2016 DJJ Annual Report

2016 Annual Report GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE Avery D. Niles, Commissioner

CONTENTS 1 Letter from Commissioner Avery D. Niles 3 What DJJ Does and Why It Is Important 5 Georgia’s Juvenile Justice Programs: Reducing Recidivism; Increasing Public Safety 6 Provide Safe and Secure Facilities 27 Provide Reintegration Services 37 Provide Educational Opportunities 43 Provide Treatment and Services 53 Provide Administrative Support 57 This is DJJ 58 DJJ Board ACRONYMS BCST – Basic Community Services Training BJCOT – Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training BJPOT – Basic Juvenile Probation Officer Training CSO – Community Services Office CYC – Commissioner’s Youth Council DJJ – Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice DOC – Georgia Department of Corrections ETC – Education Transition Center GPA – Georgia Preparatory Academy HITS – High Intensity Teams JCO – Juvenile Corrections Officer JPO – Juvenile Probation Officer JPPS – Juvenile Probation Parole Specialist OPP – Office of Planning and Preparedness POST – Peace Officer Standards Training PREA – Prison Rape Elimination Act RYDC – Regional Youth Detention Center SERT – Security Emergency Response Team SMRT – Security Management Response Team STP – Short Term Program STU – Specialized Treatment Unit YDC – Youth Development Campus NOTE: All data is presented by calendar year except for budget data on page 4.

LETTER FROM COMMISSIONER NILES “Each One — Reach One, Teach One and Keep One!” The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) was established in 1992. As DJJ moves through its 25th anniversary year, the agency is a very different organization than it was in the early 1990s. In fact, because of the passage of juvenile justice reform legislation in 2013, it is a very different agency than it was just a few years ago. Since 2013, Georgia has reduced the number of youth in secure confinement by 36 percent and the number of youth in secure detention by 11 percent. During that same time period, overall juvenile commitments to DJJ have decreased by 46 percent. These decreases have occurred during a period when Georgia’s juvenile population (aged 10-16) grew by 2 percent. The Department of Juvenile Justice is not responsible for what the youths in its care did before they arrive. However, we have everything to do with their success while they are in our care. DJJ is responsible to ensure their physical and mental well-being, educate them and help prepare them for a successful return to communities across our state. Georgia’s youth who are served by DJJ deserve to be rehabilitated and provided with all the services they need. We are here to give them hope and opportunities for the future. DJJ staff members throughout the state are united in their desire to safeguard the citizens of Georgia while helping the youth in DJJ’s care receive quality education, healthcare, nutrition and reentry services. Keeping young offenders in a safe and secure environment is the Department’s primary responsibility, but the longest-lasting impact we can provide these youth is to improve their chances to become law-abiding citizens. While they are in our care we seek to help them receive a quality education, as well as to develop and improve the skills they will need to function as productive members of society. As part of juvenile justice reform, DJJ works with juvenile court judges across the state to keep as many youths as possible in their communities and not in secure confinement. So we communicate, collaborate and coordinate with judges, attorneys, law enforcement agencies and others to protect the citizens of Georgia and also to serve the youth in our care with a range of resources to help them succeed. I am very proud to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Juvenile Justice. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Governor Nathan Deal, the Georgia General Assembly, members of the juvenile justice system and citizens around the state for their support of the agency and its mission. I would also like to thank the members of the DJJ Board and each agency employee for their dedication and service to youth. More than 4,300 employees work in DJJ’s secure facilities, Community Services Offices and other locations around the state. As we move through the 25th year of the agency, we remain committed to continuously improving Georgia’s juvenile justice system. Sincerely, Avery D. Niles Commissioner Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 1

MISSION The DJJ mission is to protect and serve the citizens of Georgia by holding young offenders accountable for their actions through the delivery of services and sanctions in appropriate settings and by supporting youth in their communities to become productive and law-abiding citizens. VISION DJJ will lead the nation in preparing young people in its care to develop and sustain productive lives. VALUES DJJ will strive to create and sustain an agency culture that values accountability, integrity, security, superior performance, ongoing personal growth, intellectual curiosity, innovation, teamwork and leadership – not only in our staff but also in the young people in our facilities and programs. 2 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

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 young YOUTH offenders up to the age of 21 while also helping to protect the citizens of Georgia. The Department employs more SERVED BY DJJ than 4,300 men and women at its headquarters, 26 secure PROGRAMS facilities and 97 Community Services Offices (CSOs) AND throughout the state. DJJ employees help to implement FACILITIES Georgia’s juvenile justice laws and redirect the young lives in the agency’s care. 50,000+ Including those placed on probation, thousands of youth are diverted each year to evidence-based community programs, sentenced to short-term confinement and/or committed to long-term custody by Juvenile Courts. It is the duty of DJJ’s professional corrections and law enforcement staff to preserve public safety and safeguard the citizens of Georgia, SECURE DJJ as well as protect the victims of crimes so that they can FACILITIES rebuild their lives. At the same time, DJJ holds juvenile offenders accountable 26 for their offenses through probation, community supervision and/or secure detention so that they can take responsibility for their actions. While under DJJ supervision, youth are provided with medical, dental and mental health treatment as necessary, as well as specialized education and programs designed to COMMUNITY equip them with the social, intellectual and emotional tools needed to achieve their successful reentry and reintegration SERVICES into community, workplace and neighborhood settings as OFFICES more productive and law-abiding citizens. 97 Top 5 Goals • Operate safe and secure facilities and community services offices while providing educational MEN AND opportunities and reentry guidance. WOMEN • Continue to implement Georgia’s juvenile justice reform EMPLOYED measures. BY DJJ • Establish/maintain a systematic classification process for the placement of youth. • Promote offender/youth reentry-focused programming and service delivery. 4,300+ • Promote strategic recruitment, retention and succession planning. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 3

DJJ Budget by Fiscal Year 2014 2015 2016 2017 $340,000,000 $337,831,293 $330,000,000 $322,707,854 $320,000,000 $314,334,144 $310,000,000 $306,448,564 $300,000,000 4 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

GEORGIA’S JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS WORKING Georgia’s juvenile justice reform began in 2012, when Governor Nathan Deal asked the Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform (Council) to study the State’s juvenile justice system. In December 2012 the Council issued recommendations that helped shape the Governor’s 2013 legislation to create a new juvenile justice code and to reform the system. Why were reforms needed? At that time, there was an over-reliance on secure detention of juveniles, which led to a poor use of resources and a poor return on taxpayers’ funds. Nearly two-thirds of DJJ’s $300 million budget was used to operate secure and non-secure residential facilities to house juveniles in the system. The cost of secure placements was approximately $90,000 per youth per year. In addition, 25 percent of youth in out-of-home placement were confined for low-level offenses. Moreover, 40 percent of all youth in out-of-home placements were assessed as “low risk to re-offend.” When choices were being considered on how to implement the juvenile justice system more responsibly, many believed a revised system would help address key problems facing Georgia (such as communities with high unemployment, underachieving schools and a lack of other resources – all of which can lead to higher rates of crime). These conditions particularly hurt children and young adults who may end up in the juvenile justice system. By taking a more common-sense approach to solving these problems, crime could be reduced and public safety enhanced. At the same time, it was understood that if Georgia continued to spend financial resources to send more people to secure facilities instead of using proven alternatives, those problems would remain – and grow. Among the Council’s recommendations that were included in Governor Deal’s 2013 juvenile justice reform legislation were: focusing confinement in out-of-home facilities on high-level offenders; prohibiting status offenders and certain misdemeanants from residential commitment; establishing a voluntary fiscal incentive grant program; and creating a two-class system within the Designated Felony Act. Under juvenile justice reform, grants are provided to local communities for programs that have been shown to work. Georgia is using public resources in a more targeted manner through a focused investment in outcomes. This more responsible and responsive approach to juvenile justice is helping to make our state safer. In addition, there is a focus on reducing recidivism. Among the recommendations to achieve this objective were: ensuring that resources are focused on programs proven to reduce recidivism; requiring the use of risk assessments; and placing low-level offenders on administrative caseloads that are handled by DJJ’s Division of Community Services. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 5

