visits. DJJ's 42 HITS units have 1,623 slots
for youth throughout the state.

Georgia Int erst at e Compact f or Juvenil es (ICJ) -This unit processes incoming and outgoing supervision 336
transfers from other states. The Georgia ICJ unit also processes the return of runaways, accused Transf ers
delinquents, absconders or escapees. In FY2019, the unit processed an average of 336 transfers of
supervision cases monthly.

Thinking f or a Change (T4C) - An evidence-based practice that includes social skills development,
182 cognitive restructuring and the development of problem-solving skills. In FY2019, T4C services were
Compl et ed provided to 228 youth across 23 counties with 182 successful youth completions.

Adul t det ent ion f acil it y monit oring - DJJ completes annual inspections at the 173 Georgia adult 173
detention facilities that temporarily hold or detain juveniles. Facil it ies

123 Funct ional Famil y Therapy (FFT) - An evidence-based intervention that involves
Compl et ed short-term counseling in the home, working with family members and caregivers. During FY2019, 208
youth received FFT services in 53 counties with 123 successful youth completions.

Aggression Repl acement Training (ART) - A cognitive-behavioral intervention program designed to 112
help aggressive adolescents ages 12 to 17 improve their social skill competence and moral reasoning, Compl et ed
better manage anger and reduce aggressive behavior. In FY2019, ART services were provided to 136
youth across 13 counties with 112 successful youth completions.

91 Gang Prevent ion - The Division has provided specialized gang training to 91 employees to serve as
Empl oyees Community Security Risk Group personnel. The group is designed to enhance the identification,
tracking and support to DJJ gang-affiliated youth that enters the Georgia juvenile justice system.

17

DIVISION OF COMMUNITY
SERVICES

2,276 Yout h Part icipat ed in Yout h-Cent ered Re-ent ry Team Meet ings: Re-entry specialists coordinate
strategic case planning with youth and family facilitating continuity of care for adjudicated youth
throughout their time within the juvenile justice system. From 2017 to 2018, family engagement
increased by 4.91 percent and videoconferencing increased by 5.21 percent.

Yout h At t ended Train-To-Gain Skil l s Cl ass and 27 Yout h Part icipat ed in Work-Based Learning
(WBL): The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) and their vendor Easter Seals of East

27 Georgia are training youth at Augusta Youth Development Campus (YDC). Youth learn job readiness

skills in the classroom and then enroll in WBL where they earn a $7.25 per hour training stipend for
working on facility work details. The accumulated funds are loaded on a pay card and given to the
youth upon release. Pay cards were distributed to 27 released youth in WBL in FY2019 with more
than $30,400 in stipend earnings for the youth.

$2,500 Parent hood Project -Support f or Yout h Who Are Parent s: Through a private citizen donation of
$2,500 per year and donations from partners on the Parenthood Project:

- Toy carts filled with toys (coloring books, puzzles, teddy bears, books, etc.) are in each of
the YDCs for visiting youth to encourage more visitations from families by making the
visitation environment more family friendly.

- Project "Angel Tree" is provided through a partnership with Prison Fellowship where
churches donate a Christmas gift to a youth's child in the youth's name.

- The "Nurturing Parenting" skills class continues to be offered at Atlanta YDC through Prison
Fellowship and DJJ is expanding the class to the Macon and Augusta YDCs.

Col l aborat ions wit h Communit y and Corporat e Part ners:

- Home Depot staff teaches an evidence-based job readiness curriculum at Atlanta YDC and
DJJ is extending the partnership to additional YDCs.

- Augusta Public Defender's Office teaches Movement 2 Success, a public speaking,
debating, and self-advocacy curriculum at Augusta YDC.

- Jobs for Georgia Graduates/ Department of Labor staff with support from AT&T, teach a job
readiness curriculum at Macon YDC and is expanding to Eastman YDC.

Communit y Resource Dat abase - Navigable map with 2,700 available community resources

Prof essional Devel opment Conf erence - "Accelerate Your Professional Growth"

Educat ion Transit ion Cent ers (ETCs) - ETCs in Bibb, Chatham, Muscogee and Richmond counties provide an alternative
educational setting for youth with challenges re-entering public school or transitioning to their community.

