Read More DJJ Good News at Read More DJJ Good News at • BJCOT - Basic Juvenile Correctional...

Read More DJJ Good News at www.djjnewsandviews.org

• BJCOT - Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training• CSO - Community Services Office• CYC - Commissioner’s Youth Council• DJJ - Department of Juvenile Justice • GED - General Equivalency Diploma • GPA - Georgia Preparatory Academy• GPSTC - Georgia Public Safety Training Center• HITS - High Intensity Team Supervision• JCO - Juvenile Correctional Officer • JPO - Juvenile Probation Officer• LETR - Law Enforcement Torch Run• NCVRW - National Crime Victims’ Rights Week• PBIS - Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports • POST - Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council • RYDC - Regional Youth Detention Center• SERT - Security Emergency Response Team• SMRT - Special Management Response Team• SOGA - Special Olympics of Georgia• SRO - School Resource Officer• YDC - Youth Development Campus

Key Acronyms

Summer 2017 The Official Newsletter of the Department of Juvenile Justice Volume 2, No. 2

First Lady Sandra Deal (center, in green) and DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles stand with staff and volunteers in the DJJ Nurturing Parenting project.

Georgia’s First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Deal, visited the Department of Juvenile Justice’s (DJJ) Atlanta Youth Development Campus (YDC) on March 30 to promote her campaign for child literacy, support DJJ’s efforts to improve the reading skills of young offenders and other programs.

DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles stated, “We were honored that Mrs. Deal took time to visit the Atlanta YDC and to interact with youths in secure confinement who are also young parents. He added, “We know education is the key to successful community reentry for our youth. So we truly appreciate the First Lady’s visit to support a great partner-ship that is focused on improving parenting and reading skills, as well as showing young children the importance of learning how to read. Her support greatly encourages the goals of our Reentry Task Force.”

The event is highlighted on the following pages.

2• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

DJJ Parenthood Project Partners with Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal

Mrs. Deal stressed the importance of reading – both for the DJJ youths and their children – and what reading can do to help them succeed. She said, “As parents, teachers and mentors, we must take it upon ourselves to ensure that our students are good readers.”

Commissioner Niles and First Lady Deal endorsed the Parenthood Project, a multi-organization partnership that enhances relationships between youth committed to secure placement who are parents and their children. Mrs. Deal is also supporting DJJ’s new “Nurturing Parenting” parent skills training program.

The Parenthood Project includes programs supported by Prison Fellowship – Storybook Moms and Dads, Angel Tree and Nurturing Parenting. The Parenthood Project also includes two programs supported by Foreverfamily, another non-profit organization partnering with DJJ. In the Storybook program, a youth/parent reads a children’s book aloud; it is recorded, and then the book and the recording are sent to the youth’s child. Prison Fellowship is providing a volunteer to run the program, the books and recording devices and their delivery to the children. Angel Tree, a program in which churches sponsor Christmas gifts for children on behalf of incarcerated parents, is also being provided to DJJ by Prison Fellowship.

3 • Summer 2017

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

The First Lady also thanked the volunteers and staff who participated in the Nurturing Parenting training. They were attending three days of training that will enable them to teach Nurturing Parenting to DJJ youth. “Nurturing Parenting is an evidence-based parenting skills curriculum that has been used successfully for many years in the adult system,” Commissioner Niles explained. Under the direction of Brenda McGowan, Prison Fellowship’s National Director for Church and Community Engagement, the organization is providing the facilitator training and volunteers to teach parenting programs to DJJ’s young offenders who are also parents.

The First Lady’s “Read Across Georgia” initiative increases the percentage of children reading at grade level by the completion of the third grade. “Parental activities as simple as reading stories aloud to young children can greatly improve and enhance students’ reading and literacy skills,” said Mrs. Deal. As she often says, “As a teacher, I didn’t just teach to one child. I taught every student in the class.”

Mrs. Deal and Commissioner Niles also endorsed the provisioning of YDCs with toy/book carts for visiting children. Foreverfamily provides the free books and toys for children who come to visit their parents in juvenile detention, as well as volunteers to support the program. In addition, the First Lady voiced support for the enrollment of DJJ’s youthful parents’ children in a Ferst Foundation program. Children enrolled from 77 Georgia counties receive one book per month until age five.

Prison Fellowship staff members

4• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

The First Lady’s “Read Across Georgia” initiative increases the percentage of children reading at grade level by the completion of the third grade. “Parental activities as simple as reading stories aloud to young children can greatly improve and enhance students’ reading and literacy skills,” said Mrs. Deal. As she often says, “As a teacher, I didn’t just teach to one child. I taught every student in the class.”

First Lady Sandra Deal and Brenda McGowan of Prison Fellowship

5 • Summer 2017


Georgia’s First Lady Delivers Special Donation for Families of Youthful Offenders

DJJ received more than 130 books and two large bags of stuffed animals thanks to a special donation from the 2017 Easter Egg Hunt at the Governor’s Mansion. Guests attending the event were asked to contribute a book or stuffed animal to benefit children in need statewide. First Lady Sandra Deal then provided a portion of the donations to DJJ, and they will be used at DJJ secure facilities around the state. Siblings and/or the children of youths in DJJ care will have books to read or stuffed animals to play with during their visits.

“Reading boosts the imagination, determination and academic excellence of children. These donations will provide a positive activity for the children and relatives of youths in DJJ’s care while

they share quality time with their families,” said Commissioner Avery D. Niles. “The books and stuffed animals will encourage visitations and strengthen family bonds, which in turn helps to facilitate the re-entry process.”

The donations are a great addition to the books recently donated to DJJ at a ceremony at the agency’s Atlanta YDC by Prison Fellowship (see preceding article). Mrs. Deal participated in that event, discussing the benefits of a DJJ-Prison Fellowship reading program partnership and the importance of reading in everyone’s life. Commissioner Niles and the DJJ staff are thankful for the First Lady’s efforts and her help in providing these donations to DJJ facilities.

Lisa Casey Bryson, Director of DJJ Office of Classication and Transportation, and Commissioner Avery D. Niles pose with some of the donated books and stuffed animals.

6• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

DJJ FOCUS ON EDUCATION:DJJ Graduates 2017 Senior Class

On May 26, 57 students graduated from DJJ’s Georgia Preparatory Academy (GPA). Commencement exercises were held in Roberts Chapel at Tift College in Forsyth to honor the spring graduates of Georgia’s 181st school district. After a considerable amount of hard work and commitment, the Class of 2017 was proud to walk across the stage to receive their high school diplomas, general educational development (GED) diplomas and Vocational Technical Certificates of Credit (TCCs) from DJJ Commissioner/Superintendent of Schools Avery D. Niles.

The graduating class was comprised of students from 16 GPAs at the Atlanta, Augusta, Eastman, Macon, Milledgeville, Muscogee and Sumter YDCs; Aaron Cohn (Columbus), DeKalb, Gainesville, Martha K. Glaze (Clayton County), Rockdale and Waycross Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs); and Education Transition Centers (ETCs) in Bibb, Chatham and Richmond counties.

Families, friends, dignitaries, DJJ educators and media packed the chapel to honor graduates who overcame odds as young offenders and achieved scholastic accomplishments in GPA classrooms. As a dually accredited state school district, GPA students must complete the same educational requirements and standards found in traditional public schools set by the Georgia Department of Education.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Letunya Walker presided over the ceremony while Deontae May, a graduate from Sumter YDC, gave the official welcome and Donte Battle, a graduate from Augusta YDC, gave the Invocation. The DJJ Honor Guard conducted the Presentation of Colors. Gospel singer Paulette Smith sang the national anthem as well as an uplifting musical selection for the graduates and guests.

7 • Summer 2017


James Eric Berry, an All-Pro safety for the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs, served as the keynote speaker. A native of Fairburn, Berry is a five-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and was named the 2015 Comeback Player of the Year by the Associated Press after overcoming Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Several cities in Georgia have been the recipients of philanthropy from the Eric Berry Foundation, which is dedicated to providing opportunities for children to participate in team sports and leadership development programs.

Berry encouraged the graduates by telling them, “You have to trust and believe in yourself and trust and believe in your vision that you made for yourself. You have to attack that vision every single day and fall in love with the process to get to that vision.”

Hakeem Strickland, the class valedictorian from Eastman YDC, gave an inspiring address and stressed that “success is different for each of us; we will not always succeed immediately, but that does not matter. The lack of success only becomes failure when we allow it to defeat us.”

Paulette Smith delighted the audience with several songs.

Eric Berry gave an inspirational keynote speech.

8• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Michael Bourque, the salutatorian (who also is a grad-uate from Eastman YDC) gave the Class Charge and reminded his classmates that “education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change ourselves. Do your best, be your best and do so unapologetically.”