Under the terms of juvenile justice reform, statutes were changed and DJJ was given a new mandate. The “intent is to preserve and strengthen family relationships in order to allow each child to live in safety and security.” This was a fundamental change from Georgia’s previous juvenile code, and a watershed moment for all involved in juvenile justice in the state. Among the outcomes of juvenile justice reform to date are: • Population changes – the revised Juvenile Code redefines the population served in the community by specifying Child in Need of Services (CHINS) cases, the establishment of limits on restrictive custody for the two categories of designated felons and an emphasis on youth being served in the least restrictive settings. CHINS youth should not be detained except under very limited circumstances and for a limited time. • Fewer lower-risk youth are being confined in DJJ facilities; however, DJJ still houses medium- and high-risk youth, including violent youthful offenders. Services for low-risk and some medium-risk youth are now being provided in the community. • Evidence-based practices – Evidence-based practices, services and assessments that benefit the offenders and the community are emphasized. • Unified data collection – there are now statewide efforts to develop merged data collection to provide full legal information from all juvenile courts. • Funding is being offered to counties through grants for community-based services for delinquent youth. While the juvenile justice reform effort is having positive impacts across the state, the changes within DJJ are dramatic. There have been increases in community-based options while there has been an 18 percent decrease in the number of youth in the secure population at its facilities, as well as a 51 percent decrease in the number of youth awaiting placement in secure facilities. However, the DJJ mandate has not changed – enhancing the safety of the youth in the Department’s care, as well as ensuring the youth get appropriate services quicker. The Department has taken a variety of actions to impact the lives of young people, including: properly assessing and placing youth in appropriate settings, based on risk; re- directing funds into non-secure residential placements; and increasing local capacity for evidence-based models proven to improve outcomes. By reducing commitments to secure facilities, juvenile justice reform in Georgia has made it possible to slow or avoid the construction of new facilities, as well as reducing the population in existing facilities. This ensures that these facilities are safer. The cost avoidance that accompanies these continued reductions will enable Georgia to continue its investment in local, family-based solutions proven to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety. 6 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

GEORGIA’S JUVENILE JUSTICE PROGRAMS: REDUCING RECIDIVISM; INCREASING PUBLIC SAFETY Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice The goal of the Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant (JJIG) and the Community Services Grant (CSG) programs is to reduce unnecessary out-of-home placements of youth while mitigating the risk of future offenses. 1 These programs fund both group and individual evidence-based therapies for youth in their home communities. Over 5,700 youth have received these therapies since 2014. 2 ³ 1. The JJIG Funding Committee, appointed by Governor Nathan Deal, in conjunction with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, administers the JJIG. Georgia’s Department of Juvenile Justice administers the CSG. Youth served through the JJIG or CSG must have a delinquent adjudication, medium to high score on the Pre-Dispositional Risk Assessment, and be appropriate for programming. 2. The Survey Research and Evaluation Unit. (2016, November). Georgia Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant Year Three Evaluation Report 2015-2016. Georgia: Carl Vinson Institute of Government. The Survey Research and Evaluation Unit. (2016, December). Georgia Community Services Grant Year Two 2015-2016. Georgia: Carl Vinson Institute of Government. 3. While all 159 counties in Georgia are eligible to receive evidence-based programs through the JJIG or CSG, 147 counties, which encompasses 98% of GA’s at-risk youth, are active in programming. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 7

PROVIDE SAFE AND SECURE FACILITIES (RYDCs/YDCs) The operation of secure campuses ranks as a core task among the principal duties of DJJ, ensuring both public safety and the safety of juvenile offenders in the care and custody of DJJ. The safe and secure operation of juvenile correction facilities is a very visible component of the many services provided by DJJ to the citizens of Georgia. DJJ operates two types of secure facilities – Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs) and Youth Development Campuses (YDCs). Division of Secure Facilities (RYDCs) The Department’s RYDCs provide temporary secure care and supervision to pre-adjudicated youth who have been charged with offenses or are awaiting residential placement. In addition, youth who have been committed to the custody of a DJJ program or a long-term facility or have been charged in Superior Court and not yet reached the age of 17 may be housed in an RYDC. The RYDC population is comprised of pre-adjudicated youth and committed youth charged with misdemeanors or felonies. During 2016 there were 9,463 youth admitted to RYDCs. DJJ’s regional administrators and RYDC directors ensure that each RYDC follows departmental policy and procedures and provides quality services in the following areas – behavioral health, education, medical, nutrition, religious and general programming. In October the Department held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Terrell County RYDC and a groundbreaking ceremony for the Wilkes RYDC. These two major construction projects repurposed closed Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities, turning them into state-of-the-art juvenile facilities and technology standard-bearers for DJJ. 8 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

RYDC ADMISSIONS DURING 2016 9,463 Classification of Youth The RYDC population is comprised of pre-adjudicated youth and committed youth charged with misdemeanors or felonies. FEMALES (1,875) MALES (7,588) Admitted Youth (Percentages and Actual Numbers) YOUTH HOUSED IN RYDCs AS OF 12/31/2016 812 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 9

Total RYDC Admissions (Calendar Year 2012 - 2016) 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 15000 14,869 14,160 11250 11,182 10,473 9,463 7500 3750 0 Total RYDC Admissions by Gender 16 ,000 14,000 Percentage of Population 10,000 11,296 10,952 8,951 8,383 7,588 Male 12,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 Female 3,573 3,208 2,231 2,090 1,875 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Calendar Year Percentage of Females and Males in Total RYDC Admissions 100% 80% 76% 77% 80% 80% 80% Percent Male Percentage of Population 60% Percent Female 40% 20% 24% 23% 20% 20% 20% 0% 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Calendar Year 10

Number of Incident Investigations at RYDCs 2014 2015 2016 120 116 112 90 96 60 30 0 Number of Grievances at RYDCs 2014 2015 2016 2100 2,009 1575 1,454 1050 1,181 525 0 Number of Complaints at RYDCs 2014 2015 2016 70 69 52.5 35 35 17.5 17 0 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 11

Division of Secure Campuses (YDCs) Each YDC provides secure care, supervision and treatment services to youth who have been committed to DJJ custody for short- and long-term programs. The population within the seven YDCs is comprised of committed youth with charges that include felonies and misdemeanors. YDCs follow departmental policies and procedures based on federal and state laws and a variety of professional standards. Each YDC provides education, vocational programming, physical and mental health treatment, food services, religious services and counseling, resident counseling, substance abuse treatment/counseling and family visitation, among other services, to the youth under its care. Educational services include middle school and high school courses, GED study classes, vocational education courses and counseling. Additional programming includes activities such as Girl Scouts, Beat the Streets (a youth fitness initiative) and Rescue 2 Restore (a community partnership focused on animal rescue care). Number of Incident Investigations at YDCs 2014 2015 2016 1500 1,442 1125 998 750 776 375 0 12 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

