June 2023 Newsletter _Published

Council of Accountability Court Judges of Georgia NEWSLETTER June | 2023 From the CACJ Staff Contents As in years past, we want to recognize team members across the Appalachian Judicial Circuit – pg.2 state for their hard work and dedication to accountability courts. Clayton County DUI Court – pg. 3 Start thinking about the people who you work closely with on your Fulton County Accountability Court – court team and consider nominating them for an award. We will pg. 3 continue to recognize one person from each team role: Judge, Enotah S.T.A.R. Court – pg. 4 Coordinator, Case Manager, Defense Attorney, Prosecutor, Fulton County Misdemeanor Mental Probation Officer, Law Enforcement Officer, Treatment Provider, Health Court – pg. 5 CASA Advocate, DFCS Case Manager, FTC Attorney, Peer Support Carroll County Drug Court – pg. 5 Specialist, and Veterans Mentor Coordinator for the Star award. A Cobb County Drug Court – pg. 6 Star award nominee can be characterized as someone on your Clayton County Drug Court – pg. 7 accountability court team who is a team player, implemented Newton County Juvenile Behavioral something unique, maintains a positive attitude, understands their Health Court – pg. 8 role on the team, adapts well to change, and is a critical part to the Model Court: Troup County DUI/Drug team’s success. Court – pg. 9 CACJ News – pg. 11 Also, in memory of the late Judge Stephen S. Goss, the Council of Career Opportunities – pg. 12 Accountability Court Judges has created an award to honor his life Training Opportunities – pg. 14 and legacy as a nationally recognized expert on mental health. In 2002, Judge Goss founded the Dougherty Superior Court Mental 1 | Page Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Program. It served as one of four learning sites for mental health courts as designated by the United States Bureau of Justice Assistance and was the first mental health court created in the state of Georgia. One mental health court team member will receive this award and be recognized across the state for outstanding contributions in the field. Criteria for nominees include: 1) must have worked with the mental health court for at least three years, 2) their efforts have had a far-reaching impact and demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of the participants, and 3) they’ve assisted with raising awareness about mental health and the mental health court in the community. Nominations will open on June 12, 2023 and close July 21, 2023. Submitted by Sacha Greene, CACJ Certification Officer II CACJ Newsletter | June 2023

Pictured: Participants from the Veterans Treatment Court and Drug Court, a Drug Court graduate, and Veterans Court Case Manager John DiRenzo (black T-shirt and hat) Participants from the Appalachian Judicial Circuit Accountability Courts Run in Adventure Race Several participants (and a graduate) from the Appalachian Judicial Circuit’s Accountability Courts participated in the Blue Ridge Adventure Race on May 6. The race teams were led and organized by Veterans Court Case Manager John DiRenzo. According to the Blue Ridge Adventure Race website, this race is “a 10-hour adventure race” and teams can “expect between 20–30 miles of mountain biking and 5–8 miles of trekking with 4–8 miles of canoeing.” For obvious reasons, the participants have been training for this race for months! Adventure races can provide a challenging, team-oriented activity that encourages physical fitness and mental resilience. Participation in such events can also foster a sense of community and teamwork, which is critical for individuals who are recovering from substance abuse. Adventure races can provide a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for relapse. Exercise is also one of the best ways to help the brain heal from substance abuse. Submitted by Chris Holt, Appalachian Judicial Circuit Veterans Court Coordinator CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 2 | Page