School -based supervision - DJJ collaborates with school districts at school-based supervision sites. DJJ monitors youth for
important outcomes such as decreases in dropout rates, truancy, suspensions and expulsions and corresponding increases in
grades and graduation rates. High school completion is closely correlated to achieving success as an adult and no further
involvement in criminal activity.

18

OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDS

The Office of Professional Development and Standards provides basic and
specialized training programs in support of DJJ?s mission of enhancing the
safety, security and skills of staff and partners. The Office is responsible for
the training of nearly all of the agency?s full and part-time staff, including
Georgia POST-certified Juvenile Correctional Officers (JCOs), Juvenile
Probation Officers (JPOs), POST-certified Juvenile Probation Parole Specialists
(JPPSs), teachers, medical and mental health professionals, food service and
custodial workers, and administrative staff.

FY2019 Highl ight s

Basic Ju ven ile Cor r ect ion al Of f icer Tr ain in g

Changed the unit name from the Office of 700 2018 2019
Training to the Office of Professional 600
Development to reflect the continued 500
professional development of all employees 400
throughout their careers 300
200
Successfully launched ?Monthly Lunch and 100
Learn?training sessions at Central Office on
a wide variety of topics 0
2017
Updated and increased the amount of Gang
Awareness Training throughout the agency Basic Ju ven ile Pr obat ion Of f icer Tr ain in g

Increased the amount of realistic 40 2018 2019
scenario-based training during the Basic 35
Juvenile Correctional Officer Training 30
course 25
15
Initiated community-based projects, Cadet 10
Teach Backs and the Peer Buddy System for
all cadets attending mandated training 5
courses at the DJJ Academy 0 2017

Initiated a plan to place Human Trafficking Basic Communit y Services Training
Awareness Training modules on the intranet
104
Gained approval and is in the process to 102
replace the outdated Training Resource 100
Information System with a state-of-the-art
Learning Management System 98
96
Updated curriculum for leadership, 94
management, and supervision course 92
programs 90
88
Initiated a new Purchasing Review Training
course that covers procedures for procuring 2017
and purchasing goods/ services

Initiated a new Customer Service Training
class that focused on the principles and
standards of great customer service, while
offering strategies for dealing with different
customer types

2018 2019

19

OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDS

VICTIM SERVICES

5,400
Vict im
Int eract ions

Established in July 2012, DJJ?s victim services unit has helped to streamline the agency?s victim-related services and
established a central location to identify, address and respond to legal requirements to meet the needs of victims of
juvenile offenders.
Annually, the Office of Victim and Volunteer Services participate in various events during April for National Child Abuse
Month and National Victims Rights Week.

The Office of Victim and Volunteer Services planted pinwheels at central office, community and detention
facilities. The office also collaborated with the Georgia Department of Corrections (GA DOC) and DCS for
Annual Victims Day in Augusta, Georgia.
Community speakers are brought into the facilities to teach the youth about the long-reaching impact of crime
on families and communities.
The Office of Victim and Volunteer Services interacted with over 5,400 victims. Staff and community members
were provided training on domestic sex trafficking, bullying prevention, child sexual abuse, and teen dating
violence.
These endeavors aim to provide outreach and prevent further victimization.

The Of f ice of Vict im and Vol unt eer Services is commit t ed t o
providing t imel y and responsibl e not if icat ion t o vict ims upon t he
rel ease of a yout h f rom DJJ?s secure f acil it ies.

20

OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDS

VOLUNTEER SERVICES

FY 2019 Highl ight s

380 ART LEARNING 138 TRACK PROGRAM
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Youth Youth
Participated Participated

Provides opportunities for artistic inspiration. Youth meet DJJ?s track program, ?Beat the Streets?, began over three
weekly to gain skills and knowledge in various mediums to years ago with a partnership between DJJ and the Atlanta
become familiar with different types of art and poetic Track Club. The program focuses on goal setting and
expression and to grow socially. DJJ provides this program allows youth to develop team-building skills. DJJ offers
in RYDCs and YDCs. Students in this program have had the program at Metro RYDC, Eastman, Macon, and Sumter
the opportunity to have art displayed at the High Museum YDCs.
of Art.