YOUTH HOUSED IN YDCs AS OF 12/31/2016 416 Classification of Youth The YDC population is comprised of adjudicated and committed youth. (23) (35) (384) (372) FELONY 2016 Committments FEMALE 2016 Commitments MISDEMEANOR by Offense MALE by Gender (Percentages and Actual Numbers) Youth Housed in YDCs 700 678 633 612 525 474 408 350 175 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Calendar Year Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 13

YDC Population by Gender and Percentage Share 9% 9.00 8.1% 95 7.6% 7.2% 6.75 94 5.4% 4.50 93 2.25 91 91% 92.4% 94.6% 92.8% 91.9% 0 90 Totals: 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Female Male YDC Population by Gender 70 61 700 52.50 48 525 33 34 33 35 350 17.50 175 617 585 579 440 375 0 0 Totals: 678 633 612 474 408 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Female Male 14 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

YDC Commitments by Offense Category — 2012 177 180 Grand Total: 635 40 132 135 90 77 73 70 48 58 45 2 3 11 11 7 1 5 0 A A ATLANTA YDCTLANTA YDC AUGUSTA YDCUGUSTA YDC EASTMAN YDC MACON YDC MILAN YDC MILLEDGEVILLE ITU YDC MUSCOGEE YDCCOGEE YDC SUMTER YDC EASTMAN YDC MILLEDGEVILLE ITU YDC MUS SUMTER YDC MACON YDC MILAN YDC Felony Misdemeanor YDC Commitments by Offense Category — 2013 160 154 Grand Total: 121 598 33 120 80 76 76 81 51 39 40 1 5 7 8 6 4 2 0 ATLANTA YDC AUGUSTA YDC EASTMAN YDC MACON YDC MILAN YDC MILLEDGEVILLE ITU YDC MUSCOGEE YDC SUMTER YDC Felony Misdemeanor YDC Commitments by Offense Category — 2014 118 120 115 109 Grand Total: 90 83 590 20 78 58 60 29 30 1 4 8 2 1 1 3 0 Felony Misdemeanor Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 15

YDC Commitments by Offense Category — 2015 120 Grand Total: 109 97 461 12 91 90 60 56 55 31 30 22 4 2 3 2 0 0 1 0 ATLANTA YDC AUGUSTA YDC EASTMAN YDC MACON YDC MILAN YDC MILLEDGEVILLE ITU YDC MUSCOGEE YDC SUMTER YDC Felony Misdemeanor YDC Commitments by Offense Category — 2016 90 85 72 Grand Total: 71 68 394 14 58 57 45 32 23 19 7 1 1 1 2 0 2 0 ATLANTA YDC AUGUSTA YDC EASTMAN YDC MACON YDC MILAN YDC MILLEDGEVILLE ITU YDC MUSCOGEE YDC SUMTER YDC Felony Misdemeanor YDC Commitments by Offense Category (Percentage Share) — 2012 97.5% 96.1% 94.1% 95% 98.3% 93.3% 81.4% Grand Total: 94.1% 5.9% 18.6% 2.5% 3.9% 5.9% 5% 1.7% 6.7% ATLANTA YDC AUGUSTA YDC EASTMAN YDC MACON YDC MILAN YDC MILLEDGEVILLE ITU YDC MUSCOGEE YDC SUMTER YDC Felony Misdemeanor 16 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

YDC Commitments by Offense Category (Percentage Share) — 2013 100 98.7% 95.7% 95.3% 97.6% 93.8% 83% 92.7% 75 Grand Total: 94.8% 5.2% 25 17% 1.3% 6.2% 4.3% 4.7% 7.3% 2.4% 0 ATLANTA YDC AUGUSTA YDC EASTMAN YDC MACON YDC MILAN YDC MILLEDGEVILLE ITU YDC MUSCOGEE YDC SUMTER YDC Felony Misdemeanor YDC Commitments by Offense Category (Percentage Share) — 2014 98.7% 99.1% 98.3% 97.3% 100 95.4% 93.7% 93.5% Grand Total: 75 96.7% 3.3% 25 1.3% 4.6% 6.3% 6.5% 0.9% 1.7% 2.7% 0 ATLANTA YDC AUGUSTA YDC EASTMAN YDC MACON YDC MILAN YDC MILLEDGEVILLE ITU YDC MUSCOGEE YDC SUMTER YDC Felony Misdemeanor YDC Commitments by Offense Category (Percentage Share) — 2015 100 93.3% 97.8% 97% 93.9% 100% 100% 99.1% Grand Total: 75 97.5% 2.5% 25 6.7% 6.1% 2.2% 3% 0% 0% 0.9% 0 ATLANTA YDC AUGUSTA YDC EASTMAN YDC MACON YDC MILAN YDC MILLEDGEVILLE ITU YDC MUSCOGEE YDC SUMTER YDC Felony Misdemeanor YDC Commitments by Offense Category (Percentage Share) — 2016 100 98.6% 98.3% 97% 100% 97.3% 92.4% 90.5% Grand Total: 75 96.6% 3.4% 25 7.6% 9.5% 1.4% 1.7% 3% 0% 2.7% 0 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 17 ATLANTA YDC AUGUSTA YDC EASTMAN YDC MACON YDC MILAN YDC MILLEDGEVILLE ITU YDC MUSCOGEE YDC SUMTER YDC Felony Misdemeanor

YDC Calendar Year Releases to the Community* Grand Totals: 687 393 342 342 307 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 6 38 ATLANTA YDC 49 58 67 28 43 AUGUSTA YDC 35 55 54 82 95 EASTMAN YDC 64 67 49 50 43 MACON YDC 29 28 29 MILLEDGEVILLE YDC 1 6 33 31 MUSCOGEE YDC 28 30 34 90 28 SUMTER YDC 59 52 68 0 25 50 75 100 * YDC releases to jails and the Georgia Department of Corrections are included 18 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Division of Secure Campuses/ Office of Operations and Compliance The Office of Operations and Compliance was established in October 2013. It consists of the Office of the Ombudsman, PREA Administration Unit, the Office of Victim Services, Office of Volunteer Services, Special Operations and the Office of Planning and Preparedness. As the agency continues to achieve forward momentum in juvenile justice reforms, these units provide both enhanced safety and security for young offenders and an overarching range of programmatic services for the youth in DJJ care. Office of the Ombudsman The Office serves as the single point of contact for family members, advocates and other concerned citizens and addresses issues, complaints and general questions as youth under DJJ supervision, their parents and families navigate the juvenile justice system. The Office seeks to foster confidence in the agency by promoting the principles of integrity, fairness and accountability. Staff members address complaints/inquiries statewide for all secure and non- secure DJJ facilities and contracted sites with youth under DJJ supervision (i.e. YDCs, RYDCs, CSOs and group homes). It is the Ombudsman’s task, as a neutral party within the agency, to independently review public allegations and grievances against DJJ in an objective manner and to attempt to resolve all claims in a fair and impartial manner for Georgia’s juvenile offenders. The Office works to provide the highest level of accountability and transparency for youth who are under DJJ care and supervision. Members of the Ombudsman staff regularly visit secure facilities, group homes and contract care programs to investigate, evaluate and secure the rights of the children under DJJ supervision. Number of Complaints/Grievances 2014 2015 2016 400 386 300 200 220 100 107 0 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 19