Clayton County DUI Court’s H.E.A.T. Training at Fulton County EGGStravaganza Event Fulton County was pleased to host H.E.A.T. (Habilitation Empowerment Accountability Therapy) facilitator On Sunday, March 26, 2023, the Clayton County DUI training for some of the State’s accountability courts. Accountability Court hosted their second annual Between May 22-24, 20 attendees from Fulton County EGGStravaganza for participants’ children and family Accountability Court, Fulton County Recovery members. Despite the pouring rain and muddy outdoors, Treatment Court (previously DUI), Fulton County MMC, the day was a great success. Our youngest attendee was Athens/Clarke County Accountability Court, Clayton 18 months old, and the oldest was 14. They all County Veterans Court, and Hall County Accountability participated in games, a raffle, and a lively indoor egg Court were fully trained to deliver this important hunt. treatment curriculum to their participants. Many thanks to CACJ and CJCC for the funding opportunity without The highlight of the day was a full-sized bounce house which this training could not have taken place. Thanks donated by a phase 3 participant, a father of two. He set also to the wonderful trainers Darryl Turpin and Guy it up in one of the counseling rooms. The kids enjoyed Wheeler, the co-principals of the Pinwheel Group and jumping and playing as they were cheered on by developers of H.E.AT. participants and DUI Staff. H.E.A.T. is a holistic, afro-centric, strength based, A huge thank you goes to Judge Margaret Spencer for her trauma informed model that emphasizes a positive and passion and dedication to the Clayton County DUI Court engaging approach to treatment. This manualized participants’ success in recovery. Her sponsorship of intervention targets African American/Black males, age these pro-social activities has encouraged participants to 18- 29, with involvement in the criminal justice system. practice a recovery lifestyle and has assisted them in The holistic approach of H.E.A.T. focuses on treating the reconnecting and engaging positively with their families. complete person by addressing spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, environmental, and experiential Submitted by Evi-Luise Pover, Clayton County DUI Court factors that influence one’s sense of self, behaviors, and Clinical Director choices. The curriculum seeks to validate life experiences and help the client address and resolve emotional and psychological issues that have shaped his self-image, behavior, and lifestyle choices. H.E.A.T. is spreading across the country as the only culturally responsive intervention of its kind. Submitted by John Collins, Fulton County Accountability Courts Director CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 3 | Page

Enotah S.T.A.R. Court’s Mental Health Awareness Month Scavenger Hunt Event In celebratory recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, the Enotah S.T.A.R. Court (Stabilize. Treat. Accept. Restore.) invited participants to take part in a scavenger hunt. Using Mental Health America’s theme of Look Around. Look Within., the items in the scavenger hunt were tailored to prompt our participants to consider the things in their communities, home, and self that impact their mental health. Those who participated in the scavenger hunt were awarded a Chick-fil-A gift card, and the participants who also found a creative way to share their experience and/or findings during the hunt received an additional prize of a feelings identification magnet. We were so excited to see how involved and enthusiastic our participants were in presenting their scavenger hunt findings to our chief presiding judge, the Honorable Joy R. Parks, and team members. Some partakers drew pictures of the photos they took, others presented their photos on poster board, and one participant created a scrapbook to display the items and pictures she found in her hunt. Afterwards, Judge Parks commented, “I was amazed at the time, detail, and creativity that the participants put into the project and how much they seemed to enjoy just thinking about what really made them smile and what they enjoyed doing.” Submitted by Rachel Williams-Clark, Enotah S.T.A.R. Court Coordinator CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 4 | Page

Fulton County Misdemeanor Mental Health Court Resource Fair This year the Fulton County Misdemeanor Mental Health Court (MMC) took May Mental Health Awareness Month outdoors with its 2nd Annual Mental Health Resource Fair. With speakers, activities, and nearly 30 local service providers participating, the MMC was able to emphasize Mental Health America’s message, #LookAroundLookWithin while sharing the resources and expertise available in the Fulton neighborhoods and beyond. The fair was interactive with speakers providing quick yoga stress relievers, food tips for mental well-being, and, of course, the benefits that art, music, and journaling can provide. Georgia Representative Esther Panitch, District 51, updated the crowd on Georgia’s 2023 legislative actions and what lies ahead. Special guest speakers The Dharma Project, Artist Miss Ji, The Missionary, and Singer/Songwriter JA’DAKU provided so many exciting and varied options to address mental health. Georgia’s DBHDD, MHA of Georgia, NAMI, Northside Atlanta, Silence the Shame, Automotive Training Center, and so many other dedicated partners, including the Fulton BOC and Justice Partners, worked together to make the event a success. The MMC Team would like to thank everyone for their support for our program, one another, and our community. Submitted by Georgee Corley, Fulton County Misdemeanor Mental Health Court Coordinator Carroll County Drug Court Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Receives Proclamation Carroll County Drug Court celebrates its 25th anniversary on June 9. The Carroll County Board of Commissioners issued a proclamation to celebrate the accomplishment. Started in July 1998, the Carroll County Drug Court is the eighth established accountability court in the state. Submitted by Karen Van Blarcom, Carroll County Drug Court Coordinator CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 5 | Page

