(ATLANTA) - State Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Commissioner Avery D. Niles announces the creation of Georgia's first DJJ Citizens' Academy. The inaugural session of the Academy will be a five-week workshop providing an in-depth look into the operational and administrative functions of DJJ.<br />
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The Academy curriculum was developed to help educate Georgia citizens and stakeholders about new reforms in juvenile justice. Niles said Governor Deal has supported meaningful changes that are already working to help reduce youthful offender populations and recidivism rates in the juvenile justice system. The Commissioner said the Academy project provides additional transparency in government that will allow citizens to observe those juvenile reforms underway.<br />
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"This Citizens' Academy will provide those participants with a 360-degree scope of our enhanced juvenile correctional practices," the Commissioner said. "We have a core belief in transparent government at DJJ and we support the governor's vision for a safer and better-educated Georgia."<br />
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The academy sessions will be scheduled at Youth Development Campuses, Court Service Offices, and local courts around the state. The course will commence with an agency overview and introduction to DJJ executive leadership. The curriculum will cover topics from secure confinement and community supervision to high school diplomas and GED's at Georgia's 181st School District.<br />
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"Our Citizens' Academy will provide an opportunity to see and experience DJJ's commitment to young offenders and their families, to enhanced juvenile reentry programs, and to DJJ's non-negotiable mission to promote safer communities for all Georgians by holding juvenile offenders accountable," said Niles.<br />
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The Inaugural Citizens' Academy will begin October 23. A statewide schedule for future sessions of the DJJ Citizens' Academies is under development. <br />
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Space for the Inaugural Citizens' Academy will be limited, so invitations will be limited by the Commissioner's Office to a roster of twenty local citizens to participate in each Academy. Clearance must be obtained prior to participation and an application process will determine consideration for admittance into each session.