PREA Administration Unit The Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) became federal law in September 2003. The PREA section of the Federal Code, which took effect on August 20, 2012, requires that each state’s governor must certify that their respective state is in full compliance with standards that apply to state and local confinement facilities, categorized as jails/ prisons, community confinement facilities, lockups and juvenile facilities. DJJ has a zero tolerance standard against sexual assault, abuse and harassment. Youth who engage in sexual assaults or sexual abuse are strongly disciplined and may be referred for criminal prosecution. Employees who engage in sexual assault or sexual abuse against youth are terminated from employment and are referred for criminal prosecution. The policy provides guidelines for staff to reduce the risk of sexual assault. As of April 1, 2016, all 26 DJJ secure facilities are fully compliant with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) PREA Standards. 2016 highlights: • DJJ earned a compliance score of 100 percent for all of its secure facilities during the DOJ’s first audit cycle. • PREA Gender-Specific Training – DJJ incorporated gender responsive training into the 2016 in-service training for all staff. This training promotes a gender-responsive culture within all DJJ facilities and provides a range of interactive and skills-building curricula that explores core concepts, theories and practical interventions as required in PREA Cross-Gender Viewing and Searches. • PREA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (LGBTI) Training – DJJ released its initial LGBTI policy during 2016. PREA requires that anyone in custody who self-identifies as LGBTI will be treated with respect and dignity while in DJJ custody. To comply with increased diversity in the DJJ population, the agency conducted Executive Team training and training-for-trainers, as well as training for regional facility administrators, facility directors, facility PREA compliance managers, intake staff and facility program coordinators. (left to right) Deputy Commissioner Sarah Draper, Commissioner Avery D. Niles, PREA Coordinator Adam Barnett and Deputy Commissioner Margaret Cawood at the 2016 Leadership Summit Series: Implementing PREA and Sustaining Culture Change through Leadership 20 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Office of Volunteer Services The Office of Volunteer Services mobilizes people and resources to create lasting, positive change through the delivery of quality programs and services that empower young offenders to live safe, healthy and productive lives. The Office is responsible for the recruitment, screening, orientation and training of prospective volunteers. DJJ volunteers serve in a wide variety of roles in each of the RYDCs, YDCs and CSOs across Georgia. DJJ has more than 900 volunteers/interns providing services to youth on a monthly basis. Programs include: • Music Learning Program – The Office created this program for all YDCs, designed to allow youth to express their creativity in a positive way through music. They have the opportunity to learn to play various instruments and also express themselves through song. • Rescue 2 Restore (R2R) – In less than two years, R2R has received national and international recognition for its community partnerships and innovative programming to generate/restore compassion and responsibility in DJJ’s young offenders. The R2R concept identified animal programming as a successful method to provide youth with life skills, while educating them about animal care and compassion. Behaviorally, animal programs have proven to alleviate depression and encourage good behavior. ȝ During 2016, R2R implemented educational service learning opportunities for youth and conducted 23 field trips to the Georgia Aquarium, ZooAtlanta, High Museum of Art, Center for Civil and Human Rights, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Cochran Mill Nature Center, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Augusta Canal. ȝ 20 dogs were trained, “graduated” and adopted into qualified homes from our rescue partners, including one dog to a DJJ central office employee. ȝ The Atlanta YDC kennel was opened. ȝ The Certified Humane Education Specialist Program was completed. ȝ A partnership with ASPCA to allow certifications to be earned by youth for completion of professional webinar series programs was developed/implemented. ȝ Three registered therapy dog and handler volunteer teams were added to the DJJ therapy dog roster. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 21

• “Beat the Streets” – In January, the Atlanta Track Club (ATC) and Mizuno continued their partnership with DJJ by starting a “Beat the Streets” running program for 30 youth at the Sumter YDC. Beat the Streets is an 11-week incentive-based running program modeled after ATC’s successful “Kilometer Kids” healthy exercise initiative. ATC also tailored its running program for DJJ youth housed at the Metro RYDC. Enrolled youth accepted the challenge to try to run 26.2 miles – (the length of a marathon) – over the course of the program. To keep them motivated, the youth had chances to earn incentive prizes. • Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run – DJJ staff members participated in the 2016 Special Olympics’ Law Enforcement Torch Run, which supports disabled children and adults competing in the Georgia Special Olympics program. The agency raised more than $2,500 to support Special Olympics. DJJ runners and supporters joined in the final Law Enforcement Torch Run at Atlanta’s Phillips Arena before the start of the 2016 Summer Special Olympics Games. • Girl Scout Troop #965 – the first Girl Scouts of America (GSA) Troop was organized at Metro RYDC, with hopes of expanding the service organization to other DJJ facilities that serve female populations. Girl Scout Troop #965 teaches young women responsibility, good choices and healthy lifestyles. Young women released from detention then have the opportunity to continue their involvement in the GSA once they return to their home communities. In 2016, 88 young women in DJJ care participated in Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. 22 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Office of Victim Services Since the Office of Victim Services was established in July 2012, DJJ has streamlined the agency’s victim-related services and established a central location to identify, address and respond to the legal requirements of meeting the needs of Georgia crime victims. During 2016 the Office provided national and local training to more than 3,000 people with programmatic contributions in the areas of child sexual abuse, teen dating, bullying prevention, victim assistance and response to sexual exploitation. These efforts provide outreach and may prevent further victimizations. The Office is responsible for timely and responsive notification to juvenile crime victims upon the release of perpetrators from DJJ’s secure facilities/campuses. Programs include: • Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) outreach Number of At-Risk - CSEC and CSEC Confirmed/Identified 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 80 Numbers are based on an alert being assigned to the youth who are victims 78 65 65 60 56 49 40 45 31 20 11 4 0 0 At-Risk—CSEC CSEC Confirmed/Identified Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 23

Victim Contact-Related Data 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 6000 5,500 5,313 5,239 Numbers include duplicates 4500 4,911 4,123 3000 1600 1,458 1,412 1,433 1,086 1,070 941 1,161 1,106 758 614 0 Victim Letter and Victim Victim Notification Victims Impact Statement 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 6000 5,213 Distinct Numbers 5,009 4,896 4500 4,558 3,873 3000 1600 1,251 1,199 1,202 884 965 767 979 947 600 452 0 Victim Letter and Victim Victim Notification Victims Impact Statement 24 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Office of Chaplaincy Services The Office of Chaplaincy Services advances and supports the DJJ mission and vision through pastoral care to youth and staff. Two of the nation’s top seminaries – Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and Columbia Theological Seminary – marked their second year of work with DJJ in 2016 through Contextual Education programs. The Candler School of Theology partners with the Metro RYDC, while Columbia Theological Seminary partners with the DeKalb RYDC. A total of 10 students have provided direct ministry to detained youth for class credit. The Emory and Columbia students are Masters of Divinity students; most are professionals who have successfully completed undergraduate education and have worked professionally. A major initiative led by Chaplaincy Services is the Faith & Community Alliance. During 2016 meetings were held in Macon and Dawson. Faith and community leaders are involved through a sustained commitment in the lives of DJJ youth in facilities and in the communities to which they return. Four regional chaplains promote and encourage incarcerated youth to embrace and use the spiritual disciplines of prayer, meditation, study and service. Religious volunteers encourage youth to embrace their own spiritual formation and to be responsible for their decisions. The Office continued its involvement in reentry initiatives that encourage faith communities to embrace DJJ youth and families with spiritual guidance and mentoring through participation in the life of the family. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 25