$11.7k SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW 94 GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA
ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
Youth Youth
Participated Participated

DJJ raised $11,670 to support disabled children and adults In partnership with the Girl Scouts of America, DJJ has a
who compete in the Georgia Special Olympics. DJJ was in Girl Scout troop at Metro RYDC. Through this program,
the top 10 fundraising departments. DJJ supporters took the youth became equipped with the life skills to make
polar plunge, purchased merchandise, ran the final leg of positive choices that may lead to a better future. DJJ is
the law enforcement torch run and volunteered at the expanding the program to the Aaron Cohn RYDC and
games. Macon YDC.

82 MUSIC LESSONS PROGRAM 12 POP TALK

Youth Youth
Participated Participated

This program is offered in RYDCs and YDCs facilities to This program is in collaboration with Georgia State
allow youth to express their creativity through music. University Police officers and youth in RYDCs and YDCs.
The 8-week program allows youth to speak with law
enforcement officers about general law enforcement
questions, social media and managing stress. DJJ offers
the program at the Atlanta YDC and Marietta RYDC.

Rescue to Restore (R2R): Rescue to Restore has received national recognition for its partnerships and
innovative program to generate compassion and responsibility in DJJ?s youthful offenders. The R2R concept
has been an effective process to provide youth with life skills while educating them on animal care. The
therapy dog reading program assists struggling young readers through a targeted program in cooperation with
education. DJJ offers the program at RYDCs, YDCs, and ETCs.

21

OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDS

ACA ACCREDITATION

The American Correctional Association (ACA) is a membership organization that
represents correctional professionals in the U.S., Canada and abroad. DJJ?s effort to attain
ACA accreditation signifies a critical step to achieve long-term departmental goals by
having agency policies aligned with nationally recommended standards.

During FY2019, DJJ achieved ACA accreditation for Macon and Muscogee YDCs and Aaron
Cohn, Macon and Rockdale RYDCs.

Utilizing the ACA process shows that DJJ is open to future innovations that can lead to
more historical changes in Georgia?s juvenile justice system. Reaching ACA accreditation
can also lead to improved DJJ policies and procedures that help safeguard the life,
health, and safety of DJJ staff, and the youth in the agency?s care and custody.

ACA accreditation also promotes the training and treatment of juvenile offenders and the
professional development of DJJ correctional staff. Additionally, certification helps
develop partnerships with other correctional agencies for information-sharing and better
mutual assistance.

Georgia has gained a favorable national standing for its juvenile justice innovations. By
monitoring practices, while measuring the outcome, DJJ will receive an objective ACA assessment and validation of
agency accomplishments from internationally recognized experts in the field of juvenile corrections.

FY2019 Accredit at ion Scores

100% Mandatory Standard Rockdale RYDC
99.5% Non Mandatory Standard January 2019

100% Mandatory Standard Macon RYDC
99.2% Non Mandatory Standard January 2019

100% Mandatory Standard Macon YDC
98.3% Non Mandatory Standard January 2019

100% Mandatory Standard Aaron Cohn RYDC
100% Non Mandatory Standard August 2019

100% Mandatory Standard Muscogee YDC
99.6% Non Mandatory Standard August 2019

22

OFFICE OF OMBUDSMAN

The Office of the Ombudsman acts as a single point of contact for family members, advocates and other concerned
citizens who are interested in reporting complaints on behalf of youth under supervision of the Georgia Department of
Juvenile Justice (DJJ).
The mission of the Ombudsman is5t2o2foster citizens' confidence in DJJ by promoting the principles of integrity, fairness,
and accountability. The Ombudsman also provides the highest level of accountability and transparency for the youth
who are placed under the supervision of the Department.
In FY2019, the Office of the Ombudsman responded to 208 inquiries, 279 complaints and made 35 referrals for a total
of 522 cases resolved.

FY2018
FY2019
522

Inquiries- Questions posed by youth, the parent or concerned
citizens that may not rise to the level of a problem but where they
need a specific answer or reference.

Ref erral s-Grievances, inquiries, or complaints that are not under
the authority of the DJJ Ombudsman, which are referred to an
external source for further action.

Compl aint s- Grievances received from youth, parents, or
concerned citizens.