Commissioner Niles, Associate Superintendent Jean Lee, members of the State Board of Education, state dignitaries and school leaders presented the diplo-mas. Commissioner Niles presented a Commissioner’s Coin to Berry for upholding the values of integrity and dedication and being a positive role model to youth. Deputy Commissioner Sarah Draper, who retired in July, also received a Commissioner’s Coin for her 32 years of service to the state. During the presentation, Commissioner Niles described Draper as “one of the pillars of this agency.”

A number of students were also recognized for com-pleting ACT testing modules for college admission requirements. In addition to earning high school and GED diplomas and TCCs, youth in DJJ custody also have the opportunity to earn college credits.

The Department of Juvenile Justice wishes GPA’s Class of 2017 success in achieving their goals and future endeavors.

9 • Summer 2017


Commissioner’s Youth Council Provides Information to DJJ Senior Staff

On June 7, DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles convened the 7th Commissioner’s Youth Council (CYC), which was attended by incarcerated teens, their families, executive staff and community members. This quarterly forum allows youth from YDCs to share their opinions and suggestions directly with the Commissioner.

“It’s important that we all participate in this Council,” said Commissioner Niles addressing the youth. “We hold these quarterly meetings so your voice can be heard and you all can hear first-hand the commitment our staff members have to improve the services and programs in DJJ facilities.”

The Commissioner believes that maintaining open communication between the youth in DJJ facilities and the agency’s executive staff is crucial for DJJ’s overall success. The council is currently comprised of 12 males and two females from YDCs in Atlanta, Augusta, Eastman, Macon, Milledgeville, Muscogee and Sumter.

“My purpose for being on this council is to give a voice to those who are underrepresented and do not have a voice,” said Dylan Sierra, a youth from Muscogee YDC.

Chaplain Yolanda Thompson opened the meeting with the Invocation, and Essence Brown, a youth from Macon, led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. After the members of the CYC introduced themselves, staff proceeded to do the same, as well as stating their roles and duties within DJJ.

MeShell Dewberry of the Office of the Ombudsman introduced the meeting’s speaker, Pastor Aakeem Woodard of the James Rivers Church in Lithonia. Incarcerated as a youth, Woodward told the CYC members that he was not fortunate enough to have a Commissioner who was willing to give offenders an opportunity to speak their minds. Woodard encouraged the Council members to make the most of this opportunity.

10• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

He went on to tell the youth his story with the law and imparted some of his own life’s lessons. “I need y’all to hold value within yourselves,” said Woodard. “Don’t let anybody take away your power to be successful. You have to stay hungry. You have to fight against the urge to not go back to what you were doing. Life is moving. Stay strong; I want to see great things coming from each of you,” he added.

Commissioner Niles then held an hour-long question and answer discussion session. The Commissioner personally addressed each youth and listened to what they had to say.

“I’m here to voice the concerns of my peers and continue to learn what those concerns are,” said An’Quavius Brown, a youth from Eastman YDC.

Youth representatives appreciated the education and training programs and discussed their

successes. They expressed a desire to expand them further. “I feel like many of us would take advantage of more college options,” said Shanquana Braxton, a young woman from the Macon YDC who currently participates in cosmetology and computer science programs. A future survey will be conducted to see where the youths’ interests lie.

The Youth Council also interacts with DJJ execu-tive staff members in order for both groups to gain greater insights. These insights positively influence executives’ decision-making regarding juvenile of-fenders, services and facilities.

CYC members go through a careful selection proc-cess and must meet certain criteria to participate. In order to be chosen to represent their facility, a youth must be at least 15 years of age and must not have a release date within six months.

Pastor Aakeem Woodard (standing) addresses members of the Commissioner’s Youth Council.

11 • Summer 2017


Additionally, youths must possess strong leadership skills and be a positive influence on their peers. Candidates must prove they are striving to complete their educational goals and maintain participation in the behavioral management program. Letters of recommendation from their facility directors are also taken into consideration. CYC members also have the responsibility of meeting with their peers before and after the meeting to learn about their concerns and share insights from the forum. Members of the Youth Council are regularly rotated to ensure more voices are heard.

Family members of the youth present also were able to address their concerns with the Commissioner and ask questions. At the close of the meeting Commissioner Niles reminded the 14 youth, “The winners are you all. We care and want to make a difference for each of you and all those you represent. That’s why you have to be truthful and open. We cannot lose the opportunity to engage with y’all.”

12• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

DJJ Participates in High Museum Youth Art Contest and Exhibition

In partnership with Atlanta’s High Museum of Art, DJJ is proud to announce the winning student en-tries from the first annual ‘Express Yourself Art Con-test and Exhibition.’

The goal of the DJJ-High Museum partnership is to inspire DJJ youth to explore their creative talents in ways that promote artistic excellence and cultural awareness. Through this motivational visual arts project, youth in the care and custody of DJJ experi-enced increased awareness of the arts while devel-oping and showcasing their own artistic talents.

“Art is the science of freedom,” High Museum Direc-tor of Education Virginia Shearer told participating DJJ youth at the first art exhibition awards ceremony.

Shearer, who formerly worked as a university arts educator for more than 20 years, thanked DJJ

program coordinators for developing this visual arts teaching program. “We’re grateful for this program and for allowing the High Museum partnership to be a part of your academic DNA,” said Shearer. “As young artists going out into the world, there are so many artists to be inspired by, to help you reveal your personal inspiration and talent. When we give students the opportunity to learn more about art they become inspired to create works of their own.”

Student participants came from GPA classrooms at YDCs in Atlanta, Augusta, Eastman, Macon, Milled-geville, Muscogee and Sumter. Ten DJJ winners were chosen for the inaugural exposition.

DJJ began partnering with the High Museum in July 2016, enrolling talented GPA students in the museum’s ‘Art Access Program.’

13 • Summer 2017


The partnership was developed by former DJJ Dep-uty Commissioner Sarah Draper. Assistant Commis-sioner Keith Horton said Draper created a number of youth programs with similarly successful impact.

“Former Deputy Commissioner Draper, who retired on July 1, did a spectacular job of making opportu-nities like this available to many incarcerated youth who otherwise would never get a chance to partici-pate in these educational experiences,” Horton said.

Noah Hernandez was among the GPA students who submitted winning entries. His iconic pencil sketch entitled “Manos” depicts the hands of a Hispanic youth folded in prayer at his cell window, sur-rounded by symbols of Aztec and American cul-

ture, juvenile courts and incarceration, and doves of peace. Noah told parents that like the other stu-dents, having his work displayed at the High Muse-um meant his story was told through his art.

“When I was younger they showed me a Salvador Dali piece at a museum and that’s what started my love of art,” Hernandez said. “Now I just want to thank everyone for coming out and supporting us and I’m hoping all these art students can make something out of this opportunity.”

Through the DJJ-High Museum partnership, many young offenders like Noah Hernandez have attend-ed museum guided tours featuring Black History month and other timely special exhibits. DJJ’s part-nership with the museum has quickly grown to include the GPA student art show with a statewide art class competition to select projects worthy of exhibition at the High.

High Museum’s Art Access Coordinator Mami Fondu presents a youth with a Certificate of Achievement.

14• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Shearer praised the winning DJJ art students for taking the High Museum program seriously. “I’m so grateful to you for letting us know how much it means to you and then going back and expressing yourselves in this most wonderful way,” she said.

Horton told the winning students that the High Mu-seum partnership has become a success because Draper saw the potential in DJJ youth, instead of seeing them solely as offenders coming through the juvenile justice system.

Former Deputy Commissioner Sarah Draper, High Museum Art Access Coordinator Mami Fondu, DJJ Project Coordinator Chrissie Kaczynski, High Museum Education Director Virginia Shearer and DJJ Assistant Commissioner Keith Horton High Museum Education Director Virginia

Shearer addresses the contest winners and welcomes them to the High Museum.

“Sarah Draper saw much more than that in each of our youth and she saw a need,” said Horton. “She saw what they could actually do if they were given access to art and the tools to maximize the talent they had in them. I was looking at the art and the different subjects they were drawing – their emo-tions were clearly visible in their art,” Horton said.

High Museum Director Randall Suffolk speaks with DJJ staff at the exhibition.

Contest winners also were able to see and learn about the High’s many art collections on display.

15 • Summer 2017


Artist: Jacob Thornhill. Life-size ‘Blue Jay’ in watercolors and pencil.

‘Opportunity.’ Beachscape photograph conjoins three hazy human figures. Artist: Hataria Whitehead.

In fact, Dylan Sierra entitled his multi-media entry in the ‘Express Yourself Art Contest’ as “Don’t Be Afraid to Express Yourself.” That same theme defined his concept of what art is all about: “Art is a way of expressing one’s self and showing what we can do as artists,” Sierra told attendees at the award ceremony. “The unique thing about it is, it’s a language spoken by anyone with a creative heart.”

“This opportunity gives me confidence to push my limits and explore even more,” Sierra said. “Knowing that my painting is displayed in the High Museum of Art gives me a real feeling of accomplishment.”