Special Operations Special Operations consists of two specialized teams – the Security Management Response Team (SMRT) and Security Emergency Response Team (SERT). SMRT and SERT were formed in mid-2012. SMRT is responsible for responding to emergencies statewide (in secure facilities and in the community), apprehending juvenile absconders in the community, and also provides security for special details and secure transports. SERT is responsible for responding to emergencies within secure facilities. Number of Conducted Searches/Shakedowns 2013 2014 2015 2016 1400 1,179 1,213 1050 700 541 260 191 4 31 26 27 0 SERT SMRT SERT shakedown numbers are based on individual cell searches and SMRT numbers are based on full site visits Number of SERT/SMRT Transports 2013 2014 2015 2016 160 150 120 122 106 80 82 40 26 32 0 19 0 SERT SMRT 26 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

2016 highlights: • In 2016, Special Operations created the DJJ Honor Guard program. This ceremonial unit consists of six members who are responsible for serving as the “guardians of the colors” by displaying and escorting the national and state flags at official state functions and memorials. Office of Planning and Preparedness The Office of Planning and Preparedness (OPP) – provides leadership within DJJ in all phases of disasters (preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation). The OPP Director serves as the primary point of contact with the Georgia Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency and provides timely emergency management information to executive staff. The primary function of the Office is to plan, direct and administer agency-wide emergency operation plans and procedures. The Office also works closely with DJJ Engineering to provide technical assistance in fire and life safety code compliance. The Director of OPP also serves as the Fire Marshal for the agency through the State Fire Marshal’s Office. OPP conducted fire/life safety inspections on 322 buildings in 2016. Of those, eight were buildings containing leased space for CSOs and 314 were state-owned facilities. OPP also coordinated the agency’s emergency services during Hurricane Matthew. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 27

Scott Cagle (right) confers about the response to Hurricane Matthew (Photo courtesy of Atlanta Journal-Constitution). Office of Investigations Under the Office of the Commissioner, the Office of Investigations is comprised of a highly skilled team of specially trained investigators. They provide high-quality investigative services to protect the young offenders entrusted to DJJ care and custody, as well as visitors and staff. The Office of Investigation’s law enforcement services include conducting comprehensive criminal, administrative and internal investigations in support of DJJ’s facility- and community-based programs. The Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council-certified investigations unit coordinates with juvenile courts and partners with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure that the Department is in compliance with the provisions of Georgia’s juvenile justice laws. Number of Investigations 2014 2015 2016 1400 1,366 1,372 1325 1250 1175 1,164 1100 28 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

PROVIDE REINTEGRATION SERVICES Division of Community Services The Division of Community Services provides youth who are under DJJ supervision with intake, counseling, probation, case management, detention planning and aftercare supervision services in most of Georgia’s 159 counties. The Division has 97 Community Services Offices and also includes the Office of Reentry Services (ORS) to assist youth as they transition from a DJJ secure facility to the community. Following the 2014 implementation of the Georgia Juvenile Justice Reform Act, the number of youth participating in community-based services has increased. This has created an additional demand for DJJ evidence-based services that should result in a reduction in juvenile recidivism rates over time. Division of Community Services responsibilities include: • Intake (court admission process including detention decision-making and diversion in 145 counties) • Secure detention alternatives (monitor the status of youth in detention and offer alternatives to judges) • Non-secure detention (electronic monitoring and group home placements) • Probation supervision (146 counties) • Commitment supervision (159 counties) • School-based supervision (probation officers in 111 schools in 49 school districts) • High Intensity Team Supervision (HITS) • Juvenile sex offender community supervision (an average of more than 425 per month) • Residential placement (room, board and watchful oversight and/or psychiatric residential treatment facilities for an average of more than 400 youth per month) • Aftercare supervision and services for youth returning from DJJ Youth Development Campuses Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 29

YOUTH SUPERVISED DAILY (ON AVERAGE) BY THE DIVISION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES 11,135 10,325 CY 2015 Monthly Average CY 2016 Monthly Average 4% 4%2% 5% 5%2% 6% 6% 84% 82% In Adult Jails — (249) — 2% In Adult Jails — (264) — 2% In Community, Non-Secure Residential Placements — In Community, Non-Secure Residential Placements — (461) — 4% (513)—5% In DJJ Regional Youth Detention Centers — (416) — 4% In DJJ Regional Youth Detention Centers — (517) — 5% In DJJ Youth Development Campuses — (669) — 6% In DJJ Youth Development Campuses — (576) — 6% In Community/At Home In Community/At Home Under Supervision — (9,340) — 84% Under Supervision — (8,455) — 82% “ Probation services are part of the front line of helping our youth positively reengage in communities across Georgia.” 30 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

The Division uses a number of tools and programs to implement juvenile justice reforms and to improve the juvenile justice system. Among them are: • High-profile auditing – detailed, in-depth audits are performed on all cases where youth reach high-profile status (charged with a felony, media attention while under supervision and/or the need for further evaluation). • Adult detention facility monitoring – An annual site inspection is completed at the 182 Georgia adult detention facilities that temporarily hold or detain juveniles for status offenses, CHINS or delinquent offenses. • Youth Tracking Program (YTP) – Tracking services (provided by private contractors) provide intensive surveillance and monitoring, allowing juvenile offenders to remain at home pending further court action. Face- to-face tracking contacts in the home, neighborhood, work or school are made at least once a day, along with a telephone curfew check. In 2016, there were 2,034 youth tracked by this program. • Evening Reporting Center (ERC) – This 90-day program services a target population of youth aged 12-16 who have medium- to high-risk levels based on the Detention Assessment Instrument (DAI). An ERC reduces the likelihood of reoffending and allows non-secure detention and non-secured committed youth to remain in the community as an alternative to secure detention. The ERC program began in Lowndes County in August 2016. Evening Reporting Center — 2016 18 18 18 18 14 14 14 9 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 January February March April May June July August September October November December Number of Youth There is no data for January through July as the ERC was initiated in August 2016. • Multi -Systemic Therapy (MST) – is an evidence-based and high-fidelity intensive treatment program to address environmental systems impacting medium- and high-risk juvenile offenders ages 12-17 with lengthy delinquency histories and serious anti-social behavior. Over three months, MST services are delivered in the home, school and neighborhood, emphasizing behavior change in the youth’s natural environment which includes family and peers. This 24-hour-a-day service provides counselors available to respond immediately to crisis situations (see graph on page 31). • HITS is a community-based, in-home detention placement alternative for pre-adjudicated youth. HITS involves team supervision strategies including electronic monitoring, curfew checks, drug and alcohol testing, crisis management and home, school, work and office visits. DJJ has 41 HITS units with 1,623 HITS slots for youth throughout the state. Youth released from long-term YDC or other residential placements are considered a high priority for HITS program placement (see map on page 31). Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 31

Neighbors and law enforcement in College Park celebrating National Night Out. • School-based supervision – DJJ collaborates with school districts at school-based supervision sites. Youth in the program are monitored 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 with success as an adult and no further involvement in criminal activity (see map on page 31). • Thinking for a Change (T4C) – an evidence-based program that includes social skills development, cognitive restructuring and the development of problem-solving skills. T4C services were provided to 406 youth across 36 counties in Year 2 with a 73 percent successful completion rate (see map on page 31). • Aggression Replacement Training (ART) – a cognitive behavioral intervention program designed to help aggressive adolescents aged 12-17 improve their social skill competence and moral reasoning, better manage anger and reduce aggressive behavior. ART services were provided to 108 youth across 11 counties in Year 2 with an 80 percent successful completion rate (see map on page 32). • Functional Family Therapy (FFT) – an evidence-based intervention which involves short-term counseling in the home, working with family members and/or caregivers. During 2016, 445 youth received FFT services across 76 counties with a 53 percent successful completion rate (see map on page 32). • Rural evidence-based programming – DJJ is implementing evidence-based programming grants to expand services for medium - and high-risk youth in rural areas who cannot participate in the Juvenile Incentive Grant Funding. A total of 834 youth were served in Year 2, resulting in a 33 percent reduction in the use of short-term program (STP) detention, based on the 2012 baseline. This exceeded the goal of a 20 percent reduction. Of the 100 counties engaged, 89 utilized the services in Year 2, up from the 71 counties that participated in Year 1. • Educational Transition Centers (ETCs) – ETCs in Bibb, Chatham and Richmond counties provide an alternative educational setting for youth with challenges to re-entering public school or transitioning back to their community. • Juvenile Justice Translational Research on Interventions for Adolescents in the Legal System (JJ-TRIALS) – In partnership with Emory University and funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, JJ-TRIALS is a prevention and treatment services research project to reduce unmet substance abuse and HIV-related needs of justice-involved youth. Emory University has worked with DJJ offices in Bibb, Carroll, Coweta, DeKalb, Fulton and Paulding counties to implement the JJ-TRIALS program. During 2015, 2,516 juveniles participated in JJ- TRIALS, while 2,019 juveniles participated in 2016. 32 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