23

DIVISION OF EDUCATION

GEORGIA PREPARATORY ACADEMY

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is the 181st School District in the state of Georgia and is accredited by
AdvancED. Georgia Preparatory Academy (GPA) is the middle school and high school within the DJJ School System.
There are 30 GPA campuses across Georgia located in Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs), Youth Development
Campuses (YDCs), and Education Transition Centers (ETCs).

In addition to Georgia Preparatory Academy, an adult education program, Pathway to Success (GED), is offered to
students who meet the minimum admission criteria. Students are provided instruction to prepare them for the Official
GED Ready exam and the Official GED test. Local technical colleges administer Official GED tests on DJJ campuses.

Once students have earned a high school diploma from a GPA or a GED diploma from the Pathway to Success Program,
they enroll in the Connections Graduate Program (CGP). The CGP focuses on re-entry, work skills development and
post-secondary options. Attending college is an option in the CGP for students who meet college admission criteria.

Dist rict Enrol l ment
FY2019 Grade Level

4000

3708

3000

2000

1000 1313

0 413 163

26 GED GEP/ CGP

Elem en t ar y M iddle Sch ool High Sch ool

2.97%

7.4%

Total 23.5%

66.2% EnTroolltmaenl t
En r ollm en t

M iddle Sch ool High Sch ool GED GEP/ CGP

4000 1274 3773
3000
2000 Special Edu cat ion Regu lar Edu cat ion
1000

0

24

DIVISION OF EDUCATION

Dist rict Enrol l ment
Grade Level by Facil it y Type

3184 YDYCDC 2%
RYRDYDCC 14.6%

ETECTC

1225 Total
Enrollment
481
43 83.2%

26 67 21 135 220 58 139
Elem en t ar y 24

25

DIVISION OF SECURE DETENTION

The Division of Secure Detention provides oversight and leadership for 19 Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs)
located throughout the state of Georgia ranging from 30 to 200-bed capacities. The RYDCs are secure short-term centers
for youth awaiting court to enter the community, placement in the community or long-term facilities serving youthful
of f enders.

FY 2019 RYDC Mont hl y Admissions FY 2019 RYDC Rel eases

Year Mont h Number of % Tot al Year Mont h Number of % Tot al
Admissions Admissions Rel eases Rel eases

2018 Jul y 617 7.08% 2018 Jul y 684 7.55%
2018 Aug. 771 8.84% 2018 Aug. 758 8.36%
2018 Sept . 735 8.43% 2018 Sept . 739 8.15%
2018 Oct . 779 8.94% 2018 Oct . 831 9.17%
2018 Nov. 751 8.61% 2018 Nov. 815 8.99%
2018 Dec. 627 7.19% 2018 Dec. 694 7.66%
2019 Jan. 788 9.04% 2019 Jan. 762 8.41%
2019 Feb. 700 8.03% 2019 Feb. 712 7.85%
2019 Mar. 768 8.81% 2019 Mar. 803 8.86%
2019 Apr. 801 9.19% 2019 Apr. 771 8.51%
2019 May 763 8.75% 2019 May 835 9.21%
2019 June 618 7.09% 2019 June 661 7.29%

Tot al 8,718 100% Tot al 9,065 100%

26

DIVISION OF SECURE DETENTION

The following charts list the most serious offense by population, age, and gender at all RYDCs for FY2019. The most
serious classifications offenses include:

- Viol ent: assault, murder, and rape
- Propert y: burglary and car theft
- Publ ic Order: participation in criminal street gang activity, giving false statements, concealment of facts,

terroristic threats, violation of bond or contempt of court
- St at us of Of f ense: runaways, alcohol possession, tobacco possession, revocation of probation, illegal loitering,

and bullying

*VOP is a violation of probation. *VOAC is a violation of aftercare. *VOAP is a violation of an alternate plan.

