Georgia's Child and Family Services Federal Review and Evaluation

Statewide Assessment, Narrative Responses: May 2001


Section II: Systemic Factors

Subsection E: Service Array and Resource Development

Question 4:

Describe the extent to which all the services in items 1-3 above are accessible to families and children on a statewide basis.

Georgia's Response:

State and federal resources are allocated statewide to support services. Through 159 county DFCS offices, the Office of Adoptions provides adoption services to every child in the permanent custody of DHR in need of a permanent safe home. The Department also contracts with various private agencies located throughout the state to provide adoption services in their areas. Additionally, the Office of Adoptions uses Georgia's Statewide Academic and Medical System (GSAMS), a two-way interactive network, to conduct adoption videoconferences. Also available are a statewide photo listing book, My Turn Now, and an adoptions website. The availability of these resources provides children and families throughout the state access to services without restrictions of time or distance.

Foster home services are available statewide through the 159 local county DFCS offices. All placement and resource development workers are required to have MAPP training in order to prepare families to foster and adopt. Private agencies providing homes for children in DFCS custody are also encouraged to have their staff complete the training sessions for preparing their foster and adoptive families.


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Last Updated 10/10/2001