HITS SUPERVISION BY REGION Multi-Systemic Therapy (MST) HITS Supervision by Region Whiteld Gordon Hall Floyd Cobb Gwinnett Walton DeKalb Douglas Fulton Carroll Clayton Newton Columbia Henry McDuffie 220 Coweta Spalding 203 165 Troup Upson Crawford 110 123 118 Peach 55 77 68 84 Chatham 0 MST I MST II Dougherty 2014 2015 2016 Glynn SCHOOL-BASED SUPERVISION THINKING FOR A CHANGE (T4C) School-based Supervision Thinking For A Change (T4C) Whiteld Whiteld Gordon Gordon Hall Hall Floyd Floyd Cobb Gwinnett Cobb Gwinnett Walton Walton DeKalb DeKalb Douglas Fulton Douglas Fulton Carroll Clayton Newton Columbia Carroll Clayton Newton Columbia Henry McDuffie Henry McDuffie Coweta Coweta Spalding Spalding Troup Troup Upson Upson Crawford Crawford Peach Peach Chatham Chatham Dougherty Dougherty Glynn Glynn HITS SUPERVISION BY REGION HITS SUPERVISION BY REGION Participating counties Non-Participating counties Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 33 Whiteld Whiteld Gordon Gordon Hall Hall Floyd Floyd Cobb Gwinnett Cobb Gwinnett Walton Walton DeKalb DeKalb Douglas Fulton Douglas Fulton Carroll Clayton Newton Columbia Carroll Clayton Newton Columbia Henry McDuffie Henry McDuffie Coweta Coweta Spalding Spalding Troup Troup Upson Upson Crawford Crawford Peach Peach Chatham Chatham Dougherty Dougherty Glynn Glynn

AGGRESSION REPLACEMENT FUNCTIONAL FAMILY THERAPY Aggression Replacement Training Functional Family Therapy (ART) (FFT) Whiteld Whiteld Gordon Gordon Hall Hall Floyd Floyd Cobb Gwinnett Cobb Gwinnett Walton Walton DeKalb DeKalb Douglas Fulton Douglas Fulton Carroll Clayton Newton Columbia Carroll Clayton Newton Columbia Henry McDuffie Henry McDuffie Coweta Coweta Spalding Spalding Troup Troup Upson Upson Crawford Crawford Peach Peach Chatham Chatham Dougherty Dougherty Glynn Glynn HITS SUPERVISION BY REGION HITS SUPERVISION BY REGION Participating counties Non-Participating counties Whiteld Whiteld Gordon Gordon Hall Hall Floyd Floyd Cobb Gwinnett Cobb Gwinnett Walton Walton DeKalb DeKalb Douglas Fulton Douglas Fulton Carroll Clayton Newton Columbia Carroll Clayton Newton Columbia Henry McDuffie Henry McDuffie Coweta Coweta 34 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Spalding Spalding Troup Troup Upson Upson Crawford Crawford Peach Peach Chatham Chatham Dougherty Dougherty Glynn Glynn

Office of Reentry Services (ORS) On September 1, 2016, ORS was moved from the Education Division to the Community Services Division in order to improve reentry practices. A strategic objective was the cultivation of new reentry resources and the enhancement of existing resources. ORS implements the final phase of a youth’s transition plan as he/she returns home. The Office facilitates a youth’s connections to services and support for up to 60 days (and longer if needed). A transition plan includes the youth’s risk level with identified needs. Each plan is individualized and based on the youth’s needs. Parental engagement is a central ORS focus. Youth-Centered Reentry Team (YCRT) meetings are the foundation for family engagement, and the meetings improve parent/caregiver engagement while youth are in detention. DJJ reentry specialists facilitate the YCRT process within 60 days of the youth’s placement at a long-term facility. ORS oversees DJJ’s Reentry Task Force (comprised of more than 60 state and nonprofit agencies). Task Force members provide services specific to their organization’s mission and barriers identified in the Reentry Strategic Plan. Among ORS 2016 highlights are: • Faith and Community Alliance – Helped to recruit volunteers and faith-based organizations. One event was held in Macon; the second event was held in Terrell County. • Parental Engagement Improvement – There are approximately 30 youth in secure facilities who are also parents. Various programs have been implemented to provide services for these youths. The efforts are part of the Parenthood Project, one of the subgroups of the Reentry Task Force. ȝ Shop with a Cop – The Office worked in partnership with the Division of Secure Campuses to enhance parental engagement for DJJ youths who have children. Nine parents were taken to Wal-Mart and allowed to purchase gifts for their children. ȝ Angel Tree – In collaboration with Prison Fellowship, the Office provided Christmas gifts sent in the name of the youth-parent (who signed up for the program) to their children. ȝ Storybook Moms and Dads – Working with Prison Fellowship, the Office completed planning for this program by the end of 2016; it will be implemented during 2017. Each month, participating youth-parents will be recorded reading a book aloud. The book and recording will be sent to the parent’s child. ȝ Ferst Foundation Book Program – In collaboration with Foreverfamilies, the Office worked during 2016 to engage with the FERST Foundation program in which books are sent, on behalf of the youth-parent, monthly to his/her child(ren) up to age of 5. Program implementation should begin in 2017. ȝ Visitation enhancement – The Office implemented a pilot program (at the Atlanta and Sumter YDCs) to provide rolling toy carts (stocked with toys and books) to be used when children visit youth at the YDCs. During 2016 the carts were used twice at the Atlanta YDC; a planned event using the carts at the Sumter YDC during Christmas did not occur as planned. • YCRT Planning Process – In April 2015, DJJ revised the multi-disciplinary process by which youth cases are reviewed in advance of release. The ultimate goal was to improve overarching case management culminating with improved continuity of care. The revision was achieved through a collaboration between DJJ divisions in consultation with: Mark Lipsey of Vanderbilt University’s Peabody Research Institute; David Altschuler of Johns Hopkins University; and the National Reentry Resource Center. In January and February, the Office administered a detailed satisfaction survey to youth, families and staff who had been involved in YCRT meetings. Final response tallies (numbers and percentage of responses returned) for each group: 100 youth (40 percent), 71 family members (31.6 percent) and 273 staff (45.5 percent). All three groups rated the YCRT process quite high across practically all survey dimensions, include trust, impact, services connection, etc. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 35