FY2019 RYDC Popu lat ion by Of f en se by M ost ser iou s of f en se ( age an d gen der )
Gender: Mal e

OFFENSE Age
16 17
CLASSIFICATION 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 19 20 21 22
1
Viol ent 3 25 81 179 315 477 497 129 23 11 3
10 2 1
Propert y 1 2 19 76 195 349 517 418 84 1 1
11 41
Publ ic Order 1 17 44 85 101 156 121 25 2 1
47 19 4
Viol ent Sex 1 7 27 56 74 93 83 25

VOP/ VOAC/ VOAP 2 7 18 54 88 78 23

Grand Tot al 1 8 75 251 573 987 1,506 1,381 319

Gender: Female

Age

OFFENSE

CLASSIFICATION 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Viol ent 19 37 68 123 134 111 17 1 21

Propert y 3 17 36 67 121 71 19 2

Publ ic Order 16 19 39 57 66 49 14 1

St at us 5 16 24 45 29 23 1

VOP/ VOAC/ VOAP 4 9 21 27 26 15

Grand Tot al 2 20 85 181 307 425 319 95 5 21

27

DIVISION OF SECURE
CAMPUSES

The Division of Secure Campuses is responsible for the daily management of the Department?s seven Youth
Development Campuses (YDCs) for youth who have been committed to the custody of DJJ for long-term services and
treatments.

YDC Yout h Services

Educat ion

Famil y Visit at ion
Food Services
Heal t h

Ment al Heal t h Services
Resident Counsel ing

Subst ance Abuse Unit s

Sex Of f ender Treat ment

Vocat ional Programming

The following chart displays a monthly count of committed The following chart displays the number of juveniles
juveniles admitted into a DJJ long-term Youth Development released from a Youth Development Campus (YDC) to

Campus (YDC) in 2019. the community, on a monthly basis in 2019, after
serving their juvenile commitment.
FY2019 YDC Admissions
FY2019 YDC Rel eases To Communit y

Year Mont h Number of % of Tot al Year Mont h Number of % of Tot al
Admissions Admissions Admissions Admissions

2018 Jul y 72 10.45% 2018 Jul y 66 9.55%
2018 Aug. 61 8.83%
2018 Aug. 38 5.52% 2018 Sept . 61 8.83%
2018 Oct . 76 11.00%
2018 Sept . 63 9.14% 2018 Nov. 54 7.81%
2018 Dec. 51 7.38%
2018 Oct . 84 12.19% 2019 Jan. 60 8.68%
2019 Feb. 51 7.38%
2018 Nov. 80 11.61% 2019 Mar. 89 12.88%
2019 Apr. 45 6.51%
2018 Dec. 39 5.66% 2019 May 38 5.50%

2019 Jan. 52 7.55% 2019 June 39 5.64%

2019 Feb. 41 5.95%

2019 Mar. 78 11.32%

2019 Apr. 44 6.39%

2019 May 55 7.98%
2019 June 43 6.24%

Tot al 689 100% Tot al 691 100.00%

28

DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES

The Division of Support Services (DSS) is responsible for the Office of Chaplaincy Services, the Office of Nutrition and
Food Services, (ONFS), the Office of Classification and Transportation Services (OCATS), Office of Behavioral Health
Services (OBHS), medical and dental services. The Division provides these to youth housed in all 26 secure facilities
(RYDCs and YDCs) across the state.

OFFICEOF CHAPLAINCY SERVICES

The Office of Chaplaincy Services supports the Department of Juvenile Justice's mission by
ensuring First Amendment Rights to religious freedom, expression and resources which includes
pastoral care to youth and staff through spiritual guidance, support, crisis intervention and
religious education.

OFFICEOF NUTRITION AND FOOD SERVICES

The Office of Nutrition and Food Services (ONFS) provides nutritionally sound menus that meet
USDA guidelines for the National School Meal Programs, offer variety and flavor, and are
prepared utilizing food safe practices. The primary focuses of ONFS includes providing youth
with nutritionally balanced meals and snacks that meet USDA guidelines, participating in USDA
National breakfast, lunch, and Afterschool Care Programs, allowing DJJ to receive federal
reimbursement for these meals, and promoting farm-to-school initiatives and Georgia Grown
foods through school gardens and serving locally grown products.

FY 2019 Fact s and Figures

- Total meals served ? 1,368,577
- Total snacks served ? 1,343,313
- Total USDA reimbursement - $2,468,642.10

OFFICEOF CLASSIFICATION AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

In the FY2019, the Office of Transportation provided 3,408 safe and secure transports of youth between the 26 secure
facilities to medical appointments, vocational programs, Interstate Compact details, GPA
graduation, Commissioner?s Youth Council, Tattoo Removal, and medical/ dental appointments.