Cobb County Drug Treatment Court Celebrates National Drug Court Month In celebration of National Drug Court Month, the Cobb Drug Treatment Court (DTC) provided a Breakfast-on-the-Run before court on Monday, May 15. The East Cobb Church graciously sponsored the event where participants and DTC staff enjoyed fruit and breakfast sandwiches. R.M., a drug court participant, shared that “it is awesome to be recognized by a group of government officials that have seen us at our worst but are helping us be our best.” After observing the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court in action in March, East Cobb Church’s lead pastor, Jamey Dickens, offered the Church’s support to the program as part of their community outreach ministry. “It was an honor to provide breakfast for Drug Treatment Court this past month! We’re always looking for opportunities to come alongside organizations who are doing great work and help them go further faster in meeting the needs of our community. And this one is a no brainer. We are so thankful for all those who make this program possible and very proud of those who have recently completed it,” said Pastor Dickens. To complete National Drug Court Month, on Sunday, May 21, the DTC participants attended a Braves game where they enjoyed cheering the Braves to a 3-2 victory over the Mariners. “It was a beautiful day for good company, good vibes, and a Braves win!”, said Case Manager Brooke Comley. For some participants, attending the game was a first-time experience. “It was so awesome being able to have an experience of a lifetime, watching the homeruns with good friends,” W.C. said. Attending events like the Braves Game is part of a wholistic treatment strategy for individuals recovering from addiction. “An integral part of the treatment process for individuals in treatment courts is facilitating pro-social activities and outings in the community where they learn how to have fun while maintaining sobriety,” said Jennifer Tillery, Accountability Courts Director. “The program regularly schedules these events called ‘sober outings’ to restructure perspective of how to have fun without drugs and alcohol and to show how a lifetime of recovery is possible,” she continued. Treatment courts are considered the most effective strategy for reducing addiction, crime, and recidivism while saving taxpayer dollars. National Drug Court Month provides a platform for these programs to advocate for continued federal, state, and local funding. CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 National Drug Court Month is coordinated by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. Judge Kimberly A. Childs presides over Cobb’s DTC and said she was thrilled for Cobb to join the National Drug Court Month celebrations occurring nationwide. “Through the efforts of our dedicated team and wit the continued support of our stakeholders, the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court transforms the courtroom into a place of hope and healing,” Judge Childs said. 6 | Page