• 2016 Second Chance Act Grant – 2016 was the third consecutive award of this two-year grant. In 2012 DJJ used grant funds to develop a strategic plan supporting a Reentry Framework and a Reentry Task Force to enhance reentry services for youth served by DJJ. The Task Force that began in March 2014 with 30 members and 20 organizations now has over 100 members and 64 organizations. Seven grant-funded Reentry Specialists support the YCRT process, facilitating approximately 225 multi-disciplinary meetings per month. Funded by the 2016 award, DJJ will hire a technology specialist to manage and update resource listings and other data. • Collaborative Community Focus Group Project for Peer Groups and Friends – This is a collaboration between the Office and the Morehouse School of Medicine (which wrote the final report). Focus Group members include Browns College of Court Reporting, Georgia State University (undergraduate and doctoral programs), Clark Atlanta University School of Sociology and Criminal Justice Department, Georgia H.Y.P.E. Program, Boys2Men Home and Sanctuary, Harris and Associates and the National Entertainment Technology Academy. • Goodwill – The Office implemented a pilot project with Goodwill of North Georgia (in collaboration with CSOs) to refer youth meeting certain criteria to a Goodwill job training program. After proper vetting, the project is being piloted with youth returning home from long-term secure facilities (approximately 40 youth are released monthly from YDCs). • Juvenile Tracking System (JTS) enhancements – ORS facilitated multiple JTS enhancements to establish outcome measures in multiple reentry processes. The foundation is the Domains of Aftercare module, which allows staff to record needs so that system- and individual youth-level data can be analyzed and reported. ȝ Case note enhancement – staff are better able to document and track reentry-related issues and solutions. ȝ YCRT notes – documentation that captures the level of participation from established team members to monitor staff and family engagement. ȝ Reentry Task Force – able to monitor task force effectiveness. ȝ Career Guidance – establishing measurements to determine the extent to which youth are provided support in career pathways. ȝ Domains of aftercare module – able to document and track youth and family aftercare need areas. In the future, the data on whether needs have been met will be used for quality assurance and training purposes. Youth needs data entered to date (percentage of data entered): family and living arrangements (47 percent); physical and mental health (70 percent); substance abuse (49 percent); peer groups/friends (39 percent); education and schooling (93 percent); leisure time/avocational interests (27 percent); vocational training and employment (62 percent); and mentoring (43 percent). ȝ Reentry Checklist – a revision is in a process to streamline the current process from a multiple practitioner approach to one point of accountability. 36 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

• Reality U – ORS collaborated with the Office of Volunteer Services to support various RealityU events. RealityU provides demonstrations of real-life events that enhance a youth’s capacity to make better decisions. • Student Navigator – ORS collaborated with task force partner Technical Colleges System of Georgia (TCSG) to implement a Student Navigator initiative to improve the experiences for youth trying to navigate the nuanced TCSG enrollment system. • Resource Database – In collaboration with Division OPS Support Managers, ORS completed a geo-coded database of more than 1,000 resources to serve as a foundation for the development of a resource map searchable by county for use by staff, family and youth. • Vocational Rehabilitation – ORS initiated a referral system with Vocational Rehabilitation to make referrals directly prior to the youth’s return to their community. • Graduation Education and Reentry Program (GEAR) – ORS implemented GEAR in seven pilot facilities at the end of July. GEAR is designed to enhance student transition to home school districts while providing other services such as clothing, tutoring, counseling, etc. Over 30 referrals were made from RYDCs in 2016: Bob Richards (1), Macon (1), Marietta (26), Muscogee (2) and Sandersville (2). • Stakeholder Education – ORS seeks to strategically educate internal and external stakeholders on youth reentry evidence-based practices with the goal of improving engagement and establishing new partnerships. Four educational events took place in 2016. Board Chair Elaine P. Snow, Chase Thomas, Carlos Valdez, Shedeedreonna Mallory, Christie Cash and Commissioner Avery D. Niles. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 37

DJJ Secure Facilities & Community Services Offices 38 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Education Division 6,560 YOUTH ATTENDED CLASSES DURING 2016 The DJJ vision is to “offer the youth in its care hope and change.” The agency helps prepare these young people to develop and sustain productive lives. Therefore, providing educational opportunities and reentry-focused programming are among DJJ’s key goals. DJJ supports the rehabilitation of youth in its care by equipping them with tools to succeed by delivering quality education as well as job and employment readiness training. The Department runs Georgia’s 181st school district. Commissioner Avery D. Niles serves as the Superintendent of the school district, while the DJJ Board also serves as the DJJ Board of Education. DJJ’s Georgia Preparatory Academy (GPA) operates 29 year-round schools which offer students a continuum of academic services as they transition into and out of the DJJ system. These schools are located in RYDCs, YDCs and Education Transition Centers (ETCs). More than 6,500 juvenile offenders were enrolled in GPA classes during 2016. The Terrell County RYDC Media Center is named for Dr. Audrey Armistad, retired DJJ Associate Most of the youth in DJJ custody have been absent from Superintendent. school for more than 60 days during the current or previous school year and are, on average, two to three years behind their peers in academic achievement. As a result of the implementation of the juvenile justice reform legislation that began in 2014 and the subsequent Year-Round Campuses changes in the juvenile justice system, a greater emphasis is being placed on DJJ’s educational efforts. Numerous Operated by GPA advancements have been made in the DJJ School District Statewide and the lives of many youths under DJJ care have been positively influenced. The two student graduations held each year at the State’s Tift College campus have become 29 anticipated school year celebrations. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 39

DJJ School District Programs for Students • • Georgia Preparatory Academy (GPA) is the middle and high school program. • • An Adult Education Program enables students to study for and obtain a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Students who are at least 16 years old and meet other state-mandated criteria can take a GED test, offered through local technical colleges (computer-based testing only). These tests are offered at DJJ’s seven YDCs. • • A Graduate Education Program (GEP) focuses on reentry and job readiness skills at each YDC. GPA students possessing a high school diploma or GED can enroll in the GEP. The program focuses on transition and re-entry. Georgia Preparatory Academy facts: • Accreditation – GPA is distinguished by its accreditation from AdvancED/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). • Teachers/administrators – GPA employs and recruits professionally certified, highly qualified and motivated teachers and administrators to ensure it is operating in compliance with the state’s juvenile justice reforms and its educational requirements. ȝ There are 23 staff/administrators who have earned doctoral degrees, 72 who have earned Master’s degrees and 42 who have earned Education Specialist degrees. • Curriculum and Standards – Like students in Georgia’s traditional schools, GPA students receive regular or special education services each school day. Academic instruction is standards-based and aligned with the Georgia Department of Education’s Georgia Standards of Excellence. • Performance Measures – GPA fully implements the statewide Georgia Standards of Excellence for language arts and mathematics. These standards are rigorous benchmarks all teachers use to guide instruction. Additionally, GPA administers the Georgia Milestones Assessments. 40 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

• Classroom Technology – Students in GPA schools receive daily instruction as they would in a more traditional setting. GPA uses instructional materials presented in an exciting and interactive medium that promotes personal student involvement in the classroom. Smart Boards and Kindles are used throughout GPA. • Parental Involvement – DJJ educators and administrators know that parental involvement, especially in juvenile detention educational settings, can ultimately lead to significant gains in student achievement. GPA employs three parental engagement coordinators who encourage parents to be actively involved to ensure a positive impact on their child’s academic learning. Parents are included on school advisory committees to help facilitate regular communication about school activities. • Infinite Campus – DJJ uses this student information system to create student schedules, track attendance and generate transcripts and report cards. • Education Transition Centers – Youth leaving the DJJ School District who are no longer able to pursue their education in traditional public school settings after being suspended or expelled can enroll in a DJJ community-based ETC, which are located in Bibb, Chatham and Richmond counties. The ETCs provide youth under DJJ community supervision with opportunities to continue their education and earn course credit toward a high school diploma or GED outside of public school settings. • Special Education Services – GPA offers a full continuum of special education services. Each student with a disability receives a psychological evaluation and an individualized education program (IEP) when appropriate. The IEP creates opportunities for teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel and students (when appropriate) to work together to improve educational results for students with disabilities. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 41

