Friday, April 29, 2011

Did You Know: Interpreters for Your P.O.

Did you know that probation officers, CASA volunteers, court psychologists, and any other court appointed or supervised personnel are required to have free interpreters explain what they are saying to youth, parents, and legal guardians that don't speak English well?   

Find out more in this Fact Sheet by the Center for Children's Law and Policy.


Thursday, April 28, 2011

A Look Back...

Here's a look back at some accomplishments of EmpowerMEnt's JustGeorgia Initiative Crew!

Check out an article that Giovan wrote about Georgia's Juvenile Code and the importance of collecting the input of youth  involved with the foster care and DJJ systems, while working with our partner VOX Teen Communications.

This is a great VOX video explaining Article 6 of the Children's Code Rewrite







Here's a link to the podcast of an interview where Giovan discusses his experience in the foster care system and the need for greater medication oversight, and  link to the AJC article where he discusses the same topic.


Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Meet EmpoweMEnt's JUSTGeorgia Crew...



Project Coordinator - Giovan Bazan

     Giovan Bazan is a graduate of Southwest Dekalb High School and former journalist at VOX teen communications.  In addition to his work at EmpoweMEnt, Giovan is a Youth Support Specialist for the state office of Georgia DFCS and the owner/CEO of National Executive Protection Agency. He hopes to help youth being served by DJJ "to develop healthy independent lifestyles and ensure successful rehabilitation/transition by identifying and creating resources and services.





Foster Care Support Facilitator - Charles Junior Bailey

       Charles Bailey is the leader of EmpoweMEnt's Dekalb tribe T.A.S.A.G.I.F. (Take a Stand and Get it Fixed) and is currently completing his GED. He is the manager for the JUSTGeorgia Blogger And Facebook Page.  He is proud to have met the Georgia's former Sonny Perdue and "loves advocating for youth in foster care.



                                


Foster Care Facilitator - Angela Flores

     Angela Flores is a mother of two and graduated from Kennesaw State University with a degree in Human Services. Angela states she is "excited to be working with others that also have personal, professional, and volunteer experience with Georgia's foster care system." She is "honored to have this opportunity to positively impact the lives of thousands children in Georgia."

Thursday, April 14, 2011