March 2023 Newsletter_Published

Council of Accountability Court Judges of Georgia NEWSLETTER March | 2023 From the CACJ Staff Contents The Council of Accountability Court Judges received 55 Clayton County DUI Court – pg. 2 Technology Grant applications and 19 Emergency Funding applications. Applicants can expect to receive notice of their Fulton County Accountability Court funding award decision from the Criminal Justice Coordinating – pg. 3 Council grant specialist. Henry County Drug Court – pg. 3 As a reminder, the FY24 Accountability Court Operating Grant application packet is due to CACJ by Friday, March 3, 2023. Appalachian Circuit Accountability Applications are only accepted through the Formstack electronic Courts – pg. 4 submission form. Applicants can expect to receive notice of their funding award decision from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Model Court: Liberty County DUI Council grant specialist no later than June 1, 2023. Court – pg. 5 The FY25 Notice of Intent to Apply for Funding will open June 26, Model Court: Hall County H.E.L.P. 2023. This NOI is an opportunity to detail expansion plans for Program – pg. 7 existing accountability courts and new implementation court programs for FY25 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025). CACJ News – pg. 9 Career Opportunities – pg. 9 Training Opportunity – pg. 10 CACJ Newsletter | March 2023 The Council of Accountability Court Judges’ training team thanks Jennifer Williams, Coordinator of the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit Drug Accountability Court, and Deborah Boddie, Coordinator of the Clayton County Adult Drug Court, for serving as hosts during the December 2022 and February 2023 Thinking for a Change trainings! 1 | Page

Clayton County DUI Court Sober Superbowl Event Staff and participants of Clayton County DUI Court enjoyed an exciting Sober Superbowl gathering at their counseling center in Forest Park, watching the Kansas City Chiefs score a big victory at the end of the game. The celebration included a gift basket raffle, a prize for the best game day predictions, party food, desserts, and creative nonalcoholic beverages. This socialization effort began in early 2022, when participants began to complain of some boredom in recovery and feeling left out of outside social gatherings, which are often saturated with alcohol. So far, the Court has held a Spring Eggstravaganza, which included an egg hunt for participants’ children, and a Fun Sunday in the Park last July, with old fashioned hula hoops and water balloons. Another highlight has been hosting viewings of Falcons vs. Saints games on the big screen televisions at the Accountability Courts Counseling Center. Judge Margaret Spencer is a big Saints fan, which creates a friendly rivalry among staff and participants. One participant brought three generations of his family to one of the games, and many participants encourage their children and spouses to join in the fun. Most DUI program participants have little experience socializing at sporting events and other festivities without alcohol and substance use. These structured, Court-sponsored activities provide the opportunity for staff to model healthy social behavior, as well as to build rapport with participants and their families. The participants enjoy being with their peers in recovery in a safe place where they do not have the temptation to relapse. The Clayton County DUI Court remains dedicated to providing not just a quality experience within the structure of the program but continued special events where participants and their families can celebrate and enjoy social occasions geared toward their lifelong recovery. Submitted by Evi-Luise Pover, Clayton County DUI Accountability Court Clinical Director CACJ Newsletter | March 2023 2 | Page

Fulton County Launches New Henry County Drug Court’s 21st Website Commencement Ceremony Fulton County Accountability Court is delighted to unveil an updated website! The website provides an interactive place Henry County Adult Felony Drug Court held their 21st for justice partners and the public to access information Commencement on February 2, 2023 and celebrated Mr. about the program. This month, the program was delighted Jamon Harmon as the graduate. AFDC has graduated 98 to highlight the story of a graduate, Mr. Jahcohn Anderson. participants to date. Keynote speaker, Lloyd Musa, was the The program would like to highlight Sabrina Wells, Superior distant descendent of the famed Mansa Musa of Mali (14th Court’s Management Policy Analyst, who worked so hard on Century). He was a very motivational speaker engaging the this piece and the website overall. audience and extoling the virtue of where you start does not determine where you end. The graduate himself is quite a The interview includes a video segment where he answers remarkable person. The week of his scheduled graduation in the question: If you had the chance to sit with someone at April 2022, he used. He admitted that to the team and told the jail, given the same opportunity was given to you were, the judge; he wasn’t ready to graduate. As he described it, what would you want them to know? he was devastated and miserable. He attended that graduation and watched as a spectator. Judge Veal even had Please visit the link below for the full interview: him stand up, and she advised the audience of his situation https://www.fultoncourt.org/news/experience- but that he CHOSE to ask for more time and CHOSE not to accountability-drug-court give up, and she gave the declaration that, whenever he says he’s ready, we’ll have his graduation. Ten months later Submitted by John Collins, Fulton County Accountability that’s exactly what happened. Jamon never stopped Court Director fighting. He was honest and has given many other participants hope. He was never bitter and never complained that he spent more time in the program or that he was working through his issues but came to the office always with a smile. He has shown great resolve, and we couldn’t be prouder of him. Jamon is a founding partner of our new alumni group and will be more involved in mentoring new participants who are struggling with acclimating to the program. Congrats, Jamon! Submitted by Craig Ogilvie, Henry County Accountability Court Director CACJ Newsletter | March 2023 3 | Page

Appalachian Judicial Circuit Holds Accountability Court Graduation The Appalachian Judicial Circuit held a graduation ceremony at First Baptist Church in Ellijay, Georgia on January 26, 2023. Participants from all the accountability courts were represented (Drug Court, HELP Court, Veterans Court, and Family Treatment Court). The graduation was presided over by Judge John Worcester and Judge Patricia King. There were over 300 people in attendance, including fellow participants and family members and friends. The Appalachian Judicial Circuit Judges and Accountability Court staff would like to wish the graduates the very best on their recovery journey. Submitted by Chris Holt, Appalachian Circuit Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator The Clayton County Superior Court Behavioral Health Accountability Court cordially requests the honor of your presence at the Behavioral Health Accountability Court Graduation to be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. 4th Floor, Courtroom 402 Harold R. Banke Justice Center 9151 Tara Boulevard Jonesboro, Georgia 30236 RSVP to [email protected] by Wednesday, March 1, 2023. CACJ Newsletter | March 2023 4 | Page

Model Courts Feature The goal of Georgia’s Accountability Court Model Court program is to recognize the great work of accountability courts across the state, as well as identify strong programs that may serve as mentors for other courts. Programs identified as Model Courts are those that have met and exceeded adherence to Georgia’s Standards as dictated by strong performance on certification and peer review processes. To recognize the talent and expertise of the accountability court community, each month CACJ will recognize a model court or two and their work in the substance use and mental health fields. Liberty County DUI Court Model DUI Court (2021-2024) Liberty County DUI Court Team Members From left to right: Coordinator – Glenda Harriman, Defense Attorney - Chestley Merritt, Judge – Honorable Jeffery Osteen, Treatment Director - Kascey Ifill, Case Manager - Rebecca Sanders, and Counselor – Latonia Barrett Not Pictured: Solicitor General – Mark Hendrix, Surveillance Officers - Brandon Long and Shawn Fields, and Probation Officer – John Hawkins Court Type: DUI Court 5 | Page Presiding Judge: The Honorable Jeffery N. Osteen has presided over the program since April 2017. Coordinator: Glenda Harriman has served as Program Coordinator since May 2013. Program Inception Date: February 2009 Number of Graduates to Date: 100 CACJ Newsletter | March 2023

Current Program Census: 20 Recidivism Rate: 14% Innovative Practices/Unique Programming: Ms. Harriman: “Our court receives grant funding to assist participants with paying part of the treatment fees to aide them with their many expenses associated with being in the Liberty County DUI Court Program and getting their DUIs. In addition, when the participant successfully graduates the program after 18 months, their traffic fine(s) is reduced to a set fee, which assists them greatly, as well. While the participant is actively in the program, they experience transportation issues (most within the first 120 days) before they can request a limited permit/ignition waiver order, and our court receives a transportation grant that assists with the cost of transportation to and from court.” Why does the judge choose to preside over the accountability court? What does the judge hope to accomplish as a model court? Judge Osteen: “I preside over the DUI Accountability Court because there is such a need to reduce recidivism, and there is an opportunity to truly help someone. Through our court program, I have witnessed first-hand the issues facing individuals who have alcohol and substance abuse problems. I see that it can affect every aspect of their lives. If we can place the participant into a better situation than when we found them, then hopefully they will have a chance to live productive lives. As a model court, I hope to show that any accountability court, big or small, can make positive and life changing results in participants’ lives.” What is the coordinator most proud of in terms of the program’s success? What does she hope to accomplish as a model court? Ms. Harriman: “I am most proud of the court’s ability to provide a great service to our community and being part of our DUI Court Team. Our court has a great treatment provider, and our treatment provider assists our participants in all areas of need for the participant; they can take what they learn from being in the program and use in all areas of their life. Having a great team and treatment provider for your program is key to a successful accountability court program. As a Program Coordinator of a model court, I will continue to make improvements to our DUI Court Program so that we can continue to serve our community needs and to reduce recidivism.” What is something you wish you had known at program inception that you hope to impart to newer courts? Judge Osteen: “I would like to impart on newer accountability courts that unfortunately you may not be able to make an impact in some participants’ lives. There are some participants who are simply not going to put forth the effort. It is incredibly frustrating, but that is the reality. However, when you do make an impact, it is truly rewarding and confirmation of why we do this.” Ms. Harriman: “Accountability courts work and having great team members and a treatment provider makes everything successful for the program. Having a great treatment provider and great team members that work well together for the benefit of the participants in the program makes the program work best. Having great communication between the team members and treatment is essential! Everyone being on the same page about the program requirements, holding participants accountable, and so much more is the best way to start off the program. The hard work that goes into the program pays off with great participant success stories that are priceless. The work that our accountability courts do feels like we are saving lives, and we are, one at a time.” Is there anything else you wish to include? Judge Osteen: “We only have the participant for a short window in their lives, but we can make a huge impact for the rest of their lives.” Ms. Harriman: “Accountability courts work!” CACJ Newsletter | March 2023 6 | Page

Hall County H.E.L.P. Program and Veterans Track Model Mental Health Court (2021-2024) Hall County HELP Program Team Members Judge – Chief Superior Court Judge Kathleen Gosselin Coordinator – Jeanette Gurr Case Manager – Haley Brown Community Support Individual – Damares Camacho Chief Assistant Public Defender – Chris van Rossem Assistant District Attorney – Patrick Shuler Assistant Solicitor-General – Brooke Jackson Probation Officers – Joshua Gordon, Ashleigh Green CPS with Avita’s ACT Team – William Colon Veteran Peer Support Specialist – Greg O’Hara PTSD Foundation of America General Manager – Dan Solla Human Services Coordinator – Wendy Waldon Lead Counselor – Brianna Griego Counselors – Bobbie Moore, Shannon O’Carroll UGA Graduate School Counseling Interns – Rico Vlastelic, Liza Cuevas PD’s Office Alternative Sentencing Specialists – Pamela Kenney, Brenda Aguirre Court Type: Mental Health Court and Veterans Track Presiding Judge: Chief Superior Court Judge Kathleen Gosselin has presided over the court since program inception in May 2004. Coordinator: Jeanette Gurr joined the team in August 2017 and became Coordinator in August 2020. Program Inception Date: May 2004 Number of Graduates to Date: 76 Current Program Census: 72 Recidivism Rate: 28% CACJ Newsletter | March 2023 7 | Page

Innovative Practices/Unique Programming: Judge Gosselin: “The walk and talk is unique. I started the program due to my concern about incentives for folks to move but it morphed into a place where participants can connect with people outside the ‘helping’ professions in a non-judgmental setting. It was a learning experience for me and the folks in the Community of Hope at the church. Our incentive tracker is unique, I Believe, and Jason Bennett’s (former coordinator) brainchild.” Why does the judge choose to preside over the accountability court? What does the judge hope to accomplish as a model court? Judge Gosselin: “This judge learned many years ago while working as the judge in State court that resources were limited for folks in the criminal justice system with mental health issues. Throughout my career, I have tried to do what I could to make sure I was making a difference in the system and for the individuals involved, both victims and offenders, and seeing that treatment and practices that addressed the long-term issues have been critical to me. Accountability courts made sense and mental health issues speak to my heart. I hope to learn and use the best practices and pass that information along to as many judges as possible, as well as to the legislature in order to insure the future viability of accountability courts.” What is the coordinator most proud of in terms of the program’s success? What does she hope to accomplish as a model court? Ms. Gurr: “We have been able to double our census numbers over the past few years and are taking in more high-risk and high-need clients. We have started to develop separate SPMI groups and hope to continue to grow to have a separate SPMI track, co-occurring track, and veterans track. I’m honored to be able to explore more ways we can help serve our community and build relationships throughout the community with partners wanting to help, as well.” What is something you wish you had known at program inception that you hope to impart to newer courts? Judge Gosselin: “Evidence based practices are crucial. Being myself, as opposed to trying to be some sort of ‘role model’, makes me a better judge and more able to connect on a professional but compassionate level with participants.” Anything else you wish to include? Judge Gosselin: “This work has been the absolute heart of my career and working with the teams and participants over the years has given me the strength to deal with the harsh realities we all face day to day in our courtrooms. While there are many challenges, there are small and large rewards to watching people work hard to learn and change their paths.” CACJ Newsletter | March 2023 8 | Page

Call for Annual Conference Volunteers CACJ is excited to release a call for volunteers to accountability court team members interested in assisting with a variety of logistical tasks associated with hosting the 2023 annual training conference. CACJ will need a volunteer team to work a dedicated shift on a conference day(s) between September 10-13, 2023. Volunteers play a significant role in making sure the CACJ annual conference runs smoothly. Volunteering at the CACJ annual conference is an excellent opportunity to network and get a behind-the-scenes view of the event. A variety of volunteer roles are available, each with varying responsibilities. The different roles include registration volunteer, room monitor, and breakout session moderator. What are the volunteer incentives? Conference volunteers will receive complimentary admission to the CACJ annual conference. A volunteer must complete conference registration with their team but their attendance will not count as a team member’s slot for registration. If you are interested in volunteering at the 2023 CACJ annual conference, review the Call for Volunteers announcement and complete the volunteer application. Applications will open on March 6, 2023. April 2023 Newsletter Submissions Please send submissions for the April 2023 newsletter to Debbie Mott ([email protected]) by Wednesday, March 29. If you plan to include a photo where participants can be identified, please be sure to send a signed photo consent with your submission. Georgia Accountability Courts Career Opportunities Please see the Career Opportunities tab (under About Us) on the CACJ website for information about these job postings: *Bartow Family Treatment Court Director *Fayette County Case Manager *Brunswick Circuit Drug Court Clinical Evaluator *Brunswick Circuit Drug Court Contract Clinician *Cherokee Circuit Mental Health Counselor *Clayton County Behavioral Health Treatment Provider *Cordele Circuit Drug Court Case Manager *DeKalb County DCAC Deputy Director *DeKalb County Lab Technician *DeKalb County Counselor (Wellness Court) *DeKalb County Clinical Coordinator *DeKalb County Misd. Mental Health Court Social Worker *Enotah Circuit Trial Court Administrator *Floyd County Contract Treatment Provider *Forsyth County Contract Defense Attorney *Forsyth County Contract Counselors *Fulton County Associate Licensed Clinician DUI Court *Fulton County Behavioral Health Clinician II *Glynn County Lead Clinical Director *Griffin Circuit Contract Counselors *Hall County Drug Court Coordinator *Hall County Drug Court Counselor *Henry County Case Manager *Henry County Behavioral Health Clinician *Ocmulgee Circuit Accountability Court Case Manager *Rockdale County CBI-SA Group Facilitator *Mountain Judicial Circuit Mental Health Court Coordinator CACJ Newsletter | March 2023 9 | Page

Training Opportunity You are invited to attend the Behavioral Change, Progress, & Technology webinar with Judge Diane Bull to discuss: • Behavioral change • Why it’s challenging • How justice-based programs can facilitate that change, and • The ways technology can make the process simpler. Judge Bull will include practical program examples for attendees and have a Q&A session at the end of the webinar. Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023 Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM ET Register Now CACJ Newsletter | March 2023 10 | P a g e