• School Counselors – Counselors assist students through classroom guidance and academic advisement to help them move toward high school graduation. They are responsible for reviewing transcripts, approving schedules and coordinating testing. GPA school counselors also coordinate career fairs during the spring semester. • Graduation – GPA holds two graduation ceremonies per year. DJJ transports graduates from across the state to the State’s Tift College campus for an opportunity to celebrate their graduation honors. DJJ wants deserving students to be recognized for their academic achievement during commencement ceremonies. ȝ During the Spring 2016 graduation ceremonies, there were 14 high school diplomas, 52 GEDs and 18 Technical Certificates of Credit (TCCs) awarded. During the Fall graduation, 14 high school diplomas, 26 GEDs and 14 TCCs were awarded. ȝ During the Spring semester 58 students took the ACT for college admission, while 25 students took the ACT for college admission during the Fall semester. • Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) – DJJ provides CTAE programs linked to meaningful employment opportunities while students are still earning a high school diploma or GED. Georgia Preparatory Academy has developed relationships with several technical colleges to administer programs that lead to certifications. Students are dually enrolled in CTAE programs at the Augusta, Eastman, Macon and Sumter YDCs and they can receive a TCC. Among the TCC courses offered are automotive maintenance, collision repair, computer applications, cosmetology, construction and horticulture. There are also high school CTAE programs at Atlanta and Muscogee YDCs. Students can complete high school pathways in business and technology and earn Microsoft Office Specialist credentials. High School Diplomas, GEDs and TCCs Issued 80 76 60 57 40 32 27 28 20 22 18 15 6 0 High School GEDs Technical Certificates Diplomas of Credit 2014 2015 2016 Student/Teacher Ratio for Calendar Year 2016 RYDC YDC ETC Overall 8.5 : 1 7.5 : 1 16 : 1 8.2 : 1 42 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

2016 ENROLLMENT POPULATION 6,560 GEP - 2.3% (156) GED - 4.5% (293) MIDDLE SCHOOL - 24.7% (1,593) HIGH SCHOOL - 68.5% (4,518) (Percentage of all students) Calendar Year 2014, 2015 and 2016 Number of Students CY2014 CY2015 CY2016 (October-December) (January-December) (January-December) Middle School 531 1,610 1,593 High School 1,808 4,276 4,518 GED 169 308 293 GEP 103 110 156 Total 2,611 6,304 6,560 Percentage of Students CY2014 CY2015 CY2016 (October-December) (January-December) (January-December) Middle School 20.34% 25.54% 24.70% High School 69.25% 67.83% 68.50% GED 6.47% 4.89% 4.50% GEP 3.94% 1.74% 2.30% Total 100% 100% 100% Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 43

Columbus Educator Named DJJ Teacher of the Year In a special presentation at the Tift College campus in Forsyth, DJJ English-Language Arts teacher Arisha Dancy-Mattox was recognized as the GPA 2016 Teacher of the Year. Dancy-Mattox, who teaches at the Aaron Cohn RYDC in Columbus, was presented with the award as part of the winter 2016 graduation ceremonies for students from DJJ secure facilities around the state. Dancy-Mattox told the audience about her personal teaching philosophy, “The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book.” As she began her teaching career she made a commitment “…to myself and to my students to be the best academic, personal and ethical role model I can be.” Commissioner Niles said, “One of my favorite parts of our commencement exercises is the opportunity to recognize the most committed, most effective and most inspiring teachers in the Georgia Arisha Dancy-Mattox, GPA 2016 Preparatory Academy system.” Teacher of the Year Niles, who also serves as the Superintendent of the DJJ School District, said the task for the selection committee of narrowing down the field of finalists seems more difficult each year due to the number of truly talented educators DJJ has on staff. “We are genuinely impressed with the progress our students are making due to the dedication invested by many principals and teachers like Arisha Dancy-Mattox,” commented Commissioner Niles. Dancy-Mattox has been an educator for 11 years. She said her personal teaching style is to provide a learning environment that fosters trust, care and compassion through mutual respect. “I have a love for learning and teaching,” she said. “I want to boost student self-esteem and confidence in my classroom.” In addition to Teacher of the Year Dancy-Mattox, Commissioner Niles recognized four top GPA educators as finalists for the Teacher of the Year at the event: Joann Canady, Mathematics teacher at Macon RYDC; Lead teacher Charlotte Hall at Claxton RYDC; Damien Northern, Social Studies teacher at Metro RYDC; and Janice Zeigler, English-Language Arts teacher at Macon YDC. Commissioner Niles congratulated all the finalists for their dedication and professionalism. Left to Right: Teacher of the Year finalist Janice Ziegler, English-Language Arts teacher at Macon YDC; Teacher of the Year finalist Damien Northern, Social Studies teacher at Metro RYDC; Teacher of the Year finalist Joann Canady, Mathematics teacher at Macon RYDC; DJJ Commissioner Niles; Teacher of the Year finalist Charlotte Hall, Lead teacher at Claxton RYDC; and Teacher of the Year Arisha Dancy-Mattox, English-Language Arts teacher at Aaron Cohn RYDC. 44 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

PROVIDE TREATMENT AND SERVICES Division of Support Services The Division of Support Services (DSS) provides evidence- and best practice-based services to youth served by DJJ. The division consists of the Office of Classification and Transportation Services (OCATS), Office of Behavioral Health Services (OBHS), Office of Health Services (OHS) and the Office of Training. Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 45

Office of Classification And Transportation Services OCATS provides a variety of services: • Review/monitoring of RYDC populations • Administering assessment tools upon commitment • Processing of youth for STP and Superior Court youth • Youth placement in YDCs utilizing DJJ assessment tools • Processing of YDC requests and YDC extensions • Safe transport of youth between secure facilities, to medical appointments, interviews and other appointments (as available) Number of OCATS Transports Number of OCATS Miles Driven 3600 500,000 3,496 497,868 2700 2,940 482,500 492,109 2,443 1800 465,000 900 447,500 431,870 0 400,000 2014 2015 2016 46 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Office of Behavioral Health Services OBHS provides behavioral health treatment services and programs that adhere to current best practices and meet the identified needs of the youth in DJJ’s care. OBHS program areas include: • Mental Health – each secure facility: ț Has a mental health treatment team: mental health clinicians, psychiatrist, psychologist, registered nurse, substance abuse counselors (YDCs only) ț Utilizes various individual and group treatment programs ț Provides counseling and case management at all facilities ț Utilizes evidence-based interventions • Programs ț Provides counseling and case management at all facilities ț Utilizes evidence-based interventions • Sexual Offender Treatment (YDCs only) ț Assessment/treatment specific to sexually harmful behaviors • Substance Use Treatment (YDCs only) ț Residential substance use treatment for youth with intensive treatment needs ț Weekly group counseling • Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) ț Behavior management system utilizing reinforcement of positive behaviors and youth strengths Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice 47

Number of Youth Provided Mental Health Treatment 3000 2,920 2,821 2250 2,013 1500 750 261 279 270 0 2014 2015 2016 RYDC YDC 48 Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice