Thursday, March 14, 2013

Rome juvenile summit examined ways to better handle cases involving child abuse, neglect.

Media release:  Juvenile Court Judge Greg Price invited child welfare workers, juvenile court attorneys, school leaders, foster parents and others to a Summit Meeting on  Thursday, March 14 at the Forum in Rome, GA to improve how they handle cases involving abused and neglected children. The Rome Judicial Circuit Justice for Children Summit   was held at The Forum in Rome. The Summit was sponsored by the Supreme Court of Georgia's Committee on Justice for Children (J4C) in partnership with the State Division of Family and Children Services.

The purpose of the meeting  was to draw together all those involved in the plight of children who come in contact with the state's child welfare system and to formulate action plans for improvement. Judge  Price kicked off the summit, which included the release of statistical data as to foster care. Judge Mike Key, past president of the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges also spoke on the issue of Minimum Standards for the Legal Side of Child Welfare.  

The Committee on Justice for Children is funded by the Federal Court Improvement Project grant designated to each state's highest court to focus efforts on improving the processing of civil child abuse and neglect cases in juvenile courts across the state.  The DFCS is a part of the Georgia Department of Human Services and investigates child abuse; finds foster homes for abused and neglected children; helps low income, out-of-work parents get back on their feet; assists with childcare costs for low income parents who are working or are in job training; and provides support services to help struggling families. The summits are part of a strategic plan to bring resources to the local level to support those who work with children and families.

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