Shearer told the youth, “For creative people like you, sometimes it’s easy to feel boxed-in by so many rules we have to live by. Just remember that, ‘Art is the science of freedom.’ It has helped me when things feel like they’re closing in on me. So if you guys kind of think of that, it will help you go far,” she explained.

The High Museum has committed to devoting more space next year to a larger student showcase for DJJ’s ‘Express Yourself Art Contest and Exhibition.’ “So we’ll have more of your friends participating,” Shear-er said. “We hope this continues for a long time to come. The museum is here for you.”

Congratulations to the Winners of the ‘Express Yourself Art Contest and Exhibition’

16• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Artist: Noah Hernandez. Pencil sketch of praying hands entitled, ‘Manos.’

Artist: Dylan Sierra. Multi-media piece entitled, ‘Don’t Be Afraid to Express Yourself.’

Artist Alonso Deavila’s ‘Wisdom’ depicts an electric blue watercolor owl.

Weeping woman’s face reflects razor wire in her eyes. Artist: Julia Motley, pencil sketch. ‘See Beyond the Gates.’

17 • Summer 2017


Flags of three nations over the Atlanta skyline illustrate artist Andrew Tarvin’s ‘Heritage.’

Artist: Andrea Johnson. A tropical palm against a blue-green sea is a counterpoint to its title, ‘Business.’

Artist Hea Aye’s ‘Spirit of Love’ gives flight to a dove amid watercolor teardrops and a rose with thorns.

Artist: Thang Sang. Pen and ink portrayal of a ‘Japanese Samurai’ contrasts with a delicate lotus blossom.

18• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

DJJ Board Meets in Statesboro and Tours Savannah RYDC

The DJJ Board held its April meeting in Statesboro. Highlights of the Board meeting were the introduction of Jean Lee, new Associate Superintendent of the DJJ School District, and an overview of the training curricula by DJJ Training Academy Director DeBaja Coleman and Professional Development Unit Manager Tania Appling. In addition, HR Director Virginia Phifer gave a brief presentation on the make-up of the DJJ work force and ongoing recruitment efforts.

Commissioner Niles and Board Chair Elaine Snow Board members Thomas Coleman and John Edwards

Board members Adam Kennedy, Willie Bolton and Richard Ambrose

Board members Willie Bolton, Julia Neighbors and Richard Ambrose

19 • Summer 2017


Board members and DJJ staff also visited the Savannah RYDC on Thursday, April 13. Director Rodney Dinkins and his staff provided the visitors information about the RYDC, its education, healthcare and recreation facilities and the programming available to the youth housed there.

Assistant Director of Security Marquis Young, Assistant Director of Programs Janice Whipple and Commissioner Niles

Assistant Director Young gives a tour of the Savannah RYDC.

Board members Lisa Colbert and Julia Neighbors, Board Chair Elaine Snow, Board Vice Chair Sandra Taylor and Board Members Richard Ambrose and Adam Kennedy

Board Chair Elaine Snow and Board members Julia Neighbors and Lisa Colbert

20• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

BJCOT Class #218 Graduation Ceremony On April 7, the DJJ Basic Juvenile Correctional Officer Training (BJCOT) Class #218 graduation ceremony was held at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center (GPSTC) in Forsyth.

BJCOT is a 240-hour program designed to provide basic skills training in security practices and procedures necessary to function in a juvenile facility setting. To complete BJCOT, a trainee must meet established stan-dards on written examinations which evaluate cognitive knowledge, as well as performance-oriented exam-inations. The graduates’ class motto was “We started with multiple eyes and ended with one vision.”

The graduation ceremony began with the DJJ Honor Guard presentation of the colors, which was followed by the national anthem. Commissioner Avery D. Niles and Assistant Commissioner Keith Horton were in attendance to honor DJJ’s newest BJCOT graduates and their families.

Kendra Dawn Harris from Eastman YDC gave the invocation; LaQuitta Rena French from the Milledgeville YDC welcomed the cadets and guests to the ceremony; Training Academy Director DeBaja Coleman and Deputy Commissioner of the Division of Support Services Margaret Cawood also greeted attendees; and Jasmine Thomas of Metro RYDC introduced the graduation speaker (Christopher Wood, Assistant Director of Training). Wood delivered an inspiring speech and thanked the graduates for their hard work and dedication to the agency.

21 • Summer 2017


Public Safety Training Instructor Cordero Foster presented class awards to Othello Walker (Highest Academic Achievement Award); Roy Flanders III (Look Sharp Award); Kevin Wright (Team Spirit Award); Tyler Brigham (Physical Fitness Award); and Crystal Blue (Helping Hands Award).

In addition, leadership awards were presented to class leaders Roy Flanders III and Darryl Harris; and section leaders Tyler Brigham, Kendra Harris, Olivia Sapp, Othello Walker and Kevin Wright.

Public Safety Training Instructor Kimberly Blount presented the graduation certificates. Christopher Wood administered the Oath of Office and Commissioner Niles delivered the closing comments and congratulated the officers on their success. Larry Hill of Chaplaincy Services delivered the benediction.

22• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Alicia Alston – Aaron Cohn RYDCConeshia Anderson – Macon YDCMiguel Arellano – Gainesville RYDCKendrick Armstrong – Augusta YDCBrandon Beale – Terrell County RYDCShamika Bennett – Atlanta YDCAdriana Blackmon – Sumter YDCShantrice Blount – Metro RYDCCrystal Blue – Metro RYDCJaVon Bowens – Atlanta YDCTijan Boyd – Metro RYDC*Tyler Brigham – Augusta YDCIan Brown – Metro RYDCTamara Brown – Augusta YDCTiffany Brown – Macon RYDCMatthew Cannon Sr. – Terrell County RYDCLashonda Carthan – DeKalb RYDCChristopher Davidson – Metro RYDCTobias Davis – Terrell County RYDCPeter DiPersio – Loftiss RYDC Cameron Drake – Marietta RYDCJacob Edmonds – Gainesville RYDCJalicia Ficklin – Milledgeville YDC**Roy Flanders – Loftiss RYDCTamekia Forrest – Savannah RYDCLaquitta French – Milledgeville YDCCajuana Gates – Metro RYDCEric Gause – Gainesville RYDCDevante Graham – Loftiss RYDCAneisha Green – Metro RYDCTracey Greene – Augusta RYDCLa’Terika Hall – Terrell County RYDC**Darryll Harris – Terrell County RYDCKedria Harris – Metro RYDC*Kendra Harris – Eastman YDCPhillip Harris – Terrell County RYDCTawanda Harris – Muscogee YDCKordell Holmes – Augusta RYDCTiowanna Horne – Sumter YDCRekeetha Hosley – Sumter YDCDarella Johnson – Augusta RYDCEric King – Terrell County RYDCTchernavia Leggett – Muscogee YDCKatrina Lemon – Martha K. Glaze RYDCAngelica Lester – Sumter YDCDerrick Lott – Metro RYDCAndre McRae – Sumter YDC

Malayshia Miller – Metro RYDCSantambra Moore – Terrell County RYDCJazmine Moses-Brown – Martha K. Glaze RYDCMichael Oxford – Terrell County RYDCLaquinda Patrick – Terrell County RYDC Patrick Patterson – Metro RYDCZanz Peeks – Metro RYDCWilliam Pope – Savannah RYDCMarvin Prince – Gainesville RYDCDravious Reynolds – Claxton RYDCDurell Roberson – Milledgeville YDCYolanda Roberts – Marietta RYDCTrelisa Rogers – Metro RYDCMeshe Rutledge – DeKalb RYDCEricka Sanford – Milledgeville YDC*Olivia Sapp – Augusta YDCDanniela Taylor – Metro RYDCJaleel Taylor – Atlanta YDCMarquis Taylor – Aaron Cohn RYDCJasmine Thomas – Metro RYDCMarquis Towles – Macon RYDCAimee Turner – Savannah RYDC*Othello Walker – Milledgeville YDCKelly Ward – Metro RYDCEddie Washington – Atlanta YDCTyeshia Watkins – DeKalb RYDCJonathon Wolfert – Augusta YDC*Kevin Wright – Loftiss RYDC

* Section Leader ** Class Leader

Congratulations to the Graduates of BJCOT Class #218

23 • Summer 2017


BJCOT Class #219 Graduation Ceremony

On May 26, 70 Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) cadets came together for the final time as a class for com-mencement ceremonies held at GPSTC. BJCOT Class 219 dedicated themselves by putting in hundreds of training hours and proudly wore their “DJJ blue” to receive their honors.

Class 219 chose as its motto “Let the Light Shine, When We Hit the Door.” Working at DJJ’s 26 secure facilities across the state, the graduating cadets whole-heartedly intend to uphold the motto they chose.

The DJJ Color Guard conducted the Presentation of Colors and Marques Richmond, a cadet from Atlanta YDC, sang the National Anthem. Sumter YDC cadet Terence Jones officially welcomed family and friends, DJJ dignitaries and instructors and Assistant Deputy Commissioner Lisa Mantz gave the official greeting.

24• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Augusta RYDC cadet Tasha Abney introduced grad-uation speaker Lieutenant Alima Mims from the Training Division of the Augusta Fire Department. Earlier in his life, Lt. Mims was incarcerated in the state prison system; at the recommendation of his counselor, he enrolled in the Inmate Firefighter Program. Upon his release, he became a firefighter with the Augusta Fire Department. Lt. Mims cred-its the Inmate Firefighter Program for successfully preparing him to reenter society and jumpstarting his career. He stressed the importance of offenders using opportunities while incarcerated to better themselves.

Tesha Brooks, a cadet from Rockdale RYDC, was named the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the class. Marietta RYDC cadet Kimberlin Connelly and Shenille Friday, a cadet from Metro RYDC, were recognized as Honors Graduates.

Class Leaders Duane Jenkins (Aaron Cohn RYDC) and Dankeis Wylie (DeKalb RYDC) were given Leadership Awards along with Section Leaders Lee Miller (Mus-cogee YDC), James Riggins (DeKalb RYDC) and Marle Tucker (Eastman YDC).

Instructor Cordero Foster presented Austin Bentley (Loftiss RYDC) with the Team Spirit Award; the Look Sharp Award was presented to Joshua Gillard (Mar-tha K. Glaze RYDC); and Jonathan Lyons (Aaron Cohn RYDC) won the Physical Fitness Award.

Certificates were presented by Instructor Michael Mulkey. After stating the mission and vision of the DJJ, cadets joined Training Academy Director DeBaja Coleman in reciting the Oath of Office.

Assistant Commissioner Keith Horton delivered the closing comments and Director of Chaplaincy Ser-vices Danny Horne gave the Benediction. BJCOT Class 219 will now serve as JCOs in their respective facilities and strive to support DJJ youth by helping prepare them to re-enter society as productive citizens.

Lieutenant Alima Mims of the Augusta Fire Department and DJJ Training Academy Director DeBaja Coleman

Assistant Commissioner Keith Horton stands with BJCOT Class 219.

25 • Summer 2017


Tasha Denise Abney – Augusta RYDCSadarius Tyrique Adams –Augusta RYDCRonke Musliat Ajape – Atlanta YDCDesiree Michelle Bailey – Metro RYDCBobbi Banks – Sumter YDCHarriet Ashley Banks – Savannah RYDCCornelius Deonte Bass – Metro RYDCWayne Clark Bemis, Jr. – Gainesville RYDCAustin Matthew Bently – Loftiss RYDCCalan Luke Brantley – Eastman YDC**Tesha Shalunte Brooks – Rockdale RYDCBeonca Charmiane Brown – Eastman YDCDanielle Keshawn Brown – Metro RYDCTinida Terra-Tyonna Bundrage – Milledgeville YDCPaisleigh Machelle Burrows – Gainesville RYDCCephus Martagus Camiel – Martha K. Glaze RYDCSydney Lee Cannon – Martha K. Glaze RYDCLeonard Eugene Carter – Metro RYDC*Kimberlin Grace Connelly – Marietta RYDCLakeisha Elaine Cook – Metro RYDCKimesha Gay Daley – DeKalb RYDCFelicia Michelle Davis – Waycross RYDCPetronillo De Los Santos, Jr. – Elbert Shaw RYDCTravis Clayton Eaddy – Sumter YDCKory Robert Ellis – Metro RYDCGarrick C. Evans – Bob Richards RYDCAirian Ford – DeKalb RYDCKeyon Lionel Ford – Atlanta YDCMckayla Breann Fortescue – Claxton RYDC*Shenille Keziah Friday – Metro RYDCRaul Daniel Galarza, Jr. – Atlanta YDCJoshua Gillard – Martha K. Glaze RYDCCyconia Gilliam-Davis – Savannah RYDCDevantae Lequez Graham – Loftiss RYDC Rachel Allison Green – Rockdale RYDC Tanisha Lakenya Green – Sumter YDCTanershia Lashea Hill – Milledgeville YDCKourtney Katrell Holmes – Augusta RYDCJanea Emon Horton – Milledgeville YDCChantana Hoskins – Martha K. Glaze RYDC David Hwang – Metro RYDCAlyssa Shantey Jenkins – DeKalb RYDC Duane Christopher Jenkins – Aaron Cohn RYDCTerence Rashad Jones – Sumter YDCKenneth Wade Lindsey, Jr. – Milledgeville YDCDarlene (Stevens) Lynch – Metro RYDC

Jonathan Edward Lyon – Aaron Cohn RYDCCalencia Sharese May – Milledgeville YDCLee Ann Miller – Muscogee YDCBrittany Murray-Haugabook – Metro RYDCSia Deannah Musa – Martha K. Glaze RYDCMelissa Marie Phillips – Terrell County RYDCBrianna Jannell Reed – Macon RYDCMarques Duane Richmond – Atlanta YDCJames Blake Riggins – DeKalb RYDCCrystal Gail Robbins – DeKalb RYDCAkeem Rashad Roberts – Eastman YDCVictoria Olexis Robinson – Augusta YDCElaina Anita-Breshae Seals – Macon RYDCTierra Lavan Shivers – Macon RYDCEbony Serena Thompson – Augusta RYDCMarle D. Tucker – Eastman YDCAhvee-Rahavah Veasley – Martha K. Glaze RYDCTeddra Renee Watkins – Metro RYDCLetroya Wilkerson – Martha K. Glaze RYDCRonald Rejerrel Williams, Jr. – Macon RYDCKierra Jatarrius Williams – Macon RYDCTeondre Javon Williams – Martha K. Glaze RYDCDankeis Derrod Wylie – DeKalb RYDCTara Cerise Young-Barr – DeKalb RYDC

*Honor Graduate**Distinguished Honor Graduate

Congratulations to the Graduates of BJCOT Class #219

26• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

DJJ Holds POST Swearing-In Ceremony

On April 27, 15 members of DJJ’s law enforcement staff were sworn in as peace officers by Commissioner Avery D. Niles. During the swearing-in ceremony, Commissioner Niles granted these officers arrest power and the authority to carry firearms.

The new officers will be responsible for upholding the POST mission – to provide the citizens of Georgia with qualified, professionally trained, ethical and competent peace officers and criminal justice professionals. Commissioner Niles thanked the new officers for going above and beyond and taking the initiative to certify as peace officers.

Deputy Commissioners Catina Martin-Fenner and John Pearson and other members of the executive staff also attended the swearing-in ceremony, as did family and friends. In addition, Commissioner Niles awarded Wayne Thaxton a Commissioner’s Coin for his exceptional efforts on a recent case.

There are over 40,000 certified peace officers who work for 900 different agencies in the state. Those who work for DJJ are responsible for preserving public order, protecting life and property, detecting crime, and supervising delinquent youth in the department’s programs and facilities.

Many of those certified serve as officers in the High Intensity Team Supervision (HITS) Program. The role of HITS officers is to ensure the safety of the citizens of Georgia, while promoting positive reinforcement for the youth under DJJ care. They accomplish these goals by providing individualized and effective services through the use of evidence-based practices.

27 • Summer 2017


Commander William Belflower

Jerry Bess – Juvenile Probation Officer (JPO) – Telfair HITS

Mohammad Bryant – JPO – Emanuel HITS

Donny Carswell – JPO – Richmond HITS

Anthony Davis – School Resource Officer (SRO) – Chatham Multi-Service Center (MSC)

Sequoia Flowers – JPO – Ware HITS

Lindsey Hall – JPO – Bulloch HITS

Investigator James Hood – Central Office

Erica Lee – JPO – DeKalb HITS

James McGhow – JPO – Fulton HITS

Shandricka Miller – JPO – Fulton HITS

Jasmine Pryor – JPO – Carroll ISP

Theodosia Ware – SRO – Richmond Community Services Office (CSO)

Betsey Wetzel – Emergency Management Coordinator – Central Office

DJJ congratulates the newly sworn-in peace officers and thanks them for their continued excellence in law enforcement:

DJJ Director of Investigations Phillip Barton is recognized during the ceremony.

Kelly Taylor – SRO – Chatham MSC

Commissioner Niles, Betsey Wetzel, Investigator James Hood and John Pearson, Deputy Commissioner of Secure Campuses

28• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Parents of Youthful Offenders Meet for Focus Group with DJJ Staff

As might be expected, parents have many questions after their child is taken into custody and more when they are committed to a DJJ facility. DJJ not only ensures the safety and security of the youths in its care, but provides a variety of services to the youths, their families and communities – making it important to observe and listen to feedback from these clients.

Moreover, parental involvement is one of the most crucial factors of a youth’s rehabilitation. Recently, six parents of youthful offenders were invited to meet with staff members and executives of DJJ to comment on their experiences with the agency.

Organized by Education Coordinator Gail Smith, the roundtable meeting provided an opportunity for DJJ staff to have an open and honest discussion with parents. At the beginning of the meeting the parents shared information by answering a series of questions regarding initial system encounters, their experiences with the staff of DJJ facilities, and experiences with court and probation services. The discussion then shifted to the overall well-being of their children, as well as the DJJ education system, healthcare and other topics that the parents wanted to talk about.

“The parents felt empowered and we now have a better understanding about what their experiences have been and that’s always helpful,” said Smith, “When you hear someone else with the same story, it really helps you feel supported even if you don’t have a direct connection with that person.”

“The conversation was free of labels, judgment or lecture. It was simple, relaxing and educational,” stated Theo Carter Jr., Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Community Services. “Personally, the experience provided me with an opportunity to remember why I chose community service within juvenile justice over 20 years ago, and I am hopeful we can open this type of discussion to others in the field as a re-energizer.”

The roundtable discussion provided a setting to build stronger relationships and help the agency better understand parents’ views of the juvenile justice system and where improvements might be made. Parents pointed out that safety and education were their greatest concerns for their children. They affirmed the agency is on the right track for their children and applauded the educational opportunities provided to their children.

DJJ Assistant Deputy Commissioner Theo Carter Jr. and Chaplain Danny Horne

29 • Summer 2017


“This event allowed me to understand very clearly some of the issues that parents and guardians face when their loved ones are placed in DJJ custody. It made it clear that we need to do everything in our power to provide additional support and guidance to parents and guardians,” stated Keith Jones, Director of Reentry Services.

For their own privacy, and the privacy of their children, the parents are not identified in this article by name. However, one father stated, “I feel sorry for many of the others young men at the YDC where my son is incarcerated. I don’t see their parents or family members visiting, and without that support, kids may feel that they have been abandoned.” He went on to say, “From what my son has said, and from what I have observed, the DJJ staff members take care of the youths and genuinely care for their well-being. As a parent I am very grateful for that.”

Additionally, the discussion gave parents the opportunity to express what they would like to

see improved within the juvenile justice system. The main concern among the group was their time to bond with their child while in detention. One mother stated, “One of my concerns is the visitation schedule and time. I arrive early on visitation days but the security check often cuts into our time.”

DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles joined parents at the roundtable discussion and agreed that family engagement is vital to achieve positive outcomes for youths in the juvenile justice system. Additionally, he assured them that their children receive every resource available to help make sure they don’t come back into the juvenile justice system or end up in an adult facility after they turn 21. The Commissioner thanked the parents for taking the time to attend and added he would like to see more of these meetings across the state and to build a stronger partnership with DJJ parents.

One of the mothers stated, “While I wish that my son had never done anything wrong and wasn’t in a DJJ facility, I believe that he is being cared for, he is taking advantage of the educational opportunities that DJJ provides and that his time behind bars will straighten him out going forward.”

Collectively, the parents were appreciative of the opportunity to discuss issues with DJJ staff members and believe their children are being well cared for by the agency. The Division of Community Services has plans to work with the Georgia Family Connection Partnership to coordinate additional parent engagement events in the future.

30• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Chatham County Judicial-Government-Civic Representatives Tour Augusta YDC

A delegation from Chatham County visited the Augusta YDC on April 3 at the request of Chatham County Juvenile Court Judge Lisa Colbert (who also serves on the DJJ Board). The visit better informed community partners and staff of the Court about the juvenile justice system. Another goal was to improve community resources for at-risk youth in Chatham County.

According to Judge Colbert, “Our goal in working with community stakeholders is to provide more commu-nity-based services for delinquent and/or at-risk children. In addition, we wanted to help those stakehold-ers to understand that confinement should be used only for those children who truly pose a risk to community safety.” Judge Colbert added, “On behalf of the group, let me thank Commissioner Niles and the staff of the Augusta YDC for facilitating the visit.”

Among the more than 40 people in the delegation were Chatham County Juvenile Court judges and staff, members of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, Savannah-Chatham Police De-partment, Chatham District Attorney’s Office, Chatham Public Defender’s Office, Savannah-Chatham Board of Education, the City of Savannah, Savannah-Chatham CASA, Savannah Impact Program, Solidarity Savannah, First African Baptist Church and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Once the visitors from Chatham Coun-ty arrived at the facility, Commissioner Niles provided an overview of the agency and the role of the YDCs. In addition, DJJ Board mem-bers Willie C. Bolton and Adam Kennedy took part.

After the overview, the Commissioner answered a number of ques-tions from members of the group. The visitors then were divided into several groups and provided a tour by Aishia Hunter-Cone, the director of the facility, and key members of her staff.

Augusta YDC Director Aishia Hunter-Cone (left)

31 • Summer 2017

Georgia Department of Juvenile JusticeThe Augusta YDC is DJJ’s largest (in terms of acre-age) long-term secure facility, and has an operation-al capacity of 100 young men. It has five living units, a modern dining hall, state-of-the-art educational and vocational facilities, a gymnasium, an auditori-um, an administrative building and a medical clinic.

Among the educational services provided at Augus-ta (and at other YDCs around the state) are middle and high school academic tracks, as well as GED and vocational education opportunities. The vocational trade programs offered at Augusta are horticulture, computer applications and construction (in collabo-ration with Augusta Technical College). Transitional services focus on career preparation, life skills and employability preparation.

The Augusta YDC offers on-site healthcare services for the youth: medication management; sick call and urgent care; health education; physical exams; chronic care clinics; laboratory testing and x-ray ser-vices; and optometry. Behavioral health services are also provided including screening/trauma screen-ing, assessment, treatment services, crisis interven-tion, individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric services and suicide prevention.

Augusta YDC provides a planned program of recre-ation and leisure activities to maintain good morale, physical fitness and leisure-time skills for the benefit of the youths at the facility.

In addition, the YDC utilizes Positive Behavior Inter-ventions and Supports (PBIS), a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social

culture needed for all youth to achieve social, emo-tional and academic success. Attention is focused on creating and sustaining primary (school-wide), sec-ondary (classroom) and tertiary (individual) systems of support that improve lifestyle results by making targeted misbehavior less effective, efficient and relevant, and desired behavior more functional.

Planned and coordinated religious activities are offered. No particular religious faith is endorsed or required and the YDC offers a variety of religious materials. In addition, citizen volunteers are involved in order to provide increased personal contacts for the youths and to assist with their transition back into the community.

32• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Cobb County Juvenile Court Group Visits Marietta RYDC

On June 6, top administrators and judges from the Cobb County Juvenile Court were invited to the DJJ secure facility in Marietta for an official tour and some informal interagency discussion.

The Cobb County Court visitors were greeted at the Marietta RYDC by DJJ Assistant Commissioner Joe Vignati, Deputy Commissioner of Secure Facilities Sean Hamilton and DJJ Legislative Affairs Director John Smith.

Members of the Cobb County Juvenile Court judicia-ry included Judge Joanne Elsey, Judge Jeffrey Ham-by, Judge Amber Patterson and Judge James Whit-field. County Juvenile Court administrators included Clerk of Court Shonell Sfreddo, Director of Court Services Laura Murphree, Administration Unit - Ju-dicial Program Administrator Josh Weeks, Probation Unit - Judicial Program Administrator Greg White,

Restorative Justice Unit - Judicial Program Adminis-trator Carlene Redmond and Rachel Davidson, Cobb County Office of the Child Advocate.

Assistant Commissioner Joe Vignati addresses guests from the Cobb County Juvenile Court.

33 • Summer 2017


Marietta RYDC Director Selma Calloway and Assis-tant Director of Security Derrick Bell officially wel-comed the juvenile court visitors by professionally demonstrating the strict security protocols and clearance procedures required for every visitor entering the DJJ facility.

The purpose of this visit was to provide members of Cobb County’s Juvenile Court system with an over-view of daily schedules and services for Georgia’s at-risk youth who have been committed to the care and custody of DJJ. This overview was accompanied by a brief orientation covering the department’s youth policies, procedures and programs.

The group toured GPA classrooms where students receive 330 minutes of education every school day and are held to the same scholastic standards as pupils in Georgia’s traditional state schools. Some of the Cobb visitors were surprised to learn DJJ oper-ates Georgia’s 181st school district and every course taught in GPA classrooms throughout the state meets the same quality education standards pre-pared by the Georgia Department of Education for all other schools.

Cobb juvenile officials were shown how youths com-mitted by the courts are assigned separate rooms at DJJ to help safeguard their stay. The DJJ Commis-

sioner’s top priority is facility management in a manner that ensures each resident is kept safe and secure. RYDCs like the one in Marietta are designed to provide short-term secure care and supervision for young offenders up to the age of 21.