“Instead of punishment, we offer evidence-based treatment and compassion to foster a lifetime of sobriety.” Another participant, D.S., thanked Judge Childs and the entire Drug Court team. “This breakfast is recognizing our hard work, and we know they care about us,” D.S. said. The Cobb Drug Treatment Court is an alternative to incarceration for individuals involved in the justice system because of a substance use disorder. The 18- to 24-month program uses a combination of close supervision, individualized treatment, and recovery support to hold offenders accountable for their actions and teach them to be productive members of the community. Cobb’s DTC has graduated 699 participants since the program’s inception. For more information about Cobb’s DTC, including how to support the program, contact Porsha Middlebrook, DTC Coordinator, at 770.528.1933 or [email protected]. Submitted by Jennifer Tillery, Cobb County Accountability Courts Director Clayton County Drug Court Celebrates National Drug Court Month Clayton County Drug Court celebrated National Drug Court Month on Wednesday, May 17 by moving court to the Clayton County International Park. Participants and Drug Court staff enjoyed food catered by Jim-N-Nick's. Many participants remarked that the food was “scrumptious and tasty”. There were local government and law enforcement officials present to recognize the good works of Drug Court. Drug Courts are considered the most effective strategy for reducing addiction, crime, and recidivism while saving taxpayer dollars. Hence, National Drug Court Month provides a platform for these programs to advocate for continued federal, state, and local funding. Phase 1 participants were excited to perform a clean and sober chant for the outing. The words are: I'm FREE - living drug free. I don't gotta worry ‘bout no drugs running me. I'm SOBER once again and I'm hanging out in Drug Court with my clean and sober friends! \"LET'S GO!\" Several participants thanked Presiding Judge Aaron B. Mason and the Drug Court team for their unwavering support and compassion. Judge Mason continues to remind participants that graduation is not his goal but for them to live a life in recovery and become the best person, best father, best mother, best sister, best brother! Submitted by Deborah Boddie, Clayton Judicial Circuit Accountability Courts Coordinator, and Written by Dr. Beverly Y. Dorsey CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 7 | Page

Newton County Juvenile Behavioral Health Court Celebrates Graduates and Takes a Trip to the Georgia Aquarium Congratulations to the Newton County Juvenile Behavioral Health Court May Graduates! On May 2, 2023, Judge Candice Branche presided over the Newton County Juvenile Behavioral Health Court graduation. Current participants, team members, and families were in attendance to celebrate two participants’ successful completion of the program. Each participant successfully completed the four-phase program which includes immediate intervention, integrated treatment, and structure in the lives of youth with substance use and/or mental health needs with comprehensive services to allow them to become productive, responsible citizens. And on May 25, Newton County Juvenile Behavioral Health Court had the opportunity to take seven of their 14 program participants to the Georgia Aquarium. Each participant’s transportation, admission, lunch, Behind the Seas tour, and aquarium gift was funded by a generous, invested, community donor. For several participants, it was their first time visiting the Georgia Aquarium. The Behind the Seas tour gave the participants an up-close and personal look at the operation of the aquarium. There were plenty of smiles, looks of amazement, and curious minds filled with a lot of questions. Submitted by April Robinson, Newton County Juvenile Behavioral Health Court Coordinator CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 8 | 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. Troup County DUI/Drug Court Model DUI Court (2021-2024) Troup County DUI/Drug Court Team Members Judge: Honorable Wesley Leonard Coordinator: Jasmine Johnson Case Manager: Lynsay Oleson Interim Case Manager: Courtney Powell Treatment Providers: Dr. Shannon Dunlap, Summer Moon Probation Officer: Melody Moore Solicitor-General: Sandra Taylor Assistant Solicitor-General: Brandy Niven Public Defender: Katie Rose Martin Law Enforcement Officer: Zackery Phillips Troup County Drug Lab Administrator: Miranda Parmer Court Name: Troup County DUI/Drug Court 9 | Page Presiding Judge: The Honorable Wesley Leonard has presided over the program since January 2021. Coordinator: Jasmine Johnson has served as Coordinator since January 2023. CACJ Newsletter | June 2023

Program Inception Date: February 2004 Number of Graduates to Date: 149 Current Program Census: 26 Innovative Practices/Unique Programming: Ms. Johnson: “We currently have a Fast-Track program that assists an individual arrested for DUI, who is a habitual DUI offender, to enter the program quickly. This program began while Judge Jeanette Little presided over DUI Court, and Judge Leonard continues the program. The DUI Court staff, along with local law enforcement, work together to provide services to habitual DUI offenders promptly.” Why does the judge choose to preside over the accountability court? Ms. Johnson: “Judge Leonard choose to preside over Troup County DUI/Drug Court because when he was running for judge, he found that the public knew very little about the operations of the courts but knew about it. He was approached by families of participants, participants, law enforcement, lawyers, and the recovery community asking him to continue Troup County DUI/Drug Court.” 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. Johnson: “As the new coordinator, I am most proud that the program has sustained and served our community for 19 years. One of the biggest successes to our community is when a family gains a sober relative and a child gains a present parent. As a model court, we hope to share our experiences, knowledge gained, and institutional knowledge with other people looking to improve or start a DUI Court.” What is something the judge and coordinator wishes they had known at program inception that they hope to Impart to newer courts? Ms. Johnson: “Although we (Judge and Coordinator) were not a part of the program at its inception, we would like newer courts to know that change is inevitable, and you must be flexible and have willingness to learn and adapt. If you have the overall right structure in place, the DUI Court will stand no matter the individual players in place. Within the past two years, the Troup County DUI/Drug Court has faced many changes. In 2021, Judge Jeanette Little, who had served as the presiding judge since inception, retired, and within the last six months, the program has gained a new coordinator and case manager.” Anything else you wish to include? Ms. Johnson: “We would like to dedicate our model feature to Mrs. Debra Trapp, who served as the Troup County DUI/Drug Court Case Manager from 2015 until November 2022. Mrs. Trapp passed away on February 27, 2023. She was a vital part of the team, and she touched the lives of many including participants and co-workers. CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 10 | P a g e

FY25 Notice of Intent to Apply for Funding CACJ will release the fiscal year 2025 (FY25) Notice of Intent (NOI) to apply for state funds form to existing and potentially new accountability courts on June 26, 2023. It will remain open until July 28, 2022. The NOI is MANDATORY for existing courts, existing courts with proposed expansions, and proposed new accountability courts that seek to submit a grant application to CACJ for FY24 state funds. Each proposed new accountability court must first work with an existing accountability court within its circuit or county to determine if an existing court can be expanded. CACJ wants to invest in sustainable courts that share personnel and other resources. Please do NOT complete this form without determining if an existing accountability court can be expanded. Additionally, please complete a separate NOI for each accountability court, regardless of intentions to complete a combined grant application. All received submissions for proposed new accountability courts will be reviewed by the Funding Committee. The NOI point of contact will receive written notice of the Funding Committee’s decision on or before September 29, 2022. The court types included within the NOI are adult felony drug courts, mental health courts, veterans’ treatment courts, DUI courts, family treatment courts, juvenile drug courts, and juvenile mental health courts. Social Media Launch The Council of Accountability Court Judges (CACJ) is proud to announce the launch of our first and official social media page on LinkedIn. Starting July 1, the accountability court community can connect with CACJ on LinkedIn. The LinkedIn page is designed to share the awesome work of accountability courts and showcase accountability court professionals across the state. We welcome courts to share content focused on recovery and accountability court best practices. The page will also feature exciting new content such as the Judges’ Corner, Coordinator Spotlight, Accountability Court Data, and more. Be on the lookout for an interview request from Debbie Mott or Christina Frazier, requesting your permission to be featured in the newsletter and LinkedIn pages. Equity and Inclusion Team Training Who Can Attend: Adult accountability court teams (Adult Drug, Mental Health, Veterans, DUI) Where: In-person, Stone Mountain, Georgia When: October 25-26, 2023 Speakers: National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) This training program is designed for jurisdictions interested in addressing racial disparities and bias to ensure equivalent access, retention, treatment, incentives and sanctions, and dispositions. The training will allow the teams to analyze data and determine program barriers. Only 5 teams can attend, register early if interested in this opportunity. Register Here CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 11 | P a g e

Georgia Accountability Courts Career Opportunities Please see the Career Opportunities tab (under About Us) on the CACJ website for information about these job postings: *Athens-Clarke County Contract Services Clinician *Brunswick Circuit Drug Court Contract Clinician *Cherokee County Drug Court Case Manager *Cobb County FTC Contract Treatment Provider *Cobb County Drug Court Treatment Provider *DeKalb County Admin Specialist/Bi-Lingual Case Mgr. *DeKalb County Wellness Court Counselor *DeKalb County Clinical Coordinator *Fayette County Case Manager *Floyd County Contract Treatment Provider *Forsyth County Contract Counselors *Fulton County DUI Court Assoc. Licensed Clinician *Fulton County Behavioral Health Clinician II *Glynn County Lead Clinical Director *Griffin Circuit Contract Counselors *Hall County Treatment Services Clinical Director *Henry County Case Manager *Henry County Behavioral Health Clinician *Pickens County FTC Program Coordinator *Pickens County VTC Case Manager (Part-time) Treatment Fidelity Monitor Position Available with CACJ! Under general supervision of the CACJ Executive Director, the Treatment Fidelity Program Monitor conducts research involving data collection and analysis, develops and implements policy, and ensures fidelity of the CJCC funded evidence- based participant treatment, such as Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Substance Abusers (CBI-SA), Thinking for a Change (T4C), Prime Solutions, Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Strengthening Families (SF) and Celebrating Families (CF). The Treatment Fidelity Program Monitor will identify trends, discrepancies, and variances to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of applicable operations. Partner with our departments, divisions, outside agencies, and vendors to address business issues. Exercises various latitudes of independent judgment. Administers or provides high-level support for various projects, grants, contacts, implementation of procedures, and/or any specialized functions. CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 12 | P a g e

July 2023 Newsletter Submissions Please send submissions for the July 2023 newsletter to Debbie Mott ([email protected]) by Wednesday, June 28. If you plan to include a photo where participants can be identified, please be sure to send a signed photo consent with your submission. CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 13 | P a g e

NAMI Georgia has received SAMSHA funding to train trainers across the state in our NAMI programs. If you are interested in partnering with us on this grant to provide training to your alumni patient members and their families, please get in touch with [email protected]. NAMI Georgia pays for all costs related to the Train the Trainer Certification and all expenses related to the actual classes once an attendee is certified. Some of the peer-based classes pay a stipend and travel of $50 up to $250 (Peer to Peer, and Connections Support Groups - when a trainer goes out of their area). This training is research-based, and the attendee receives certification at the end of each class. These classes are for Peers and Family Members whom you see as leaders and ready to help others with their experiences. These classes are often the first step in building a NAMI in your community if you don't already have one. Many of the classes are virtual. The schedule of upcoming classes is listed below. • NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Facilitator Training | Peers NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who've been there. Upcoming Classes September 23 & 24, 2023 Register here: Connection Support Group Facilitator Application • NAMI Peer-to-Peer Teacher Training | Peers Note: Candidates must complete an online training session before attending in-person training. NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery. Upcoming Classes August 26 & 27, 2023 Register here: Peer-to-Peer Mentor Application • NAMI Family to Family Teacher Training | Family and Friends NOTE: Candidates must complete an online training session before attending an in-person training. This is a free 8-session educational program for family, significant others, and friends of people living with mental illness. It is a designated evidenced-based program. NAMI-trained family members who have been there lead the course with presentations, discussions, and interactive exercises. The group setting allows you to connect with others and build a community of support. Upcoming Classes June 10 & 11, 2023 Register here: Family-to-Family Teacher Application • NAMI Family Support Group Facilitator | Family Members and Caregivers A peer-led group for adult family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar circumstances. Family Support Group Facilitator Application • NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenter Training | Leaders with Lived Experience Note: Candidates must complete an online training session before attending this in-person training. NAMI In Our Own Voice is a presentation for the public to promote awareness of mental health conditions and recovery. This is a free 12-session educational program for family, significant others, and friends of people living with mental illness. Upcoming Class April 30, 2023 Register here: In Our Own Voice Presenter Application CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 14 | P a g e

CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 15 | P a g e

CACJ Newsletter | June 2023 16 | P a g e