OCATS is responsible for ensuring the appropriate classification and stratification of youth for T ot al
placements. OCATS reviews court orders associated with all youth at the 19 Regional Youth Dri v en
Detention Center (RYDC) populations and seven Youth Development Campus (YDC) populations M i l es:
to establish release dates.
534,061
The Assessment and Classification Staff (ACS) are responsible for conducting a multi-disciplinary
meeting and administering assessment tools upon commitment.

CLASSIFICATION FISCAL YEAR 2019

Youth were reviewed Youth were reviewed and Youth were processed for
and classified for classified for alternative short-term placement (STP)
long-term YDC placements and secure probation
sanctions

29

551

DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES

OFFICEOF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Office of Behavioral Health Services (OBHS) manages and administers the behavioral health service programs in all
DJJ facilities. These services include mental health, general counseling and case management, sexually harmful
behaviors treatment and substance abuse treatment. OBHS provides services and programs that adhere to current best
practices and meet the identified needs of the youth in our care.

All services offered to youth adhere to current best practices and meet the identified needs of the youth in DJJ secure
facilities, utilizing evidence-based interventions. Services offered are driven through individualized treatment and
service plans that are developed for each youth.

FY2019 Popul at ion and Ment al Heal t h Casel oad

Program Adm i ssi ons Avg. Dail y Avg. Dail y Avg. % Casel oad
72.3%
Yout h Devel opment Campus (YDC) 521 382 277

Regional Yout h Det ent ion Cent er (RYDC) 8173 870 427 49.10%

Diagnost ic Charact erist ics of Yout h on Ment al Heal t h Casel oad
Comparison of Det ent ion Cent ers & Yout h Devel opment Campuses*

100% RYDC
75% YDC
50%
25% 80%

66% 66%
52%
54%
48%

35% 37% 44% 42%
34% 31%

26%
14%

0% Im pulsive-Conduct Subst ance Use ADHD/ Act ion Depr essive Par en t Ch ild Tr au m a Sleep-Wak e
Relat ion sh ip
Pr oblem

*Categories do not add up to 100% because youth can have multiple diagnosis.

Subst ance Abuse Treat ment (Facil it y) Sex Of f ender Resident ial Subst ance Abuse
Treat ment Treat ment
172 Youth ID YDC identified as having significant
substance abuse issues and referred for Yout h 168 Youth served in DJJ RSAT
services. received Programming
164 sex
168 Youth served in residential substance abuse of f ender 131 Youth were new to the program.
treatment programs. services.
78 Youth completed the program.

30

DIVISION OF SUPPORT SERVICES

DSM-5 Diagnosis RYDC YDC

Impul si ve-Conduct 66% 80%
Substance Use 52% 66%
ADHD/ Autism Spectrum 48% 54%
Depressive 35% 37%
Parent Child Relationship 34% 44%
Trauma 31% 42%
Sl eep-Wake 14% 26%
Bipolar and Related Disorders 8% 6%
Anxiety Disorders 8% 5%
Schizophrenia Spectrum and 2% 2%
Personality Disorders 1% 5%

OFFICEOF HEALTH SERVICES

The Office of Health Services provides clinical and
administrative oversight in medical care, nursing, physician and
advanced practice providers, pharmacy, laboratory and
radiology services through a contract with Augusta
University/ Department of Correctional Healthcare-Juvenile
Health.

Sick Cal l s FY2018 FY2019 This is the
Nurse Heal t h 18,984 15,823 3-day Number
Chronic Care 9,506 8,234 Required from
Dent al 8,835 8,733
Physical Exams 6,185 6,034 COMPSTAT
6,129 5,049 report

Dent al Exams 5,027 5,403

31

Geor gi a Depar t m en t of Ju ven i l e Ju st i ce

3408 Covington Highw ay
Decatur , Geor gia 30032
M ain Num ber : 404-508-6500
Fax Num ber : 404-508-7289

publicaffair [email protected]
http://djj.geor gia.gov/

Geor giaDJJ @Geor giaDJJ Geor giaDJJ