Marietta RYDC Director Selma Calloway (left-center, black shirt) welcomes guests.

Assistant Director of Security Derrick Bell demonstrates security protocols.

34• Summer 2017

The DJJ DigestThe Marietta RYDC has a population capacity of 70, including 60 males and 10 females charged with crimes or adjudicated delinquent and awaiting case disposition by a juvenile court, or final placement in secure detention or a DJJ treatment program.

Cobb juvenile officials toured indoor and outdoor sports, recreation and activity areas before a walk through the intake facility. There they learned that each RYDC is equipped with a medical clinic with nurses present and a physician on standby. DJJ youth receive physical and mental health assess-ments within 72 hours of their arrival and are pro-vided with individual medical services, counseling and emergency dental care.

The visitors observed DJJ orientation videos provid-ing essential information for incoming youth about current policies, procedures and programs. Deputy Commissioner Sean Hamilton answered questions about student services, supervision, daily schedules and secure care.

For those Cobb County Juvenile Court officials who had not toured the Marietta RYDC before and for those who hadn’t been inside it lately, the visit provided fresh insight into many of Georgia’s juve-nile justice reforms at work. DJJ is equipping at-risk youth with the social, intellectual and emotional tools they need to achieve successful reentry and reintegration into their community, workplace and neighborhood settings as more productive and law-abiding citizens.

Guests walk through the intake facility at Marietta RYDC.

A scene from an orientation video.

Guests visit the medical clinic and speak with the doctors and nurses on duty.

35 • Summer 2017


DJJ Participates in 2017 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Since 1981, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) has challenged the nation to confront and remove barriers to full justice for all victims of crime. Each year, communities across the country revisit the history of the victims’ rights movement, celebrate the progress made and recommit themselves to further advancements. Each April, NCVRW showcases achievements in victim rights, including expanded inclusion of victims in the criminal justice system, increasingly visible services and recognized rights for all victims and survivors. The theme for 2017 NCVRW – Strength, Resilience, Justice – highlights core characteristics of healthy, productive individuals and communities.

For the Department of Juvenile Justice, NCVRW is a time to support victims in Georgia with positive responses at events held around the state. In 2017, DJJ events for NCVRW included Pinwheels For Prevention, crime victim guest speakers, memorial services for crime victims and, new this year, pallet painting.

Each event acknowledged that justice reaches outside the courtroom and that the strength and resilience of communities depends on confidence in our justice system.

In partnership with Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, DJJ participated in statewide Pinwheels for Prevention, raising awareness for the prevention of child abuse and neglect. Pinwheels for Prevention

took place in Georgia at the Athens-Clarke County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office, Metro RYDC, Gainesville RYDC, Thomas Jackson Juvenile Justice Center in Macon, Rockdale RYDC, Terrell County RYDC, Jeff Davis CSO, Evans County Courthouse, Bibb MSC and the Savannah RYDC.

Presentations and EventsOn April 3, child sex trafficking survivor and activist Keisha Head spoke to the youth of the Macon YDC. A nationally recognized speaker and advocate seek-ing the end of all forms of human trafficking, Head told her personal story of being a victim-turned-sur-vivor to help provide a voice for victims who are not able to speak for themselves.

On April 4, Patty Zeitz, mother of Danny Zeitz, told the story of the life and death of her son who was robbed and murdered by two teens who used

36• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Craigslist to lure him into danger. An educator for over 30 years, Patty Zeitz stressed the importance of positive mentoring of youth to avoid a lifetime of tragedy in a single moment.

Youth at the Marietta RYDC heard about the life and death of Bobby Tillman from his mother, Monique Rivarde. In 2010, Tillman was randomly beaten to death by teens outside of a house party in Georgia. His death, while horrific, has helped raise aware-ness of the impact of teen violence while informing our youth that their voices are being heard when it comes to bullying and peer anger.

DJJ also had a prominent role in a series of memorial services for crime victims. Some of the victim recog-nition programs held included the McDonough Me-morial Service, the Georgia Center for Child Advoca-cy (GCCA) Flag Raising Memorial, the Fulton County Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony and the NCVRW Columbus Memorial Service.

On March 30, the 15th annual McDonough Memori-al Service and Law Enforcement Recognition Cere-mony was held at Shiloh Baptist Church. A highlight

of the service was a talk by Christy Sims, a survivor of a violent domestic attack, who spoke about her struggles to overcome the incident and persevere by bringing awareness of domestic violence to others in her community.

The Henry County Police Department, Henry County Solicitor General Trea Pipkin and the founder of the Haven House domestic abuse shelter were all recognized during the service.

On April 4, GCCA hosted a Flag Raising Memorial featuring Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard and DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston. Event attendees stood together as a flag was raised in remembrance of the 47 children who have died from violence in Fulton and DeKalb counties in the recent past. As memorial pinwheels were placed on the GCCA grounds, the names of the child victims were read as a reminder of the damage that child abuse causes each and every day. On April 7th, Fulton County hosted a Crime Victims’ Rights Ceremony on the Lewis Slaton Courthouse steps in Atlanta. Participants included the CJCC Vic-tims Compensation Division, Atlanta Legal Aid

37 • Summer 2017


Society, Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, The Tapestries Group, Ahimsa House, GCCA, Grady Rape Crisis Center, Georgia State Office of Victim Advocacy and DJJ. The ceremony featured the placement of hundreds of pairs of shoes to represent an individ-ual story of violent crime in the area. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard spoke on the need for community education to help stop violent crime. Speakers and survivors of a wide range of incidents including homicide, child sexual abuse and domestic violence shared their experiences.

Columbus held its 2017 NCVRW Memorial Service on April 8 at its Government Center. Among those who attended were individuals from CJCC Victims Compensation Division, The Tapestries Group, Moth-ers Against Drunk Driving, Sexual Assault Support Center, Rainbow Care Mental Health Counseling Services and the Muscogee County Marshal’s Office. Shameika Averett spoke about the loss of her daugh-ter, sister and mother in a triple homicide in 2016. A remembrance tree was created featuring the place-ment of individual ornaments for each local victim of crime the previous year.

Youth in DJJ facilities also had the chance to re-flect on the importance of NCVRW. Students at the DeKalb RYDC made pallets to represent Strength, Resilience, Justice – reflecting a vision for the fu-ture in which all victims are strengthened by the response they receive, organizations are resilient in response to challenges and communities are able to seek collective justice and healing. After the creation of the pallets, they were donated to either the Geor-gia Coalition Against Domestic Violence or to Kimya Motley, founder of Haven of Light International.

For more information on victims services in the USA, visit the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) at http://www.ncjrs.gov/. DJJ’s Office of Victim Services can be found online at http://www.djjnewsandviews.org/victimservices/.

Photos from Victim Services Director Latera Davis

38• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Representatives of Special Olympics Recognized at May Board Meeting

Assistant Commissioner Joe Vignati and Victim and Volunteer Services Director Latera Davis welcomed Special Olympics of Georgia (SOGA) representatives Elena Weaver and Rebecca Walsh to the May DJJ Board meeting. They were recognized for their service and accomplishments. DJJ is a long-time partner of the Georgia Special Olympics and enthusiastically raises funds for this worthy cause.

Special Olympian Elena Weaver is a Level Four rhythmic gymnast and has won multiple medals in state, national and international competitions. In addition, she was selected as this year’s torch bearer for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). Weaver also has volunteered over 4,000 hours with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to assist patients and their families in whatever way she can. During this year’s Special Olympics she placed first in Rhythmic Ball and second in Rhythmic Ribbon.

DJJ is a law enforcement partner with the Special Olympics. DJJ works closely with SOGA Law Enforcement Liaison and Events Manager Rebecca Walsh to put on fundraising events like the LETR, Polar Plunge and Cops on Donut Shops.

Nearly $7,500 has been raised this year by DJJ staff in order for athletes with intellectual disabilities to participate in the Georgia Special Olympics Summer Games. DJJ staff members throughout the state participate in multiple fundraisers and events each year.

The mission of the Special Olympics is to give children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families and other Special Olympics athletes and the community. This year’s games were held May 19-21 at Emory University in Atlanta.

DJJ was pleased to have Weaver and Walsh visit DJJ and address the Board and Executive Staff. Weaver shared her personal experiences with the Special Olympics and thanked DJJ staff members for their continued support.

DJJ Board Chair Elaine Snow, Elena Weaver, Rebecca Walsh and Joe Vignati

39 • Summer 2017


DJJ Participates in the 2017 Law Enforcement Torch Run

DJJ law enforcement officers and staff recently participated in the 31st annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to support SOGA. The Final Leg of the LETR took place on May 19 in Atlanta. DJJ joined numerous law enforcement agencies to run the 5.7 miles from downtown Atlanta to Emory University to assist in the Opening Ceremony held that evening.

In the weeks prior to the final leg of the Torch Run, officers and staff from DJJ also participated in multiple Torch Runs across the state in order to raise funds for SOGA. These funds allow athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete in high-quality sports competitions.

Hundreds gathered at 9:00 a.m. in Andrew Young Square for the lighting of the “Flame of Hope” torch. Special Olympian Elena Weaver served as the 2017 Torch Bearer and spoke at the morning press conference along with LETR State Executive Chair John Clifton and Atlanta Police Department Chief Erika Shields.

Representatives from DJJ ran alongside their fellow officers from the Atlanta Police Department, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service, MARTA Police Department and other agencies.

The LETR is the largest fundraiser for SOGA. The funds raised were used to offset the costs of facility rentals, housing, meals, sports equipment and other expenses needed to put on the State Summer Games. DJJ also sold hats and t-shirts and collected donations for SOGA.

The Torch Run concluded at Emory University’s McDonough Field just in time for the Opening Ceremony of the State Summer Games. Approximately 3,000 athletes participated in aquatics, flag football, gymnastics, soccer, table tennis, volleyball and tennis in this year’s Special Olympics.

40• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Julian Reid, a rising second-year Masters of Divinity student at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, has spent the last year interning and volunteering for Chaplaincy Services at Metro RYDC. Reid and his colleagues connected with the facility’s youth through discussion groups and informal dormitory visits.

Through these conversations, Reid and his colleagues were able to cover bold topics with the youth such as self-perception, Black history and personal stories and journeys. “We wanted to have ‘liberating conversations,’ a term Chaplain Danny Horne [DJJ Director of Chaplaincy Services] coined,” Reid explained. “In doing so, we often would happen upon the spiritual, which was always a rich time of encounter with the boys’ own religious sensibilities.”

Reid chose to work with youth in the Metro RYDC because he wanted a setting different than his previous ministry experience working with New England college students. Additionally, he wanted

to provide the same type of mentorship to young black males as he had growing up.

In getting to know these young men, Reid discovered that they “possessed an unparalleled hunger for knowledge about a way forward, a way out of their current situation.” Many soon-to-be-released youth expressed their desire to continue with a ministry comparable to Metro’s Chaplaincy Services program. Reid encountered youths who eagerly looked forward to future job prospects and even wanted to start their own businesses.

He and his colleagues engaged in discussions that were necessary and liberating for the youth – even if it meant diverging from the original discussion topics. According to Reid, “It was abundantly clear to me that we were participating in sacred encounters.”

As a semi-professional jazz musician and church pianist, Reid was delighted to share his love for music with the youth by teaching group piano lessons. Reid recalled how on one particular day as he was teaching a youth – “S” – how to play “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” another youth –“O” – came from the other side of the room and sat down next to them. O declined to join the lesson but explained

Candler School of Theology Student Counsels and Teaches Music Appreciation to DJJ Youths

Julian Reid gives youth at Metro RYDC piano lessons.

41 • Summer 2017


his reason for coming over was to better hear the music that had soothed his anger. Reid was also thankful to be able to witness the smile that “S” had the first time he successfully played the song.

“The power of music impacts us in ways words can-not express. That three-way encounter between S, O and me crystallized in me the much-needed place for music in the lives of these young people, in the lives of us all. I was honored to be a witness to that,” said Reid.

Serving in a youth detention center and getting to know the young men who reside there has impact-ed Reid deeply and exceeded his expectations. “In addition to treasuring their stories in my heart, I hope that the youth see the possibility of construct-ing new worlds though musical expression. It is my fervent prayer that the world hears and embraces their song and that those boys find who and what they need,” Reid reflected.

Under the direction of Rev. Horne, the partnership between DJJ and Emory University’s Candler School of Theology was established in 2015. Horne, a Candler graduate himself, had full confidence that students participating in the school’s Contextual Ed-ucation program would provide exceptional pasto-ral care to the youth population at the Metro RYDC. Candler’s Contextual Education program aims to give students the opportunity to use their theologi-cal learning in order to hone their ministerial skills in a clinical or social service setting

The inaugural chaplain intern class was comprised of 10 students with Horne serving as the site super-visor. Reid is in the second class of interns, along with eight other Candler students. They provide di-rect ministry through small group settings and one-on-one conversations. DJJ and the Candler School of Theology look forward to continuing this beneficial partnership and having more students like Julian Reid develop impactful relationships with the youth at Metro RYDC.

42• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Kiwanis Club of Gainesville Honors Local Law Enforcement

JCO Hailey Solomon and DJJ Board member Dick Yarbrough

On May 16, six law enforcement officers were hon-ored for their dedication and service by the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville. The organization has given the John W. Jacobs Sr. Memorial Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement as part of its Law Enforcement Appreciation Program for 20 years. The award is given in conjunction with National Police Week and was originally organized by DJJ’s former Director of Inves-tigations Ricky Rich and former Hall County Sheriff Dick Mecum. DJJ Commissioner Avery D. Niles is also a member of the organization.

Established in 1925, the mission of the Kiwanis Club of Gainesville is to serve the children of the world, and to change the world one child at a time.

DJJ Board Member Dick Yarbrough served as the keynote speaker during the luncheon. Yarbrough has long admired Gainesville and Hall County for their successful leadership in coordinating the rowing, canoeing and kayaking competitions during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. He also admires the coun-ty’s continuing commitment in recognizing excep-tional members of the law enforcement community.

“These are people who are doing things you and I couldn’t do and see a side of society we don’t want to

see. They are people who risk their lives for us daily. I don’t know how they do it, but I am glad they do,” Yarbrough wrote in his column, which is carried statewide (including in the Gainesville Times).

Each year, supervisors from law en-forcement agencies that operate in Hall County are asked to submit a nominee and speak on their behalf at the annual luncheon.

In recommending JCO Hailey Solomon for the award, Herman Oglesby Jr., Director of the Gainesville RYDC, wrote, “Officer Solomon stands out in her tenac-ity, dedication and enthusiasm for her duties. Officer Solomon continuously

shows interest and compassion in our youth while remaining steadfast to security practices and pro-gramming needs. She brings solutions to problems, embraces teamwork and genuinely looks for the good out of every situation.”

Oglesby also wrote, “In addition, Officer Solomon finds the time to lend support to her peers, or to counsel a youth during a crisis, prior to the arrival of professional staff. She exemplifies the mission of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the vision of Commissioner Avery Niles.”

DJJ congratulates the recipients of the 2017 John W. Jacobs Sr. Memorial Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement:

• JCO Hailey Solomon – Gainesville RYDC• Officer Chase Trammell – Gainesville Police Depart-

ment• Deputy Jeremy Cooksey – Hall County Sheriff’s

Office• Trooper First Class Scott Atwood – Georgia State

Patrol, Post 6, Gainesville • Sgt. Luke Minix – Hall County Correctional Institute • Ranger Chris Kernahan – Georgia Department of

Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division

43 • Summer 2017


Photos and information provided by JPM Gary Coker

In honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, the Mitchell County Youth Advisory Council (MCYAC) created and placed gardens made ofpinwheels in locations around the county. DJJ staff from the Mitchell Community Services Office (including JPPS II Fredrick Wrenn and JPPS II Mollie Pollock) participated in the event by helping to create the gardens in front of the Mitchell County Board of Education, Camilla City Hall, First Baptist

Church of Camilla, Pelham City Hall and Pelham Board of Education.

National Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child abuse and neglect and to promote the social and emotional well-being of children and families. During the month of April and throughout the year, communities are encouraged to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness strategies and activities and promote prevention across the country.

To learn more about Child Abuse Prevention Month, visit https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/.

DJJ Cares: Mitchell Community Services Office Supports Child Abuse Prevention Month

44• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

On April 21 the Special Operations Unit of the Division of Secure Campuses and Operations and Compliance hosted the Fourth Annual Special Operations Commissioner’s Challenge at Jackson State Prison. The competition was held among the DJJ Security Emergency Response Team (SERT), Special Management Response Team (SMRT) and HITS teams. The training was a combination of leadership skills and physical challenges including obstacle courses, running trails and a competitive tug-of-war.

DJJ personnel designed the endurance course and 24 trainers from the Office of Training assisted in the overall scoring of the courses. Ten teams were staged at three different courses and competed for the coveted Commissioner’s Trophy, which will be showcased in the Commissioner’s suite at the DJJ Central Office. The trophy is a symbol of the excellence in DJJ’s elite Special Operations teams statewide.

After the teams completed the courses, Assistant Commissioner Keith Horton, Deputy Commissioner Sarah Draper, Deputy Commissioner Catina Martin-Fenner, Director Montrail Mitchell and Commander Jesse Dewberry presented the awards.

This year’s winners and award recipients include:

Commissioner’s Trophy: SMRT Team 11st Place Overall Team Award: SMRT Team 1 2nd Place Team Award: HITS South 3rd Place Team Award: Eastman YDC SERTTop Leadership Course Award: SMRT Team 1Top Endurance Award: Sumter YDC SERTTop Obstacle Course Award: SMRT Team 1Top Tug-of-War Team Award: Eastman YDC SERT

2017 Commissioner’s Challenge winners from SMRT Team 1 hoist the trophy.

2017 Commissioner’s Challenge Held at Jackson State Prison

45 • Summer 2017


Wilbert Barrett, SMRT and statewide key control officer, was honored for his 23 years of service to DJJ and congratulated on his retirement in May.

Special thanks to all of the staff and volunteers for planning and hosting the annual event. Congratulations to all of the participants and winners!

46• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

DJJ partnered with the United Way of Greater Atlanta to launch a new community service learning project for youths in DJJ care. For over 10 years, the United Way’s Shoebox Project has brought together donors and volunteers to help those most in need. The Shoebox Project ran from March 1 through May 1. During that time, shoeboxes were collected and filled with toiletries to help underserved men, women and children throughout the 13-county region served by the United Way of Greater Atlanta.

As part of the service learning project, DJJ youths participated by decorating and filling shoeboxes for the Shoebox Project. Youths decorated shoeboxes with uplifting quotes, cartoon characters, sports team logos and more. Overall, DJJ facilities and communities collected over 300 shoeboxes filled with toiletries, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, shampoo and lip balm. Last year, the United Way of Greater Atlanta collected more than 41,000 filled shoeboxes, with a value of more than $830,000

Commissioner Niles stated, “We are proud to partner with the United Way of Greater Atlanta in a program that gave DJJ youths the opportunity to participate in an activity that provides support and relief to the community. The Office of Volunteer Services worked closely with the United Way of

Greater Atlanta to make this new service learning project a success.”

The Shoebox Project: DJJ-United WayStatewide Service Learning Project

47 • Summer 2017


The purpose of the service learning project was to engage youths in DJJ secure facilities and CSOs in activities that benefit local homeless families. Prizes were awarded to the facility that contributed the most shoe boxes and the most creative shoebox in the categories of YDC, RYDC and CSOs. To learn more about the Shoebox Project and how to donate, visit www.unitedwayatlanta.org.

48• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

GPA Summer Conference:Real School. Right Here. Right Now.

DJJ’s Education Division held its annual Professional Learning Meeting at Calloway Gardens in Pine Mountain on June 5-7. Administrators and educators from the division and GPA gathered to discuss future plans, recognize awards and successes and participate in innovative training sessions. The theme of the conference was “Teamwork and Transformation: Real School, Right Here, Right Now.” That theme highlights the need to deliver quality education to youth in DJJ facilities.

DJJ Commissioner/Superintendent of Schools Avery D. Niles told attendees, “We came together and we will lead together. Education is first, security takes care of everything else. Every child should have an opportunity to learn. Every child should have the opportunity to engage.” Commissioner Niles also reminded teachers that they not only have to be prepared to teach, but prepared to inspire.

Jean Lee also addressed conference attendees. As the recently installed Associate Superintendent, Lee told teachers, “I am astounded by the dedication and professionalism I have seen to date. Keep up the good work!” Her vision for GPA schools includes collective goal setting, increased accountability, and further engagement of parents and stakeholders.

Arisha Dancy-Mattox was honored as the 2016 DJJ Teacher of the Year. She has spent five years as an English-Language Arts teacher at Aaron Cohn RYDC. Dancy-Mattox works to instill a love of learning in her students and strives to boost their self-esteem and confidence. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and certifications in Educational Leadership, Early Childhood, English-Language Arts and Special Education.

Associate Superintendent Jean Lee addresses conference attendees.

49 • Summer 2017


Attendees also participated in a Gang Awareness Training session led by Ryan Foles of the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and a DJJ wellness education program conducted by Lauren Gean, Chief of Nutrition and Food Services.

Winifred Pierce introduced the conference’s keynote speaker, Dr. Earl Suttle. A speaker who motivates leaders, Dr. Suttle has worked with Fortune 500 companies, corrections organizations, government and healthcare workers, educators and athletes. He told attendees to continue their professional development and to not only teach their students but to lead them as well.

Dr. Earle Suttle and DJJ Commissioner/Superintendent of Schools Avery D. Niles pose for a photo.

GPA is Georgia’s 181st school district and serves students in 26 secure facilities and three ETCs around the state. GPA abides by Commissioner Niles’ philosophy of “Each one reach one, teach one and keep one.”

50• Summer 2017

The DJJ Digest

Division of Community Services’ Holds Professional Development Course

DJJ’s Division of Community Services held a profes-sional development course (PDC) May 1-3 in Young Harris. With “The One Team Approach” as the course motto, the goals over the three-day period were to increase staff engagement, facilitate team-building and for attendees to gain knowledge and skills from the numerous workshops offered.

“As our theme indicated, we are one team embrac-ing change and striving to improve outcomes for youth and families. We need positive morale, staff empowerment and strong leadership to be success-ful. As leaders within the Division of Community Services, we must support and uplift each other and our colleagues regularly,” said Deputy Commissioner Catina Martin-Fenner.

Commissioner Avery D. Niles gave the keynote address in which he stressed the importance of teamwork and reminded attendees to “see the face of a child before you see their file.” The division also received updates on the state’s juvenile justice re-forms.

The PDC was attended by 174 representatives from community offices, re-entry services, residential and aftercare services and Central Office. Those who at-tended and completed the program received credit for 16 training hours. Workshop presentations were facilitated by the division, the Finance Office, Office of Victim Services, Division of Support Services, Office of Training, Carl Vinson Institute-UGA, Univer-sity of Connecticut, Georgia Family Connections and Guide, Inc.

51 • Summer 2017


A broad range of topics were covered during the workshop sessions. Luis Castro, a motivational speak-er for The John Maxwell Team and former Opera-tions Director for Emanuel YDC, gave a presentation on how to use emotional intelligence to grow as a leader. DJJ Training Program Manager Tania Appling facilitated group discussions and activities in her workshop “Leading in the Age of the Millennial.”

Additionally, Sanya Hope and Gaye Smith of Georgia Family Connection introduced participants to the Parent Café process in order to strengthen family engagement in case management. Increasing fam-ily engagement is a key DJJ goal. Other workshops topics included team-building, community collabo-ration, employee wellness and trauma response.

“The Community Services PDC was an awesome event,” said one attendee. “There were plenty of

opportunities for staff to learn about issues that are relevant and impactful in our field. There was ample opportunity to network with others from around the state. The accommodations and overall environment and tone of the PDC were the best.”

Attendees enjoyed getting to know fellow employ-ees, from throughout the state as well as getting to know the leadership from Central Office. “This is my first PDC and I have to tell everyone that was involved that they did a great job. I was pleased with how our upper management team interacted with the staff. We are able to tell the difference in morale with this team that is leading our Community Ser-vices Division,” said one participant. Martin-Fenner closed the three-day course with an empowering speech encouraging employees to use the leader-ship skills they gained to better work together to positive impact the youth served by DJJ.


GeorgiaDJJ GeorgiaDJJ @GeorgiaDJJ

3408 Covington Highway Decatur, Georgia 30032

[email protected]

www.djj.state.ga.us

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONSDJJ DIGEST STAFF

Scott Mall - Supervising Editor, Writer and PhotographerJim Shuler - Staff Writer and Photographer

Matt Montgomery - Staff Writer and PhotographerJanssen Robinson - Chief Photographer and Graphic Designer

Mary Catherine Heard - Staff Writer, Graphic Designer and Photographer

Commissioner Avery D. Niles - PublisherAssistant Commissioner Keith Horton - Chief Editorial Advisor

“One Team. One Mission.”

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is a multi-faceted agency that serves the needs of this state`s young offenders up to the age of 21. The Department employs more than 4,300 men and women at 26 secure facilities and 97 community services offices throughout the state to effect justice and redirect the young lives in the agency`s care. Including those who are placed on probation, thousands of youth are diverted each year to evidence-based community programs, sentenced to short-term incarceration or committed to the Department`s long-term custody by juvenile courts. It is the duty of DJJ’s professional corrections staff to preserve public safety and safeguard the citizens of Georgia, as well as protect the victims of crimes so that they can rebuild their lives. At the same time, DJJ holds juvenile offenders accountable for their delinquent conduct so that they can take responsibility for their actions through probation, supervision and secure detention. The youth are provided with medical and psychological treatment, as well as specialized education and programs designed to equip them with the social, intellectual and emotional tools needed to achieve their successful reentry and reintegration into community, workplace and neighborhood settings as more productive and law-abiding citizens.

Read More DJJ Good News at Read More DJJ Good News at • BJCOT - Basic Juvenile Correctional...

Documents

Transcript of Read More DJJ Good News at Read More DJJ Good News at • BJCOT - Basic Juvenile Correctional...